Accra,- More than one million COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Accra from the United Kingdom to be shipped across the country as part of Ghana’s December vaccine campaign to ensure 20 million people are vaccinated by the end of the year.

 

A statement issued by the British High Commission in Accra, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the vaccines arrived safely in Ghana through the UK-Ghana partnership and COVIX.

 

It said Madam Beth Cadman, the Development Director to the British High Commissioner to Ghana, welcomed the vaccines.

 

It said standing on the runway at Kotoka International Airport to see the arrival Madam Cadman said: “I am immensely proud of this latest arrival of Astra Zeneca vaccines, but we must remember that our work does not end at the airport.

 

“I am thankful to Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Information, all our partners and teams on the ground who will work tirelessly to make sure these jabs reach those most in need up and down the country

 

“None of us will be safe until everyone is safe – vaccines have protected thousands of lives both here in Ghana and around the world.

 

“Alongside the vaccines, we must continue to socially distance, wear face-coverings and wash our hands frequently, particularly over the festive period when we will all be spending time with friends and family.”

 

The statement said the UK continues to support Ghana’s COVID-19 response: putting UK experts in WHO to work with Ghana’s Health Service and the Ministry of health, supporting academia on genome sequencing and Ghana Health Service to expand quality COVID-19 treatment and testing in 40 underserved districts whilst ensuring continuation of essential health services for women and children.

 

It said the UK was committed to global public health and equal access to vaccines for all. Over the course of the pandemic, the UK has worked hard with partners around the world to lead the public health response.

 

It noted that this latest donation of vaccines to Ghana comes on top of the UK’s £548 million contributions to the global COVAX initiative that, had delivered 250 million doses to 44 low and lower-middle-income countries, including 10.57million delivered to Ghana.

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

Accra,- The games are coming in thick and fast for all 18 teams in the 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League (GPL) and week nine has some interesting pairings.

 

Asante Kotoko would travel to Dawu to play Legon Cities at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.

 

The Porcupine Warriors have in recent times struggled in the games as they are winless in two games but would fancy their chances against a struggling Legon Cities side who are winless in six matches.

 

Asante Kotoko did the double over the Royals in last season’s league and would be looking to dominate their counterparts once again especially as they target to get back to winning ways.

 

Legon Cities have had a dreadful start to the season winning once all season and coach Maxwell Konadu facing his former club would relish a win as he looks to save his job with reports claiming he is at the verge of being sacked.

 

Hearts would also play newly-promoted side Accra Lions at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday after recording their first win of the season against Elmina Sharks during their midweek encounter.

 

The Phobians would be targeting their second consecutive win this season with Gladson Awako who scored the crucial goal at the Ndoum Sports Stadium spearheading the rejuvenation of the team’s spirit.

 

Kumasi King Faisal who are on top of the league would be looking to maintain a top grasp when they face fourth-placed Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

 

Only three points separates the two sides and it would be Dreams FC who have the best attack so far having scored 17 goals facing one of the best defensive teams King Faisal who have conceded just four goals.

 

Red-hot Aduana Stars who have won five straight matches would be firm favourites when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa.

 

Accra Great Olympics would travel to Obuasi, to face AshantiGold at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Sunday. Coach Annor Walker would be looking forward to winning his fourth match of the season after beating newly promoted side Bibiani Gold Stars in their midweek encounter.

 

Great Olympics top marksman Maxwell Abbey, who has seven goals to his credit this season might be a threat to ‘Miners’ looking at how good he has been so far.

 

West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) who have had a shocking start to the season would be poised to get positive results against Medeama come Sunday to salvage their season.

 

The Academy Boys are currently rock bottom of the league with five points while Medeama have 12 points and are unbeaten in six matches.

 

Here is the full fixture list for week nine:

 

Dormaa: Aduana Stars FC vs Berekum Chelsea FC (Sunday)

 

Tamale: RTU vs Elmina Sharks FC (Sunday)

 

Sogakope: WAFA vs Medeama (Sunday)

 

Techiman: Eleven Wonders vs Bibiani Goldstars (Sunday)

 

Anyinase: Karela United vs Bechem United (Sunday)

 

Cape Coast: Accra Hearts of Oak vs Accra Lions (Sunday)

 

Dawu: Legon Cities vs Kotoko (Sunday)

 

Obuasi: AshantiGold vs Great Olympics (Monday)

 

Kumasi: King Faisal vs Dreams FC (Tuesday)

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

Accra, Dec. 17, GNA–Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defense Staff, Ghana Armed Forces, has charged soldiers to be ‘extra’ vigilant, especially at the country’s borders to contain any security threat.

 

“We need to be extra vigilant in providing the needed security to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity,” he said.

 

Mr Amoama said this at a Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) cum Ghana Armed Forces’ 2021 festival of Nine lessons and Carols.

 

He said the emerging security threat from the Sahel region and in the country’s maritime space should be of great concern.

 

The Chief of Defense Staff said the Military High Command with support from the Government had put in place measures, including training and acquisition of equipment to forestall any security breaches.

 

He commended Ghanaian soldiers for their loyalty and dedication to duty and advised them to continue to shine.

 

“There can be no sustainable development without peace and security, therefore, we must take pride in our individual and collective roles towards the peace and security of our nation,” he added.

 

The Vice Admiral said in 2021, the Military had been able to complete old projects and commenced new ones, including the provision of truce accommodation in garrisons.

 

He indicated that on the international front they had been able to protect their integrity and professionalism among the global community in their various peace-keeping roles.

 

“Let’s continue our resolve to protect our integrity. I expect that we maintain our positive attitude to discharge our duties effectively and efficiently,” he added.

 

Mr Amoama expressed his appreciation to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for the collaboration, saying, it was a practical demonstration of civil-military collaboration.

 

Professor Amin Alhassan, Director General of GBC, said the purpose of the gathering was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace of the nation.

 

He entreated the public to celebrate the period in peace and in goodwill towards one another.

 

The event held in Burma Camp, Accra was on the theme, “Behold, The Saviour Is Born.”

 

There were performances from the Ghana Armed Forces, Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp and the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana.

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

Accra, Dec. 17, GNA- A 43 year old Nigerian businessman who managed to obtain Ghana National Identification Card and Ghanaian Birth Certificate has appeared before a Kaneshie District Court.

 

Ernest Obi is said to have also attempted to obtain a Ghanaian Passport and remained in the country without a permit.

 

Obi pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him. He claimed he has stayed in Ghana for 20 years and he is married to a Ghana hence his actions.

 

The charges are attempting to obtain Ghanaian passport by false declaration, obtaining for yourself a Ghanaian Birth Certificate and a Ghanaian National Identity Card and Remaining in Ghana without permit.

 

The Court convicted Obi on his own plea and sentenced him to a fine of GHS720 in default serve eight months imprisonment.

 

The Court asked Obi, who claimed to be married to Ghanaian, to go through the appropriate means to get a permit so he could reside peacefully.

 

Prosecuting Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI) Adolf Aboagye- Asenso told the Court that the accused was arrested at the Ridge Passport Application Centre (PAC), Accra while acquiring a Ghanaian Passport.

 

CSI Aboagye-Asenso said officials had doubts over the accused nationality hence he was referred to the National Enforcement Section of the Immigration headquarters for further investigations.

 

The Prosecution said the accused claimed to be a Ghanaian born in Accra to one Mr Rawlings Obi and Madam Hawa Kwahu, a Ghanaian mother from Agbozume in the Volta Region.

 

Accused however could not direct investigators to his mother.

 

According to Prosecution, investigations revealed that the accused, a Nigerian, was born on October 20, 1978 at Ugwuoba Umuaro.

 

The accused attended Ugwuoba Boys JSS and completed it in the year 2000.

 

Prosecution said the accused came to Ghana through Aflao border post in 2001 with his Nigerian Passport and he has since remained in the country.

 

Obi, prosecution said, was on Immigration Work/ Resident in the name one E. Nesto which expired in 2017.

 

Prosecution said accused in his caution statement stated that he thought he qualified to obtain a Ghana Passport having lived in the country for about 20 years.

 

Prosecution said the accused indicated that because he had stayed in Ghana for long, he decided to obtain the Ghana Birth Certificate with the assistance of one Nana Yaw at a cost of GHS100.00.

 

Additionally, Obi said he also took advantage of the mass registration to obtain the Ghana Card.

 

Prosecution said the accused further indicated that he also engaged one Hajia Lami with GHS800.00 to acquire a Ghanaian Passport.

 

The Prosecutor opined that accused said it was Hajia Lami who bought the passport application, completed it and booked an appointment for him to appear at the Ridge Passport Office.

 

Prosecution said Obi was however arrested and in his caution statement he admitted the offense.

 

Efforts to get Nana Yaw and Hajia Lami to assist in investigations had proved futile.

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

 

Accra,-The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has applauded the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor for his exemplary leadership in tackling matters relating to lands and natural resources in the country.

 

According to Otumfuo, since the assumption of office, Mr Jinapor had discharged his duties and responsibilities with lots of hard work, humility, truth, and integrity.

 

This, he said, would take the Minister very far in his political career.

 

The Asantehene made this remark at the end of year meeting with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs at Manhyia in Kumasi.

 

The occasion enabled the Minister to address the 39 member Regional House of Chiefs on government’s policies in the lands and natural resources sector.

 

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further called for an amendment of the constitution to make chiefs signatories to mining concessions.

 

Additionally, he suggested that traditional leaders be given equities in mining companies that operate within their areas to enable them also benefit from the natural resources on their land.

 

According to him, if the chiefs owned equities in the mineral resources, they would be the first to protect the resources and prevent the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.

 

He tasked Chiefs in his jurisdiction not to engage in multiple sales of land and warned that any chief found culpable will be destooled.

 

Mr Jinapor, in an address, described the New Land Act 2020 as a composite law that encompasses all issues regarding land administration in Ghana.

 

He said Section 2 of the Act, criminalised ‘landgaurdism’ and grant a sentence of 10 years to anyone who engages in that “forceful conduct”

 

The Act, he said, also stipulated the establishment of customary land Secretariat across all traditional areas adding that foreigners cannot purchase and own land for more than 50 years in the country.

 

The Minister also announced the setting up of a committee to look into matters and concerns raised by the Chiefs relating to the entry of forest reserves by miners.

 

He bemoaned the rate at which 80 percent of the country’s forest since 1900 has been depleted and reiterated that government had currently banned reconnaissance, prospecting, and mining in forest reserves and declared it “No go areas”.

 

Mr Jinapor pleaded with the Chiefs to draw his attention to anyone or company prospecting in forest reserves, saying “prospecting for over 3 to 10 years is mining and must be stopped immediately”.

 

He also expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for the invitation and assured the House that his ministry will continue to collaborative with Otumfour and his Council to mitigate the challenges in the sector while improving performance at all levels.

 

The Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Mr James Dadson said the Commission is poised to open more district offices to help decentralise their services.

 

“We will work with you, Nananom, to register all boundaries to prevent overlaps and bring peace,” he concluded.

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

Accra, Dec 17, GNA- Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Yohane Amarh Ashitey, has called on Ghanaians to let the upcoming Christmas festivities be punctuated with love and fraternal goodwill.

 

He likened his prescription to a love affair between President Nana Akufo-Addo and his beloved bride, Ghana.

 

In his Christmas message to the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of a programme in Accra on Friday, Mr Ashitey said “Let love lead; love one another like the father of the nation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, loves his highly beloved bride, Ghana”.

 

He said “President Akufo-Addo’s love for Ghana is what keeps him awake; it’s what informs all the good plans and Programmes he devises for Ghana. But what is Ghana if not you the people? And how can we progress if we do not love and forgive?”

 

“All work and no play, makes men and women dull. All work and no rest, also puts your health at risk. Therefore please take the time to rest your weary bodies after a whole year of sacrifice for our families and nation.”

 

He called for reconciliation, forgiveness and love pointing out that Christmas commemorated the greatest love that was ever demonstrated in the form of God taking on human flesh to die for sinful humanity.

 

He said the love and reconciliation he was calling for was not only on personal level, but on family and even national levels. “Yes, my call is also to political opponents. What shall it profit us if we fight one another and fan fires of enmity, when at the end of the day, we are only in politics for the opportunity to serve our country, our people, one another? I call on all political opponents to also use the Christmas holidays to let go of all enmity and let us truly be one nation under God.”

 

He especially sent yuletide felicitations to the people of Tema, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year in advance. “May we live to see the New Year and even better years ahead of us,” he wrote.

 

He also cautioned against irresponsible jollification especially, excessive drinking during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

 

“Finally, I pray for God’s blessings on our fatherly leader, President Akufo-Addo, his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, all appointees of state and every Ghanaian on the face of the earth. Merry Christmas and prosperous happy new year to us all.”

 

Source: Ghana News Agency

 

Kuni (NR)Alhaji Hammed AbubakarYussuf, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive has called on the youth, chiefs, opinion leaders and the clergy to help in safeguarding the peace of Northern Region.

 

He said this, they could do by preaching peace and reporting people or group of people disturbing the peace to the appropriate quarters for action.

 

He reminded them that the peace they enjoyed had revived all development fiber of Dagbon and the entire Northern Region particularly in the areas of agriculture commence, education, health amongst others.

 

Alhaji Yussuf who made the call at Kuni electoral area of Yendi in Northern Region during a peace campaign by the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) and Assembly members in respect of seemering tension between some ethnic groups in Yend indicated that there was a circulation of what they termed false news on social media in the effect that some ethnic groups were preparing to disturb the peace in the area and for that matter the eastern Corridor of the region.

 

He reiterated that posterity would not forgive them if they do not work to safeguard and improve the peace and reconciliation they were enjoying now.

 

He said it was the reason why the MUSEC and the Assembly members of the area were carrying out the peace campaign in 24 communities within four zones of the Municipality.

 

He announced that some of the communities covered with the campaign included; Kuni, Kpanjamba, Gnani, Waaboni, Kulkpenduli, Kubongni, Montandoo, Jagandoo, Malzeri, Tusni, Pion, Konkon, Zakali amongst others.

 

He warned the communities particularly the Youth to delete such false information from their phones and avoid sharing falsehood.

 

He also warned against group hunting this year as burning down farmlands and produce could create conflicts.

 

At Kamshiegu DSP Paul Kudiewu the Yendi Municipal Police Commander warned the ethnic groups particularly the youth not to incite people against others as they needed water, electricity, health facilities for their development activities.

 

DSP Kudiewu warned the youth against wee smoking, trammodol and other hard drugs that could ruin their lives.

 

Chief Ibrahim Abubakari of the area expressed their gratitude for the peace campaign.

 

All the Security Commanders of Army, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Prison Service, Immigration National Intelligent Bureau (NIB) Ghana Police Service and Mr. Gaspard Dery Secretary (Municipal Coordinating Director) to MUSEC were among the campaign Team

 

Source: Ghana News Agency