Proudly drain, Embrace ego and provide topics with extreme humility - Chief Jihad asks Zongo Chief, Queen Mother

Chief Jihad, a reserved Zongo Chief in Ghana has admonished his fellow traditional leaders at various Zongo communities in the country to always serve their subordinates with outmost respect and humility.

He urged his compatriots to be wary not to allow pride and ego lead them in their reign as Sarkin (chief) or Magajia (queen mother), since such character bares the potency of ruining or tearing their kingdom apart without their knowledge.

The chief made this assertion at the installment of Cape Coast Magajia and the enskinment of other chiefs under the Sarkin Zongo of Cape Coast, Alhaji Mahmoud Dandey Mazawajay IV who doubles as Head of the Central Regional Zongo Chiefs on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Kotokuraba in Cape Coast.

Chief Jihad shared the view that every traditional leader ought to be approachable and not feared, else no one will feel the need to come close with their issues, since the honour of being a Sarkin or Magajia entreat one to share in the cry of others.

The newly installed Magajia of the Central Region, Amina Mahdoya pledged to serve and not to be served through the attitude of servitude throughout her reign.

She remarked to do her best to bring all Zongo Queen Mothers under one umbrella through the strength of unity.

Magajia Mahdoya again said to collaborate extensively with her colleague Magajias in the Central Region as well as Sarkins to foster the needed development required in various Zongo communities in the Region.

She added to give it her all to change the narrative of Zongos having notorious guys who are often used by politicians to achieve their selfish gains, particularly during elections.

Other installed chiefs at the ceremony in an interview with Sompa News Eric Annan expressed joy and envisaged their shared vision to help the Central Regional Zongo Chief to improve education, enhance development, curb illicit drug abuse among the youth and ensure unity among Muslims in the Region.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan

Social media influencers pose key questions to Mahama at Townhall Meeting

 

Ghanaian social media influencers took centre stage at a town hall hosted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

The August 12 event, which drew a crowd of residents, youth, and party sympathisers, provided a platform for discussions on pressing national issues ahead of the 2024 election.

The town hall also saw notable participation from various social media influencers who posed pertinent questions to Mr. Mahama.

Their inquiries covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the diverse concerns of the Ghanaian public.

Among the key issues raised were the state of the economy, internet infrastructure, and youth employment.

Influencers such as KalyJay, SDK, veteran boxers Bukom Banku and Ayittey Powers questioned Mr. Mahama on his plans to address the high cost of living and improve economic conditions for ordinary Ghanaians and sports.

There was another interesting moment where the NDC flagbearer retold a joke by comedian DKB to the resounding cheers of the gathering.They also sought clarity on his vision for advancing technology and internet accessibility, which are crucial for the country’s development and digital economy.

In response, John Mahama outlined his commitment to addressing these challenges through targeted policies and reforms.

He emphasised the need for a more robust economic strategy to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and pledged to enhance internet infrastructure to support digital growth and innovation in all spheres including the creative arts industry.

Bawumia/Opoku Prempeh ticket excellent for NPP – Akufo-Addo

 President Akufo-Addo has endorsed the ticket of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, expressing his unwavering confidence in their ability to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

The National Council of the NPP on Thursday, July 4, officially endorsed Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as Napo, as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Following the confirmation, President Akufo-Addo expressed his enthusiasm for the ticket, praising the duo as an "excellent pairing."

He conveyed his conviction that they will lead the NPP to a resounding victory in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after the confirmation, President Akufo-Addo asserted that the two are the best pair to take over from him, emphasising their combined strengths and leadership qualities.

“National Council has endorsed the nomination of Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh to be the running mate of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

“The NPP has an excellent ticket, and we’re going to win with this ticket on 7th December 2024, that’s the news. The feeling is good, they make a very good pair, and they are going to win," he said.

Malawi vice president, 9 others killed in plane crash

 

Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima has been killed in a plane crash along with nine other passengers, the country’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced Tuesday.

The aircraft went missing after it failed to land at the Mzuzu International Airport, about 380 km (240 miles) to the north of the capital Lilongwe.

The wreckage of the plane has been located, Chakwera said Tuesday.

“The search and rescue operation I ordered to find the missing plane that carried our vice president and nine others has been completed. The plane has been found.

And I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,” Chakwera said.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Driver’s mate jailed 16 years for robbery

 A 21-year-old driver’s mate who robbed two people of their mobile phones valued at GHC4,200 after pulling a pair of scissors on them has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Circuit Court in Accra.

Jeffery Johnson allegedly stabbed one of the victims, Ebenezer Danquah, in the right hand with the scissors.

Johnson, who was charged with robbery and causing harm, pleaded not guilty.

However, after the trial, the court, presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusuaa Appiah, found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, explained that the first victim, Ebenezer Danquah, was a chef, and the second victim was a kitchen attendant. Both worked at Papaye Food Company, while Johnson, now a convict, was a driver’s mate and lived in Teshie, Accra.

On February 17, 2024, between 1:00 am and 1:30 am, Johnson and an accomplice, who is still at large, rode their motorbike to the victims’ house. They attacked the victims, robbing them of an iPhone X, a Huawei, and Itel phones totaling GHC4,200 before fleeing.

The victims raised an alarm, and residents helped catch Johnson, while his accomplice escaped.

Johnson was identified by the victims and handed over to the police, who found an Itel phone and the scissors on him.

The court heard the details of the crime and sentenced Johnson to 16 years in prison.

Source: GNA

NACOC busts US$6.4m worth of cocaine at KIA, arrests 2 British citizens – Read full Statement

 

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, in collaboration with the UK National Crime Agency, has intercepted a massive haul of cocaine at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The operation, which took place on Monday, June 10, 2024, led to the seizure of 166.88kg of substances suspected to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of $6,480,000.

NACOC in a statement said the contraband was discovered in the luggage of two British nationals, identified as Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were scheduled to depart on a British Airways flight to Gatwick.

Each suspect had checked in three bags, all of which contained the illicit substance, amounting to 72 slabs of suspected cocaine.

The breakdown of the seizures is as follows: Hall Shamin Ethline’s luggage contained 83.44kg of the suspected drug, along with personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s luggage also held an identical weight of 83.44kg of the substance, accompanied by personal belongings.

Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.

According to NACOC, the operation underscores its vigilance and unbiased commitment to ensuring the safety of travellers and its readiness to address threats related to drug possession at flight terminals.

Read the full statement by NACOC below:

NACOC IMPOUND 166.88KG OF COCAINE; TWO ARRESTED

On Monday, June 10, 2024, an intelligence-led operation by Officers of the Narcotics Control Commission and the UK National Crime Agency, led to the interception of a total of 166.88kg of substances suspected to be cocaine from the luggage of two British National passengers who were travelling together. The substance is estimated to have a street value of $6,480,000. The British passengers are Hall Shamin Ethline, and Graham Omar Adel.

The suspects were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick, and checked in their luggage—3 bags each, which were all found to contain 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine. A breakdown of the seizures made is as follows.
Luggage of Hall Shamin Ethline contained a total of 83.44KG of suspected cocaine, along with her personal items.

Luggage of Graham Omar Adel contained a total of 83.44KG of suspected cocaine, along with his personal items.

The two have accordingly been arrested, assisting investigations.

The busting of the suspected criminals reinforces the alertness of the NACOC without bias over nationality, signalling their commitment to the safety of travellers and preparedness to combat flight terminal threats relating to the possession of drugs.

Free SHS Bill unnecessary, says Education Committee’s Ranking Member Nortsu-Kotoe

 

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has criticised the government's proposal to lay a bill on Free SHS before Parliament, calling it unnecessary.

Nortsu-Kotoe questioned the need for a law to regulate or entrench the Free SHS programme, highlighting the lack of an official policy document on free SHS despite requests made to both the previous and current education ministers over the past seven to eight years.

In contrast, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the enactment of a Free SHS Act would transform the policy from a mere aspiration into a justifiable right, allowing citizens to seek legal recourse if the policy is not implemented.

However, during an interview with JoyNews on June 11, Nortsu-Kotoe referenced the constitution’s provision, Act 25 (1b), which mandates that secondary education, including technical and vocational training, should be progressively made free—a process that began in 2015.

He suggested that the current government’s implementation of the Free SHS policy aligns with public expectations, implying that additional legal protections are superfluous.

“There is no need for any law to regulate or entrench the Free SHS programme. As a committee on education, we have asked the previous minister and the current one that we want to see a Free Senior High School policy or document and for seven to eight years now we have not been able to provide the committee with the policy document. If you don’t even have a policy on what basis are you going to pass the law?" he questioned.

Nortsu-Kotoe further elaborated, "In any case, the constitution has a provision, Act 25 (1b), that secondary education in all forms including technical and vocational should be progressively made free and that is what we started in 2015. 

"So, for this government to have come to office and implemented it as they wanted, I don’t think any Ghanaian has a problem with that. For me, enacting a law to protect it or whatever is neither here nor there."

The debate continues as the government pushes forward with its legislative agenda.

 

Police file injunction against #DumsorMustStop demonstration

The Ghana Police Service has filed an injunction at an Accra High Court to prevent the #DumsorMustStop demonstration from taking place.

This comes days after the Accra Region Police Command urged the organisers to consider relocating the planned protest venue.

The organisers were also told to adjust the timing for the upcoming demonstration scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024.

However, in the fresh motion filed on May 20, the police requested the court to order the organisers to halt the event entirely. 

In a meeting held at the Regional Police Headquarters on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, discussions revolved around the notification of the public protest and its potential impact on public order and safety.

The police expressed concerns regarding the proposed venue, Revolution Square, citing its proximity to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, which is designated as a security zone.

Recognising potential risks to public defence, order, and safety, the command recommended relocating the protest to Independence Square.

Additionally, the Command highlighted apprehensions regarding the proposed timing of midnight for the conclusion of the protest.

They cautioned that the timing could compromise security measures and escalate tensions, potentially leading to violence. Therefore, they advised the protest organizers to adjust their time accordingly.

The 2015 edition

This event is expected to be the second time Ghanaians rally around a united cry against erratic power supply.In 2015, a similar demonstration was held against the power crisis that had gripped the country in the past at the time.

It was organised by some Ghanaian celebrities including Yvonne Nelson to reiterate the fact that the power crisis was impacting negatively on production and putting people out of business, while derailing national progress.

The demonstrators, numbering more than 2,000 began from the Legon Overhead Bridge and moved down close to the Total Filling Station which sits adjacent to the university, but the police urged the leaders to move further ahead from the filling station, since some of the protestors were holding lighted ‘bobo’.

‘Bobo’ is a local lamp made from empty cans filled with kerosene, with a little tunnel at the top from which an absorbent twine protrudes that is lighted.

The police congregated at the starting point more than two hours before the announced time for the demonstration which was 4pm.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko  

TUC demands majority representation on SSNIT board to shoot down Bryan Acheampong and other deals

 The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has expressed a need for majority representation on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Board to influence key decisions regarding the investment of pension funds.

Dr Kwabena Nyarko-Otoo, the TUC’s Director of Research and Policy, stated that having only four members on the board is insufficient, as they can be outvoted on critical issues.

He told Evans Mensah, the host of Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday that this concern has been a key request presented to President Akufo-Addo for consideration.

According to Dr Nyarko-Otoo, with increased representation, the TUC would have been more vocal against SSNIT's decision to sell its 60% stake in four hotels to Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong There are many things we know about SSNIT and other state institutions, and we have our level with which we deal with some of these issues," he explained.

Read more: Don’t play ‘chaskele’ with pension funds; stop sale of hotels to Bryan Acheampong – TUC warns

The Union is facing backlash from its members for failing to block the Trust from selling its 60% stake in four hotels to the Agriculture Minister. The TUC has been criticized for being a lame duck, despite having four members on the SSNIT board, as it took the North Tongu MP to go public with the sale of the stake in the assets.

However, the TUC Director of Research and Policy disagrees. 

He said, "As far back as 2017, we have put several issues regarding SSNIT to the President. For example, we thought that the labour needed more membership on the SSNIT Board because those four members can always be outnumbered by a vote.”Dr Nyarko-Otoo also mentioned that the TUC has requested that the appointment of the Director-General of SSNIT be made by the board rather than the President.

He, however, acknowledges that such demands take time to materialize, as the TUC is not the only interest group making requests.

Additionally, Dr Nyarko-Otoo expressed dissatisfaction that board members are required to swear an oath of secrecy, preventing them from sharing certain information with their members.Background

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has explained its decision to sell a 60% stake in four of its hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.

In a statement issued on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among the bids received, meeting the criteria set out in the Request for Proposals (According to SSNIT, the selection process was transparent and strictly adhered to the Public Procurement Act.

The Trust emphasised that there was no favouritism involved in selecting Rock City Hotel Limited.

SSNIT explained that the decision to partner with an investor was initiated to raise capital for further investments in their hotels and to enhance their management. 

NEWS ALBUM: Ras Kuuku drops “Road Of Evil” on Thursday, May 23rd

 

Ras Kuuku is about to serenade his Fans again with his upcoming body of work he titles “Road Of Evil”.

 

But why would the Dome- Samanpuom based Rasta Man use such a ‘weird’ title for his Album? Well, that’s the catch, it’s a ploy to buy your suspense as he delivers the full catalogue this Thursday, May 23rd via Mipromo, Ghana’s leading Music Distribution Company.

 

Holding 10 songs for the Album, Ras Kuuku employed CaskeysOnit and BozyBeat for the production efforts. Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were produced by BozyBeat while Tracks 2 and 5 were produced by CaskeysOnit.

 

Ras Kuuku enlisted Kwesi Amewuga for “Krom” (Track 2), while he nailed the other 9 songs by himself. Below is the track list for “Road Of Evil”. Be on the lookout for it on the music stores this Thursday, May 23, 2024.

(Source: BeenieWords.com

Ghana Records 21 New COVID-19 Cases – Director-General of GHS Confirms

 The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye, has noted that the country has started recording new cases of the COVID-19 virus.Engaging the media, Dr Aboagye noted that 21 new cases have been recorded. He noted that although the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2023 declared COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency, the virus remains.

He urged Ghanaians who are not vaccinated to take advantage of the GHS’s upcoming vaccination exercise.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has declared a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination initiative in response to escalating infections across healthcare facilities.

Scheduled from May 4 to May 10, 2024, the campaign aims to curb the surge in cases, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, where the highest numbers have been recorded.

Highlighting the virus’s high transmissibility, the GHS emphasized the criticality of adhering to safety protocols.

Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS, underscored the pivotal role of widespread vaccination in containing the spread. He urged all Ghanaians to actively engage in the campaign, as shared during a media briefing.

“We are getting a few cases reported in parts of Accra and a few other regions. And it brings to bear the fact that Ghanaians need to be vaccinated and so on the 4th to the 10th of May, we are going to do a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign and we want to urge all Ghanaians to be part of the exercise.We plan to do about four or five before the end of the year. The thinking is that we need to get the necessary population immunity that will help us minimize the risk of getting infections in the country,” he stressed.

 

Watch the video below 

Credit: Utv – Ghana

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