Day: October 22, 2021

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has it is ready for the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL) following a successful meeting with the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the various Premier League clubs on Thursday evening.

The GFA held the meeting online with the Club CEOs ahead of the league kick-off on Friday, October 29.

The GFA and the clubs deliberated on issues including preparations for the league kick-off, the use of five substitutes for league matches and Clubs’ access to the Competition Management System.

The meeting also discussed allowances and financing for Match Officials including Referees, Match Commissioners, Venue Media Officers and Cameramen.

The GFA also informed clubs about the approved team officials for each club and also discussed various issues on Club Licensing.

Other issues that came up were the official match ball for the season, pitch panels and inner perimeter branding.

At the end of the meeting, the GFA wished all Clubs a successful league season.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Paga (U/E), Oct 22, GNA – For more than a year, Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have not received their three per cent disability fund from the District Assembly.

From the last two quarters of 2020 and the whole of 2021, the District Assembly has not been able to disburse to persons living with disability their share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

The situation coupled with the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic is having a toll on the livelihood of the vulnerable group, compelling many into begging for alms to survive.

This came to light at a training of trainers’ workshop on Civic rights and responsibilities of women, youth and PWDs relative to the COVID-19 pandemic, organised in Paga, the District Capital.

It was organized by the Research, Gender and Equality Department of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Green and Inclusive Recovery Project.

Mr Samuel Songojei Bendoore, the Kassena-Nankana West District President of Federation of Disability Organization (GFD), said at the same period, beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) had not also received their monies.

“We do not know why they have not made the transfers of the disability fund but everything is being blamed on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the change of government,” he added.

He said although, they were aware that begging was a crime in Ghana, some of their members did not have any option than to beg on the streets to survive as most of them were jobless and appealed to the government to release funds to the Assemblies to make the payment.

“Due to COVID-19, the organizations which used to support us have stopped coming and except the few of us who are still engaged in small businesses such as farming, many PWDs are struggling to survive,” he stressed.

Mr Edward Akolgo, an Assistant Director at the District Assembly, who confirmed the situation, said the Assembly had not received DACF from central government for the past four quarters and assured the PWDs that, they would disburse to them anytime it was recived.

Dr Henrietta Asante-Sarpong, the Director of Research, Gender and Equality, NCCE, explained that the project with support from the UNDP was being implemented in five districts across the country aimed at understanding the raging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, youth and PWDs, especially access to their fundamental human rights.

She noted that the training workshop was to empower leaders of the vulnerable groups to in turn train their members on how to recover from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and be able to access their human rights and perform their civic responsibilities.

Dr Asante-Sarpong said the COVID-19 had affected people’s access to sustainable livelihoods, quality education and healthcare and the vulnerable groups such as the women, youth and PWDs were the most affected, hence the need to help them recover and live dignified lives.

Madam Joyce Effutu, the National Communication Director of the NCCE urged the participants to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols to ensure that the virus was defeated.

The participants included; various youth and women groups and persons living with various forms of disabilities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Sunyani, Oct. 22, GNA – The MTN Group has received recognition on the 2021 Fortune Change the World list. The Change the World List is a global ranking of the top 53 companies that make a measurable progress addressing pressing social problems as part of their business strategy.

Sunyani, Oct. 22, GNA – The MTN Group has received recognition on the 2021 Fortune Change the World list.

The Change the World List is a global ranking of the top 53 companies that make a measurable progress addressing pressing social problems as part of their business strategy.

“MTN is humbled to be recognised on the Fortune Change the World list. We are committed to changing the world through meaningful contributions to the societies across the markets in which we operate,” the MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani.

“Our networks, products, and services are supplied with the intention of closing the digital divide by facilitating digital communications and financial inclusion”, the statement added.

“The publishers of the Change the World list have noted that many of this year’s honourees are battling to reverse the neglect of some societal needs, as magnified by the pandemic.

“These companies are investing in the long-term health of their businesses by supporting those on the lower stages of the global economic ladder, including; distributing COVID-19 vaccines in low- and middle-income nations”, it explained.

It indicated “since the start of the spread of COVID-19, MTN has remained committed to playing a part in the on-going fight against the pandemic through our global mask wearing awareness campaign #wearitforme and #onemorepushafrica”.

“Heeding the call for vaccinations across the African continent, MTN donated US$25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The donation to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for health workers on the continent.

“Also noted during the pandemic, the urgent need to stay connected saw data traffic soaring by 110 per cent in 2020. MTN was able to address gaps in connectivity by improving the affordability of its services, whilst providing digital and financial solutions to consumers and businesses, whilst helping to drive digital inclusion to the most vulnerable and marginalised communities on the African continent.

“For MTN, better connectivity doesn’t mean less eco-responsibility. MTN works with its partners to make sure we limit our environmental impact and safeguards biodiversity around every cell tower we build. MTN has also set science-based targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 47 per cent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040”.

“For us, this is about being part of the long-term solution, harnessing the power of partnerships to act swiftly to address the challenges brought on by the pandemic, while prioritising our people, customers, and communities, and looking after our businesses and the environment.

“It is for this reason, we continue to believe in the power of collective action to make a meaningful difference, focusing our efforts where needs are greatest”, it added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Cape Coast, Oct. 22, GNA – The public have been urged to eschew all behavioral cultures that make Persons with Disability (PWDs) doubt their capabilities.

Ms Vivian Ama Aubyn, a Board Member of Psykforum, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), said some long standing and outmoded behaviours were impeding efforts to have an all- inclusive society of PWDs and Persons with Mental Health Conditions (PWMHCs).

She said this at a Stakeholders’ consultative meeting to validate positive languages, which could be used to engage PWDs and PWMHCs to limit the discriminatory and derogatory attitudes towards them so they could exhibit their abilities and resourcefulness.

Ms Aubyn, who is also a Psychologist, urged all to create a positive culture of support, eschew derogatory remarks and name calling with regard to their conditions.

That, she said, was part of the Social and Behavioral Change, Stigma Reduction and Disability Inclusion Project, expected to end in 2023.

The project is sponsored by the UKAID through the Ghana Somubi Dwumadzi Project, with Hope For Future Generation (HFFG), an NGO, as its implementing partners.

It was recommend at the meeting that the disabled should be encouraged to see their usefulness and help them discover themselves and their full potentials.

“We all have the responsibility; institutions that treat mental health conditions, the media, traditional/religious leaders, community members, district assemblies, and schools to see to it that they feel belonged and accepted,” Ms Aubyn said.

The Reverend Emmanuel Ken Goode, President of the Ghana Burns Survivors Foundation, urged PWDs and PWMHCs to learn to accept their various conditions.

“We cannot forever blame society….you must know your worth and come out of your shells and embrace your being,“ he said.

Mr George Nana Frimpong, the President of the Ghana Federation for Disability Organisations, urged all to psych themselves and make the best out of their circumstances.

“You can get out of mental enslavement when you realise that you cannot change your situation, it is not spiritual, do not be moving from churches to native doctors, they would make your situations worse,” he advised.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – Regent University College of Science and Technology, Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Lincoln, England, to promote the mutual interest of the two institutions in education, research, and cultural understanding.

The agreement was signed during a virtual ceremony, which saw the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of Lincoln International Business School, Professor Craig Marsh signing on behalf of the University of Lincoln, while Prof. Ernest Ofori Asamoah, President, Regent University College of Science and Technology, signed on behalf of Regent.

The MoU was co-signed by Lincoln International Business School Head of International Affairs, Mr. David Rugara, and Registrar of Regent University College, Mr. Benjamin Zogbator.

The agreement would provide various academic, cultural, and other opportunities to staff and students of the University of Lincoln and Regent University College of Science and Technology and would also pave the way for current and ex-students of Regent University College of Science and Technology seeking admission to the University of Lincoln to receive scholarships to pursue further studies.

Additionally, the agreement provides the framework for a Research and Professional Development Grant to be established, in collaboration with the Lincoln International Business School.

The agreement also covers staff exchange/mobility, where a staff member from Regent University College of Science and Technology would be fully sponsored by Lincoln International Business School to visit the University of Lincoln as part of professional development.

“As Head of College I am honoured to be signing this agreement with Regent,” remarked Prof. Craig Marsh.

“The partnership is clearly based on a shared set of values; both Universities prioritising excellence in student experience and the development of entrepreneurial skills.

It will therefore allow us to add greater value to our students’ education in both Ghana and the United Kingdom, and to create opportunities for joint research, faculty exchanges, and enhanced international experience for everyone involved in the relationship,” Prof. Marsh added.

Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Ernest Asamoah stated, “The agreement will leverage on the strengths of both institutions in the areas of business, law, and technology and would cover opportunities for collaboration in the areas of joint research to mention but a few.”

The virtual MoU signing ceremony was attended by the following from the University of Lincoln aside the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Craig Marsh, Mr. David Rugara: LIBS Head of International, Dr. Paul Igwe: Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Enterprise, Ms. Robyn Shreeve: Senior International Academic Partnerships Officer, Dr. Artem Khudenko: College Director of Post Graduate (Taught).

The others were Peng Isitt: Director of International, Yetunde Ogedengbe: International officer for Africa, Ms. An Yimeng: International Partnership, Mr. Stefan Prest: Head of International Recruitment.

From Regent’s side, apart from the President of Regent, Prof. Ernest Asamoah was Prof George Toworfe, Vice President, Mr. Benjamin Zogbator, Registrar, and Mr. Benjamin Larbi, Acting Head of Communications.

This partnership is one of many academic-industrial collaborations that Regent has entered into with world-renowned institutions.

Regent has recently signed an MoU with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghana, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) in Spain, and Girne American University (GAU) in Cyprus.

About the University of Lincoln:

The University of Lincoln is situated in the heart of the historic city of Lincoln in England and has established an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research.

The University of Lincoln was placed among the top 20 universities in the UK for student satisfaction in both the Complete University Guide 2022 and the Guardian University Guide 2022.

The University of Lincoln is also listed in the world’s top 150 in the Times Higher Education’s (THE) Young University Rankings 2021 and holds a maximum five-star score overall in the QS Stars rating system of global universities.

It also features in the QS World University Rankings 2021 of the world’s top 1,000 universities.

About Regent University College of Science and Technology:

Regent-Ghana is playing a leading role by preparing graduates who will rise to Africa’s scientific and development challenges of the 21st century.

Regent University College of Science and Technology was ranked the best private University in Ghana in the July 2020 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The head coach of Medeama SC, Ignatius Osei-Fosu is backing new signing Samuel Frimpong to excel and help the team in the upcoming 2021/2022 football season.

Ahead of the commencement of the new football season next weekend, the Tarkwa-based club has today announced the acquisition of the formal Asante Kotoko defender.

Speaking on the new signing, Coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu has disclosed that he is excited with the talent of Samuel Frimpong.

According to him, he has no doubt the player will help his team in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

“I am absolutely thrilled that we have managed to secure the services of Samuel Frimpong. He is an exciting player and will add his immense skill set and leadership qualities to the group.

“He is a player with top-level attributes that I know will help this team a lot. We are happy to have him with us and we can’t wait to get started,” Coach Osei-Fosu said as quoted on the website of Medeama SC.

Source: Modern Ghana

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – Government through the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has launched an initiative christened “CODA Drive” to empower operators of commercial motorcycles to own Bajaj Qute vehicles through a hire purchase agreement with CODA.

Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Chief Executive Officer, CODA, launching the initiative said the intervention was to improve livelihoods and create employment by facilitating transportation for individuals and small businesses within the Coastal Development Zone.

Under the initiative, he said operators of commercial motorcycles were to bring their motorcycles for the CODA vehicle and pay for it in instalments.

Mr Shaib said the intervention was necessary because of the high rate of fatal accidents recorded every day especially in Accra due to the activities of motorcycles.

The CEO said the initiative would support the beneficiaries with employment, have a decent life and assured of their safety for a sustainable future.

Touching on the modalities and payment system, he said beneficiaries must be a member of any farmers, fishers, taxi drivers, ‘Okada’ riders or ‘Aboboyaa’ riders association for at least a year.

The beneficiaries must be resident within the Coastal Development Zone (Oti, Volta, Greater Accra, Central, Western and Western North regions) and possessed a valid driver’s license, minimum Class B, and a card member of CODA Credit Union.

He said the price of the vehicle was GHS 25,000.00 and that an individual or small business who was selected to benefit must make an initial payment of 20 per cent of the selling price.

The balance with an interest rate of 2 per cent per annum shall be spread over 24-month equal installments, stressing that ownership of a vehicle shall be transferred to a beneficiary after completion of payment.

Mr Shaib said all CODA Drive vehicles shall be registered in the name of CODA Credit Union before distribution to the beneficiaries.

Mr Godwin Annor, General Manager, Cadmus Investment Limited, Suppliers of the vehicles, said the vehicles had a low fuel consumption and covered more distance.

He said the company would offer free servicing for the first 1000 kilometers and training opportunities for the beneficiaries across the country.

Mr Rudolf Osei Buabeng, Public Relations Officers, Motor Riders Association of Ghana, commended government for the initiative and pledged to abide by the terms of reference for others to benefit.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – An Adentan Circuit Court has cautioned an evangelist accused of fondling a lady and inserting his finger into her vagina, to desist from such conduct.

Peter Mensah is said to have anointed the lady with Borges oil with the intent of delivering her from “spiritual marriage.”

When the judge asked Peter if he would be happy if such act was done to any of his three daughters, accused replied in the negative.

Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah, the Judge, cautioned Mensah saying, “Go and sin no more.”

The judge said if accused continued with such acts, he would not go free.

According to the Judge, the punishment for such an act, when found guilty, was custodial sentence.

The Court’s caution came after Prosecuting Superintendent Patience Mario informed the court that the complainant was not in court and that Police had received a letter of withdrawal in respect of the matter.

The accused told the Court that the matter had been dealt with by some elders and victim aged 25 years had been compensated.

Mensah, who is also a carpenter, was charged with indecent assault.

The GNA gathered that the complainant resides in Accra and accused is also resides within the Accra metropolis.

On August 11, this year at about 8:30am, the accused under the guise of praying for the complainant lured her into his room and administrated a spray on her during which she felt weak and helpless.

Accused allegedly undressed her the complainant and smeared Borges oil all over his body.

Accused inserted his fingers into the complainant’s vagina on the grounds that he was exorcising an evil spirit from her.

After the act, the complainant reported the matter to the Police and accused was arrested. A caution statement was taken from him.

Source: Ghana News Agency