Day: June 12, 2024

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‘Ghana not a toy, stop joking and crying for steering wheel’ – Hassan Ayariga jabs Bawumia

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia must stop “crying” for the steering wheel because Ghana is not a toy, All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer Hassan Ayariga has said.

“Dr. Bawumia, please stop crying for the steering wheel” because “the car is not a toy,” Mr Ayariga said at a press conference on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.

The steering wheel, Mr Ayariga, noted, “was given to you and your boss, and you both drove to a different direction.

“You have lost credibility as a party and as a candidate,” he said, pointing out that the NPP and its flagbearer have “no good policies” and are also full of “deceit and propaganda,”

“Your only option left is vote-buying,” Mr Ayariga added.

In his view, Dr. Bawumia should watch his ‘It Is Possible’ slogan since “Ghanaian’s are not listening to you anymore. You have inflicted pain and suffering on us, so, ‘it’s possible’ has no chance. Rather, use that resource and change the narrative.”

“Our nation has become a banana republic under your watch, and it’s pathetic, Mr. Vice pre
sident,” he noted.

Also, Mr Ayariga mentioned that if former President John Mahama had to be kicked out of office because 4 cedis equalled a dollar, “then I don’t know why Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is running for President” when Ghanaians need GHS16.00 to get $1.00, the flagbearer of the All People’s Congress.

“Today, the cedi has become the worst currency under the so-called economic Messiah,” in reference to Dr Bawumia.

He said Ghanaian businessmen and women are “becoming poorer against their counterparts in other countries due to the high rate of the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.”

He noted that the government of Ghana lost over 10 billion cedis due to the cedi depreciation.

“I don’t know how many of you have changed dollars, euros or pounds this morning but no one can dispute the fact that the Bawumia-led Economic Management Team has done a woeful job at keeping the cedi afloat. There is no strength in the cedi against the major trading currencies,” Mr Ayariga complained.

In light of that,
he has advised Dr. Bawumia and the governing New Patriotic Party to concentrate on “finishing the 8 rather than breaking the 8, because there is no 8 to break.”

He said: “Dr. Bawumia should know that Ghanaians don’t have a short memory,” adding: “The suffering is real and escalating, so he should stop the jokes.”

Source: Ghana Web

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Grammy Africa: Ghana not part of founding members – Dentaa Amoateng

The CEO of GUBA Enterprise, Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, has revealed that Ghana is currently not among the nations listed as founding members of the pioneering Grammy Africa initiative.

The Recording Academy launched an initiative to support music creators in the Middle East and Africa.

Partnering with local Ministries of Culture and stakeholders, the initiative, GRAMMY Africa, will offer platforms, advocacy, and specialized training through the online platform GRAMMY GO.

It aims to celebrate the regions’ musical heritage and encourage cross-cultural exchanges within the global music community.

However, in a conversation with Andy Dosty on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, Lady Dentaa elaborated that Ghana missed out on becoming a founding member due to unmet prerequisites set by the Recording Academy.

While Ghanaian artistes remain eligible for award nominations, the country will not host related events.

The founding members include Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

“It is somewhat unfortunate, but the a
greement that was supposed to be signed did not happen, so currently, those four countries will be able to host the Grammys. It doesn’t stop any artist from being nominated, but it is just the hosting and other benefits that the country will have. Currently, Ghana is not a part of it,” she said.

She blamed the situation on the lack of resources and requirements that Ghana lacked, saying, “I believe it concerns resources and a few things that the country will need to be part of it, which I cannot disclose on the radio.”

Despite this setback, Lady Dentaa noted that the door hasn’t closed entirely on this opportunity.

She revealed that Ghana, alongside Ivory Coast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and meeting the remaining criteria would secure their position as founding members, along with additional opportunities.

Discussing the significance of Grammy Africa for the continent’s creative industries, the GUBA Enterprise head said this has the potential to unlock various business prospects for
Africans.

“It means a whole lot because when you look at the Grammy Awards and the 90 awards that they give, they cannot recognize the entirety of Africa’s music; the variety of music that we do on the continent is vast. It comes with different languages, among other aspects, and this gives us the opportunity to celebrate Africa.

‘When you look at the Latin Grammys that have been going on for 25 years, it is dedicated to celebrating Latin music, and so to have our own, it will afford us cultural recognition, it will promote us on the global stage, and it will create economic opportunities, industrial growth, and boost tourism,” she noted.

Source: Ghana Web

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RMB innovates to empower Tata International’s AFCL

Rand Merchant Bank, RMB, has announced its partnership with Tata International’s Africa business, Alliance Finance (AFCL) to provide finance solutions for customers to acquire vehicles in Africa.

RMB, the corporate and investment arm of FirstRand Group of which First National Bank is a subsidiary, structured the strategic financing solution to empower AFCL’s credit offerings.

After engaging with multiple stakeholders to ensure the structuring was delivered in line with the requirements, the transaction was piloted by RMB in South Africa in March 2024. The funding solution aims to help accelerate AFCL’s Africa region portfolio and asset growth plans while improving the quality of life of the people.

The distribution and sale of commercial vehicles form a significant component of the Indian multinational corporation Tata International’s Africa business.

‘Africa is a strong focus area for Tata International, not only because of the closeness and growth of Indo-Africa ties but also because of the company’s et
hos of contributing to the growth and improvement of the overall ecosystem in which we operate,’ said Lalit Kasliwal, Chief Financial Officer, at Tata International.

Commenting on the deal, Sylvia Inkoom, the Executive Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at First National Bank congratulated the RMB and Tata AFCL teams for achieving this. ‘This is a testament to RMB’s dedicated presence in Africa borne out of a seamless collaboration through the cross-border transaction.

I believe that this deal will deliver significant benefits for all of AFCL’s stakeholders and will result in a uniquely positioned business poised for further growth in the region, Sylvia concluded.

Source: Ghana Web

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I was very naive when I chose my husband – Naa Nhyirabea Armoo

Ghanaian pharmacist Naa Nhyirabea Armoo has reflected on her lack of experience when she married her husband.

She acknowledged that her understanding of marriage and the potential situations she might encounter was limited, which influenced her decision.

Nhyirabea expressed that, given another chance to choose a partner, she would prioritize someone who embraces Godly values more. In a discussion on the HomeAffairs show on JoyPrime TV, she stated she would have preferred a man with a strong inclination towards God and commitment to religious service.

“Looking back, I realize I was very naive when I made my choice. I often say to my husband that if he were to propose to me now, with the person I’ve become, he would face a tough challenge. I didn’t fully comprehend the path I was embarking on. In my selection, I sought someone who would accept me for who I am, encourage my authenticity, and appreciate my true self. I wanted a companion who could be a friend and whose principles resonated with mine.

“However
, as I’ve journeyed through marriage, I’ve realized that what’s most important to me is a partner deeply rooted in faith, someone who has discovered God, understands God, and, when faced with decisions, would consistently choose God’s way or will. The path of marriage is unpredictable, and you can’t foresee what might happen,” she shared.

Source: Ghana Web

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‘Help me finish case swiftly’ – Ambulance case judge likens Ato Forson to SHS senior house master

Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, the trial judge in the high-profile financial crime case involving Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has begged parties to help her complete the case swiftly.

She was reacting in open court to a notice by lawyers for Forson (the first accused) that the MP will be absent from court sometimes to attend to his legislative duties.

The judge rejected the request likening the Minority Leader to a senior house master.

The state-owned Daily Graphic quoted the judge as saying if Ato Forson was a senior house master, ‘would he have said that today is reopening assembly and that he can’t come to court, no.’

While emphasizing her respect for the office of the Minority Leader, the judge pointed out that Ato Forson was crucially an accused person in the proceedings and and not a witness.

‘So please help me to just finish this case quickly. That way everybody will go and attend to what they have to attend to,’ she said.

The Gaily Graphic report added that she spoke about how the other
accused person, Richard Jakpa’s decision to replace his lawyer during the trial affected plans to complete the case by end of May 2024.

‘Let’s try and put the plan back on schedule, let’s try not to interrupt the flow of things, it will not happen,’ she said.

Meanwhile the Minority Caucus in Parliament have stated their commitment to accompany Ato Forson to Parliament whenever he is due to appear in court, a move that will likely hamper parliamentary business.

Ato Forson and Jakpa are facing criminal charges over purchase of ambulances during the John Evans Atta Mills era when Forson was a Deputy Minister of Finance with Jakpa being the Ghanaian rep of the company that got the contract.

Meanwhile, the court has set June 13 to deliver a ruling on whether to admit as evidence a viral audio tape in which the Attorney-General is heard discussing issues related to the case with Jakpa.

The two have been accused specifically of causing financial loss of pound 2.37 million to the state in the ambulance deal.

S
ource: Ghana Web

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Don’t persecute LilWin over his statements; it could have been a coincidence – Prophet Kumchacha

The Founder and Leader of Heaven’s Gate Ministries, Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Prophet Kumchacha, has urged Ghanaians to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, also known as LilWin.

It could be recalled that on May 25, 2024, LilWin’s Benz and another vehicle were involved in a head-on collision in Amakom, Kumasi, resulting in injuries to LilWin and two others, as well as the death of a three-year-old boy.

Despite his injuries, LilWin attended the premiere of his new movie, “A Country Called Ghana,” at the KNUST CCB Auditorium later that day.

He was subsequently arrested and granted a GHC50,000 bail at a district court in Kumasi.

Speaking in an interview on Onua TV, Prophet Kumchacha called on the public not to judge LilWin harshly, adding that his statement and the accident were just coincidences.

‘I saw the video where LilWin said the movie may get someone killed. I would call on Ghanaians not to persecute him for that.

‘I don’t know what was going throu
gh his head yesterday. But he is just a comedian; he was joking. So him saying something like that and then this unfortunate accident happening is just a coincidence.

‘So the public should go easy on him and stop the allegations that he had used the child for rituals,’ he said.

Source: Ghana Web

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SSA-UoG and others threaten strike over disparity in payment of VMA

The Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) have served notice to embark on an indefinite strike. The action is in response to disparities regarding the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other related allowances.

According to the unions, they have been overlooked in the recent upward review of the VMA, despite being a vital component of the university system.

“The Commission’s decision to grant the VMA review to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), while excluding SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, and TEWU-TUC members, is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and natural justice in the administration of common allowances,” the unions stated.

Source: Ghana Web

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I’m not in any rivalry with anybody, I’m a married man – Stonebwoy

Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has declared that he has moved past any industry rivalries and would not engage in any beef with any musician.

Speaking in an interview on Asaase FM on 12 June, 2024, the ‘Therapy’ hitmaker said he has chosen to remain positive due to his marriage and is not involved in any fight or rivalry with anybody.

“I’m not in any rivalry with anybody… I just have to state that. Because this is a good opportunity to let the world know I’m not in a rivalry situation. I’m a married man,’ he said.

Stonebwoy, who was recently crowned the TGMA Artiste of the Year, expressed his contentment with life and career, stating, “I’m solid. I’m not fighting anyone. We can all see.”

The musician, who has previously been entangled in a well-known feud with fellow dancehall star Shatta Wale, gave his perspective on industry conflicts, explaining that true rivalry involves ongoing exchanges, which he said are unproductive and unnecessary.

‘A beef is when you get replies. A rivalry is when it’s
back and forth. So it’s not worth it. It’s not qualified to be called a rivalry,’ he said.

Despite a series of reconciliation attempts, the relationship between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale has been tumultuous.

More recently, the duo have been in the news after Stonebwoy was accused of being behind the cancellation of a concert Shatta Wale was scheduled to perform at on June 8, 2024.

The concert, which was supposed to be held at the TF Hostel at the University of Ghana, was cancelled by the university authorities who cited a lack of information from the organisers.

However, Shatta Wale’s camp accused Stonebwoy of influencing the cancellation so it would not coincide with his concert, which took place at the University of Ghana on the same day.

The University of Ghana, however, stated that the cancellation of Shatta Wale’s concert was due to procedural issues and not because of any interference from Stonebwoy.

Source: Ghana Web