Day: May 24, 2024

The former Branch Chief Executive (BCE) of the Tema Community (1) branch of the now-defunct Beige Bank has informed the High Court that allegations claiming funds were moved from customer accounts at the instruction of Michael Nyinaku, without the consent of the affected customers, are false.

He stated that the absence of complaints from any of the over 10,000 customers whose funds were allegedly siphoned casts significant doubt on the veracity of the allegations.

Harold Mensah, the 6th Defense Witness for the former Chief Executive of the defunct bank, conveyed this to the High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, during his Evidence-in-Chief.

Nyinaku, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct bank, faces charges for allegedly embezzling GHS2.1 billion of depositors’ money. He has pleaded not guilty to 43 charges, including stealing, fraudulent breach of trust, and money laundering, and has been granted bail.

Testifying as the 6th Defense Witness for Michael Nyina
ku, the former Branch Chief Executive also mentioned that the lack of recorded complaints at the time the funds were moved further undermines the allegations.

He emphasized to Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, that it is not standard banking practice for someone who is not a signatory to an account to initiate fund transfers from that account.

The Witness explained that the accused, as CEO, was not involved in the bank’s operational activities. He considered various scenarios in which the allegations could have been executed, concluding that all scenarios he posited were highly improbable, if not impossible.

During his tenure at the bank, he never encountered such scenarios. As a branch manager before the bank’s receivership, he was intimately familiar with the bank’s internal processes and operations.

Referring to the testimony of Julius Ayivor, the first Prosecution’s Witness, he clarified the contradiction in the claim that customer deposits were transferred from their
fixed deposit accounts without consent.

He explained that once fixed deposits (FDs) are booked, they cannot be moved, as the funds would have already been debited from the customer’s account at the time of booking. Therefore, an established FD cannot be moved again, rendering the assertion inaccurate.

Addressing the claim of unauthorized movement of funds from current accounts, the Witness stated that such a movement would imply that the customer did not intend for the funds to be transferred, necessitating a reversal of the transaction.

He categorically stated that the allegation of moving current account deposits of over 10,000 customers to BCAM at the instruction of the accused is utterly impossible and untrue.

Drawing from his banking experience, he outlined that only documented signatories can authorize transactions on an account, and every transaction must originate from a transaction advice signed by the account’s signatory.

The Witness presented hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the implausibi
lity of the accused instructing the movement of funds from customer accounts, including hacking the banking system, forging signatures, and issuing over 10,000 emails or memos to the banking operations team.

The case has been adjourned to May 24, 2024, for the Prosecution to cross-examine the Witness.

The full Witness Statement of DW6 is attached for reference.

Source: Ghana Web

A tragic accident involving timber logs resulted in one fatality and left another person injured.

The incident occurred when the logs fell from a truck onto the motorbike the two individuals were riding.

The pair were escorting the truck loaded with timber logs when the fatal event took place, leading to the death of one and the injury to the other.

Nana Kwame reported the incident on “Nyankonton Mu Nsem” on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, stating that it happened in Oppongkrom, within the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, on May 22, 2024.

According to him, the truck was without lights, and the motorbike riders were providing illumination for it.

The accident was caused when one of the timber logs dislodged from the truck and struck the motorbike.

The surviving victim is currently undergoing treatment for injuries at a hospital.

The individuals involved have been identified as Addei Eliasu, aged 30, who succumbed to the accident, and Mershack Acquah, aged 32, who survived with leg injuries.

Autho
rities have commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Source: Ghana Web

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Birim Central Municipality has observed the 2024 Constitution Week, focusing on churches as key locations where individuals tend to engage in social issues and activities.

The Constitution Week celebration is an initiative of the NCCE to promote constitutional literacy among the Ghanaian population and encourage citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities.

This year’s event in Birim Central, held on the theme ‘Together We Can Build Ghana, So Get Involved,’ saw participation from several churches.

They include the Apostolic International Worship Centre, E. P. Church, Global Evangelical Church (Good Shepherd Chapel), Church of Pentecost (Jerusalem), and the Presbyterian Church at Community Six in Akim Oda.

In her remarks, Madam Rejoice Biscoff, Director of the Birim Central Municipal NCCE, highlighted the successes achieved over the past three decades of Ghana’s journey towards constitutional democratic rule in the Fourth Republic.

She said G
hana’s democratic governance trajectory has seen stability, with citizens exercising their freedom of expression and participating in free and fair multi-party elections.

However, she noted that while some successes have been achieved, there were also challenges, including the influence of money in the political system, leading to vote buying.

She urged all individuals to refrain from such practices, emphasizing the importance of building a better Ghana for all.

Additionally, she reminded the congregation about the ongoing limited registration exercise and encouraged them to take advantage and participate in the registration process.

She urged them to inform their friends and relatives who have reached the age of 18 or above to register so that they can have a say in who governs them.

‘This is a civil responsibility and must not be shirked,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Trolley Market Limited, a prominent Ghanaian company specializing in grains, cereals, and spices, made a significant impact at the 3rd Made in Ghana Bazaar held at the Accra International Conference Centre. The three-day event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated local enterprises and their contributions to the Ghanaian economy, showcasing a wide array of products made in Ghana.

Trolley Market Limited captivated attendees with their premier brands, ASEDA Rice and ASEDA Wheat. Known for their superior quality and rich nutritional value, these products have become household names in Ghana. The company’s elegantly designed booth attracted a steady stream of visitors eager to learn more about their offerings and sample the highly praised grains and cereals.

Mr. Daniel Kwame Appiah Asare, Managing Partner of Trolley Market Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the bazaar. “We are thrilled to be part of the 3rd Made in Ghana Bazaar. This event is a fantastic platform for u
s to connect with our customers, share our story, and highlight the exceptional quality of ASEDA Rice and ASEDA Wheat. We take pride in producing grains that not only nourish but also support the local economy by sourcing directly from Ghanaian farmers.”

The Made in Ghana Bazaar serves as a pivotal platform for local businesses to gain visibility and forge new partnerships. Trolley Market Limited leveraged this opportunity to engage with potential buyers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders. Their participation underscored their commitment to quality, innovation, and supporting the Ghanaian agricultural sector.

In addition to promoting their products, Trolley Market Limited engaged in discussions about sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting local farmers. Their booth featured informative displays about their sourcing processes and the measures they take to ensure that their products are both high-quality and sustainably produced.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended a
ll participants for their dedication to showcasing the best of Ghana’s products. “The success of this year’s bazaar highlights the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit within our country,” said a representative from the ministry. “Companies like Trolley Market Limited exemplify the quality and innovation that Ghana has to offer.”

As the bazaar concluded, Trolley Market Limited left a lasting impression, reinforcing their position as a leader in the Ghanaian grains and cereals market. Their presence at the event not only enhanced their brand visibility but also highlighted their role in the broader narrative of promoting locally made products and supporting the Ghanaian economy.

Source: Ghana Web

The Ghana’s version of El-classico comes off at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday as Asante Kotoko welcome perennial rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak in a match week 31 encounter of the Ghana Premier League.

This fixture hitherto would have dominated discussions on local radio stations weeks before match day, but the situation is different with two days to the super clash.

Back in the days, the ‘Garden City’ would have been flooded with the flags and souvenirs of the two giants with taxi and other commercial drivers hoisting the flags of the two teams on their vehicles.

From lorry terminals to markets, and from drinking bars to food joints, people would be discussing such a match with so much passion, thereby contributing to the hype which often drove thousands of fans to the stadium.

These discussions were fuelled by heated debates on local radio stations by leading members of the two sets of supporters whose duties were to motivate their fans to come to the stadium and contribute to the demolishing
of their opponents.

Those were the days when the late Kwaku Adusei Kanewu and Ali Maradona would be touring radio stations full of confidence that it was a done deal for their respective teams, thereby generating excitement and suspense among football fans in the Metropolis and beyond.

On match days, buses full of supporters would invade ‘Oseikrom’ from all part of the country just to witness one of the most important fixtures on the football calendar.

Businesses, especially food and beverage vendors at the precinct of the stadium would cash in on the thousands of fans who would show up to catch a glimpse of the well-marketed match.

It is however not surprising that the narratives have changed drastically in recent years considering the average performances of the once fearsome teams.

Standards in the two teams have dropped to the point that teams can now walk to both Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Stadium and pick maximum points without sweat.

Their positions on the current league table sums up how
bad the situation has become with both teams conspicuously missing out of the top four teams – positions which was their preserve in the past.

Asante Kotoko, at some point, in the current season recorded seven-matches winless run until Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Patron of the club called for a crisis meeting before they returned to winning ways.

The Phobians on the other hand have been threatened by relegation in the last two seasons leaving their fans frustrated.

With only four matches to end the season, this match could have been a title winning encounter for either of them, but here they are struggling to make the first halve of the table while a team that barely joined the league is on its way to winning the title.

The rise of these two glamorous clubs would undoubtedly add to the passion Ghanaians have for football in the country, but they seem to show any sign of bouncing back to reclaim their rightful place in Ghana football.

As football lovers in the city of Kumasi appear to be indifferent ahead of th
e upcoming encounter, the expectation is that they would take the right sporting decisions to reverse the dwindling fortunes of the clubs.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Two bodies, believed to be those of nomadic herders, were discovered at Maame Krobo Nkwanta, also known as Takoratwene, in the Eastern Region.

The grim discovery has instilled fear among local residents.

A former Assembly member of the area, Kugbesika, confirmed the incident, stating that the heads of the two individuals had been severed.

He added that other body parts were also removed by the perpetrators.

Kugbesika noted that the victims had wounds on their backs, which are presumed to have been caused by gunshots.

He disclosed that one of the herdsmen had reported his two brothers missing and had set out to find them.

Tragically, it was later confirmed that the discovered bodies were those of his brothers.

Upon notification, the police visited the crime scene and have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Source: Ghana Web

Eight months after the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) water spillage from the Akosombo Dam, most businesses in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region remain in a state of uncertainty.

The spillage, which led to devastating floods, has left many business owners struggling to survive and calling for urgent government intervention and compensation.

Despite advocacy efforts and appeals from the affected residents, tangible support from the government has been slow to materialize.

Hotels and many recreational businesses along the Volta Lake, which were also heavily affected by the spillage, are yet to economically bounce back.

About 1,000 Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Tefle, Vume, Sogakope North, Alikekope, Sokpoe, Tadze, Agordomi, Tadame, Anaosukope and other areas such as Comboni Technical School, were badly impacted.

Also, Eight Fish Farms namely Dongazi Fish Farm, Decko Fishpond, Best Fish Farm, Flosell Fish Farm, Eagle Farms, Gedza, Farms, Dordor Farms, Reinbees Farms, which went under, were ye
t to rebounce and be compensated.

Mr. Tsekpo Augustine, a fashion designer, felt abandoned and desperate for assistance.

‘We have been left in limbo for months. Every day, we struggle to make ends meet while waiting for the promised aid that never seems to come,’ he lamented.

Mr Tsekpo indicated that the government’s assurance of comprehensive compensation packages had brought some hope, but the inability to allocate and disburse the fund has left them very skeptical.

He pleaded for the government’s urgent action and added that the delay is causing more harm each day.

Similarly, Mr. Isaac Dzivenu, a food vendor, has been grappling with significant financial losses since the flood ravaged his restaurant.

He emphasized the dire need for government compensation to restart his business. ‘I lost everything to the flood. We’ve been appealing for help, but so far, there’s been no real action. We can’t rebuild our lives without support,’ Mr Dzivenu stressed.

Mrs. Effah Joan, who operates a cold store, voiced h
er frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving aid.

She mentioned that several promises came from the VRA and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) but they were yet to be realized.

Mrs Effah stated that her businesses were dying, and without immediate compensation from the government, she may not recover.

The Managing Director of Flosell farms, Mr Evans Danso explained how the disaster had affected his business.

He said that he lost about GHC 6.4 million in revenue during the spillage and wondering how much support would come from the government.

He described their situation as a grave one and appealed ‘cash push’ to relaunch their businesses in the area.

Some community leaders and local authorities are urging the government to speed up delivering financial aid to the flood victims.

They highlighted the critical need for immediate intervention to prevent further economic collapse in the district.

As set out in the 2024 budget, the Government has set aside two hundred and twenty
million cedis (GHS220 million), of which GHS80 million has already been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities.

But the residents are concerned about the government’s urgent effort to revive their lost businesses.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Two individuals have perished in an accident at Gomoa Simbrofo, located in the Gomoa West District on the Winneba-Mankesim Highway in the Central Region.

The incident took place on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

The accident reportedly happened around 5 a.m. when a sprinter bus lost control due to a burst rear tyre.

The driver endeavoured to regain control, but the vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree.

Oheneba Ademah of Rainbow Radio reported on “Nyankonton Mu Nsem” on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM that the bus, bearing the registration GT 5873-09, was enroute from Kaneshie to Takoradi and was fully occupied.

The two individuals were declared dead at the scene of the accident, he noted.

He also reported that several passengers sustained severe injuries and were taken to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Source: Ghana Web