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Three Nigerian sex workers have been arrested and quarantined at Salaga in the Savannah Region. The East Gonja Municipal Covid-19 emergency response team is currently in a meeting to decide whether to keep them in Salaga for them to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine period or send them to Tamale, where they are believed to be based. They were picked up by the Police at a guest house on Sunday, April 5, at about 9:00 p.m. following a tip off from some residents. Customers of the prostitutes have however been let go. Health officials on Monday morning visited the quarantine facility to perform Covid-19 protocols, including taking of their temperature. Ghana's covid-19 situation A total of 214 covid-19 cases have been recorded since the first two cases were confirmed in the country on March 12. Three of them have recovered while five of them who had underlying conditions have since died from the disease which has affected over a million people globally and killed thousands of them since the pandemic broke out in China in December last year. Forty-nine of the infected people in Ghana have been discharged for home management by health officials who say additional 155 are doing “well and responding to treatment” across the country. Greater Accra leads with the number of cases recorded in the country with 189 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 12 cases, Northern Region with 10 cases, and one case each in the Upper West, Eastern and Upper East regions. By Christopher Amoako|3news.com|Ghana

April 6, 2020

https://3news.com/3-nigerian-prostitutes-arrested-quarantined-in-salaga-over-covid-19/

Commercial banks in Ghana have announced a two per cent cut on cedi denominated loans as part of measures being taken to mitigate the financial impact of the deadly coronavirus on the public. A statement issued Monday by the Ghana Association of Bankers said the banks have agreed “to a general 200 basis points interest rate cut on all existing local currency denominated loans and for all new loans to be sanctioned by member banks”. This means customers who either have existing loans or applying for new loans will enjoy a two per cent cut on the prevailing interest rate of the various banks. It indicated that the cut in interest rate will go beyond the period of the pandemic in order to give customers enough time get their businesses back on track after the deadly virus which is causing businesses to flounder. “This rate cut shall cover not only the period of the pandemic but Banks recognise that it will take businesses and individuals sometime after the end of the pandemic to retool and restock to achieve the semblance of normalcy. “The rate cut will therefore cover the remaining tenor of the facility,” it explained. Expect more reprieve Also, GAB has asked customers operating in worst affected industries to expect more reprieve as banks in Ghana prepare to hold bilateral discussions to agree on further packages. “We recognize with concern the challenges some of our clients have had to go through during the pendency of the pandemic; to mention a few, we note real challenges facing the airlines and general transportation businesses; hotels and other tourism related businesses; importers/exporters and our clients who are staff of these worst affected businesses” it observed. On the back of that, it said banks have agreed to hold bi-lateral discussions with customers who have loan exposures with respective banks so a more tailor-made solution can be agreed with their bankers. “We advise customers to exercise restraint during this exercise as delays may be expected as banks will be using existing lean staff on roll to begin individual discussions on loan extensions, restructuring or other solutions respective banks will proffer to lessen the impact the virus may have caused,” it urged. Special loans According to the Ghana Association of Bankers, their members will also offer special loans to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products during pandemic. It said it is currently in final stages of discussions with the Bank of Ghana, the Finance Ministry and its member “to set up gross loans on preferential terms (details to be announced later) of up to GHS3 billion to pharmaceutical companies that decide to switch production lines” That, GAB explained, will enable those manufacturers focus attention on critical medical equipment and to enhance capacity of existing plants. “The finer details shall be announced in due course when discussions are complete,” it assured. 10 million support for Covid-19 fight Meanwhile, the banks are offering 10 million cedis as donation to support the country's fight against the deadly coronavirus which has infected over a million people globally and killed thousands of them. The amount will go into a Covid-19 fund and used for the procurement of protective gears as well as support frontline medical personnel in residence. It will also go into easing the burden and practical difficulties face by some vulnerable citizens who will have to endure due to the restriction of movement during the partial lockdown in parts of the country. Ghana's covid-19 situation Ghana has recorded 214 covid-19 cases since the first two cases were confirmed in the country on March 12. Five of them who had underlying conditions have since died while three others have recovered. Forty-nine others have been discharged for home management by health officials who say additional 155 others are doing “well and responding to treatment” across the country. So far cases have been recorded in six of the `16 regions of the country with Greater Accra leading with 189 followed by the Ashanti Region with 12 cases, Northern Region with 10 cases, and one case each in the Upper West, Eastern and Upper East regions. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

April 6, 2020

https://3news.com/banks-announce-2-cut-in-interest-rate-on-existing-and-new-loans/

Banks in Ghana are offering 10 million cedis as donation to support the country's fight against the deadly coronavirus which has infected over a million people globally and killed thousands of them. The Ghana Association of Bankers which announced the package Monday said the amount being provided by its member banks will go into a Covid-19 fund and used for the procurement of protective gears as well as support frontline medical personnel in residence. It will also go into easing the burden and practical difficulties face by some vulnerable citizens who will have to endure due to the restriction of movement during the partial lockdown in parts of the country. President Nana Akufo-Addo on Sunday announced that the Covid-19 National Trust Fund which was established a week ago to support government's efforts in the fight against the virus, has so far yielded 8.75 million cedis. The amount, the President explained, will be used “to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.” Meanwhile, the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB) explained in its statement that the donation forms part of a number of interventions it is taking “to mitigate the financial impact of Covid-19 on the general public”. The Association said it will keep monitoring the impact of the coronavirus outbreak of the pandemic on the country's health systems, supply chains and the general way of life of the people. It also indicated that as part of their interventions, banks have already either reduced significantly or removed completely charges on digital banking platforms. That it explained, is to ensure that “customers do not have to make financial decisions on whether to switch to an alternate platform or not” “As we entreat customers during this period to switch to available digital banking platforms to enable banking halls of banks to handle limited banking services, we have decided to make the switch less painful and financially advantageous,” the Association said. Meanwhile it said banks are to hold bilateral discussions on further reprieve for customers operating in worst affected industries. “We recognize with concern the challenges some of our clients have had to go through during the pendency of the pandemic; to mention a few, we note real challenges facing the airlines and general transportation businesses; hotels and other tourism related businesses; importers/exporters and our clients who are staff of these worst affected businesses” it observed. On the bank of that, it said banks have agreed to hold bi-lateral discussions with customers who have loan exposures with respective banks so a more tailor-made solution can be agreed with their bankers. “We advise customers to exercise restraint during this exercise as delays may be expected as banks will be using existing lean staff on roll to begin individual discussions on loan extensions, restructuring or other solutions respective banks will proffer to lessen the impact the virus may have caused,” it urged. Ghana's covid-19 situation Ghana has recorded 214 covid-19 cases since the first two cases were confirmed in the country on March 12. Five of them who had underlying conditions have since died while three others have recovered. Forty-nine others have been discharged for home management by health officials who say additional 155 others are doing “well and responding to treatment” across the country. So far cases have been recorded in six of the `16 regions of the country with Greater Accra leading with 189 followed by the Ashanti Region with 12 cases, Northern Region with 10 cases, and one case each in the Upper West, Eastern and Upper East regions. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

April 6, 2020

https://3news.com/banks-vote-%c2%a210-million-to-support-ghanas-fight-against-coronavirus/

A nurse at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus which has affected 205 people in Ghana and killed five of them in three weeks. It is unclear how the unnamed nurse contracted the disease as the hospital authorities have already begun tracing the primary source of the infection, 3news.com gathered on Friday. They have meanwhile assured the infected staff of their full support, and are expected to soon issue a statement on the case with the full details. It comes at a time that a specialist doctor at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge has also tested positive for the virus that has infected over a million people globally since the outbreak began in China in December last year. The doctor self-quarantined after returning into the country from South Africa prior to the partial lockdown in parts of the country, but tested positive for the virus Friday. “The doctor who left Ghana to attend a medical conference has tested positive for COVID19,” Management of the Hospital announced in a statement Friday evening. Authorities say the Covid-19 team has since assumed taking care of him at a self-quarantine centre “and he is currently doing well”. “Management of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), Ridge is in touch with him and we will support him till he recovers. We have also put in place all other measures to ensure that all the necessary care he needs is provided. It indicated that the case was not locally transmitted but rather imported from South Africa. “Currently no frontline staff has tested positive as safety measures have been put in place to ensure that no staff get affected,” the management added. Ghana's situation Ghana's cases now stands at 205 with five deaths and three recoveries. Forty-nine others have been discharged from isolation centres across the country and currently being managed from home Two persons are currently in critical condition while 136 others are said to be responding to treatment. The Greater Accra Region now leads with 183 cases followed by the Northern Region with 10 cases and Ashanti Region with 9 cases. The Upper West, Eastern Region and Upper East regions have all recorded one case each. “Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine remain 89,” the Ghana Health Service said on its website. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/korle-bu-nurse-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/

The leaders of the major political parties in the country have commended the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the measures he has put in place to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic in the country. At a meeting on Friday, 3rd April, 2020, at Jubilee House, at the invitation of President Akufo-Addo, leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Conventions People's Party (CPP), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People's National Convention (PNC), the Progressive People's Party (PPP), and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) were unanimous in their praise for the President's handling of the crisis. The Chairman of the governing NPP, Mr. Freddie Blay, thanked President Akufo-Addo for the gesture of inviting the parties to dialogue with Government on the pandemic, and described the President's fight against the disease as “exemplary. Ghana is lucky to have you at the helm of affairs at this time. Whatever you have been doing is being appreciated.” The 2016 presidential candidate of the PNC, Dr. Edward Mahama, in his remarks, stated that “without unity (amongst Ghanaians), this virus will devastate us. I applaud your decisiveness, and the formation of the COVID-19 management team is a very brilliant one.” Representing the Progressive People's Party, Bridgette Dzobgenuku Dzobgenuku, the 2016 vice presidential candidate of the party, commended Government and President Akufo-Addo on efforts to combat the disease, stressing that “we are quite happy. Nobody in the world has been here before, and no one here can claim to know how to do it better than anybody else. We are all learning as we go along” “Let's make an effort at taking off our competitive blinders, and put on our compassionate lenses, because, at this point, it is compassion we need”, she said to the political party leaders represented at the meeting Applauding the closure of Ghana's borders, the subsequent quarantining of some 1.30 passenger, and the partial lockdown implemented in some parts of the country, she added that the PPP's 2016 presidential candidate, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, was making available to government seven (7) ambulances to help fight against COVID-19. On his part, Ivor Greenstreet Ivor, the 2016 flagbearer of the CPP, noted that the world has been witnesses to how some governments prevaricated in the wake of the pandemic, and are now paying a heavy price for their actions and inactions. “Fortunately, this is not a charge your Government can be accused of. Your decisions, thus far, have been decisive, resolute and very important,” he added. Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the 2016 flagbearer of the NDP, thanked President Akufo-Addo for the actions taken so far, stressing that “the actions have been timely and purposeful to the covid-19 pandemic that we have to fight”, with the National Chairman of the NDC, Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, urging for unity in the fight against the pandemic. The NDC Chairman, thus, urged all “to come together, put our shoulder to the wheel, and assist government fight and defeat the pandemic.” Rationale for meeting Explaining the rationale for calling the meeting, President Akufo-Addo explained that the consultations he has so far held with stakeholders on combating the disease will not be complete without also meeting and talking with the political leaders of the nation. According to President Akufo-Addo, “It is essentially for us to have an opportunity to exchange information with each other, and, more than anything else, to agree on the measures that we can take as political leaders to ensure the unity of our nation at this critical time, and to stress the need for solidarity amongst ourselves.” He continued, “The example of our own country and countries around the world, which we are all familiar with, is that the disease doesn't have a political colour. It doesn't know Democrats or Republicans, or Tories or Labour, or NDC or NPP. It is attacking human beings. That recognition is what should drive our collective response as a people to this pandemic.” The President, thus, urged the political party leaders gathered to recognize that “this virus is a threat to our communities, society and nation. And we should be able, collectively, to find an input as to the measures that, on a societal basis, can be taken to arrest the spread, and, ultimately, lead to the defeat of this pandemic.” From Presidency|3news.com|Ghana

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/akufo-addos-exemplary-decisive-covid-19-fight-gets-plaudits-from-political-parties/

A specialist doctor with the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge has tested positive for the deadly novel coronavirus. He self-quarantined after returning into the country from South Africa prior to the partial lockdown in parts of the country. “The doctor who left Ghana to attend a medical conference has tested positive for COVID19,” Management of the Hospital announced in a statement Friday evening. Authorities say the Covid-19 team has since assumed taking care of him at a self-quarantine centre “and he is currently doing well”. “Management of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), Ridge is in touch with him and we will support him till he recovers. We have also put in place all other measures to ensure that all the necessary care he needs is provided. It indicated that the case was not locally transmitted but rather imported from South Africa. “Currently no frontline staff has tested positive as safety measures have been put in place to ensure that no staff get affected,” the management added. Ghana's situation Ghana's cases now stands at 205 with five deaths and three recoveries. Forty-nine others have been discharged from isolation centres across the country and currently being managed from home Two persons are currently in critical condition while 136 others are said to be responding to treatment. The Greater Accra Region now leads with 183 cases followed by the Northern Region with 10 cases and Ashanti Region with 9 cases. The Upper West Eastern Region and Upper East regions have all recorded one case each. “Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine remain 89,” the Ghana Health Service said on its website. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/ridge-hospital-doctor-contracts-coronavirus/

The Upper East Region has recorded its first case of the deadly novel coronavirus, bringing to six the total number of regions which has so far recorded confirmed cases of the virus in the country. According to the Ghana Health Service, the person “has no travel history or contact with any of the confirmed cases”. But information obtained by 3news.com from the region indicates the person is a pregnant woman who lives in Bolgatanga with her family and recently travelled to Tarkwa in the Western Region. She is said to have returned to Bolga on board a public transport, raising fears she may have infected others. The sources say contact tracing has started in earnest. Ghana's cases now stands at 205 with five deaths and three recoveries. Forty-nine others have been discharged from isolation centres across the country and currently being managed from home Two persons are currently in critical condition while 136 others are said to be responding to treatment. The Greater Accra Region now leads with 183 cases followed by the Northern Region with 10 cases and Ashanti Region with 9 cases. The Upper West, Eastern Region and Upper East regions have all recorded one case each. “Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine remain 89,” the Ghana Health Service said on its website. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/pregnant-woman-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-upper-east-ghanas-tally-now-205/

American comedian and television host Steve Harvey has given a huge stamp of approval to Ghana confessing that the country represents Africa. Steve Harvey, who hosts one of the biggest TV game shows in the world, Family Feud, is of the strong conviction that Ghana is definitely going to change the narrative about Africa. Speaking in an exclusive interview on the 3FM Drive on 3FM with Giovani Caleb, ahead of the premiere of Family Feud on TV3 on Saturday, April 4, Steve Harvey said Ghana is Africa. “Ghana should be very proud of the way they performed on TV because…Ghana is going to flip the world on its head because people are seeing a side of you that they did not know,” he said. The celebrated TV host explained that “You got to under the misconception of the continent of Africa,” and during the filming Family Feud in South Africa, “there were some really bright people on that stage and some really loving people on that stage and they had a lot of fun.” “…for African-Americans in the United States, Ghana will be more representative of what we want to see from Africa. Ghana is Africa period make no mistake about this,” Steve Harvey stressed. He gave thumbs up to President Akufo-Addo for the Year of Return initiative which he said was “absolutely brilliant” but “this game show is going to show African-Americans a side of ourselves we've never been exposed to…” Touching the on the filming of Family Feud, Steve Harvey revealed that, “the taping of this show turned out far better than anyone expected back in the States and in London…nobody thought I could do it but when they saw the [recording]…they were astonished. ”Family Feud, an iconic game show adapted in over 50 international markets is scheduled to air every Saturday at 9 pm exclusively on Ghana's number one television station, TV3 Network, starting from Saturday, April 4, 2020. The show, which has been airing from 1976, has been a beloved part of people's lives for generations. Two families will compete to name the most popular responses to gathered survey questions in order to win cash and other prizes. Steve Harvey has been hosting the American version of Family Feud with enormous success since 2010. The show has seen exponential ratings increases under Harvey, and he is on track to become the longest-serving host in Family Feud history. “It is going to be the best show to hit the continent in a long time,” Steve Harvey said boldly. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-is-the-representation-of-africa-steve-harvey/

Bill Withers, the acclaimed 1970s soul singer behind hits Ain't No Sunshine and Lean On Me has died from heart complications aged 81, his family said. The singer died on Monday in Los Angeles, the family told the Associated Press. They described him in a statement as a “solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world”. “He spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” the statement said. Known for his smooth baritone vocals and sumptuous soul arrangements, he wrote some of the 70s best-remembered songs, including Just The Two Of Us, Lovely Day and Use Me. Although he stopped recording in 1985, his songs remained a major influence on R&B and hip-hop. His track Grandma's Hands was sampled on Blackstreet's No Diggity, and Eminem reinterpreted Just The Two Of Us on his hit 1997 Bonnie And Clyde. “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” said his family. “With his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other. “As private a life as he lived, close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.” The star's signature song Lean On Me has recently become associated with the Coronavirus pandemic, with many people posting their own versions to support health workers and other essential services. Born in 1938, Withers was the youngest of six children. His father died when he was a child and he was raised by his mother and grandmother. His entry to the music world came late – at the age of 29 – after a nine-year stint in the Navy He taught himself to play guitar between shifts at his job making toilet seats for the Boeing aircraft company, and used his wages to pay for studio sessions in LA. “I figured out that you didn't need to be a virtuoso to accompany yourself,” he told Rolling Stone magazine in 2015. He recorded his first album, Just As I Am, with Booker T Jones in 1970. It included the mournful ballad Ain't No Sunshine, which earned him his first Grammy award the subsequent year. He scored another million-selling hit with Lean On Me in 1972. Gospel-tinged and inspirational, it was based his experiences growing up in a West Virginia coal mining town. When times were hard, neighbours would lend each other help and assistance. It was later performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. But Withers quit at the top, walking away from his career after scoring a pop hit with Just The Two of Us, although he occasionally toured with Grover Washington Jr in the 1990s. Despite his influence on generations of musicians, he did not keep track of music after his career ended. “These days,” he said in 2015, “I wouldn't know a pop chart from a Pop-Tart.” BBC

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/lean-on-me-singer-bill-withers-dies-at-81/

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs as it was announced the season will not resume until “it is safe and appropriate to do so”. All clubs have agreed to put the proposed “combination of conditional reductions and deferrals” to players. The Premier League will give £125m to the EFL and National League, plus £20m to the NHS and vulnerable groups. Clubs still intend on completing all league and cup fixtures. The EFL, Women's Super League and Women's Championship have all suspended play without setting a target return date, meaning the entirety of English football is on hold indefinitely. “Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows,” the Premier League said. “It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.” Players had faced scrutiny, notably from health secretary Matt Hancock, to take a cut in wages and “play their part” in offering support during the coronavirus pandemic. Some clubs had furloughed non-playing staff as a result of the shutdown of the sport. Captains of the clubs – led by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson – have held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund which would likely benefit the NHS. After Friday's meeting, the Premier League has proposed a cut in wages in order to “protect employment throughout the professional game”. “This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change,” the Premier League said. “The League will be in regular contact with the Professional Footballers' Association and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow (Saturday) between the League, players and club representatives.” Source BBC

April 3, 2020

https://3news.com/premier-league-clubs-to-ask-players-for-30-wage-cut/

The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) has donated 100,000 to the Covid – 19 National Trust Fund to support people whose lives have been negatively impacted by the global pandemic. The gesture forms part of the church's corporate social responsibility and commitment to help influence society through Christ. President Akufo – Addo at the weekend announced the setting up of the trust fund and named a former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo chair of the board of trustees. He appealed to Ghanaians and institutions to support the fund. In response, ICGC  has donated the amount with the hope that people who are unable to fend for themselves because they have been infected, or whose businesses have come to a standstill as a result of measures to deal with the spread of the virus, will be able to get some reprieve. The presentation was made at Jubilee House by the General Secretary of the church, Rev. Morris Appiah accompanied by two Regional Overseers, Rev Christopher Yaw Annor and Rev. Anthony Cudjoe. Presenting the cheque, Rev. Appiah said ICGC was committed to working closely with the state and all relevant agencies to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that apart from educating its members and strictly implementing the various health and safety protocols, the church had put in place an elaborate mechanism for supporting its vulnerable members in various districts during the lock down period. “This donation was to support the national effort initiated by the state,” he said. Receiving the donation, the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare, thanked the General Overseer and the International Central Gospel Church for the prompt response and the kind gesture. She said it was another clear manifestation of State-Church collaboration. She also called on others to emulate the example. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 2, 2020

https://3news.com/icgc-donates-%c2%a2100k-to-covid-19-trust-fund/

The Minority in Parliament has challenged Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to demonstrate how the Government intends to raise the remaining 65 million dollars of the 100 million dollars allocated to fight COVID-19. Parliament on Wednesday approved US$35 million of the US$ 100 directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which was to be sourced from a World Bank loan to finance the Ghana COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project.But the Minority, at a press conference at the Parliament House on Thursday, called on the Government to inform Parliament of the source of funding for the US$65 million and how it would be disbursed.“As we speak, where the government is going to raise that US$ 65 million we all don't know,” the Deputy Minority Leader and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, said in Accra.“As representatives of the people….. We want to know how the Government is going to raise the US$ 65 million to fight the pandemic,” Mr Avedzi said.He said it was important for the Government to raise the money to be able to fight the COVID-19.Dr Avedzi expressed concern about Government's delay in bringing to the House the one billion Ghana cedis Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP), which would be taken from the Ghana Stabilization Fund.He said four days after the Minister of Finance had briefed the Legislature on the programme he had not yet given details on how the one billion cedis would be disbursed.Dr Avedzi gave the assurance that despite the concerns of the members of the Minority on the deal, they would support the Finance Minister's request to lower the cap on the Ghana Stabilization Fund (GSF) from the current US$ 300 million to US$ 100 million.He explained that the US$ 200 million would be made available for the CAP to support other sectors of the economy as well as address economic, fiscal and social impact of the COVID-19. Source GNA

April 2, 2020

https://3news.com/minority-urges-government-to-disclose-source-of-65-million-for-covid-19/

Mass testing for coronavirus has begun in five communities in Kumasi which health officials have identified as the hotspots for the deadly virus in the city. Of the 204 confirmed covid-19 cases and five deaths recorded across the country as at Thursday, Kumasi accounts for nine of them, making it the third city with the highest cases after Accra and Tamale. Two of the five deaths were also recorded in Kumasi Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Emmanuel Tinkorang told 3news.com Thursday that they are currently following about 200 contacts which have been traced as having had contact with affected persons. “We have identified some hotspots communities,” he said, but declined to mention the areas. According to him, “we are doing mass testing for residents” in those areas. “So if your sample is requested for testing, don't be hesitant because it's for your own safety. The earlier the virus is identified, the easier the treatment,” he appealed. Dr Tinkorang expressed worry that some people are not adhering to the lockdown directive in Kumasi. “We still see that people don't want to adhere by the lockdown directives. It is in your own interest to stay home because anytime you step outside you're posing risk to others. Adhering to the lockdown directives is the easiest way to contain the virus” he advised. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Security Council has intensified security measures to ensure compliance with the two-week lockdown which began on Monday in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi. The partial lockdown imposed by President Nana Akufo-Addo is part of measures being taken by government to stop the spread of the coronavirus which has affected over a million people globally and killed thousands more. By Ibrahim Abubakar|3news.com|Ghana

April 2, 2020

https://3news.com/5-covid-19-hotspots-identified-in-kumasi-for-mass-testing/

The Rebecca Foundation has launched what it termed Relief Boxes Challenge as part of its efforts to mitigate economic suffering occasioned by the global pandemic, coronavirus, and the subsequent lockdown in parts of Ghana. The Foundation, through this initiative, will work towards supporting the most vulnerable women who will have difficulties in providing food as well as basic hygiene products for themselves and their families in light of the current situation. The Rebecca Foundation Relief Boxes Challenge will focus on giving out food and personal hygiene and sanitary items to members of identifiable groups including Kayayei, the aged, the destitute and single mothers who live in the poorest communities and adversely impacted by the covid-19 situation It will be done in partnership with the private sector, civil society organisation and various state agencies. Executive Director of The Rebecca Foundation, who is Ghana's first lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo said the covid-19 global pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way social and economic interaction is carried out which has adversely affected many, particularly  women and children. She said with the current situation where schools are closed and economic activities limited, socio-economic burdens, especially for the very vulnerable, mostly women, have significantly increased. “Women tend to be the primary care givers in households. They need to provide extra food and allot extra supervision time for the extra hours children are at home, as well as in some cases care for other vulnerable members of their families. “Additionally, more women than men who live in the lock-down zone of Accra and Kumasi are engaged in the informal sector, earning their wages on a day to day basis in many cases.  Hence the current shutdown and complete closure of economic activities for the next 14 days, will spell out great difficulties for women who are employed in the informal sector” she said. She said the ultimate objective of the initiative is to provide some respite from the social and economic hardship from covid-19, to ensure that children, women of childbearing age and the aged, regardless of the current situation, have at the very minimum, one healthy meal a day for the next 14 days. It is also to ensure that families have access to hygiene products that enable them to stay in line with the WHO recommended standards for reducing infection from covid – 19. Mrs. Akufo-Addo announced the first partnership for The Rebecca Foundation Relief Boxes Challenge is with Orca Décor Ltd who provided 5,000 boxes of food and essential hygiene products to needy families in Accra. Items contained in each box included Chocolate drink, milk, sugar, biscuits, Gari, KokoPlus, Rice, oil, canned tomatoes, canned meat/fish, hand sanitizers and sanitary pads. Mrs. Akufo-Addo said the 5,000 boxes of relief items donated by Orca Décor Ltd. presents the platform for other corporate organisations and individuals to follow suit by supporting The Rebecca Foundation with equal or more boxes of relief items to be supplied to needy and vulnerable families. She also congratulated corporate institutions and other bodies who have already made donations towards alleviating the hardships that have arisen because of the health menace stating that, the current Covid-19 situation should guide us to be each other's keeper in ensuring that we halt or slow down the process of spreading the infection. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 2, 2020

https://3news.com/first-lady-launches-relief-boxes-challenge-to-support-the-needy-during-lockdown/

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits has hit a record high for the second week in a row as the economic toll tied to the coronavirus intensifies. More than 6.6 million people filed jobless claims in the week ended 28 March, the Department of Labor said. That is nearly double the week earlier, which was also a new record. The deepening economic crisis comes as the number of cases in the US soars to more than 216,000. With the death toll rising to more than 5,000, the White House recently said it would retain restrictions on activity to try to curb the outbreak. Analysts at Bank of America warned that the US could see “the deepest recession on record” amid forecasts that the unemployment rate could hit more than 15%. The outlook is a stark reversal for the world's biggest economy where the unemployment rate had been hovering around 3.5%. However, more than 80% of Americans are now under some form of lockdown and the hit has been immediate and severe. More than 3.3 million people filed claims two weeks ago, eclipsing the previous record of 695,000, set in 1982. The most recent jobless claims figure was worse than many economists had feared. “More than any other economic data point, the unprecedented and massive level of more than 6.6 million new jobless claims captures the recent, heartbreaking financial devastation related to the coronavirus outbreak and measures aimed at containing it,” said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.com. Workers in accommodation and food services were hit hard again this week, the Department of Labor said. Though it said states are reporting “a wider impact across industries”. “With this report there should be little doubt that … US is already in deep recession and the global economy will be too”, tweeted Mohamed A El-Erian, chief economic adviser to financial services firm Allianz. BBC

April 2, 2020

https://3news.com/us-jobless-claims-hit-6-6-million-as-virus-spreads/

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, Dr. Clifford Braimah, has donated protective gears to the Damongo Government Hospital to help them in the fight against the deadly novel coronavirus. It followed concerns of lack of protective gears raised by the management of the hospital. The items included reusable PPEs, disposable head covers, goggles, hand gloves, nose mask, sanitizers, veronica buckets with wastewater basins and soap dishes. The Savannah Regional Minister, Adam Salifu Braimah, who presented the items on behalf of the MD admonished the health workers to keep on with their dedicated service. He noted the government is doing all it can to ensure appropriate materials are made available to all health facilities. He also called on all persons from the region to support the fight. “While we deliver these items for our front line workers, let's continue to adhere to directives on personal hygiene and also stay at home if we have nothing to do in town” Medical Superintendent of the Hospital,  Vitalis Saadaare, expressed gratitude to the MD for the gesture. He called for more support from the general public. The regional minister and his team were taken round a quarantine facility made available by the hospital. Authorities of Damango Hospital on Monday March 30 appealed for personal protective gears for the front line health workers at the facility. Meanwhile, the Mr. Adam Salifu has handed over a refurbished quarantine center to the Salaga Government Hospital. All markets and public places in the Savannah region have also been fumigated By Christopher Amoako|3news.com|Ghana

April 1, 2020

https://3news.com/md-of-gwcl-donates-protective-gears-to-damongo-government-hospital/

An Indian working for a private company at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo municipality in the Eastern region has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The case was confirmed by the Lower Manya municipal health directorate on Wednesday, April 1. He is said to be a part of a group of construction workers who arrived in the country before the country's airports and ports were closed. Assembly member for the area, Raymond Gborson, said some locals working at the construction site alerted him of the arrival of the expatriates because they suspected they could be carriers of the virus. The Municipal Chief executive of the area, Simon Kwesi Tetteh, was informed and a team was dispatched to the construction site. Routine checks begun until one of them recorded a high temperature. Samples were taken to for testing and came out positive. The Covid-19 taskforce team led by health personnel has begun contact tracing and taking samples for testing for the virus. Mr. Gborson has asked his constituents to remain calm and observe the Covid-19 protocols. He explained some other Nigeriens are being tracked as well. By Yvonne Neequaye|3news.com|Ghana

April 1, 2020

https://3news.com/indian-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-in-eastern-region/

Gunmen have shot dead a sub chief at Saka in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region and injured one of his sons in a bizarre circumstance. The three gunmen shot the chief, Salifu Mustapha, in the head twice, killing him instantly. One of his three sons, who were with him at the time of the incident which occurred last Sunday night at his residence, was also shot in the stomach leaving him with injuries. The Police at Zebilla have commenced investigations into the incident to establish the motive and the perpetrators behind the gruesome act. According to the police, the gunmen stormed the house of the chief at about 8:20 p.m. Sunday and ordered him and his three sons to lie prostrate which they obliged. They then shot the chief twice, the police said, adding one of his sons who raised his head to check what had happened was also shot in the stomach. The injured son has since been taken to the Zebilla Government Hospital where he's receiving treatment while the body of the chief was deposited at the Bolgatanga mortuary. Supt. Adam Ahmed Mahama told 3news.com that they received a telephone call about the incident and dispatched personnel to the area but the perpetrators had fled at from the scene by the time they arrived there. A random search was conducted and they retrieved four empty cells and a necklace. Supt Mahama said the body of the chief was on March 31 released to the family for burial in accordance with Muslim tradition. Although the motive for which the sub chief murder was killed remain unclear, his brother, a brother of the deceased suspects it was as a result of a land and chieftaincy dispute in the area. The killing of the sub chief caused uneasy calm in the area. Mr. Bukari Abugre has therefore called on the police and the other security agencies in the Bawku west district to intensify efforts to arrest the suspects in order to bring calm to the area. Assembly member for Saka electoral area, Alou David Apiidam, also called on the police to intensify surveillance and patrolling of the area to protect the people. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 1, 2020

https://3news.com/chief-shot-dead-in-bawku-west-son-sustains-gunshot-wounds/

The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has announced a ban on prostitution and its related activities in the region in a latest move by authorities there to stop the spread of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the area. Ten of the 195 coronavirus cases confirmed in the country are from the Northern regional capital, Tamale, which is now the city with the second highest cases after Accra. One of eight Guineans who tested positive for the deadly virus and were being kept in an isolation centre in Tamale on Monday scaled a wall to escape from quarantine. Efforts at getting her arrested have so far not yielding results, triggering what some have described as fear and panic among residents. The REGSEC in a statement on Tuesday, March 31 said drastic measures against practices like prostitution, ought to be taken to curtail the spread of the virus “to ensure the health and safety of everyone” in the area. Although prostitution is already banned in Ghana, the REGSEC in a statement signed by the Regional Minister Salifu Sa-eed said they have decided to ban the practice, which is widespread in the country, particularly in the cities. “Those involved in the practice and its related activities within the region are therefore advised to cease any engagement in those acts, forthwith” the statement said. Per section 276 of the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29) “any person who persistently solicits  or  importunes  in  any  public  place  or  in  sight  of  any  public  place  for  the purpose of prostitution shall be liable for a first offence to a fine and for a second or subsequent offences shall be guilty of a misdemeanour.” It said the coronavirus cases so far recorded in Tamale should be a wakeup call to all the people, and urged them to abide by directives issued by authorities to prevent spread of the coronavirus which has killed five people in Ghana already. The REGSEC said there underscored the need for all “to restrain ourselves against any practices that will expose us to any danger”. It warned that anyone who defies the prostitution ban directive “will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the laws… We appeal to the citizenry to be vigilant and report any of such cases to the security agencies”. By 3news.com|Ghana

April 1, 2020

https://3news.com/prostitutes-in-tamale-ordered-to-stop-selling-sex-over-fears-of-covid-19-spread/

Government has announced a 10-cedi daily food package for each head porter in parts of the country affected by the partial anti-coronavirus lockdown which began on Monday. Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, who announced this said each Kayeyei will for the next two weeks that the lockdown will persist, receive 10 cedis everyday to buy food. The decision, she explained, was based on a directive issued by President Nana Akufo-Addo to cushion the head porters most of who depend on daily earnings from carrying goods for people in market areas. About 76 head porters who attempted to smuggle themselves out of Accra to their hometowns in the northern part of the country to flee the lockdown in parts of the country, were intercepted by security personnel on Monday. Their attempted mass crossover to the north was seen as a threat to efforts by health officials and the government to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected 195 people in the country and killed five of them. They have since been escorted to Accra. Despite the temporary provision of shelter for them by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, many have raised concerns over the plight of the head porters as business activities in Accra have come to a halt. Bawumia's support Against this backdrop, the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has donated 500 cedis to each of them ‘stranded' porters to ameliorate their plight during the period of the partial lockdown. The amount was presented to them by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama. Meanwhile the Vice President has also urged all Ghanaians to continue to observe the preventive measures of regular washing of hands with soap under running water, while they  observe the partial lockdown at their respective homes. “While we stay at home to prevent the spread, let us continue to adhere strictly to all the preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus,” he urged. “Let us continue to wash our hands regularly with soap under running water, as well as constantly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to sanitize our hands. We shall overcome, in shaa Allah.” By 3news.com

April 1, 2020

https://3news.com/head-porters-in-lockdown-areas-to-receive-%c2%a210-each-everyday-for-2-weeks/

France's interior minister says that reports of domestic violence across the country have jumped by more than 30% since the country went into lockdown on March 17th. Christophe Castaner revealed on Thursday that in Paris alone, cases were up by 36%. France's anti-coronavirus lockdown has forced people to stay home for the last 11 days. The lockdown has now been extended until April 15. Being confined at home with abusive partners is thought to have increased the risk to victims. France already has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Europe. Every year, an estimated 219,000 women, aged 18 to 75, face physical or sexual violence by current or former partners, but only 20% report it. According to official figures, one woman is killed by a partner or former partner every three days. Castaner said that the government would introduce new measures to allow people facing abuse to call for help during the lockdown. Victims will be able to call for help in pharmacies, he said. “A woman who is suffering from domestic violence, when she goes to the pharmacy without her husband, must be able to call for help.” He added that a code system would be developed for victims whose violent partners had accompanied them to a pharmacy, Spain already has a code system for reporting domestic violence. Castaner said that, as the lockdown continues, the police will be on high alert for reports of abuse, and that fighting domestic violence is a priority. Currently, victims of domestic violence in France can call 3919 for help. Source euronews.com

March 29, 2020

https://3news.com/domestic-violence-cases-jump-30-during-lockdown-in-france/

Hundreds of people have begun fleeing Ghana's capital as authorities prepare to lockdown parts of the country in a drastic move by the government to prevent the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus which has killed at least four persons in the country. Although people can during the lockdown which affects only the Greater Accra metropolitan area including Tema and Kasoa, and the Kumasi metropolitan area, step out to get essential food items and critical services, it appears residents are unaware of that flexibility. Bus terminals in Accra were Saturday morning flooded with overwhelming number of desperate passengers trying to secure vehicles to travel out of the city which will go on a partial lockdown from 1:00 a.m. Monday. From Madina, Cyril Dogbe reported a heavy gridlock on Adenta- Tetteh Quashie Highway which leads to the Eastern Region. By 8:00 a.m. Saturday there was a gridlock of both commercial and private vehicles form the Atomic Junction to Madina Zongo junction, some of who were travelling out of Accra to the Eastern Region area. A lot more people also stormed various major open air markets and supermarkets within Accra Saturday morning to stock-up foodstuff and toiletries among other essential supplies, to hunker down for the next two weeks. As expected, the situation created a gridlock along major routes within the city, causing people to spend hours in traffic in a bid to get to their destination. Social distancing which has been touted as the best approach to break the cycle of the virus transmission was blatantly disregarded by the thousands of people who moved out in town for various businesses. Footages and reports from our reporters showed many of the people crowded themselves in markets and shops to buy what they needed for the period while others crammed themselves in commercial vehicles without any form of protective gears. The situation has caused concerns from some people who fear the more people could likely contract the disease due to what has been described as recklessness of some shoppers who are engaged in panic buying. Reports from our correspondents showed prices of goods in the open air market had shot up by over 100 per cent with a tuber of yam which normally sells at 5 cedis going for 20 cedis. Rush for LPG caused many gas filling stations within the Accra metropolis to choke as people queued in the scorch sun for hours to fill their cylinders. [caption id="attachment_17563" align="aligncenter" width="853"] The stranded customers at Dansoman Saturday morning[/caption] From Dansoman, Joseph Armstrong reported the chaotic situation at a filling station at Dansoman forced authorities to shut the gate, leaving desperate customers stranded in the sun. The situation was no different at Odorkor, GICEL (SCC), Pantang, Mille 11 on the Kasoa Road and other parts of Accra as both vehicles and domestic users flooded the area. A lot more people are likely to try to catch the last intercity bus out of the city Sunday before the enforcement of the lock down kicks in from Monday dawn. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 29, 2020

https://3news.com/hundreds-flee-accra-choke-markets-and-shops-to-stock-up-ahead-of-lockdown/

A pregnant woman travelling with her husband from Accra towards Cape Coast died on the spot when their vehicle got involved in a tragic accident at Gomoa Abotsia, near Apam. The Hyundai vehicle with registration number (CR 415-12) on which the couple were travelling, was run into by a Benz mini trailer with registration number (GE 5365-Z), travelling in the opposite direction. Assistant Division Officer (ADO) II Abdul Wasiu Hudu, Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), who confirmed the accident to the Ghana News Agency, said it occurred at 17: 20 hours on Saturday. He said upon reaching Gomoa Abotsi, the driver of the Benz lost control of the steering when he had a burst tyre and run into the Hyundai vehicle the couple was traveling in, from the opposite direction. He said the husband was trapped in the vehicle and officers of the GNFS struggled to rescue him. ADO II Hudu said the man, who was in critical condition, was sent to the Apam Government Hospital by the Ghana Ambulance Service, while the body of the deceased was deposited at the same facility by the Police. Source GNA

March 23, 2020

https://3news.com/pregnant-woman-dies-in-accident-near-apam/

Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

March 18, 2020

https://3news.com/euro-2020-postponed-until-2021/

The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, on Tuesday told Parliament that it cost the nation 8.97 million dollars to print the100 and 200 denominations recently introduced. He said the amount was made up of $4.45 million and $4.53 million for the GH¢100 and the GH¢ 200 cedi notes respectively. He added that information obtained from the Bank of Ghana showed that an amount of $5.39 million of the total contract had been paid. “Mr Speaker, the Bank of Ghana is in the process of finalizing their financial statements for 2019. Further details of the cost of the currency management will be provided in the bank's financial statements,” he stated. Question Mr Ofori-Atta disclosed that when he appeared before Parliament to answer a question from the Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Mr Edward Kaale-Ewola Dery on how much it cost the state to print the new GH¢100 and GH¢200. The legislators also asked the minister of he did not consider that printing the entire notes could encouraged people to keep their money at home, thereby reducing savings and deposits at banks. Cashless inevitable Responding to the question, the minister told the House he did not anticipate a drop in savings culture in the country just the same way when the GH¢50 denominations were issued. “I am quite comfortable it will not affect our savings as we see it because we did not see any precipitous drop when it was GH¢50 and $50,” he said. On the question of whether the printing of the new currencies contradicted the efforts by the government to introduce a cashless economy, the Mr Ofori-Atta said the emergence of technology had made cashless society almost inevitable. “Larger denominations are needed within the context of all that we do. I am not really sure what ill is being done by having higher denominations but inevitability of us being cashless is an issue of technology and I do not see how it is going affect the velocity in which cash flows in our country,” he said. He stopped short of telling the House the sum total of each of the two currencies—GH200 and GH100—that were printed. He, however, assured that house he would reach out to the central bank, which was in charge of currency management, to obtain the figures. Stabilization fund On the question from the MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr Isaac Adongo, on how much of the excess funds after capping the Stabilisation Fund had been transferred to the Sinking Fund for 2017 and 2017 fiscal years, he said in 2017 the Ghana Stabilisation Fund (GSF) was not capped. He said there was therefore no excess amount transferred to the Contingency Fund or Sinking Fund for debt repayment. “Mr Speaker, paragraph 199 of the 2018 budget statement and economic policy of government capped the GSF at $300 million in line with section 22(3) of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. “Pursuant to the above provision of the PRMA, a total amount of $283,972,853 which was the excess over the capped amount was for the year 2018 was transferred to the Sinking Fund for debt repayment,” he answered. Answering a question on how much debt he had repaid, Mr Ofori-Atta told the House that At a glance The Bank of Ghana spent a total of $8.97 million to print the new GH¢200 and GH¢100 currencies, the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has disclosed. GraphicOnline

March 17, 2020

https://3news.com/new-%c2%a2200-%c2%a2100-notes-printing-cost-ghana-8-97m-finance-minister/

The Public Services Commission has called on public service institutions and agencies to ban local non-critical conferences, seminars, workshops or face-to-face meetings or gatherings. It encouraged the use of alternative information communication technology approach, such as telephone conferencing to hold meetings. The decision followed the confirmation of six COVID-19 cases in the country, as part of the health crisis the world is facing with the flu-like virus. This was contained in a statement signed and copied to the Ghana News Agency by Dr Janet Ampadu-Fofie, the Chairperson of the Public Services Commission, in Accra. It also urged the offices to provide basic preventative items and measures such as hand sanitizers, alcohol, access to soap and running water, paper towels and proper waste disposal items for employees and clients to use for safety purposes. The Commission also admonished offices to promote public health education in the form of simple “Dos and Don'ts” displayed on notice boards, emails and other vantage points for readers to stay safe from the novel pandemic. “The Commission would like to remind all Governing Boards/Councils and Management at public service institutions and agencies to take proactive measures at their various outfits by putting in place measures to create awareness as well as safeguard and protect their employees and all other stakeholders who come to transact official business with them,” the statement said. In addition to the directives from the President of the Republic, the statement said, with regards to the ban on external/foreign trips, except those deemed critical where prior travel approval would have to be sought from the Chief of Staff, the Commission further urged public offices to encourage employees who feel unwell to stay out of work and seek immediate medical attention. “Put in place contingency plans of workflow against any declared emergencies that may make it impossible to work from the office. “Public officers are advised to refrain from communicating false or unverified information on social media platforms that create fear and panic,” the statement said. It also encouraged them to adhere to any other measures and directives put in place by the Ministry of Health and authorized agencies “We reiterate our continuous readiness to provide you with the necessary support in this challenging period,” the statement added. GNA

March 16, 2020

https://3news.com/public-services-commission-calls-for-ban-on-non-critical-work-meetings/

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his government is investing heavily in the provision of educational infrastructure in senior high schools across the country, particularly in those running the double track system. The implementation of the Free Senior High School policy he said, “has meant an increase in the number of children accessing senior high school education, for the simple reason that children, who would otherwise have stayed home or gone on, prematurely, onto the labour market, because of the financial barriers to senior high school education, now have no reason to do so.” With 1.2 million children currently enrolled in senior high schools across the country, the highest such enrolment in Ghana's history, the President explained that the expansion in access, automatically, brought with it a problem of infrastructure. Speaking at the 68th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Opoku Ware School, on Saturday, 7th March, 2020, President Akufo-Addo said that the problem of addressing the infrastructure deficit “was an excellent and exciting one, because more children wanting to go to school beyond junior high school was good news.” He continued, “Our position is that every child who qualifies to be in senior high school must be given the opportunity to do so.” The provision of access to 1.2 million children, he said, has entailed innovation in the usage of the resources available, and it is out of this that the idea of the double track system was born, a system that has worked well in many other jurisdictions. By implementing the double track system, President Akufo-Addo said Government has been able to ensure the best possible use of the space and assets available in schools, throughout the year. “Schools, that operate the double track system, have increased their SHS 1 intake by up to fifty percent (50%) of their usual capacity. This has given many young students a better opportunity to enter our elite schools, such as Opoku Ware, than was previously the case”, he added. Whilst acknowledging that the implementation of the double track system was not going to be an easy path, the President said Government has is addressing the deficit in infrastructure. “We are investing heavily in infrastructure, particularly in our double track schools. Here at Opoku Ware School, for example, Government has already completed the construction of a twelve-unit classroom block, which I understand is currently in use, together with the provision of one thousand, five hundred (1,500) sets of tables and chairs. Government is constructing a new four-storey dormitory block, work on which is progressing steadily. In total, nine hundred and sixty-two (962) structures are being constructed in schools across the country,” he said. Furthermore, from this week, President Akufo-Addo revealed that every district, municipal and metropolitan directorate of education will receive a pick-up vehicle, something which they have not had since 2003. This, he said, will facilitate their work of supervision, and help deliver quality education. “I assure all of you that Government will deal with the issues as they arise, and ensure that we continue to invest in the education and skills training of our young people, as the investment represents the best hope for the social and economic future of our country,” the President added. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 9, 2020

https://3news.com/govt-investing-heavily-in-educational-infrastructure-akufo-addo/

Hajia Samira Bawumia, wife of vice president Bawumia has said it was through the grace of God that she became the second lady of Ghana. But for the intervention of God, she said, she could not have risen to that high status in the country. Speaking on Asempa FM as part of the celebration of the International Women's Day, she underscored the need to educate the girl child. Hajia Bawumia thanked her parents for sending her to school, noting it made her the “first graduate in her family from both mother and father's side”. She said that if her parents had not sent her to school it would have been difficult for her to have become the second lady. “… As you know, if I had not gone to school, becoming the second lady could be challenged and I thank God that he picked me from where I was to make me the second lady. I am grateful to God. What it means also is that whatever God says about you will surely come to pass,” she stated. Since becoming the second lady, Mrs Bawumia has helped lifted the image of Ghana. In October 2019, she was named the first of seven global honourees by the Sustainable Energy for All in partnership with Ashden. It was in recognition of her significant contribution towards mobilizing action for the UN SDG 7; the call for universal access to modern reliable, renewable and affordable energy for all by 2030 The Seven For 7 is an annual  event hosted by SEforAll, an international organisation launched by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to drive action towards the achievement of SDG7 and the Paris Agreement together with AShden, a London-based charity focused on improving lives through sustainable energy and development. The event was hosted after the 2019 Climate Action Summit and a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage at the United Nations General Assembly. As a Global Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance, the Second Lady is championing the adoption of clean cooking solutions, particularly among women and girls, in Ghana, Africa and across the world. The Clean Cooking Alliance is a non-profit organisation hosted by the United Nations Foundation to spearhead the adoption of clean and efficient cooking solutions, in households and institutions, across the world. Mrs Bawumia, through her not-for-profit organisation, Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) has also provided critical interventions in the areas of health, education and women's empowerment. Her organization aims to reduce the high rates of maternal and child mortality in the Ghana by distributing birth kits to underprivileged expectant mothers and by providing medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to selected health facilities across Ghana. Receiving her award, the Second Lady commended the organisers for acknowledging her contribution to global climate action. She indicated that the issue of access to clean cooking solutions is an environmental, health and development issue. As such, it should be given all the attention it deserves. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 9, 2020

https://3news.com/i-became-second-lady-by-grace-of-god-samira/

Ghana get its first-ever Payment Systems Advisory Committee to guide the Bank of Ghana on regulation and oversight, operational and technical stands of the payment systems, and any other matters affecting payment services clearing and settlement of payments. For effective discharge of its responsibilities, the Advisory Committee will harness the expertise of stakeholders through the establishment of working groups on the various thematic areas of the payment systems operations. Inaugurating the Committee, the Governor of Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison said the formation of the committee marked an important milestone in the history of the development of payment systems. “Today marks another landmark in our journey to develop a safe, efficient, competitive, and inclusive payment system for Ghana. As we all know, payment systems are essential components of a modern economy. It is imperative, therefore, that stakeholders must plan, design, and implement payment systems reforms in a holistic manner.” He said the payment system infrastructure had witnessed rapid transformation over the last twenty years with the establishment of the establishment of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) with a mandate to oversee all interbank payment and processing activities. Dr Addison said the implementation of the mobile money interoperability system was another significant achievement within Ghana's payment ecosystem. The interoperability system has enabled seamless funds transfer across platforms of electronic money issuers, on one hand, and between mobile money ecosystem and bank accounts on the other. This interconnectedness has laid the foundation for the efficient delivery of digital financial services and the scaling up of financial inclusion. He said the increasing digitisation of the payment systems landscape has also provided opportunity for financial technology firms (Fintechs) to create innovative products and services that meet the needs of various customer types at affordable costs, which is critical for financial access. “Without a doubt, the payment system is of systemic importance and engenders financial inclusion. Therefore, the Bank of Ghana will continue to strengthen the supportive structures, including the provision of strong regulatory and prudential oversight to ensure that the payment system is safe, efficient, competitive, and supportive of innovation,” Dr Addison added. GNA

March 9, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-gets-payment-systems-advisory-committee-accra/

Operational and administrative protocols are to be reviewed at the Sogakope Police Station where a police service riffle has mysteriously disappeared. Two police officers have been arrested and detained in connection with the missing riffle, which the police say, has no connection whatsoever to the murder of the assembly member for Sogakope South electoral area, Marcus Mawutor Adzahli. “The weapon in question disappeared on 07 March 2020 whereas the unfortunate killing of the assemblyman happened on 01 March 2020. This is only an unfortunate coincidence and the command is resolved to get to the bottom of it,” a statement from the Regional Police Command explained. The two officers, whose details have not been given, are to be transferred to the Volta Regional Police Command to assist in investigations into the missing riffle case which some police officers initially linked to the murder incident. The statement said the Sogakope Police Station requires a review of the operational and administrative protocols, something it said the Regional Command is determined to do. Four arrested for assemblyman murder Meanwhile, four persons have been arrested in the Volta Region for their alleged complicity in the murder of the Sogakope South Electoral Area assembly member Marcus Mawutor Adzahli. According to the police, the four suspects are assisting police in investigations into the gruesome murder which triggered violent protests in the Sogakope township. Details of the suspects have however been withheld by the police. They are expected to be put before court Monday. The police is working assiduously in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to arrest anyone involved in the killing of the assemblyman and also calls on the public for support,” the statement signed by Regional Police PRO, Corporal Prince Dogbatse assured. ‘Contract killing' theory Marcus was shot multiple times in what some believe to be a contract killing, an incident that sparked violent protests in the town last week. His wife who was assaulted by the unknown assailants, was said to have collapsed later. The attackers were said to have refused to accept 30,000-cedi offer from the victim's wife in a plea to save his life, insisting money was not the reason for the attack. They subsequently snatched the money only after they had shot, stabbed and killed Marcus. The main highway linking the Greater Accra region to parts of Volta region through Sogakope, as well as other major roads, were blocked by some angry protestors who have been demanding justice for the assembly member. They claimed the police could have averted the incident if they were a little proactive. Former President Jerry John Rawlings announced 25,000 cedis for anyone who offers information leading to the arrest of the killers of the assemblyman. The Volta Regional Minister also announced 10,000-cedi bounty on the killers. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 9, 2020

https://3news.com/police-to-review-protocols-at-sogakope-police-station-as-riffle-disappears/

Four persons have been arrested in the Volta Region for their alleged complicity in the murder of the Sogakope South Electoral Area assembly member Marcus Mawutor Adzahli. A police statement issued Sunday evening said the four suspects are assisting police in investigations into the gruesome murder which triggered violent protests in the Sogakope township. Details of the suspects have however been withheld by the police. They are expected to be put before court Monday. The police is working assiduously in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to arrest anyone involved in the killing of the assemblyman and also calls on the public for support,” the statement signed by Regional Police PRO, Corporal Prince Dogbatse assured. Marcus was shot multiple times in what some believe to be a contract killing, an incident that sparked violent protests in the town last week. His wife who was assaulted by the unknown assailants, was said to have collapsed later. The attackers were said to have refused to accept 30,000-cedi offer from the victim's wife in a plea to save his life, insisting money was not the reason for the attack. They subsequently snatched the money only after they had shot, stabbed and killed Marcus. The main highway linking the Greater Accra region to parts of Volta region through Sogakope, as well as other major roads, were blocked by some angry protestors who have been demanding justice for the assembly member. They claimed the police could have averted the incident if they were a little proactive. Former President Jerry John Rawlings announced 25,000 cedis for anyone who offers information leading to the arrest of the killers of the assemblyman. The Volta Regional Minister also announced 10,000-cedi bounty on the killers. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/4-arrested-over-gruesome-murder-of-sogakope-assemblyman/

A former deputy Finance Minister under the John Mahama administration has issued 230 questions and statements on the country's economy to vice president Dr Mahammudu Bawumia to answer. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan wants Dr Bawumia to answer the questions before the December 7 general elections. He said having attentively listened to Dr Bawumia's town hall speech, he has “found a number of issues you raised quite disturbing and factually inaccurate”. The former deputy minister said although the vice president is entitled to his opinion, he cannot be entitled his own facts. “It is for this reason that I found it necessary to send you this Open Letter to point out these factual inaccuracies and also take the opportunity to ask you some questions about the true state of Ghana's economy,” he stated as introductory remarks. Mr Ricketts-Hagan said he would be grateful for Dr Bawumia's comments on the statements and answers to his questions “hopefully before 7th December, 2020”. Click here to read the full 230 statements and questions by Ricketts-Hagan By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/ricketts-hagan-issues-230-economic-questions-statements-to-dr-bawumia-to-answer/

Hundreds of Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian students on Friday came together in Aberdeen in the United Kingdom to celebrate Ghana's 63rd Independence Day. While Kumasi was busily hosting the national event, the ecstatic students gathered at the Students Roost on the Pittodrie Street, with the black star, red, yellow and green colours of Ghana celebrate. They marked the day with singing of patriotic songs. Also featuring prominently were varieties of Ghanaian local dishes, good Ghanaian music and dance as most of them were clad in various Ghanaian traditional outfits. According to the students who participated in the event, it reminded and rekindled their love and patriotism for the Ghana. The occasion was a recall of the powerful declaration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the day of independence which he stated that “our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total liberation of Africa”. For the students, the statement was true and relevant at the time it was made, but noted it was even more relevant at the Students Roost in Aberdeen albeit in a different context. “As one people from the beautiful continent of Africa, we share the inspiration, optimism and confidence that comes from that speech of the great son of the continent,” they said in a statement. Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, is gradually becoming the most-preferred destination for Ghanaian students, with two of its big universities; University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, equally earning such profound prominence in Ghana. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/ghanaians-in-aberdeen-mark-ghanas-63rd-independence-day-with-pride/

Two police officers have been picked up by the Police at Sogakope for what sources claim, in connection with the murder of Marcus Mawutor Adzahli, the assembly member for Sogakope South Electoral Area in the Volta Region. According to sources within the police, the two were picked up based on alleged information that they rented gun to the suspected armed robbers who broke into assemblyman's residence last week Sunday to murder him in cold blood. Although the Volta Regional Police PRO confirmed two of their men have been picked up, he debunked claims that they are linked to the murder murder incident. “Yes, two police officers were picked up but not involved in the assemblyman murder case,” he told 3news.com Sunday afternoon but declined to give further details. Marcus was shot multiple times in what some believe to be a contract killing, an incident that sparked violent protests in the town last week. His wife who was assaulted by the unknown assailants, was said to have collapsed later. The attackers  were said to have refused to accept 30,000-cedi offer from the victim's wife in a plea to save his life, insisting money was not the reason for the attack. They subsequently snatched the money only after they had shot, stabbed and killed Marcus. The main highway linking the Greater Accra region to parts of Volta region through Sogakope, as well as other major roads, were blocked by some angry protestors who have been demanding justice for the assembly member. They claimed the police could have averted the incident if they were a little proactive. Former President Jerry John Rawlings announced a 25,000 cedis for anyone who offers information leading to the arrest of the killers of the assemblyman. The Volta Regional Minister also announced 10,000-cedi bounty on the killers. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/2-policemen-arrested-allegedly-over-murder-of-sogakope-assemblyman/

Government is digitising the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project with an automation system to enable it to demand due payments from commercial farmers for water used for irrigation on their farms. The 35 million-dollar World Bank funded project, expected to cover 2000 hectares of land, would enable the project scheme managers to monitor the level of water in the supply canals and the quantity of water that farmers use for irrigation so that they could be charged the right amount of fees. The project, implemented under the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, is focused on more than 1000 farmers who produce rice, maize and vegetables for commercial purposes. When completed, it would be the third largest irrigation project in the country after the Tono Water project in the Upper East Region and the Kpong Irrigation Scheme Project. Project Coordinator of the GCAP, Osei Owusu-Agyemang, said the project is aimed at getting the farmers to farm throughout the year without having to encounter problems like lack of access to water for irrigation. He said the farmers would also be trained to employ best agronomic practices and be connected to markets to increase productivity and generate more profit. Mr Owusu-Agyemang noted that a law had been passed in parliament to ensure that commercial farmers join Water Users Association and pay for the water used on their farms, therefore they had no reason to avoid payments. “Previously, farmers were paying by the number of hectares or size of lands they had which was not fair. This system will charge them according to the number of litres they use to irrigate their farms,” he said. The project, which is 63 per cent complete, would be fully completed in December, he disclosed. As Ghana promoted the consumption of its own foods, he said, it was necessary to boost the production of rice, maize and vegetables, to reduce the rate of importation and enhance Ghana's space in the capital market. A Contract Management Specialist for GCAP, Mr Philip Daniel Laryea, said the objective of rolling out the project was to rehabilitate and expand the formerly existing 450 hectartes of farm lands into 2000 with additional canals. To ensure the safety of farmers, he said, safety ladders would be put at vantage points in the canal to save farmers who might accidentally fall into the deep sides of the canal Warning signs would also be placed within the project areas with inscriptions in English and local languages to put users of the area out of danger. Mr Laryea said for farmers to fully utilise the irrigation project, they needed to have access to roads connecting the project to farms and communities. He gave assurance that they would therefore construct 180 kilometre roads with gravel surfaces, drains and culverts to allow easy access to the project. The Project Manager of Mechatronics Systems PVT Limited, the engineering company working on the project, Santosh Raut, said the automation system had a remote terminal unit connected to a system called gate measurement systems in the canals with internet connections, solar charges and batteries. He explained that when the machine is activated, that farmers who needed water supply, would immediately get it pumped onto their farms. With two independent networks which ensured continuity of operation at all times, he said, the operating office had database, hosted on websites to enable them to know what was happening from across the country. “At first, we had to contract people to monitor and tell us what was happening at every work station as well as how farmers were using the water. But with the new system, we can know when farmers need water, the level of water in canals, and what quantity of water farmers need by monitoring their operations on our system,” he said. Although the automation system was reliable, he said the manual system of pumping water onto farms would be maintained for any future emergencies. GNA

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/kpong-left-bank-irrigation-project-receives-automation-system/

A community-based women focused NGO, Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), is pushing for strengthening of laws supporting gender equality in a bid to address the root causes of discrimination curtailing women's rights. In a statement issued to mark this year's International Women's Day, HFFG said it is uplifting to see Ghanaian women have risen to lead key national institutions like the Judicial Service, the National Commission for Civic Education, as well as the Electoral Commission. “The Ghanaian woman has the qualities to excel so in line with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goal, let's ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life,” it said. It called for the quick passage of the long awaited Affirmative Action Bill, which it said would go a long way to empower more women and end the systematic discrimination and exclusion of women in the decision-making process. “This year's International Women's Day offers a chance for us as a country to reflect on progress made in ensuring that the fundamental human rights of women and girls are safeguarded at all times. “It is also a call to action to accelerate gender equality and challenges us as a country committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end gender-based violence, promote  economic justice and promote a access to the reproductive health and rights of all women” the statement said. The NGO is also congratulating Ghanaian women and stakeholders who continue to serve as enablers for women and girls to excel at their respective fields. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality. It is celebrated annually on 8 March. This year's event is being celebrated on the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights”. Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) is a national community  based, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve the health and socio-economic status of women, children and young people through innovative and acceptable participatory strategies. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/ngo-calls-for-strengthening-of-laws-supporting-gender-equality/

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Hohoe John Peter Amewu has announced plans to roll out a “one teacher, one laptop” project in the constituency. The initiative, according to the candidate who is the Energy Minister, is to help teachers get themselves abreast of technology in the delivery of quality teaching and learning to enhance academic performance in the constituency. Mr. Amewu said this when he presented a 2020 Presidential Diary, a Microsoft laptop and an undisclosed amount of money to Master Hotor Prosper, a student of Bishop Herman College and past student of the St. Francis Demonstration Junior High School (JHS) in Hohoe for being a recipient of the 2019 Presidential Award. He said the presentation was to encourage other students to emulate the efforts of Master Hotor and excel in their examinations and congratulated efforts of teachers adding that “we are doing all this with the aim of projecting the Hohoe Municipality in the country for people to come and see what we are doing here.” Mr. Amewu said he organised a free vacation classes for candidates who sat for the 2019 BECE in the municipality to enable them cover some topics they were not able to, during school hours and was happy to note that beneficiaries passed very well. The Energy Minister told the Ghana News Agency that there were about 1900 teachers in the constituency, which the project was expected to cover and added that “we are trying to do the first 500 teachers by the end of April this year”. He said the project would enable the teachers to build their capacity to become well equipped to transfer the knowledge to school children in the constituency. The performance of schools in the Hohoe municipality in the 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has witnessed tremendous improvement with 16 out of 77 schools recording a 100 per cent pass while no school recorded a zero per cent in all subjects. GNA

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/amewu-promises-one-teacher-one-laptop-in-hohoe/

Italy's prime minister has said at least 16 million people are now under lock-down in Lombardy region and also in 14 provinces until early April. The dramatic escalation in the country's efforts to contain the new coronavirus will close gyms, pools, museums and ski resorts. Weddings and funerals are also suspended under the new measures. Italy is Europe's worst-hit country and reported a steep rise in virus infections on Saturday. The new measures, which also apply to financial centre Milan and tourist hotspot Venice will last until 3 April. The death toll in Italy has passed 230, with officials reporting more than 50 deaths in 24 hours. The number of confirmed cases jumped by more than 1,200 to 5,883 on Saturday. “We want to guarantee the health of our citizens. We understand that these measures will impose sacrifices, sometimes small and sometimes very big,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said early on Sunday. “But this is a time where we must take responsibility for ourselves.” People are unable to enter or leave the whole northern region of Lombardy, home to 10 million people, except for emergency access. Milan is the main city in the region. The same measures apply to 14 provinces including Venice, Parma and Modena, affecting a total of around 16 million people. Prime Minister Conte said the provinces affected were Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro and Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padua, Treviso and Venice. Until now only around 50,000 people in northern Italy had been affected by quarantine measures. Weddings and funerals have been suspended, as well as religious and cultural events. Cinemas, night clubs, gyms, swimming pools, museums and ski resorts have been closed. Restaurants and cafes can open between 06:00 and 18:00 but customers must sit at least a metre apart. People have been told to stay home as much as possible, and those who break the quarantine could face three months in jail. Sports competitions will close to the public, and the president of Italy's football players' union has called for all matches to be postponed. The World Health Organization has advised Italy to strongly focus on virus containment measures as infections spread in the country. The plans echo China's forced quarantine of millions of people which the WHO has praised for halting the spread of the virus. Leading Italian politician Nicola Zingaretti said on Saturday he had tested positive for the virus. “I am fine but I will have to stay home for the next few days,” the leader of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party (PD) said in a Facebook post. The country has said it will start recruiting retired doctors in an effort to combat the escalating outbreak. Elsewhere, Iran has confirmed almost 6,000 infections and 145 deaths, and the number of cases worldwide has passed 100,000, officials say. A second MP was reportedly among those to have died in Iran, where health officials fear the number of cases may actually be much higher. There have so far been nearly 3,500 coronavirus deaths recorded worldwide. The majority have been in China, where the virus originated in December. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called the spread of the virus “deeply concerning” and urged all countries to make containment “their highest priority”. In other developments: On Sunday South Korean officials said 367 new cases were reported in the past day, bringing the total cases in the country to 7,134. China reported its lowest number of new infections in a single day since January. There were 27 new deaths there from the virus, which were all in Wuhan where the outbreak began. In Iran, 21 people are reported to have died as a result of coronavirus in the past day and more than 16,000 people are being tested in the country. The WHO's representative in Iran, Dr Christoph Hamelmann, said Iran was making tremendous progress at its hospitals, with facilities made available for treatment in every province. In the US a cruise ship with 3,533 passengers and crew is being held off the coast near San Francisco after 21 people tested positive for the disease. Washington state reported two more fatalities, bringing the the US death toll rose to 19. In New York cases jumped from 44 on Friday to 76 and Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency. South America recorded its first coronavirus death, as a 64-year-old man died in Argentina. In Australia, a man in his 80s became the third person to die there from the virus. Among other countries to report a rise in the total number of cases are: France (to 949); Germany (795); Spain (441); the UK (206); the Netherlands (188). Colombia, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Malta, the Maldives and Paraguay reported their first cases. More than 80,000 people have been infected with coronavirus in China since its emergence in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province. BBC

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/northern-italy-quarantines-16-million-people/

It was a fun-packed day at the Junction Mall on Friday, March 6 as Ghana marked its 63rd independence anniversary. Ghana's most urban focused radio station – 3FM – took over one of Accra's busiest malls with a carefully selected blend of shows to spice the holiday and shopping experience of patrons. The extravaganza kicked off with the Urban Blend show hosted by Mariam Osei-Agyemang. The fine hostess treated patrons and listeners a beautiful blend of good music, conversations, competition and performances from Southside Entertainment. That impressive show was followed by Accra's biggest drive time show, the 3FM Drive hosted by Giovani Caleb. The talk-of-town show once again did not fail to deliver as businesses at the mall, patrons and listeners were given a treat of a lifetime. Giovani and his crew turned the show into a mega concert with an impressive list of acts talking turns to trill the many who had gathered there. Skrewfaze, DarkoVibes, Lord Paper, O'Bkay, Don Itchi and host of others were in their elements performing back to back hit tracks. At the peek of the event, Lord Paper happily dashed a kid who had impressed him on the dancefloor with GHc200. The icing on the cake was the Block Party show hosted by the ‘Energy goddess' Chrystal. In her usual element, there was never a dull moment around her. Her energy, backed by some good music, charged the atmosphere at the Junction Mall. Apart from the artiste performances, there were exciting competitions and giveaways. Source: 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/3fm-takes-over-junction-mall-on-independence-day/

The Group Chief Executive of Media General, Beatrice Agyemang Abbey has on the occasion of International Women's Day, expressed confidence in the attainment of global gender parity in the shortest possible time. “I wish to take this opportunity to salute all women around the world and to my African sisters in particular, I wish them the very best in all their endeavours. Without a doubt and as African women, we face grave challenges coupled with traditional practices. This has in no way deterred us from going for our dreams,” she stated. The Group CEO further called on all women to embrace the concept of active participation at all levels of decision-making and the incorporation of women's perspective. “Let us not get confortable and complacent with the successes we have achieved over the years, rather, we need to strive to make a meaningful contribution in our various societies,” she added. As part of activities marking the day which falls on March 8 every year, Media General will dedicate its platforms to celebrate Ghanaian women through its programming. There will be interviews with women making impact in society as well as stories to project uniquely amazing stories of Ghanaian female entrepreneurs. This year's theme for International Women's Day 2020 is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights”. It is aligned with the UN Women's new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, the Beijing Platform for Action is recognized as the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls across the world. Media General owns and operators some of the industry's largest and most diversified businesses spanning television, radio, digital media and productions. Brands owned by the group include TV3, Onua TV, 3FM, Onua FM, Connect FM in Tarkoradi, Akoma FM in Kumasi, and www.3news.com. Adesa Production Limited is responsible for audio visual production for Media General and external clients. The corporate social investment is championed by 3Foundation. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 8, 2020

https://3news.com/expect-gender-parity-in-the-shortest-possible-time-media-general-ceo/

Liverpool moved to within three wins of their first Premier League title by coming from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at Anfield. The hosts fell behind in controversial circumstances, as Callum Wilson slotted home Jefferson Lerma's low cross after appearing to shove Joe Gomez in the build-up to the goal. But Mohamed Salah restored parity with a low finish and Sadio Mane latched on to Virgil van Dijk's perfectly weighted through-ball to complete the turnaround. The win means Liverpool could be champions by the time they play Everton in the league on 16 March – if Manchester City lose their next three games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Burnley. There were very few goals in the 15:00 GMT kick-offs – four 1-0s and a goalless draw – yet there were some very significant results. Sheffield United continued their remarkable season by beating bottom-of-the-table Norwich 1-0 to move up to sixth in the table, courtesy of club legend Billy Sharp's winning goal. The Blades have played the same number of games as fourth-placed Chelsea – who travel to Everton on Sunday (kick-off 14:00 GMT), and are just two points adrift of a Champions League spot. Time is running out for Daniel Farke's side, six points from a position of safety with just nine games remaining. Wolves missed the chance to jump into fourth place with a goalless draw a home to out-of-form Brighton. Nuno Espirito Santo's side extend their unbeaten run to five games, but Graham Potter's men remain winless in 2020 and are just two points above the relegation zone. Crystal Palace recorded a third successive league victory as they beat relegation-threatened Watford 1-0 to climb into the top half of the table. Jordan Ayew proved the difference once more for Roy Hodgson's side as he scored his eighth league goal of the campaign with a smart finish from the edge of the area in the first half. Allan Saint-Maximin's second-half winner gave Newcastle a priceless 1-0 victory at Southampton as Steve Bruce's side moved up to 13th place, leapfrogging their opponents. Saint-Maximin punished Saints defender Yan Valery's mistake, before keeping his cool by cutting inside and tucking the ball inside the far post. Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal as Arsenal edged a 1-0 victory over West Ham, who remain just one point outside the drop zone. BBC Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/what-happened-in-the-premier-league-on-saturday/

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has explained he excused himself from the 63rd national Independence Day parade in Kumasi to join the people Sogakope to celebrate the day. According to him, it was to show solidarity with the people of the area following the recent spate of violent attacks, which culminated in the death of the assemblyman of the area, Marcus Mawutor Azahli last week. The former President also urged the police administration to equip its men to enable them perform their roles effectively, urging the people and the security agencies to be vigilant to prevent such violent, criminal attacks. A statement issued by the former president said he joined the Sogakope people “to express my condolences and sympathies to all that has happened over the last month”. He said he was hopeful that correct information will be forthcoming to ensure that those responsible for the savagery are dealt with. “I think some of these things happen because some of the killings that have been going on in this country and especially in this area are not being dealt with appropriately, so people feel they can do things like that with impunity and get away with it, knowing they will not pay the price with their lives as well. Describing the parade as one of the most impressive he had witnessed since he started observing the annual District event, former President Rawlings expressed his admiration for the energy on the ground and urged the people to preserve and use it for the benefit of the area, the region and the country. He also advised students and the youth to desist from the illicit use of drugs such as tramadol, urging them to appreciate the pain their parents endure to raise resources to educate them. He said it was imperative that they studied hard to achieve the highest academic qualifications to enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the community. President Rawlings also cautioned okada riders and other commercial drivers to desist from drink driving as that had been responsible for increasing reports of motor crashes in the area. “If you are an okada rider or a driver and you want to go and die, go and die, but do not take along people on your bike or in your vehicle and drive irresponsibly or drunk or tired and kill people,” he warned. On the erection of speed ramps within the South Tongu area, former President Rawlings described most of the ramps as ‘obstacles' that weaken vehicle shock absorbers and springs leading to preventable road accidents. “We are doing something very illegal. In trying to slow down vehicles on the roads around where we live, we are building illegal, illegitimate and inappropriate speed ramps.” Flt Lt Rawlings recalled how a VRA official who had an accident over one of such ramps developed a serious injury to the vertebrae. He said there is a proper way of constructing such ramps and called on those responsible to ensure they construct such ramps responsibly. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/rawlings-explains-why-he-attended-independence-parade-in-sogakope-instead-of-kumasi/

Jurgen Klopp said he will “never compare” himself to former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly after his side beat Bournemouth to take another major step towards a first league title in 30 years. Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/salah-and-mane-return-liverpool-to-winning-ways/

Actress Fella Makafui has revealed that fainting at her wedding was a prank. According to her, she pranks her husband, Medikal, a lot, hence her decision to pull one on him on the day they decided to tie the knot. Fella Makafui was seen fainting at her traditional wedding ceremony after she and Medikal had danced for nearly an hour. The actress, before falling into the arms of her husband, alerted the MC to announce they would be leaving the stage because she felt tired. She held on to Medikal for support and waited to leave the stage. However, a few minutes after that, she fainted in the arms of her groom. Her accident spiked rumours that she may be pregnant while others said she may have fainted due to dehydration. Fella Makafui after changing her outfit came back to the venue to assure her guests that she was okay. She added that her actions were also to test the reactions of Ghanaians and bloggers. This, she explained, is because many people believe so much in negativity. Source myjoyonline

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/fainting-at-my-traditional-wedding-was-a-prank-fella-makafui/

Babacar Sarr is a 29-year-old footballer who's played in top teams across the globe, including in one of the world's highest paying leagues. He's also a fugitive, wanted in a rape case in Norway and the subject of an international arrest warrant. He maintains his innocence and now has dropped off the radar. Sarr is a Senegalese midfielder who built his reputation in Norwegian football, before playing in the top leagues in Russia and Saudi Arabia. He was a star player at Molde, a top league Norwegian club he joined in 2016. He played there for about two years when the club was managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who's now the manager of Manchester United. “Sarr was the engine, the motor of the team in a way,” says Lars Johnsen, a journalist from Josimar, an independent online football magazine based in Norway. “He had all these qualities, was good on the ball – everything,” he tells Radio 1 Newsbeat. But while his career flourished, Sarr faced multiple allegations of rape. He was first accused in 2015, when he was playing for another Norwegian team. He was accused of raping a woman during an end-of-season trip to Stockholm. Police investigated but didn't press charges. After the move to Molde, Sarr faced further accusations of rape. He denies all the allegations against him. In March 2018, he was charged for the first time, with a rape that allegedly took place at an after-party in an apartment in Molde in 2017. Newsbeat spoke with the alleged victim who claims she woke to find him “on top of her”. Sarr continued to play for Molde before his trial, leading to anti-rape campaigners turning up at the team's matches with banners saying “No Means No”, and anti-rape chants being sung at games. After a joint criminal and civil trial, Sarr was found not guilty in August 2018 of the criminal charge. But he was ordered to pay his accuser compensation of 150,000 Norwegian kroner (around £12,500) after the court ruled in her favour on the civil claim. Both sides appealed against the result. Sarr's Molde contract was cancelled by mutual consent in January 2019. At the time, Norwegian papers reported that the club thanked him for his contribution “through a difficult time for the player as well as the club”. The prosecution's appeal hearing against his acquittal was set for February 2019. But it had to be delayed, because both the defendant and a witness didn't appear in court. In Norway, a criminal trial can't go ahead for serious crimes if the suspect isn't there, which is different to the UK. By this time, he was more than 4,000 miles away, in Siberia, Russia. In February 2019, Sarr signed for Yenisey Krasnoyarsk, a team in the Russian Premier League. Following huge investment by wealthy club owners, the Russian league is now the seventh highest-paid football division in the world. so it was a big move for Sarr in his footballing career. The extradition process between Russia and other countries is known to be complicated. Then in June last year, just before he was due to appear in court in Norway for the rescheduled appeal hearing, Sarr signed for another club, this time in Saudi Arabia. Around the same time, it emerged that Norwegian prosecutors had issued an international arrest warrant for him through Interpol, the organisation that helps police across the world work together on serious crimes. He joined Damac FC, a team on the rise in the Saudi top division, moving to a country where there is no extradition treaty with Norway. That means there was no agreement between those countries to send Sarr back to Norway for his case to be heard again in court. But then in January, Sarr's contract with Damac FC was suddenly cancelled before the end of the season. Damac didn't respond when Radio 1 Newsbeat asked why that was. Around the same time, it emerged that he'd been charged with a second rape – one that was alleged to have taken place in Oslo, at Molde's end-of-season party in November 2018. That second charge was recently dropped because Oslo police failed to notify Babacar Sarr within three months after being asked by prosecutors – the time limit allowed under Norwegian law. The Oslo state prosecutor's office told us that the police were “unsuccessful in their attempts at serving the indictment on Mr Sarr”. This has been described by a senior law professor at the University of Bergen as “a huge mistake by the police”. Oslo police responded to Newsbeat saying they were unable to comment on cases that have been transferred to prosecutors. It's from January this year that Sarr's whereabouts become less clear. No other club appears to have signed him. There have been no sightings of him since the last of his 13 games with Damac. A tweet that Damac had posted celebrating Sarr joining when he was signed last year appears to have been deleted, and Newsbeat could find no other references to him on the club's account. Sarr's Instagram account, which was public, is now private. Sarr's story has been in the news last month after one of his alleged victims told the Daily Telegraph that she thinks Solskjaer is “not fit to lead” Manchester United after his decision to keep playing Sarr at Molde after his original charge. She thinks that football players charged with sexual assaults should not be allowed to continue playing until the case has been resolved. “It's about the signal it sends, especially when it's someone's kids who looks up to them,” she says. Manchester United told The Telegraph that Solskjaer fully respected the due process of the Norwegian legal system. In response to this case, UK campaigners have called for football clubs to suspend players if they are on trial for serious sexual offences. With no club linked to him, Sarr's whereabouts are unknown. Norway's state prosecutor, Ingvild Thorn Nordheim, issued the international arrest warrant. She says Sarr and his lawyers haven't answered any communication from her. Newsbeat has seen court documents showing Norwegian prosecutors asking Saudi Arabian officials where he is, but receiving no concrete answers. Lars Johnsen, says all the indications are he's still in Saudi Arabia, but he can't be sure. “I have to say Saudi – but I don't know,” he says. “He might be in Senegal.” He believes Sarr will be looking for his next move and may soon leave Saudi Arabia if he hasn't already. For now, his location – as well as whether he'll come back to Norway to face the appeal – are a mystery. Sarr's lawyer, Yvonne Larsen, told Newsbeat the issue of the first rape has been “dealt with already” because Sarr was found not guilty at his first trial. She added that Sarr continued to play football while he was charged because “everyone is innocent until guilt is proved by the law, and Mr Sarr is still innocent”. “There is nothing strange about this situation at all.” As for one of the alleged victims, she has decided to move away from Molde. She “doesn't get her hopes up that the appeal will happen” and wants to rebuild her life in another city. BBC Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/how-did-an-international-footballer-become-a-wanted-man-then-disappear/

Ghana's health minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu says health officials will not rely on common sense approach in decisions to prevent the deadly novel coronavirus that has plagued the world, from entering the country. He told parliamentarians this week that common sense approach as suggested by some MPs, was not the solution but experts' advice, which he noted, health authorities in the country are currently adhering to. “We have tried not to rely and use common sense advice but experts' advice and that is what we are going through…We are not relying so much on common sense advice, we are relying on expert advice to take decisions,” Mr Agyemang-Manu said. Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, had questioned why the government was being hesitant in evacuating Ghanaian students from Wuhan and rather do so at the last hour when the virus situation would have degenerated. “Mr Speaker, common sense will tell you that when you are assessing risk as far as evacuation is concerned, you evacuate when the risk is low. You don't wait till the risk is high before you do evacuation,” he argued in parliament this week. But the Health Minister suggested common sense not an option in this case as government and health officials are strictly working with technical advice from experts at the World Health Organisation (WHO). “We are working together with WHO in country here for our emergency preparedness and we are taking advice from protocols that are being sent to us on daily basis by WHO,” he assured. Mr Agyemang-Manu revealed that Ghana was initially discouraged from evacuating its students from Wuhan where the virus that has so far killed more than 3,000 people and infected over 85,000 people globally originated from. “Not very long after, China actually imposed a complete ban even on evacuation,” he stated. The minister observed that more than 80 per cent of cases recorded outside China were the results of evacuation hence Ghana's “decision to hesitate and assess risk before we rush to evacuate was a very good decision”. Figures from WHO shows nearly 100,000 people worldwide have contracted the coronavirus, also known as covid-19, with more than 3,000 people, majority in China, dying of the virus which has no cure. Director general of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has described the spread of the virus as “deeply concerning” and urged all countries to make containment “their highest priority”. Ghana's preparedness Ghana has not recorded any coronavirus case. At least 41 suspected cases which fit the case definition of the virus have all tested negative. Despite this, government says it has been preparing prevent and also to manage any recorded case of coronavirus in the country. A quarantine centre has already been established in the country. A remotely located 100-bed capacity facility for the purpose of quarantining persons with coronavirus is expected to be ready in two weeks' time. A holding room has already been set up at the country's main entry point, the Kotoka International Airport, to use for suspected cases. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and the Tema General Hospital have already been designated as treatment and isolation centres, but the Minister said all the five teaching and 10 regional hospitals in the country have the potential to manage covid-19 cases. Also, case management teams have been trained. A total of 5,000 PPEs have been procured and distributed to all regions and major health facilities and points of entry in the country as well as some selected health facilities. More are being procured by government to help protect our frontline workers. More reagents and primer are also being procured for the two health research centres at the forefront of testing for coronavirus cases in the country. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/we-wont-rely-on-common-sense-to-take-decisions-on-coronavirus-health-minister/

The decision by state officials to label a seat for former President John Mahama at Ghana's 63rd Independence Day celebration at the Kumasi Sports Stadium has been questioned by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party claimed that was deliberately done by the State Protocol with a possible connivance of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, to portray Mahama, who is seeking to regain power in the 2020 presidential election, as unpatriotic person. Mahama has come under criticism for not attending the national event in Kumasi on Friday and the 2020 State of the Nation Address by Nana Akufo-Addo last month. Some critics, particularly from the NPP, argue his failure to show up at the independence day parade smacks of disrespect for the Asante people, a claim the NDC has rejected and described as unfortunate. Appearing on TV3 news analysis show, The Key Points on Saturday,  Communications member of the NDC, Brogya Genfi said it was unfortunate that the State Protocol would conduct itself in the manner it did with the former President. He admitted that although Mahama was duly invited to attend the programme, he indicated to the State Protocol that he would not be able to attend the event because he was going to be out of town on March 6. “And so we were all surprised when they labeled a chair in his name and captured it when the State knew he was not going to be there,” Mr Genfi stated. He added: “That's very unfortunate that the state protocol of our nation will, maybe in connivance with some party officials, will do something to try to tarnish the image of the former president”. He did not understand why the State Protocol will do something like especially when former President John Rawlings who was also absent at the event, was not given a labeled chair. “Former president Rawlings was not there, I didn't see his empty chair labeled and a picture taken… I'm telling you on authority that the state knew former president Mahama was never going to be at the event. So why do you provide a seat for him, put a tag [of] his name on it and then take a picture of it and start to troll him on social media. It is very, very unfortunate,” Mr Genfi protested. Also, he has rejected claims that the National Democratic Congress boycotted anniversary parade, saying “there were many members of parliament from the minority side at the event. The regional executives of the NDC were highly represented by the Regional chairman and other executives so we didn't boycott the event”. Commenting on the matter, a senior lecturer at the University of Education in Winneba, Dr Ahmed Jinapor raised concern about the level politics introduced into the celebration over the years. “I think generally, the way it is organised and done looks overly political,” he stated. Though he also raised concerned about the chair given to Johm Mahama as against what was assigned to former President John Kufuor, he said that was not to say the latter got preferential treatment. “Look at the chair that President Kufuor was sitting on, look at the chair that is labeled Mahama and look at the other chair, you can see that it is not the same,” he said. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/ndc-questions-why-mahama-was-given-a-seat-at-63rd-independence-day-event/

Three senior members of Saudi Arabia's royal family, including the king's brother, have been arrested for unexplained reasons, US media report. Two of the men were among the kingdom's most influential figures. The detentions have been linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In 2017 dozens of Saudi royal figures, ministers and businessmen were confined to the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh after the crown prince ordered their arrests. Mohammed bin Salman is considered the de facto ruler of the kingdom, after he was named crown prince by his father in 2016. The detentions took place early on Friday morning, report the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. The three men reported to have been arrested are the king's younger brother Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, and a royal cousin, Prince Nawaf bin Nayef. Mohammed bin Nayef was interior minister until he was removed from his role and placed under house arrest by Mohammed Bin Salman in 2017. Guards arrived at the homes of the royals wearing masks and dressed in black, and searched their homes, the Wall Street Journal says. Mohammed bin Salman won international praise in 2016 when he promised a series of economic and social reforms to the deeply-conservative country. However he has been embroiled in a series of scandals including the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul in 2018. In recent days Saudi Arabia has been taking measures to contain the spread of the deadly new coronavirus. Foreign pilgrims have been prevented from entering the country to perform Umrah, or pilgrimage, and there are questions over whether the hugely important annual Hajj will go ahead this year, On Thursday Islam's holiest city Mecca was emptied to allow a deep clean. BBC

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/saudi-arabia-detains-three-royal-family-members/

The death toll from the new coronavirus in Italy has risen to 197 after the largest daily increase in fatalities there since the outbreak began. Officials said 49 people had died in 24 hours, while more than 4,600 cases have been reported in total. The country has now reported the most deaths outside of China, where the virus emerged in December. The World Health Organization says nearly 100,000 people worldwide have contracted the coronavirus. More than 3,000 people have died – the majority in China. WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the spread of the virus “deeply concerning” and urged all countries to make containment “their highest priority”. Officials announced the record daily death toll in a statement on Friday. They said the number could not be officially confirmed until health officials had “established the actual cause of death”. The national health institute said the average age of those who have died was 81, with the majority suffering from underlying health problems. An estimated 72% of all those who have died were men. According to government data, 4.25% of individuals confirmed to have the coronavirus have died, the highest rate in the world. Italy has one of the world's oldest populations. The government this week ordered the closure of all schools for 10 days as it battles to contain the outbreak. All professional sport, including Serie A football matches, will also be played behind closed doors for a month. The BBC's Rome correspondent Mark Lowen tweeted that a resident in the quarantined Italian town of Codogno told him the most upsetting thing for many people there is that funerals are not being permitted for coronavirus victims because of the need to limit gatherings. “Priests are saying a couple of prayers – and that's it,” he wrote. Only China, South Korea and Iran have reported more coronavirus cases than Italy. As of Saturday, South Korea has had 6,767 cases and 46 deaths. Iran has had about 3,500 cases and 124 deaths though these figures are believed to be underestimated. BBC

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/italy-coronavirus-death-toll-jumps-to-nearly-200/

President Nana Akufo says although Ghana has for 63 years after independence not been able to achieve its desired economic goals, Ghanaians should stop talking down on themselves unnecessarily. While observing that a considerable number of people still live in poverty, he pointed out that progress are being made for which reason the people must rejoice, count their blessings and not be “very hard on ourselves”. “We should learn to count our many blessings,” he said, “and not talk ourselves down unnecessarily”. Addressing Ghanaians and other dignitaries at Ghana's 63rd Independence Day celebration in Kumasi Friday, Nana Akufo-Addo underscored the need for all to be proud of the country's liberal democratic gains and the need to unite to make it work. “Let us acknowledge that good things are happening in our country, and we are making progress,” he stated, indicating that 81 per cent of people in Ghana now have access to safe water. The supply of electricity in the country has reached 85 per cent, he stated, adding no child has died from measles in the past 17 years in Ghana. Measles used to be the leading killer of children under five years, he noted. “No longer do mothers have to sell off their most treasured fabrics and jewelry, and fathers go to money lenders, to be able to see their children through senior high school. Today, senior high school education is free for every child. We are making progress,” he touted. President Nana Akufo-Addo noted that due to the Free SHS education programme, there are now more children in secondary school than ever in the country. “We are changing the curricula and focus in education to meet the needs of the modern economy, and prepare our young people to compete on the global scale. We are making progress,” he added. The President recounted how mobile phones were the preserve of the few wealthy people some 25 years ago but said today, mobile subscriber penetration is even bigger than the number of Ghanaians. The digital revolution, he said, is changing the face of Ghana and “soon, we will take a deserved place as a modern economy”. “The creative arts are thriving, and there are exciting things to interest a wide range of people. The fashion scene is vibrant, and unearths new talent every day. “Our designers, tailors and dressmakers keep Ghanaian-made clothes in the top range of attractive clothes. Art galleries are alive with established and new painters and sculptors, and there are signs of their innovative works all around us. We have always been known for musical talent, and this generation is keeping up the tradition,” he stated. Nana Akufo-Addo observed there is a renewed confidence in Ghanaian local foods, and a strong belief in the things that define the people. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 7, 2020

https://3news.com/stop-talking-down-on-yourselves-unnecessarily-akufo-addo-to-ghanaians/

The latest suspected coronavirus [COVID-19] case at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) on Thursday has turned out to be negative. The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Badu Sarkodie confirmed this to Graphic Online Friday afternoon. He said the test from Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has turned out to be negative. This brings to 34 the total number of suspected cases in Ghana that have all tested negative. In the latest case, a patient reported at Korle Bu on Thursday afternoon with symptoms of the disease. The patient traveled into Ghana from the United States of America this week and reported at Korle Bu for medical care. GraphicOnline

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/coronavirus-scare-in-ghana-noguchi-says-its-negative/

President Nana Akufo-Addo says Ghanaians have squandered the many opportunities that would have given the country economic breakthrough, stating a considerable number of people still live in poverty after 63 years of independence. The President observed the country has been plagued with infrastructure deficit in all sectors of the economy. “At 63, we know that we have squandered many opportunities that, properly utilised, would have brought us to the economic breakthrough to which we aspire,” he said while at the 63rd Independence celebration in Kumasi on March 6. Nana Akufo-Addo said Ghanaians have experienced difficulties since independence and stumbled in the quest to reach their potential, but indicated that the country “has never lost her position as the inspirational leading light on the African continent”. In his view, Ghanaians have solid reasons to rejoice and be thankful to the almighty because the country is more blessed than other nations, saying that alone “must count for something” “Good things are happening in our country and we are making progress,” he told the gathering of school children, personnel from the security services as well as special dignitaries and Ghanaians from all walks of life who gathered for the independence parade at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Explaining why Ghana is making progress, he said though 19 per cent of Ghanaians don't have access to potable water, 81 per cent them have access potable water currently. Also, electricity coverage he said has hit 85 per cent in the country. Measles, which used to be a major killer in children under five years in Ghana, he indicated, is no more the case as no child has for 17 years now died of measles. The President indicated that the era where mothers had to sell off their clothes and jewelry to finance their children through senior high was over thanks to the Free SHS education programme his government introduced three years ago. There are now more children in SHS, especially girls, than ever before, the President said. “For as long as we've not achieved our economic goals we cannot relax and be complacent,” the Nana Akufo-Addo said and asked that “we should live to count our many blessings and not talk ourselves down unnecessarily”. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/weve-squandered-many-opportunities-for-economic-breakthrough-but-nana-addo/

The 3Foundation has on Ghana's 63rd Independence Day celebration across the country on March 6 organised a blood donation exercise in Accra to restock the National Blood Bank of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. At least 500 pints of blood are expected to be donated by the large crowd that gathered at the TV3 premises at Kanda in Accra for the exercise that forms part of the corporate social responsibility of the Media General, a media conglomerate in Ghana. It was in partnership with the National Blood Bank of Korle-Bu, the Christian Youth Builders which is a youth group within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana. It was sponsored by the Cowbell and A1 Bread. Below are pictures from the exercise

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/hundreds-join-3foundation-on-indece-day-to-donate-blood-to-save-lives/

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the bonds of friendship and ties of co-operation existing between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago have been strengthened following the visit to Ghana of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley. Holding bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Rowley at Jubilee House, on Thursday, 5th March, 2020, President Akufo-Addo stated that the visit has highlighted areas of co-operation in sectors such as health, energy and education, in which the two countries can have meaningful exchanges. “What we have already is a major link, which is provided by the Republic Bank, which is doing very well here, and is in a position to advance other Trinidadian investments. My understanding is that there are plans already to finance the gas extension plan, as well as the malaria project that we want to do,” the President said. Appreciating the response by persons of African descent to the “Year of Return”, he stated that the initiative of ‘Beyond the Return' will concretise the relationship between Africa and her Diaspora not just on the cultural level, but also on the economic level. To help realise this, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the two countries must implement an air services agreement. “I think it's time that we began step-by-step, but let's begin. Weekly flights, twice weekly flights, something like that would be a very big beginning. It is one of the things that I'm hoping will be a concrete result of your visit here,” he added On is part, Prime Minister Keith Rowley thanked President Akufo-Addo for the “very generous invitation to join you on this very auspicious occasion, particularly because it is being held in Kumasi. We have heard a lot about your history and so, people like me and my colleague here look forward to touching the people and the soil of Kumasi.” Prime Minister Rowley stated that there exist opportunities for Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago to concretize the efforts that the two countries have been making, since 2010, “to have Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago benefit from collaborations between our two countries.” On the air services agreement, the Prime Minister stressed that “we hope that, once we establish an air service agreement and establish a direct length between the Caribbean and Africa, we believe that there is tremendous potential there – economic growth, contacts to be made, investments to be made and for recreational purposes.” He added that “we anxiously await your resuscitation and reestablishment of Ghana Airways. As you get your new equipment, we would like to anticipate that one of the legs of Ghana Airways would be Accra to the Port of Spain, because that will bring all the people from the Caribbean and the Americas on to Haiti which will take us directly to the shortest link from the Caribbean across the Atlantic.” On cocoa relations, Prime Minister Rowley stated that the University of the West Indies still maintains a cocoa research unit, and in Ghana's quest to become the world's number one producer of cocoa “your collaboration with the research unit in Trinidad and Tobago is very important, as you maintain the gene pool.” He continued, “We have a lot in common that we want to work on. Our technical people are putting some effort into it, and I anticipate that, very soon, we can conclude on the assignments that we have embarked upon from 2016, and that they will reflect themselves in activities between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana.” Source: Presidency|3news.com|Ghana

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-trinidad-tobago-relations-strengthened-nana-akufo-addo/

France has granted permission to extradite François Compaoré – the brother of a former president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré – who is wanted at home over the murder of a journalist in 1998. François Compaoré is accused of involvement in the 1998 killing of Norbert Zongo who was investigating the death of Mr Compaoré's driver and the charred remains of three other people. Mr Zongo's murder sparked mass protests in Burkina Faso. Mr Compaoré's French lawyers had argued against his extradition because he could face the death penalty if convicted back home, a sentence that does not exist in France. BBC

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/france-approves-extradition-of-ex-burkinabe-leaders-brother/

Private legal practitioner, Mr Anthony Akoto Ampaw, has activated the Right to Information Act by requesting the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to provide him with answers on the Coronavirus, Covid-19. Providing background to his request in a letter dated March 5, 2020, Mr Ampaw said while the health and other relevant authorities in other countries, with far more robust healthcare systems, provided daily information to their citizens on the virus, imposing bans on air travel to and from specified countries where the virus had broken out, with others banning large gatherings and cancelling events likely to involve large crowds, “in Ghana there does not appear to be the same degree of urgency in our response to the threat the disease poses to our health and economy.” He said he had, therefore, found it necessary to exercise his right to information guaranteed under the Constitution and the Right to Information Act, 2019, (Act 989) to seek answers to his questions. The answers, he said, could be in writing to him either by e-mail or through his postal address. Disturbed Mr Ampaw said the virus had spread to about 74 countries, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, USA, France, Britain, Egypt, Tunisia and Nigeria. He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the virus “a global public health emergency,” and warned that, if the world failed to take effective action to control its spread, it could become a pandemic. “As a citizen of Ghana, I am deeply disturbed about the structure (if any) our state authorities have established to inform Ghanaians on a regular basis on the preparations that our healthcare system is taking to deal with this menace, the content of public information on these preparations, the paucity of information to the public on what self-help measures members of the public should be taking to avoid or minimise contracting the virus,” he said. Questions Among other questions, Mr Ampaw wants to know if a centralised structure had been established by the government to tackle the Covid-19 virus threat and if so, which agencies constituted that structure and how regularly those agencies met. He further wants to know the official channels of communication to the general public on the COVID-19 situation and how the population were updated on the situation of infected countries to allow information to the travelling public. Mr Ampaw wants to know what specific measures were in place at the various points of entry into Ghana i.e. international airport, sea ports and land ports (considering that Nigeria has recorded a case; how Ghana intended to quarantine suspected cases at the ports of entry and which authority was vested with the power to recommend travel bans to countries severely affected, such as China, South Korea, Iran, Japan and Italy. Medical laboratories He is seeking information on whether Ghana had enough medical laboratories for testing for the virus in samples taken from suspected persons; how many test kit the country currently had; the steps being taken to acquire more of such kit; what plans were in place to transport samples to testing centres for confirmation and whether Ghana had enough personal protective equipment (PPEs) in hospitals and clinics for medical personnel to attend to suspected cases, and how many and how were the PPEs distributed across the country. “Have medical personnel been adequately trained in taking these samples and treating patients? When was the training done nationwide?  Do our hospitals and clinics have the right procedures to prevent and control infections? he asked in his letter? Daily Graphic

March 6, 2020

https://3news.com/akoto-ampaw-activates-rti-law-as-he-seeks-information-on-covid-19/

The shift of Ghana's annual Independence celebration from the usual Independence Square in Accra to Kumasi is perhaps to reconnect and re-enact the role played by the Asante people in the struggle ahead of Independence on March 6, 1957. Key among some of the known personalities who either directly or indirectly aided Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in achieving that feat were the then Asantehene, Osei Agyeman Prempeh ll, Dr. K.A. Busia, Dr. E.O. Asafo Adjaye, Mr Victor Owusu, Mr Joe Appiah, Mr R. R. Amponsah, Mr Krobo Eddusei, Baafour Osei Akoto (a founding member of the United Party) and Mr R. O. Amoako Atta, all of whom either served in United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) or the Convention People's Party (CPP) or both, in the struggle for independence. Recounting the history to Daily Graphic, a researcher for Manhyia in the areas of language history, culture and tradition, Mr Osei Bonsu Safo-Kantanka, said with the exception of the Anlo and Wala people, all other groups in Ghana today have at one time or the other been part of the Ashanti Kingdom. “It will, therefore, be very difficult to credit or even discredit any gains of Ghana's independence to the people now called the Asante,” he said. Asante before Ghana's independence in 1957 had been reduced to just the areas of Ghana called the Ashanti, Ahafo, Brong and Brong East regions. Their role dates back to Asante's struggles and wars with Ghana's colonial masters, the British. lt is believed that the many Anlo-Asanti wars made the British and their European allies unwilling to continue to stay in comfort in the Gold Coast, now Ghana. While a greater part of Southern Ghana had fallen into the hands of the British as a colony before 1831, Central Asante with her capital, Kumasi, was the last to fall into their hands in 1902. Though Asante was a separate nation from the British colony of the Gold Coast, at the beginning of the struggle for independence from Britain in the 1940s, Asante agreed to sacrifice her own independence so as to enable her to join the then Gold Coast in her struggle against the British. In his book: “Struggle against doctorship: Autobiography of Baafour Osei Akoto (pages 28 and 30), it is stated that prior to that, the Ashantis had sought a ‘loose form of association' with the rest of the country based on federation. “After this historic meeting, the Joint Provincial Council of Chiefs, the Asante Confederacy and the Municipalities submitted a joint proposal to the governor, Alan Burns, for Independence for the Gold Coast,” the book said. Daily Graphic

March 5, 2020

https://3news.com/asantes-sacrificed-their-independence-for-ghanas/

California has declared a state of emergency after announcing its first coronavirus death, bringing the US death toll from the disease to 11. The 71-year-old man, who died in a hospital near Sacramento, had underlying health conditions and had been on a cruise ship, said officials. The White House moved on Wednesday to expand testing nationwide for the disease. There are now at least 150 reported US patients with Covid-19 in 16 states. Worldwide, authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus, of which more than 80,000 are in China. More than 3,000 people have died globally, the vast majority in China. Ten of the 11 US deaths were in Washington state, but the outbreak has also flared up in Texas and Nebraska. Meanwhile Washington and Florida both declared states of emergency over the weekend to help prevent the coronavirus. It's believed that the deceased California man became infected aboard the Grand Princess, a cruise ship which made a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico last month. After the ship docked in San Francisco on 21 February, thousands more passengers boarded and thousands disembarked. The vessel then began a round-trip to Hawaii. Some 62 passengers were on both the Mexico and the Hawaii trips. They have been restricted to their rooms for testing. The Grand Princess itself is being held off the coast of California, and state Governor Gavin Newsom said 11 passengers and 10 crew members are potentially infected. The ship is operated by Carnival, whose Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined last month after dozens of passengers tested positive for Covid-19 as it docked in Japan. The US government currently prohibits entry to foreign nationals who have visited China – the epicentre of the outbreak – during the past 14 days. US Vice-President Mike Pence said on Wednesday that any American can be tested for the coronavirus if ordered by a doctor. Mr Pence, who is leading the US outbreak response, also said that the White House will begin on-camera briefings on the virus. In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lift existing restrictions on tests and provide new guidelines for speeding up exams for those who fear they are infected. But some question how this promise will be kept, as public health laboratories insist their capacity for processing the tests is restricted. There is also a question of cost, amid reports of uninsured Americans paying upwards of $1,000 (£780) for a test. The US House of Representatives approved $8.3bn in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the coronavirus. Some health officials have accused the Trump administration of a slow-footed response to the outbreak, and concerns have been raised about a nationwide shortage of test kits. In response, President Trump blamed the shortage on regulations adopted by his predecessor, Democratic President Barack Obama. The administration claims it has lifted these regulations by allowing local labs to create their own tests. Outside of government, United Airlines and Delta have announced cuts to their US flight schedules due to a drop in demand caused by worries over the virus. The worst-hit country outside China is South Korea, which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections, bringing the total to 5,766. The country's death toll stands at 35. In an effort to curb the outbreak, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has announced a ban on face mask exports. Australia has meanwhile banned entry for all foreign nationals from South Korea. Two people have died from coronavirus in Australia, and another 53 cases have been reported. Meanwhile, China has reported 139 new cases and 31 deaths, all in Hubei province. Schools have been closed for at least 10 days in Italy, which is grappling with the worst outbreak outside Asia. On Thursday, the International Monetary Fund announced $50bn (£39bn) of support for countries hit by the coronavirus. The organisation also warned that global economic growth was now expected to be below the 2.9% rate for 2019. BBC

March 5, 2020

https://3news.com/california-declares-emergency-over-coronavirus/

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Aasaki Awingobit, has expressed interest in contesting for the flagbearership slot of the People's National Convention (PNC). “I am a young man of 40, I like to serve and [I'm] very passionate about my country”, he said on 3FM morning show, Sunrise on Tuesday. He claimed his declaration to contest the PNC primary has given hope to members of the Nkrumaist party who have over the years cared less about the party which critics say is dying. According to him, his decision is already “causing fear” within the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. “Sampson AsakiAwingobet, [is] declaring my intention to contest in the upcoming elections already causing fears into the minds of the NDC and NPP”, he said. MrAwingobit described himself as a grassroots person who knows what the ordinary Ghanaian and the business community want. Commenting on the poor performance of the PNC in past elections, the businessman said he would use his influence and “brand” to get people to cast their vote for him and the PNC should win the ticket of the party to contest the December 7, 2020 general elections. He believes those who have been following NPP and NDC for a long time without getting “anything” will follow him. MrAwingobit disagrees with the assertion that he is only chasing a dream of “impossibility”, indicating that he is getting into the polls to win. By Matilda Asante|3news.com|Ghana

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/businessman-awingobit-declares-to-lead-pnc-into-december-elections/

Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has refused to shake hands with minority leader Haruna Iddrisu in parliament over fears of contracting the deadly novel coronavirus which has killed more than 3,000 people globally. The minister who is also the Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central, had gone to parliament Wednesday morning to brief his colleagues on measures taken by Ghana to prevent and manage the virus in the event a positive case is recorded in the country. Although Ghana has not recorded any coronavirus case, the minister justified his refusal to shake hands with the Tamale South MP, stating the culture of handshaking in the country must be avoided as part of measures to prevent the spread of the virus which broke out in China in January this year. Forty suspected cases have been recorded in Ghana since the outbreak but all proven negative after laboratory tests. Despite this, Mr Agyemang-Manu said told parliament: “Our traditional handshaking culture must now be avoided as much as possible.” Accordingly, he added, “I refused to shake hands with my very good friend Haruna, the minority leader, this morning in the chamber”. The minister underscored the need for frequent handwashing and rubbing of alcohol spirits as part of measures to prevent one from contracting the disease which has been declared a health emergency by the World Health Organisation. Mr Agyemang-Manu advised the public to keep a distance of at least 1 metre from a person showing signs of fever, coughing and or having difficulty in breathing. “When [you have] contact with sick person or potentially infested surfaces or objects, it is advised that you refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands,” the minister advised. He encouraged the general public to seek treatment immediately at the nearest health facility if infection is suspected and symptoms occur. The minister said information on prevention have been developed and disseminated through the media, noting there are ongoing radio and television discussion on Ghana's preparedness towards a possible coronavirus case. “We strongly advise nonessential travel to and from affected areas should be discouraged as much as possible,” he appealed. Meanwhile, Mr Agyemang-Manu has announced Ghana is working to secure a remotely located facility to be used as quarantine centre for novel coronavirus (covid-19) cases. “Another remotely located 100-bed capacity facility is being secured for the purpose of quarantine for eligible persons,” he said, and assured the facility will be ready for use in two weeks from now. “As yet, we've not found any Ghanaian that has contracted this disease either in country or even outside country,” Mr Agyeman-Manu said, and assured that the government and its development partners were working hard to prevent Ghana from recording a coronavirus case. He stated that a holding room has been identified at country's main entry point, the Kotoka International Airport, to use for suspected cases. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and the Tema General Hospital have already been designated as treatment and isolation centres, but the Minister said all the five teaching and 10 regional hospitals in the country have the potential to manage covid-19 cases. These facilities, he noted, have been engaged by the Health Ministry “to test how ready they are for any eventuality”. Also, case management teams have been trained. A total of 5,000 PPEs have been procured and distributed to all regions and major health facilities and points of entry in the country as well as some selected health facilities. More are being procured by government to help protect our frontline workers. More reagents and primer are also being procured for the two health research centres at the forefront of testing for coronavirus cases in the country. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/minister-refuses-to-give-haruna-iddrisu-handshake-over-fear-of-getting-coronavirus/

Ghana is working to secure a remotely located facility to be used as quarantine centre for novel coronavirus (covid-19) cases. Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu told parliamentarians Wednesday that a quarantine centre has already been established in the country. “Another remotely located 100-bed capacity facility is being secured for the purpose of quarantine for eligible persons,” he announced, and assured the facility will be ready for use in two weeks from now. The coronavirus which broke out in January in China's central city of Wuhan, has killed more than 3,000 people globally, according to the BBC. Forty suspected cases of coronavirus have been reported in Ghana since the outbreak but have all tested negative of the deadly virus. “As yet, we've not found any Ghanaian that has contracted this disease either in country or even outside country,” Mr Agyeman-Manu said, and assured that the government and its development partners were working hard to prevent Ghana from recording a coronavirus case. He stated that a holding room has been identified at country's main entry point, the Kotoka International Airport, to use for suspected cases. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and the Tema General Hospital have already been designated as treatment and isolation centres, but the Minister said all the five teaching and 10 regional hospitals in the country have the potential to manage covid-19 cases. These facilities, he noted, have been engaged by the Health Ministry “to test how ready they are for any eventuality”. Also, case management teams have been trained. A total of 5,000 PPEs have been procured and distributed to all regions and major health facilities and points of entry in the country as well as some selected health facilities. More are being procured by government to help protect our frontline workers. More reagents and primer are also being procured for the two health research centres at the forefront of testing for coronavirus cases in the country. Meanwhile, Mr Agyemang-Manu has announced renovation work on the Debrah Ward at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra is being fast-tracked by the government due to the coronavirus emergency. The World Bank, he said, is supporting government to complete work on the 25-bed capacity facility with modern facilities to be used for infectious diseases in the country. “This should be ready in three weeks. We started renovating the Debrah Ward sometime last year as part of our preparations for eventually setting up our CDC in Ghana. “We were supposed to complete in June but because of this emergency, we are working with the World Bank to accelerate the rate at which we want to complete the Debrah Ward,” he stated. Mr Agyemang-Manu said government has already developed emergency response policy on the CDC but yet to be approved and rolled out. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-prepares-remote-facility-to-quarantine-persons-with-coronavirus/

The acting Resident Representative of UNDP in Ghana, Gita Welch, has underlined the efforts of UNDP in supporting young people with the requisite entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We believe that young people have the power to transform the economy of Ghana,  so we will continue to support investment in the growth of our youth and co-create with them a space to share their ideas and innovations for sustainable development in Ghana,” she noted. She said this when the National Youth Authority (NYA) paid a courtesy call on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) For his part, the CEO of NYA, Mr. Emmanuel Tettey thanked UNDP for the continued support and partnership, especially in the area of youth development. “We are eager to implement more youth programs especially on initiatives that will unearth the creative potentials of young people, to actualize the youth empowerment and development goals of the nation and looking forward to more collaborations,” he noted. He pledged the authority's support to fulfil their part in strengthening the partnership that exists between UNDP and NYA. UNDP, in partnership with the NYA, successfully launched Ghana's Youth Connekt platform last year to empower young people through the acquisition of up-to-date skills and training to promote employment, entrepreneurship opportunities and connect them with leaders and role models to facilitate peer exchange of ideas to shape a better future for the youth. Under the platform, 16 young innovators were awarded a total amount of 80,000 US dollars (5,000 USD each) through the Youth Innovation for Sustainable Development (YISD) challenge. The awardees are also benefitting from mentorships and coaching to scale up their innovations and grow their businesses. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/undp-and-nya-growing-talents-of-young-people-for-ghanas-development/

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has pledged a whooping sum of N200million to support the current effort of the Nigerian government towards curbing the spread of coronavirus or Covid-19 in the country. ADF's intervention is considered the largest single donation by a corporate organization in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus since Nigeria recorded its first index case last month in Lagos, Nigeria. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation Ms Zouera Youssoufou, represented by the Health and Nutrition Programme Officer Maryam Shehu-Buhari, at a donor coordinating meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, said the donation was part of the Foundation's cardinal objective of partnering with governments at all levels against the dreaded disease in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. The Foundation is also the only Nigerian donor that attended the meeting and made a monetary pledge. To this extent, she said the Aliko Dangote Foundation has earmarked N124million that will support facilities to help prevent, assess and respond to health events at Point of Entry to ensure National Health Security. Ms Youssoufou also highlighted other areas of intervention to include surveillance and epidemiology, where facilities worth N36million will be provided by the Foundation to support the government's effort. According to her, the ADF will also donate N48million for case management training of health workers. Speaking at the meeting facilitated by World Bank, the Country Director represented by the Operations Manager Ms Kathleen Whimp identified four thematic areas to tackling the spread of COVID 19. These are: Regular communication with the public, contact tracing, training of volunteers and international co-operations. Speaking also, the Director, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr John Oladejo said some of the challenges, going forwarded include lack of enough isolation centres, contact tracing, training of volunteers, international cooperation, fake news and panic, among others. Mr Noel Chisaka of the Regional Disease Surveillance System Enhancement Project commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the contribution and encouraged others to join in the fight against Covid-19. Other donors invited to the meeting include: WHO, UNICEF, BMGF, RTSL, EU, USAID, US CDC, DFID, Public Health England, GIZ, JICA, Africa CDC, WAHO, PHI, MTN, Red Cross, IFRC and AFENET. According to reports, there are a total of 90,936 confirmed cases worldwide – although more than half of those (47,995) have already recovered. The biggest numbers are still by far in mainland China (80,151), followed by South Korea (4,812), Italy (2,036) and Iran (1,501). Japan has 274 confirmed cases, France 191, Germany 165, Spain 120, Singapore 108, US 106, and Hong Kong 100. There are also cases in South America, Africa and Australia. The total death toll stands at 3,117 with 2,936 of those coming from China. The countries with the next highest numbers are Iran (66), Italy (52) and South Korea (29). There have also been deaths in Japan, the US, France, Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. It would be recalled that the Aliko Dangote foundation also committed N1billion in the fight against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Africa, helping to build resilience and strengthen Nigeria's health system in a manner expected to endure beyond the Ebola crisis period. The foundation's support during the Ebola crisis ensured the establishment of the National Ebola Emergency Operations Centre (EEOC) in Yaba, Lagos; provision of 12 units of thermal cameras across Nigeria's International Airports with training for 160 staff/personnel of the Federal Ministry of Health, Port Health Services Department, on the use of the thermal cameras; provision of W.H.O-certified Personal Protective Equipment, PPEs and comprehensive logistics support for the returnee volunteers on Ebola intervention across countries ravaged by Ebola. President Muhammadu Buhari had then commended Mr Aliko Dangote for what he described as “remarkable sacrifices in eradicating Ebola virus disease and polio in Nigeria.” Source: Dangote Group

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/dangote-donates-550k-to-fight-coronavirus-in-nigeria/

The findings of an inquest into the death of a mentally ill Ghanaian in the UK indicates that the deceased died from dehydration, malnutrition and hypothermia “in plain sight” at an immigration centre. The 31-year-old Prince Kwabena Fosu's death was partly due to “gross failure” by agencies at the centre, the jury at West London Coroner's Court said. Mr Fosu arrived in the UK from Ghana in April 2012 on a valid business visa, but it was cancelled at Heathrow Airport. He appealed but in September 2012, his appeal was rejected. In October, he was arrested: a passer-by called police after seeing him walking naked on a road in Kettering, Northamptonshire. At Corby police station, officers said he continued to act bizarrely and kept undressing, but medical professionals said he did not need to be sectioned. CCTV footage from within the station recorded him being told: “You're going to an immigration centre. They are going to look after you. Yeah?” Six days later he was dead in a filthy isolation cell at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre. A BBC report indicates that Mr Fosu was left in an isolation cell for six days without bedding while he suffered from a psychotic illness. According to the report, Home Office said the standard of care had been “unacceptable” and new safeguarding steps had been introduced. Coroner Chinyere Inyama said that “almost unbelievably” Mr Fosu died “in plain sight” of many people at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre. The jury found that procedures to protect vulnerable detainees at the centre were “grossly ineffective”. Agencies running the centre and its healthcare failed to recognise, monitor and respond to the worsening condition of someone who was unable to look after himself, they found. Stripping the bedding and mattress from his cell without any lawful written authority was an indication of the “casual approach” of centre staff to Mr Fosu's welfare, the jury said in its conclusions. Speaking after the inquest, prisons and probations ombudsman Sue McAllister said it was “inhuman and degrading” for Mr Fosu to have been “segregated, living naked in a room dirty with faeces, urine and uneaten food” with no justification or review of the isolation. At the centre, healthcare services were in “chaos” after the previous provider had been “sacked” the year before, a healthcare manager told the inquest. A nurse assessed Mr Fosu in five minutes without seeing his medical notes, later telling the inquest she had done a “completely inadequate assessment” and was “out of her depth”. Mr Fosu was seen by a cellmate to be acting oddly and talking to himself in the mirror. When approached by staff, Mr Fosu assaulted one of them and had to be restrained by at least three officers. Labelled as being disruptive and placed in segregation, Mr Fosu had no mattress or bedding and lay naked in his cell. The jury heard evidence that suggested he barely ate. Records showed that he drank a sip of tea and he appeared to sleep for only 45 minutes in six days. In less than a week, he lost 18 pounds (8kg), weighing 7 stone 6 pounds (47kg) when he died. Mr Fosu had died “in plain sight”, a watchdog organisation said ‘Dirty protester' Detention centre staff records referred to him shuffling on his bottom, talking to himself in a language people couldn't understand, defecating in his cell and throwing food. Staff told the inquest they thought he was protesting about his removal, but no-one asked him about his behaviour. Because he urinated in his police cell before his transfer, he was labelled a “dirty protester”. The inquest heard that there were five layers of subcontracting in the provision of healthcare for detainees. The Home Office contracted the running of the centre to GEO Group UK Ltd, which contracted healthcare to Nestor Primecare Services Ltd. It in turn contracted the recruitment of doctors to The Jersey Practice – a GP surgery in west London – which used a locum agency, Beacon Care Services Ltd. The jury said police, Home Office staff and GEO staff all failed to spot Mr Fosu's worsening condition and behaviour. GEO staff showed a “casual approach” to his welfare when they removed his bedding and mattress, which contributed to his hypothermia, they concluded. ‘Ineffective and inadequate' The jury said the failure of Primecare staff to effectively provide healthcare to Mr Fosu was “inexplicable”, while the GPs showed “insufficient professional curiosity”. The Independent Monitoring Board, which was at the centre to monitor standards, was “ineffective and inadequate”, the jury also concluded. Detention centre staff repeatedly said at the inquest that they expected healthcare staff to identify problems with detainees. The jury heard that Steve Scott, head of residence for GEO, had told an investigation into the death that he thought at the time that Mr Fosu was a “prat”. Mental health nurse Lesley Dube said he could not remember seeing Mr Fosu but had written in detention centre notes that he had no mental health issues. He told the inquest he had not carried out a full mental health assessment, nor was he asked to. During Mr Fosu's time in isolation, he was seen by four family doctors, who were unfamiliar with all relevant detention centre rules and could not recall seeing Mr Fosu face-to-face in his cell. Two of those doctors made no notes about him in the GP records, while the other two noted he had declined to be seen but did not assess whether he was well enough to make that decision. The BBC has learned that three of these family doctors have since been referred to their regulator, the General Medical Council. The jury also found that staff at Corby police station “failed to react to Mr Fosu's challenging behaviour” and re-refer him to medical staff. It also concluded that opportunities were missed by the station's mental health team to fully look into Mr Fosu's medical background and history, “resulting in an inadequate mental health assessment”. The Home Office conceded it had failed Mr Fosu with “tragic consequences”, the jury heard. Philip Riley, director of detention and escorting services in immigration enforcement, said at the time staff did not have sufficient training or know how to manage detainees with potentially complex mental health issues, adding that the centre was severely short-staffed. A Home Office investigation identified learning opportunities on detainees in segregation and food and fluid refusal policies. A key failure identified had been healthcare and Home Office staff not seeing Mr Fosu in person. Responding to the inquest's findings, the department issued a statement in which it offered its “deepest condolences” to Mr Fosu's family. “The standard of care Mr Fosu received was unacceptable, and we must never allow this to happen again,” a spokesman said. “Since Mr Fosu's death we have increased the number of staff in immigration removal centres, improved how detainees are managed and safeguarded, including the introduction of the Adults at Risk policy and increased monitoring of vulnerable people in detention.” The Crown Prosecution Service had decided to charge GEO Group UK Ltd and Nestor Primecare Services Ltd with breaches in health and safety legislation but the charges were dropped in 2018. Since 2014, healthcare in removal centres has been commissioned by NHS England. But lawyers and charities working with detainees told the BBC they were still seeing cases where centres do not recognise the seriousness of mental illnesses and failings like some of those in the case of Mr Fosu recur. Mr Fosu's father, Prince Charles Obeng, told the BBC it had always been his son's wish to come to the UK. Now he is buried in a south London cemetery alongside three others, his father was told. There is a plaque with his name marking the grave, but Mr Obeng wants the government to pay for a headstone. “If someone is placed in an immigration centre, you have to check whether the person is eating, whether the person is sleeping, whether the person is sick – you try to take care of the person,” he told the BBC. At his grave, Mr Obeng tells his son he prays that God will give him a better place to stay. GraphicOnline

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/uk-officials-indicted-over-death-of-mentally-ill-ghanaian-in-detention-centre/

Joe Biden has won nine of the 14 states that voted to pick a Democratic White House candidate on Super Tuesday, a remarkable rebound for his campaign. The former US vice-president overturned predictions to narrowly take the key state of Texas from his main challenger, Bernie Sanders. However, Mr Sanders is projected to win California – the biggest prize of the night – as well as three other states. They lead the race to face Republican President Donald Trump in November. Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg spent more than half a billion dollars of his own money on his campaign, but did not win a single state. Super Tuesday awards more than 1,300 of the 1,991 delegates needed to clinch the Democratic White House nomination in July. As things stand, Mr Biden has 402 delegates and Mr Sanders 314. As well as Texas, Mr Biden took Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. Virginia and North Carolina are crucial because they are key swing states in the 2020 election. Exit poll data across the board suggests Mr Biden – who was vice-president to Barack Obama – has attracted large majorities of African-American voters, a crucial bloc for the Democratic party. Mr Biden also appears to have won among the type of suburban voters who pollsters say have been turning away from the current US president. “We are very much alive,” Mr Biden told a crowd in Los Angeles. “Make no mistake about it, this campaign will send Donald Trump packing.” If Mr Sanders does win California, as the Associated Press news agency projects, he will pick up the lion's share of the whopping 415 delegates that the Golden State sends to the party convention. The left-wing senator also won his home state of Vermont, along with Colorado and Utah. The second biggest voting state of the night was Texas. Mr Sanders had been heavily favoured to win the Lone Star State, but it was finally claimed by Mr Biden. Partial results from Maine's primary also show Mr Sanders and Mr Biden neck and neck. In a victory speech, Mr Sanders lambasted Mr Trump, but also took a shot at Mr Biden. “We're taking on the political establishment,” he said. “You cannot beat Trump with the same-old, same-old kind of politics.” Senator Elizabeth Warren, once the frontrunner in the race, suffered a humiliating defeat to Mr Biden in her home state of Massachusetts. Mr Bloomberg could only pick up a consolation win in the tiny US territory of American Samoa. He has, however, garnered enough votes in California and Texas to pick up delegates, according to incomplete results. Mr Bloomberg was appearing on a presidential ballot for the first time after skipping all four contests last month. The billionaire wildcard had lowered expectations for his performance ahead of Tuesday. But on the eve of the vote, he indicated he plans to fight all the way to the party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July. Mr Trump could not resist taking repeated digs at his rival New York billionaire after his disappointing results. The biggest loser tonight, by far, is Mini Mike Bloomberg. His “political” consultants took him for a ride. $700 million washed down the drain, and he got nothing for it but the nickname Mini Mike, and the complete destruction of his reputation. Way to go Mike! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2020 The Democratic party is at a crossroads as its voters decide which candidate has the best chance of denying Mr Trump a second term in office this autumn. Once a crowded field of more than two dozen, celebrated for its women and candidates of colour, the Democratic contest now increasingly looks like a two-man race between two white male septuagenarians. Mr Biden, a moderate who served under President Barack Obama, and Mr Sanders, a liberal firebrand, offer starkly different visions for America's future. The former vice-president presents himself as an electable pragmatist who will bring incremental change and restore “decency” after the Trump presidency. But critics say his campaign is uninspiring, and that he brings too much political baggage from his lifelong career as a Washington insider. Mr Sanders' detractors say a self-described democratic socialist cannot win over the swing voters needed to capture the White House. The 78-year-old is planning to transform the American economy with a multi-trillion dollar, higher taxation blueprint on everything from healthcare to education. BBC

March 4, 2020

https://3news.com/biden-seals-comeback-with-string-of-victories/

One person who was trapped in a mining pit at Ekorso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region on Monday has died. He was among three other illegal miners, popularly known as ‘galamseyers', who were trapped in an old mining site by Metahauson Mining Company, Police in the area say the three had gone there to engage in galamsey. During the process of mining, the pit caved in on them leading to the death of one miner identified as Kofi Ohene, 23 years. His body has since been retrieved from the pit. “No mark of violence was found on the deceased body except mud,” the police said in a statement after initial assessment and inspection. The two other miners, who are yet to be identified, escaped unhurt. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been sent to Kibi government hospital morgue for autopsy. By Lydia Amponsah|3news.com|Ghana

March 3, 2020

https://3news.com/one-galamseyer-killed-in-abandoned-mining-pit/

Member of Parliament for Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, has accused former MP Francis Addai-Nimoh of devising rough tactics to achieve his presidential ambition. According to MP, issues regarding Mr Addai Nimo first being prevented from picking parliamentary nomination forms and subsequent refusal of the constituency executives to accept same were part of a grand scheme by the former MP become popular. “The agenda of hon. Addai-Nimo has been exposed; the man has presidential ambitions. The man wants his name to be in the media space,” Mr Sarpong told our correspondent William Evans-Nkum Tuesday. He said after Nimo's forms issue emerged, he made “noise all over,” saying “Addai Nimo publicise it so much so that the only medium he probably did not go was Aljazeera, and BBC and CNN. “There is an agenda like I said, to keep his name in the media space to be seen as the victim for him to be seen as [though] the whole party machinery was against him,” the MP claimed. Mr Sarpong has meanwhile denied accusations of causing mayhem in the constituency to frustrate Mr Addai-Nimo in the party's parliamentary primary. “Addai-Nimo had gone to submit his nomination forms and they had been rejected or refused and as a result of the rejection and the refusal, the party people have pounced on his people.” He claimed that the people Addai-Nimo sent to the party office were not delegates or even known to be members of the NPP. “All of them appears to be aliens; people he imported them, we don't know them from the constituency level to the polling station level. We don't know those people,” he stated. The MP alleged that his contender brought those people to cause mayhem “so that at the end of mayhem they will not be traceable”. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 3, 2020

https://3news.com/mampong-mp-accuses-addai-nimo-of-bad-politics-to-push-presidential-ambitions/

An editor-cum-head of political news at Media General, Edward Kwabi, has died. Eddie Kwabi, as he was affectionately called, died Monday night at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was on admission receiving treatment for a short ailment, family members confirmed to 3news.com Tuesday. He was in his thirties. His colleagues were shocked and saddened Tuesday morning to learn of his passing. They mourned their friend and former colleague who has been working with TV3 for over a decade from a National Service person to an employee. Described by his boss as “very ambitious,” Mr Kwabi was made the Head of Political Desk of the synergised Media General newsroom a year ago, having demonstrated the ability and experience for the post. “Eddy was one of the most hardworking producers I have met; very passionate about his work and very ambitious. He was an excellent producer, especially of live events,” the General Manager in charge of News, Abraham Asare, said of the late Kwabi. Managing Editor for TV/Online News Matilda Haynes, who appeared lost for words, said: “He's beyond description; committed, hardworking and innovative journalist who's sensitive to people's needs”. A shocked Ms. Haynes, who last visited Mr Kwabi in January, recalled that although “he was not well, he was still in his usual best and sweet”. Head of Business Desk at Media General Alfred Ocansey recounted how Mr Kwabi produced his first programme in 2016 when he joined the Adesa We-based media conglomerate. “He made sure I was comfortable everyday. The synergy between us was perfect on Key Point, News360, all on TV3 and Late Edition on 3FM, all of which I hosted and he produced,” Mr Ocansey said. A wailing Wendy Laryea, one of the newscasters, said: “Your death came as a shock to me and it hurts so badly”. Mr Kwabi was part of the presidential press corps involved in a deadly accident in August, 2015 which led to the death of a young Ghanaian Times journalist Samuel Nuamah. “You've left a vacuum…fare thee well,” Josephine Frempong said of her late colleague. The man, who was popularly referred to as The General in the Media General newsroom, joined the company in September, 2012 as broadcast journalist having previously done his internship and national service with the company. He played various roles in the newsroom including producing news bulletins and events and serving as the news anchor for TV3 late night news, News@10. In 2017, when the company underwent restructuring, Mr Kwabi was made an editor. Mr Kwabi had his secondary education at St. Martin's Senior High School and proceeded to the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra where earned his Diploma and first degree in Communication Studies. In pursuit of higher education, he went back to the premier journalism institute to study for an MA in Media Management. He graduated in 2018. Mr Kwabi left behind a wife and three children. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 3, 2020

https://3news.com/tv3-editor-cum-head-of-political-desk-dead/

Ghanaian singer Lady Jay has released her debut EP titled “Anywhere you dey” which features some of West Africa's most talented male artists. Lady Jay has been working in the music industry in Ghana and Nigeria for almost a decade and is known to be an industry favourite. She has worked with some of the region's most influential artists including Sarkodie, BOJ, and and Yaa Pono. Her latest project features E.L., Joey B, Dammy Krane and Magnom and showcases a variety of new African World music. Some of her latest videos include “For You You You” and “Odo Nana,” which are her two first official singles on the EP. Wahala Entertainment signed Lady Jay in 2018 after she returned from Canada where she studied music business. She has since released four singles and music videos which influenced a new generation of listeners. Lady Jay has also been working on her famous live music concert “Magic Dream” held at Zen Garden a few times a year. Her concerts set a new bar for live music in Ghana and have gotten national attention as it has been played by a number of local TV stations. In an interview with Lady Jay, she talked about her upcoming projects one of which is titled “This is Africa”. It is said to be an anthem to all African people and is a song that she holds very close to her heart. “This is Africa” is set for release later this year and is going to be the biggest project Wahala Entertainment and Lady Jay have ever worked on. She is also working on a number of projects with various Africa's biggest artistes. According to her team, 2020 will be a big year full of surprises. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 3, 2020

https://3news.com/lady-jay-releases-her-debut-ep-anywhere-you-dey/

An accounts clerk (bursar) of a school in Accra who was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old pupil of the school and impregnating her in the process has been acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal. Mr Charles Twumasi, 38, was set free after the three-member panel of the court unanimously held that there was no evidence that linked him to the said defilement and also that some of the evidence was deliberately distorted to aid his conviction. “We, therefore, set aside the conviction by the trial circuit court, as affirmed by the High Court, on the grounds that the conviction was unreasonable and, furthermore, it is not supported, having regard to evidence on record. “The appellant (Twumasi) is hereby acquitted and discharged and should be released from prison forthwith,” the Court of Appeal ordered. Accusation Twumasi was accused of defiling the 12-year-old girl in September 2012 when she went to pay her feeding fee at the school's accounts office. He was on remand and in prison for seven years until he was discharged and acquitted on February 13, this year in a judgment read by Mr Justice Dennis Adjei, who presided over the Court of Appeal panel, with Justices Cecelia Sowah and Amadu Tanko as members. Twumasi's lawyer, who argued for his acquittal, is Mr Saani Mahmoud Abdul–Rasheed of the Legal Aid Scheme, while the state was represented by Ms Sefako Batse, a Principal State Attorney. No proof In its judgment upholding Twumasi's appeal, the Court of Appeal was of the determination that there was no evidence on record which showed that the alleged defilement by Twumasi in September 2012 actually happened. Rather, it said, the evidence on record rather proved that the victim was defiled in June 2012, a crime which was allegedly committed by a teacher of the school, known as Nash. According to the court, there was medical evidence, by way of the victim's pregnancy, to prove that the defilement took place in June 2012, allegedly by Nash, but “there is no direct evidence, such as medical evidence, to prove that the victim was defiled in September 2012”. Again, it held that the investigator of the case never testified that the victim was defiled in September 2012, while the headmistress of the school also testified that she remembered the girl's mother went to the school to complain about Nash defiling her daughter. “We hereby find and hold that there is no scintilla of evidence to prove that the appellant (Twumasi) defiled PW2 (victim). Furthermore, there is no evidence to prove that PW2 (victim) was defiled in September 2012,” the court held. Defilement accusation On November 8, 2012, the state initiated criminal proceedings at the Accra Circuit Court against Nash and Twumasi for allegedly defiling the 12-year-old girl. Nash absconded and never appeared before the court to answer the charges levelled against him. Twumasi, who appeared before the court, pleaded not guilty and denied ever defiling the girl. Per the facts, as presented by the prosecution, in June 2012, the girl went to use the school's urinal, and on her way to her classroom, Nash spotted her and instructed her to go and clean the teachers' washroom. According to the prosecution, as soon as the girl entered the teachers' washroom, Nash too went there, locked the door and had sex with her. He allegedly warned the girl not to disclose what he had done to her to anybody, else she would not see her mother again. The prosecution added that in September 2012, the girl went to the accounts office to pay her feeding fee, where she met Twumasi, who sat her on his laps and had sex with her. The facts added that the girl's sister noticed changes in the girl's body and reported it to their mother, who took the girl to a clinic on November 1, 2012, where a test conducted on her revealed that she was five months pregnant. Conviction and sentence At the close of the trial in 2014, the circuit court upheld the prosecution's case and sentenced Twumasi to 10 years in prison in hard labour. Dissatisfied with his conviction and sentence, Twumasi appealed against his conviction at the Accra High Court on April 3, 2014. However, on May 17, 2017, the High Court dismissed Twumasi's appeal and rather increased his sentence from 10 to 15 years. Twumasi continued to protest his conviction and filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal on November 13, 2017. The appeal was on three grounds — the trial circuit court judge erred in convicting and sentencing him, the appellate court (High Court) erred in enhancing his sentence and the sentence was excessive and harsh. Inconsistencies In upholding the appeal, the Court of Appeal also made a determination that there were inconsistencies in the testimonies of the victim, her mother and the headmistress during the trial concerning when Twumasi was mentioned as a suspect. The court said the victim testified that she told her father, in the presence of her mother, that Nash and Twumasi had defiled her on different occasions. That was after she had tested positive for pregnancy. However, the court held that the mother testified that the girl initially informed her (mother) and the father that it was only Nash who had defiled her. The mother further testified that after the confession by the victim, she (mother) took her to the headmistress of the school to report Nash's conduct and that the headmistress interrogated the victim alone in a room. According to the mother, the headmistress informed her (mother), after the interrogation, that the victim had informed her (headmistress) that apart from Nash, Twumasi also defiled her (victim). With regard to the headmistress, the court held that she testified that after she had interrogated the victim, she (headmistress) went to eat, while the girl's mother was still impressing on the victim to tell the truth. The court added that the headmistress further testified that when she returned after eating, the mother told her that the victim had informed her (mother) that Twumasi also defiled her (victim). “We hold that the inconsistencies are colourful and the doubt should have been resolved in favour of the appellant (Twumasi),” it held. Distorted evidence Another crucial claim made by the Court of Appeal was the deliberate attempt to distort Twumasi's evidence. The court said a cursory look at the record of appeal, which was carried from the circuit court to the High Court, showed that at some point during cross-examination Twumasi admitted the offence. According to the court, it demanded the record book but realised that the trial judge did not write the questions which were asked at the trial in her record book but rather used a cassette to record the questions and answers. It added that it demanded the cassette and the machine that was used for the recording, but it was told the two items got crushed. The court held that throughout the trial, the accused denied all the facts, as presented by the prosecution, except his name and his place of work. It was, therefore, the position of the Court of Appeal that the said admission could not be true, and that it was the typist at the circuit court who inserted that misleading evidence into the records of appeal. “How could a person who denied everything have admitted having defiled PW2 (victim)? Why is it that the trial circuit court judge did not address the alleged admission of offence by the appellant and make findings on it? “We find the conduct of the typist irresponsible and should be condemned,” the court held. Daily Graphic

March 3, 2020

https://3news.com/man-jailed-wrongfully-for-15-years-for-defilement-regains-freedom/

Some qualified newly trained teachers are demanding their immediate postings. The teachers who graduated in March 2018 as well as re-sitters for September 2019, are asking the Ghana Education Service (GES) management to post all newly trained teachers “who cannot access their postings” They have warned to picket from next week should the GES fail to post them or give them “any good news”. The teachers, who form the  Coalition  of  Unposted  Qualified  Newly  Trained  Teachers  Nationwide, want management of GES to immediately resolve issues with their postings. “We  arguably  believe  that   issues  concerning  our  postings  will  be  resolve  as  quickly  as  possible  in  other  to  avoid  this  massive  picketing  exercise  which  is  about  to  take  place” they said in a statement issued Monday. By 3news.com|Ghana

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/newly-trained-teachers-demand-postings/

One of the two men declared president of Guinea-Bissau has resigned from the post after just one full day in office, saying his life was in danger. Cipriano Cassamá was chosen by lawmakers as president following disputed elections in December. This was despite the fact that former army general Umaro Cissoko Embaló had already been sworn in as president at a hotel in the capital, Bissau. Guinea-Bissau has had nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. A former Portuguese colony in West Africa, it has also become a key trafficking point for drugs from South America on their way to Europe. This has led to it being dubbed a “narco-state”. The poll was intended to draw a line under the past, but it has triggered a new political crisis in a nation where the military wields huge political influence. The national electoral commission declared that Mr Embaló had beaten his main rival, Domingos Simoes Pereira, by 54% to 46% in the 29 December run-off election. Outgoing President José Mário Vaz handed power to Mr Embaló at a ceremony at a luxury hotel on Thursday. But Mr Pereira's PAIGC party, which led Guinea-Bissau to independence and was the only legal party until 1990, rejected Mr Embaló's inauguration, saying the election was marred by fraud. It then used its parliamentary majority to swear in Mr Cassamá, the parliamentary speaker, as interim president, until the Supreme Court ruled on its bid to annul Mr Embaló's victory. Mr Cassamá said he had no choice but to give up the post because he had received death threats. “I have no security… My life is in danger, the life of my family is in danger, the life of this people [nation] is in danger. I cannot accept that, that is why I took this decision,” he told reporters. Mr Cassamá did not say who had threatened his life. Guinea-Bissau still has two rival prime ministers. One of them, Aristides Gomes, said military officers had invaded his private home in Bissau in a bid to force him to resign. “They threatened to kill the security officers in my service if they do not resign, and threatened to kill me if I do not resign from the office to which I was legally appointed,” he said. Mr Gomes has refused to recognise a decree by Mr Embaló, which replaced him with Nuno Gomes Nabiam, a former presidential candidate who threw his weight behind Mr Embaló in the run-off election. The West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), has called for an end to the turmoil, and has warned that a military force is on standby to “re-establish order” in the event of a coup. Mr Embaló has said he wants to resolve tensions and modernise Guinea-Bissau – one of the world's poorest nations, which is home to some 1.6 million people.

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/guinea-bissaus-president-quits-after-just-a-day-in-office/

A civil society group, OneGhana Movement, is warning of dire consequences for Ghana's healthcare system and infrastructure in the event of coronavirus outbreak in the country. The group claimed in a statement on Monday that there remain low levels of official information on the extent of Ghana's preparedness to deal with the potential spread of the virus in the country. It suggested that Ghanaian authorities have failed to ratchet-up interventions for the deadly novel coronavirus which has infected thousands of people globally and killed hundreds. Nigeria last week recorded its first case, an Italian citizen who flew into Lagos from Milan last week. Authorities say he is clinically stable and is being treated at a hospital in the city. Globally, almost 90,000 people in 60 countries have been infected. More than 3,000 have died, the vast majority in China's Hubei province. “While the OneGhana Movement acknowledges measures put in place including the dedicated 24-hour hotline service of the Ministry of Health/ Ghana Health Service and the designation of Tema General Hospital and Accra Regional Hospital as Covid – 19 quarantine and management centres; the movement will stress the inadequacy of these in the meantime to deal with any potential outbreak and the psycho-social challenges that could be posed by the myths and fears surrounding the disease,” it said on Monday. The group underscored the need to have what it termed anticipatory interventions to address issues of infrastructure, strategy, personnel, mobilisation and education. It has on the basis of that suggested the formation of an Inter-Ministerial (Aviation, Health, Education, National Security) management “to work a functional nexus to coordinate, manage, and control a possible national outbreak”. It is also suggested a comprehensive national Covid – 19 awareness programme to sensitize and help prepare the population psychologically. OneGhana Movement again wants an enhanced preparedness of designated Covid-19 detention and management centres as well as an enhanced readiness of diagnostic centres including the Noguchi Memorial Institute. They want training and re-tooling for more health personnel for Covid – 19 combat and control in preparation of a possible spread to Ghana. “Anticipatory stocking of Covid – 19 management and control kits, particularly as the global situation signifies acute shortages in many of the affected locations,” it added. It has meanwhile called upon the government as well as the relevant Health authorities to marshal required resources as a matter of urgency. “We also urge the government to get the nation together in preparedness and proactive readiness so as to forestall or minimise loss of life in the event of a Covid – 19 spread to Ghana,” it added. The group however said it has confidence in the ability of the government “to lead in these uncertain times of global public health emergency” By 3news.com|Ghana

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/covid-19-group-warns-of-dire-consequences-for-ghana/

British world champion Anthony Joshua will fight Kubrat Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 20 June. Bulgarian Pulev, 38, is the mandatory IBF challenger to take on Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles. Joshua won back the belts with a unanimous points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. in December. “I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am,” said Pulev. June 20th 🗓 pic.twitter.com/4FbiftE8Cl — Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) March 2, 2020 It will be Joshua's first fight in the UK since beating Alexander Povetkin at Wembley in September 2018. He was initially due to fight Pulev at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in October 2017 but the Bulgarian withdrew after suffering a shoulder injury in sparring, with Carlos Takam stepping in to replace him at 12 days' notice. Promoter Eddie Hearn said last week that talks were also underway for an all-British unification fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury. Fury beat Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC title last month, meaning the British heavyweights now hold all of the division's belts between them. However, American Wilder has triggered a rematch clause, meaning a third Fury vs Wilder contest will take place before any potential bout between Fury and Joshua. BBC Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/anthony-joshua-to-fight-kubrat-pulev/

The date for this year's presidential and parliamentary elections remains December 7, the Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed. The confirmation quells any speculation that the elections will be held on November 7. But November 7 could be the date for subsequent general elections, as the EC is yet to set in motion the process to have the current date changed. The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa, in an interview with the Daily Graphic to either confirm or deny the November 7 date for the elections, said while the EC remained committed to changing the voting date, it would have to shelve that plan for this year because the change of date would have to go through a process before the date could be changed. For this year, she said, the time was too short for the EC to do so. “Although the EC is in favour of the change in date, we don't intend to do so this year,” Mrs Mensa stated. Amendment In the run-up to the 2016 elections, there were plans to change the voting day from December 7 to November 7 to allow for smooth transitions from one government to another. The EC has initiated the process to amend Article 112 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, which will allow it to change the date of elections from December 7 to November 7, to make the elections convenient and also enhance the electoral process. Process Providing further insight into the issue, a Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Operations, Mr Samuel Tettey, said to enable the EC to amend the law, it had to write to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice justifying why it needed to change the date. Following that, he explained, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice would initiate a bill for the appropriate amendment, with the requisite justification. He said the bill would also have to go through the requisite parliamentary process, after which two-thirds of Members of Parliament would have to vote in favour of the amendment. He further explained that once Parliament approved of the amendment, the EC would then go ahead to begin the processes to change its calendar and programmes to be in tune with the new date. Background Calls for general elections to come off one month earlier than the current date have been fuelled by the closeness of the December 7 date to the transition period from one administration to the next. Proponents of the November 7 date argue that in the event of a run-off, there will be adequate time for such an election and smooth handover processes. In the 2000 general election, there was a second run-off on December 28, 2000, after the December 7 elections produced no first-round winner. In the first round, while the New Patriotic Party's (NPP's) Mr John Agyekum Kufuor had 3,131,739 votes, representing 48.17 per cent of total votes cast, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, had 2,895,575 votes, representing 44.54 per cent. However, in the second round of voting on December 28, 2000, Mr Kufuor had 3,631,263, representing 56.9 per cent, to win the election, as against 2,750,124 votes, representing 43.10 per cent, obtained by Prof. Mills. It took barely a week for the transition process from one government to another. In 2008, the general election was held on December 7, 2008, but because no candidate received more than 50 per cent of the votes, a run-off election was held on December 28 between the two leading candidates — Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Prof. Mills. While Nana Akufo-Addo had 4,204,073 votes, representing 49.32 per cent, Prof. Mills polled 4,070,889 votes, representing 47.76 per cent. However, in the run-off on December 28, 2008, Prof. Mills had 4,527,909 votes, representing 50.47 per cent, to beat Nana Akufo-Addo, who had 4,443,654 votes, representing 49.53 per cent. Prof. Mills was then certified on January 3, 2009 as the winner of the run-off election and was sworn into office on January 7, barely three days after the declaration of the results of the run-off. Calendar Per the EC's interim calendar of activities, it will begin the compilation of a new voters register for the 2020 elections from April 18 to May 30, 2020. According to the calendar, it would deploy 8,000 registration devices to cover the 32,000 polling stations across the country. Mr Tettey said after the 43-day registration period, the EC would provide a five-day mopping up period to take care of any exigencies. The commission intends to mount a voters register exhibition from August 15 to August 28, this year. It estimates that the registration process, the exhibition of the register and adjudication on challenges raised will all end by October 26, this year. A lot of buffer — allowing enough room to accommodate delays and contingencies — had been built into the timelines to ensure that they were not missed, Mr Tettey explained. Adjudication and correction The EC will also make room for people challenging the identities of others on the register, a process known as objection adjudication and correction, which will take place between October 1 and 9, this year, while the authentication of the register by revising officers will take place between October 12 and 15, this year. In 2012, the register was authenticated between September 25 and 30, 2012, with the 2016 exercise taking place from October 6 to 10. The receipt of nominations from presidential and parliamentary candidates will be done between October 5 and 9, this year. The exercise was conducted from October 17 to 19 in 2012 and between August 29 and 30 in the last election four years ago. This will pave the way for the submission of the final voters register to all political parties on November 4, this year, as was the case in 2012 and 2016 when it was done within the first week of November. The processes will enable the EC to dispatch copies of the register to all constituencies by November 8, this year. Buffer “A lot of thought and estimation have gone into setting the timelines to ensure that we are able to compile and print a new biometric register ahead of the polls on December 7.” Daily Graphic

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/ec-confirms-december-7-remains-polls-day/

There is nothing as romantic as two lovers sharing a kiss. But scientists have come up with an evolutionary explanation which perhaps threatens to kill the passion. Academics think that kissing helps partners share bacteria, shoring up their immune systems and enabling them to better fight disease. As many as 80 million bacteria are transferred during a ten-second kiss, according to Dutch biologists. Sharing those germs means both partners are equipped to ward off the infections they might introduce to each other later on. Humans carry trillions of bacteria in the body, which together make up a ‘microbiota' – a complex mix of bugs which play a crucial role in digesting food and warding off infections. Remco Kort, from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research – or TNO – said his team set out to discover the evolutionary reason for kissing. ‘Interestingly, the current explanations for the function of intimate kissing in humans include an important role for the microbiota present in the oral cavity, although to our knowledge, the exact effects of intimate kissing on the oral microbiota have never been studied,' he said. MailOnline

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/kissing-passes-on-80-million-bugs-but-it-keeps-you-healthy/

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has broken his silence amid public panic prompted by the confirmation of the country's first case of coronavirus. The patient is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and flew into the commercial capital of Lagos from Milan last week. Authorities say he is clinically stable and is being treated at a hospital in the city. It was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa. Algeria and Egypt have also confirmed cases of the virus. Globally, almost 90,000 people in 60 countries have been infected. More than 3,000 have died, the vast majority in China's Hubei province. Mr Buhari has urged citizens to “refrain from panic” adding that “undue alarm would cause more harm than good”. A statement from his office praised the Ministry of Health, the Centre for Disease Control and state governments for their response after the first case was confirmed on Friday. The health ministry said that it had activated its response programme to ensure any outbreak of the virus is “controlled and contained quickly”. The ministry said that so far all the people who were in contact with the Italian citizen have been contacted. Mr Buhari told Nigerians only to trust information provided by the government and the World Health Organization and to follow their advice to prevent transmission. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) will publish daily reports with updates on any coronavirus cases and the response, he said. The centre tweeted its first report on Sunday night: The first situation report for #COVID19Nigeria has been published. A daily national situation report will be published with a summary of the epidemiological situation and response activities in the country. Read via: https://t.co/FymC3PoCXh pic.twitter.com/t6ayWO9ci2 — NCDC (@NCDCgov) March 1, 2020 BBC

March 2, 2020

https://3news.com/nigerias-leader-urges-calm-amid-coronavirus-panic/

AngloGold Ashanti is cautioning the public against fraudsters who have been using the name of people related to the company to extort monies from job seekers. A statement issued Friday said some fraudsters “write to unsuspecting job seekers either on a fraudulently designed AngloGold Ashanti letterhead or the letterhead of other intermediary organisations” to offer them jobs. But the company said the said vacancies “are false”, stating “those involved have not been contracted to recruit on behalf of AngloGold Ashanti”. It has thus asked all persons who have fallen victim to the fraudsters to report to the police or the appropriate authorities for the necessary action to be taken. Meanwhile, the company noted that there is the likelihood of some unscrupulous persons to engage in such illegal activities as it begins full production. It said all job opportunities in the company and its subsidiaries will be published on its website. “AngloGold Ashanti will never request payment of any fees as part of its recruitment processes” the statement said. By Lydia Amponsah|3news.com|Ghana

February 28, 2020

https://3news.com/anglogold-ashanti-warns-the-public-over-recruitment-scam/

Ghana's judiciary has begun recruiting lawyers with “high moral character and integrity” to serve as judges for the high and lower courts across the country. “Applicants must be Ghanaians enrolled on the roll of lawyers in Ghana,” a recruitment notice issued Friday said. Forms are currently being sold at the Ghana Judicial Service or its website for 300 cedis for interested lawyers with the requisite qualification to apply. Those seeking to become high court judges must have at least 10 years' standing at the Ghana Bar and not less than five years' for those applying be become circuit court judges. Those with at least three years can only apply to be considered as magistrates. Qualified candidates shall be required to write examination and ICT proficiency test. There will also be a post examination interview. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 28, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-looking-for-lawyers-with-high-moral-character-to-become-judges/

A woman in South Africa has told the BBC how she was sterilised without her consent after she gave birth at the age of 17, and only learned about it 11 years later when she tried to have another child.

February 28, 2020

https://3news.com/they-removed-my-uterus-and-i-had-no-idea-for-11-years/

Ghana's efforts to put its economy on a more sustainable path by introducing a raft of wide-ranging reforms across the banking sector are mapped out in a new report by the global research and advisory firm Oxford Business Group (OBG). The Report: Ghana 2020 charts the role that the country's three eurobond offerings played as part of a broader, ongoing drive to stabilise the cedi and boost foreign exchange reserves. It also tracks the progress made in reducing the deficit, which fell to 4.2% of GDP in 2019, on the back of measures brought in to improve fiscal discipline and restore macroeconomic stability. The extractive industries play a crucial role in Ghana's economy, with gold and crude oil its top exports in value. OBG examines the positive impact that 1.5-bn barrels of newly discovered oil is expected to have on the economy, adding to reserves estimated at 660m barrels in 2018. It also explores the development under way in the mining and quarrying sector, which contributed $4.2bn to the economy in 2018, up 13.3% year-on-year, buoyed by higher commodity prices, growing global demand and support from the government. In separate coverage, OBG considers the digital drive under way in Ghana, as the mobile money market gains momentum and more public services move online. One of the chapter's highlights is a roundtable, in which industry leaders share their thoughts on a range of topical issues related to ICT. The Report: Ghana 2020 contains a viewpoint by President Nana Akufo-Addo, together with a detailed sector-by-sector guide for investors. It also features a wide range of interviews with other high-profile personalities, including: Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana; Ernest Addison, Governor, Bank of Ghana; Kevin Okyere, CEO, Springfield Group; Edmund Poku, Managing Director, Niche Cocoa; and Kojo Aduhene, CEO, LMI Holdings. Commenting ahead of the launch, Editor-in-Chief Oliver Cornock said OBG's report showed that as Ghana's rich resource base and diversification efforts to date had helped it to become one of the fastest-expanding economies in Africa, efforts to ensure the benefits of future growth are felt more widely were gaining pace. “Ghana's economy grew by an estimated 7.5% in 2019, driven largely by double-digit expansion in oil and gas GDP,” he said. “The introduction of several targeted programmes aimed at increasing local industrial capacity and boosting agricultural value added, reflects the growing role that industry and services are playing in this strategically important regional market.” Souhir Mzali, the Group's Regional Editor for Africa, added that Ghana was also well placed to take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as it advances, having moved earlier than some other countries in the region to upgrade and extend its port infrastructure. “Hopes are high for the part that the AfCFTA will play in accelerating regional integration and intra-continental trade, even though there are many challenges that need addressing ahead of its implementation,” she said. “As a key player in the region and host nation of the secretariat, Ghana can expect to be at the forefront of the drive to develop the world's largest trade area.” The Report: Ghana 2020 marks the culmination of almost nine months of field research by a team of analysts from Oxford Business Group. The publication assesses trends and developments across the economy, including those in macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and others.   The Report: Ghana 2020 has been produced with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the Association of Ghana Industries. Contributions have also been made by Temple Investments, PwC and B&P Associates. It is available online and in print. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 28, 2020

https://3news.com/ghanas-industrial-drive-given-wide-ranging-analysis-in-new-report/

A man described by the Police as a notorious armed robber has been gunned down in Ntoaso near Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region. Identified only as Sheriff, he was said to have engaged in a shootout with a team of personnel from the Police Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) in the early hours of Friday. The team was said to have responded to a distress call at about 3:30am regarding the activity of the suspect who has been on the police wanted list for some time now at Ntoaso. A group of armed men numbering about eight, were said to have first opened fire on the police personnel immediately they arrived at the scene. The police officers returned fire hitting the suspect in the rib and head, leading to his death. His accomplices however managed to escape. Police retrieved from the scene items including pump-action gun, cartridges, smartphones and motorbikes. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue while the police have intensified efforts to arrest the remaining suspects. By Nana Osei Marfo|3news.com|Ghana

February 21, 2020

https://3news.com/notorious-armed-robber-shot-dead-near-adoagyiri/

A cross country fraud syndicate operating in various countries using the Ghanaian presidency and the name of the form Libyan leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi, has been busted in Accra. The syndicate made up of Syrians and Yemenis were arrested in the process of collecting the last trunk of a 450,000 dollar being proceeds from fraudulent deal with an expatriate at the Kotoka International Airport. The suspected criminals, identified as Sanousi Khalifa Mohammed and Cousin Amel, claiming to be Libyans, were picked after years of surveillance. They were finally rounded up by the Tesano Police at a restaurant at the Kotoka International Airport while concluding a deal. The suspects had already collected 270, 000 dollars under the pretext of a 450 million-dollar business transaction. They were to present the military trunks of cash declared as crystal and pick the balance on Thursday. Unknown to the suspected fraudsters, the meeting was being monitored by the security operatives and a team from Tiger Eye PI|. Those arrested include Sanousi Khalifa Mohamed, William, who acts as a clearing agent from the presidency, Amel and Khalifa's cousin, who claimed to be a relative of the former leader of the Libya. They told the victim, they have stash of cash parked in a secured military trunks and needed safe means of transporting them out of Ghana to Yemen. The syndicate claimed custom duties as well as bribes for some top government officials required that they seek honest partners. The gang promised to share the alleged 450 million dollars upon a successful completion of the deal. Private security personnel and residents at Devtraco and Community 18 were excited over their arrest when they led the police to conduct a search in their homes. The suspects had passports of many countries including Niger, Mali, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Chad and Nigeria, and had allegedly defrauded countless victims in Ghana, Togo, Cote d' Ivoire, Mali and many more around the world. They are currently in police custody assisting in further investigations. By Peter Quao Adattor|3news.com|Ghana

February 21, 2020

https://3news.com/cross-country-fraudsters-using-ghanas-presidency-as-cover-busted-in-450m-deal/

President of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies Dr Ishmael Norman says a lot of Ghanaian police officers do not deserve to be in the Ghana Police Service, claiming many of them are overweight. Most of the police officers, he said, have been confined to “air-conditioned offices” for which reason “Many of them are so overweight that they don't deserve to be in the police force; they don't!” Speaking on general security in the country in a pre SONA discussion on TV3 Thursday, the ex-soldier painted a serious picture about the situation, indicating the overweight phenomenon among the policemen is the cause of the indiscriminate shooting of suspected criminals. “That's why they shoot so easily because if the guy [policeman] cannot run after a criminal, the next best thing is to shoot,” he explained. The security expert, who is also a lawyer, noted the police do not know how to deescalate conflict, and underscored the need to reorganise the whole police structure. “They need to really reorganise the whole structure,” he said, adding “Within the homicide unit, there should be a cold case unit”. Dr Norman, who is also a former US army staff sergeant, stressed the need for the Police to bring back visibility policing, saying “it was a good thing” Despite these challenges, he said the police are generally “doing a good job” Watch the video below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtUpgad_X2s   By 3news.com|Ghana

February 21, 2020

https://3news.com/ghana-policemen-shoot-easily-because-theyre-overweight-ex-us-soldier-claims/

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has launched the 2020 edition of Ghana's Fastest Human, an annual sprint competition aimed at unearthing talents to represent the country at the Olympic Games. This year's event will start on February 29 at the Tamale Sports Stadium while the grand finale is scheduled to take place on June 20 at the Paa Joe Stadium at the KNUST campus in Kumasi. The four finalists would be selected into GNPC Speedsters Club and place on one year residential camping. The maiden edition of Ghana's Fastest Human was held in 2013 and has since produced many talents, some of who have represented and won medals for Ghana at the international level. Nana Bediatuo Asante, Executive Secretary to the President, who launched the event in Accra said it was encouraging that the Ghana's Fastest Human has over the years produced athletes Edwin Gadayi, Ben Azamati, Abdul Rasheed Saminu, Grace Obuor, Latifa Ali, Kate Agyeman and Afaxoe Harry Remember among others. He pledged the government's continued support for this project, which he said is an indication of a successful Public-Private partnership. Mr. Reks Brobbey, the CEO of Ghana Fastest Human project, expressed appreciation to Nana Bediatuo Asante. “We are encouraged by the results that this project has achieve so far and we are committed to working towards ensuring that this year's event makes it more memorable,” Mr Brobbey told the journalists at the launch. By Nana Akua Amankwaa|3news.com|Ghana Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

February 21, 2020

https://3news.com/2020-ghanas-fastest-human-championship-begins-from-february-29/

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has hosted the governors of the Millennium Excellence Foundation to discuss the upcoming 20th Anniversary and Awards of the Foundation – the Millennium Excellence Awards 2020.

February 21, 2020

https://3news.com/otumfuo-hosts-delegation-on-20th-anniversary-and-awards-of-mef/

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has scored the government high in its fight against illegal mining in the country. He said evidence on the ground shows “we have done very well” contrary to claims by some civil society groups and the National Democratic Congress that government's fight against scourge otherwise known as galamsey, has failed. “If you look at the evidence, we've done much better than most people will recognise,” he told journalists Thursday on the sidelines of the State of the Nation Address presented to parliament by President Nana Akufo-Addo. According to the minister who is the chairman of the anti-galamsey taskforce, the successes chalked by government have now become the reference point for some African countries who have been tapping from Ghana's experience. Prof Frimpong-Boateng said considering what the situation was at the time the Akufo-Addo government assumed office and what has been achieved, it is only fair to score the government 70 per cent. “Mining with impunity is no longer there,  people who were dying in the pits, deaths have been reduced by 90 per cent and this is very commendable,” he claimed. He added: “Look at where we started from, now we've come to the point where the community mining has been accepted by Ghanaians and about 25,000 people are doing their work there”. Meanwhile, he has denied allegations that he is involved in corrupt deals in the fight against illegal mining According to the cardiothoracic surgeon, since returning to Ghana at the age of 39 years, he has sacrificed his entire life to working in the interest of the nation to the extent that he has done nothing for his himself. Prof. Frimpon-Boateng said it saddens him that his reputation is being associated with illegality when he has not even taken a bribe in his life before. “Look at me; I've not taken bribe before. I've not extorted money from anyone before. I've not done anything wrong before and it saddens my heart that people can associate me with illegality. This is wrong,” he told Komla Klutse. He recounted how he returned from Germany to Ghana to set up the National Cardiothoracic Centre and construct its building without monetary contribution from the government. Also, he said he reformed the Ghana Red Cross Society and founded the Ghana Heart Foundation, stating “everything that I've done in this world is for Ghanaians. I've not done anything for myself”. The Minister who has come under criticism for his handling of the seized excavators which went missing said he is not involved in any crime as is being alleged by his critics, saying “It is not true”. “Every excavator that has been stolen will be found,” he assured. Details of the whole excavator saga and other matters regarding the alleged corruption in the galamsey fight, he said, will come out soon once investigations are concluded by the Police, hence declined to say more. He thus asked journalists not to “harass” him with the issue. Asked whether he would resign on the back of the allegations, he responded: “for what purpose?” By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/weve-done-better-in-fighting-galamsey-than-people-can-see-sector-minister/

Roger Stone, long-time adviser and ally to President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in jail. “They say Roger Stone lied to Congress.” @CNN OH, I see, but so did Comey (and he also leaked classified information, for which almost everyone, other than Crooked Hillary Clinton, goes to jail for a long time), and so did Andy McCabe, who also lied to the FBI! FAIRNESS?

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/trump-ally-roger-stone-sentenced-to-prison/

Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has denied allegations that he is involved in corrupt deals in the country's fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to the cardiothoracic surgeon, since returning to Ghana at the age of 39 years, he has sacrificed his entire life to working in the interest of the nation to the extent that he has done nothing for his himself. Speaking to journalists Thursday on the sidelines of the State of the Nation Address delivered to parliament by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Prof. Frimpon-Boateng said it saddens him that his reputation is being associated with wrongdoing when he has not even taken a bribe in his life. “Look at me; I've not taken bribe before. I've not extorted money from anyone before. I've not done anything wrong before and it saddens my heart that people can associate me with illegality. This is wrong,” the apparent worried minister told Komla Klutse. He recounted how he returned from Germany to Ghana to set up the National Cardiothoracic Centre and construct its building without monetary contribution from the government. Also, he said he reformed the Ghana Red Cross Society and founded the Ghana Heart Foundation, stating “everything that I've done in this world is for Ghanaians. I've not done anything for myself”. The Minister who has come under criticism for his handling of the seized excavators which went missing said he is not involved in any crime as is being alleged by his critics, saying “It is not true”. “Every excavator that has been stolen will be found,” he assured. Details of the whole excavator saga and other matters regarding the alleged corruption in the galamsey fight, he said, will come out soon once investigations are concluded by the Police, hence declined to say more. He thus asked journalists not to “harass” him with the issue. Asked whether he would resign on the back of the allegations, he responded: “for what purpose?” Prof. Frimpong-Boateng contended that the galamsey fight by the government has been 70 per cent successful despite the allegations of corruption. He also denied assertions that he was sleeping on the job for which reason excavators went missing overnight, stating “the excavators did not disappear overnight… the facts will be made public soon after investigations by the Police”. Meanwhile, he has denied allegations that his son involved in illegal mining, saying “He is not involved in anything and the world will get to know very soon”. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/ive-not-taken-bribe-before-all-ive-done-is-for-ghanaians-prof-frimpong-boateng/

One of the aspirants contesting the Yendi constituency parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party, Farouk Aliu Mahama, has admonished his contenders to consolidate Dagbon peace by running a peaceful campaign. He noted the peace of Dagbon is bigger than their individual interest, hence the need to preserve it. Farouk, who is the son of the late former Vice President Aliu Mahama, filed his nomination forms Wednesday to contest two others, Osman Baba Daney and Abibata Shanni Mahama, who are also seeking the ticket of the NPP to represent the people of Yendi in parliament. The filing was characterized by a colourful display of love for the aspirant as hundreds of supporters thronged the streets of Yendi. Mr Aliu Mahama called for unity among the aspirants and the entire membership of the party. “The NPP government under President Akufo-Addo together with traditional authorities brought back peace to Dagbon and as politicians, we have the responsibility to consolidate the peace” he underscored. He applauded the incumbent MP, Habib Tijani, for his leadership traits and promised to retain the seat for the NPP in the December 2020 general elections. Receiving the forms on behalf of the election committee, the Yendi Constituency secretary, Zakaria Shaibu, called for unity before, during and after the primaries. By Christopher Amoako|3news.com|Ghana

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/aliu-mahama-preaches-peace-as-he-files-nomination-to-contest-npp-primary-in-yendi/

President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced he will maintain Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election in December. This will be the fourth time the President will be pairing with the astute economist to go into presidential election on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Addressing a crowd of party faithfuls after filing his nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Thursday, Nana Akufo-Addo said the choice of Dr Bawumia was an easy one to make, and stated it was not something that required thorough thinking. “The Party rules require that once you are declared flagbearer, you have to choose a running mate. This is not something to think about. Once I'm declared the flagbearer, this same man will be my running mate; Mahamadu Bawumia will be my choice” he said to a loud cheer from the crowd. He added: “still maintained, no change. No curve, no bend. We are moving on forward”. Nana Akufo-Addo who is seeking re-election to do four more years is the only candidate to have picked and filed nomination for the presidential primary of the NPP to be held across the country on April 15. His candidature is expected to be affirmed by the party's delegates who have already been campaigning with the slogan ‘Four More For Nana. President Akufo-Addo described as an honour, the opportunity given him to go unopposed in the party's presidential primary. “It is encouraging to see the level of confidence reposed in me” he said in Twi, adding “I will not forget the love shown me” He assured the party faithfuls he will lead them to victory in the December polls, but pleaded with them to also do their part by registering in the upcoming voters' registration exercise in order to vote massively for him. “The hope of Ghanaians is the NPP. The NPP is the only party to give Ghanaians comfort and development. My plea is very simple; help me for Ghanaians to give me four more years, four more for Nana,” he told the ecstatic crowd. In his view, former President John Mahama who is seeking a comeback, has nothing to offer the country. “Someone [in reference to Mahama] is saying he did not finish the work and that he is coming to continue. What job, what job did he come to do? We have retrogressed in everything. He wants to come and take us back again, no! We are moving forward. We won't make that mistake,” he stated. According to him, Mahama has only been criticising the work of his government and has failed in offering alternatives to things he claimed are not being done right. Touching on the processes to elect parliamentary candidates for the party, Nana Akufo-Addo said it is important for the exercise to be conducted in a peaceful manner in order not to cause divisions within the party. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/akufo-addo-picks-bawumia-as-running-mate-for-re-election-bid/

Head Coach of Halifax Ladies, Mrs Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo, has resigned from the club with immediate effect.  The decision, she explained, is afford her time to concentrate on the senior women's national team, the Black Queens, which she now coaches. According to her, she currently needs time to scout for players for the Black Queens who have upcoming national assignments, as well as honour other international engagements she has with CAF and FIFA. “I have enjoyed my tenure at Halifax, and in particular feel honoured to have been a part of such a supportive team. If I can be of help during this transition, please let me know. I am available to help train my replacement, and will ensure all my reports are updated before my last day of work. Thank you again for the opportunity to work at Halifax. I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch,” portions of her resignation letter read. Madam Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo is currently engaged by CAF as an instructor in Prampram training coaches from some selected schools at the grassroots level as they prepare for a CAF U15 girls tournament and Sports Festival. By Nana Akua Amankwaa Quaye|3news.com|Ghana Should Chris Hughton be sacked following performance of Ghana Black Stars?

February 20, 2020

https://3news.com/mercy-tagoe-resigns-as-head-coach-of-halifax-ladies/

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will on Thursday, February 20 file his nomination forms at the New Patriotic Party head office in Accra to contest in the party's presidential primary scheduled for April 25. He is expected to submit the nomination forms with a mandatory 200,000-cedi filing fees. A statement issued by the party Wednesday described tomorrow's event an important one which marks an “important milestone in the NPP's journey to a deserving electoral victory in December, 2020”. It is unclear whether the president, who is also scheduled to present his last State of the Nation Address for his first term to parliament tomorrow morning, will submit the presidential nomination form himself or delegate someone to file on his behalf. A team from the Presidency led by Director of Research at the Jubilee House, Victor Newman, on Monday, January 27 picked nomination forms from the party's national headquarters in Accra on behalf of Nana Akufo-Addo, who was at the time in the Ashanti Region to mourn with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who had lost one of his chiefs. Nana Akufo-Addo whose first four-year mandate ends on January 7, 2021, is seeking the endorsement of the delegates of the NPP to lead the party into the December 2020 general elections as its presidential candidate. He is the only candidate who has so far picked the party's presidential nomination forms for the flagbearership slot since nominations opened exactly a month ago. In line with the party's constitution and the rules and regulations, the President, being the sole contestant thus far, is expected to be acclaimed as the party's 2020 flagbearer at a National Congress to be held simultaneously across the country on April 25. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/akufo-addo-files-presidential-nomination-forms-thursday-with-%c2%a2200k-fees/

Ghana's Terminal 1 at the Kotoka International Airport is now being used to offer operational and logistical support to the United States military, the Aviation Minister, Kofi Adda has revealed. Domestic flights operating from terminal 1 were relocated to Terminal 2 to give passengers comfort and ensure efficiency in operations. International flights were also moved from T2 to the newly constructed T3. The marquee tent at the Terminal 1 which was used as the departure lounge for domestic flights, according to the Aviation Minister, was dilapidated and needed renovation but assessment showed the Ghana Airport Company was going to spend more to renovate the place. “The Ghana Airport Company, therefore, took the renovation from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 to save money and also ensure efficiency in operations and passionate comfort,” he told parliamentarians on Wednesday. Mr Adda also said the Ghana Airport Company then rented out the ground floor of Terminal 1 to McDan Aviation for use as a logistics operation centre for a period of 15 years from January 2019. “Pursuant to the Ghana government agreement with the United States government, McDan has also signed a management agreement with the United States military and provides logistics and handling services to the US military through Terminal 1,” Mr Adda added. The Ghana Airport Company, Mr Adda said, will earn 350,000 dollars from the rent annually. Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Agbodza, asked the Minister whether the Aviation Ministry is a party to the agreement between McDan and the US military but he responded in the negative. Mr Adda explained that the US military in their internal procurement processes identified McDan as the “company that can handle passenger services for them”. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/ghanas-terminal-1-being-used-to-offer-logistical-support-for-us-military/

Several supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Mampong in the Ashanti Region have been injured in an internal violent clash. A former Member of Parliament for the area, Francis Addai-Nimoh, was prevented by the supporters of the incumbent MP, Sarpong Ampratwum, from filing his nomination forms to contest the party's primary. The situation created confusion among the supporters of the two aspiring candidates, causing them to clash in a free-for-all at the party's constituency office Wednesday afternoon. Supporters from both sides hurled stones at each other while others used sticks to smash their opponent, injuring some of them in the process. Video from the scene showed one person who was slapped with a stick collapsed in front of a shop near the party office while another person who had a stick in hand with blood oozing from his face being restrained. Others were captured heckling each other just in front of the party office which is located on a first floor of a building. It took the internvention of the police which arrived at the scene an hour later, to disperse the angry crowd. Mr Addai-Nimo and the incumbent MP, Sarpong Ampratwum, were scheduled to submit their nomination forms today at different times but the former MP's forms were twice rejected today by the constituency election committee without reasons, when it was submitted by a delegation. Though Mr Ampratwum had filed his nomination form earlier in the morning, his supporters stayed at the party office until afternoon and prevented a five-man delegation sent by Mr Addai-Nimo from filing the nomination form on his behalf. Our correspondent Benjamin Aidoo who witnessed the nasty scene said the delegation were asked by the election committee to go and return Thursday to file the nomination of Mr Addai-Nimo without giving reasons. The former MP was last week denied access to purchase the nomination forms at the constituency level, forcing him to do so at the regional office in Kumasi, a move some have said is calculated attempt by the constituency executives to prevent him from contesting the primary. According to Mr Addai-Nimo, he mentioned to the constituency chairman last Saturday that he will be submitting his nomination forms today. “He indicated to me that the sitting MP will do his at about 11 o'clock” Mr Addai-Nimo told 3news.com, adding he then informed the chairman he will submit his forms at 3:00 p.m. which he agreed to. “I confirmed this time to him on Monday and last night, he [the chairman] called me that he could not receive me today and I persuaded him that I had made all my preparation to file my nomination at 3:00pm so if he is coming at this hour to indicate to me that he could not receive my nomination then he is just being unfair to me,” he stated. “It's just unfortunate this thing should happen…why should just receiving a nomination be a problem, an exercise that takes about 5 minutes” he quizzed. ‘No common sense' The former MP did not understand why the party was making it difficult for him to file his nomination when one other person and the incumbent MP have filed theirs without issues, “So why should it be difficult for me also to file my nomination and for you to tell me that I should come on the last day of the period? I find it a bit ridiculous. There is no common sense in it.” He said he has reported today's incident to the Regional chairman of the NPP who has promised to receive his form in the event that the constituency election committee reject it again on Thursday. “He has indicated to me that I should remain calm, I should exercise restraint. Tomorrow, if he fails to receive the nomination forms I could rush to Kumasi and he the regional chairman is ready to receive the nomination forms,” he said. Mr Addai-Nimo demanded that the constituency election committee lives up to expectations “because there is responsibility on them”. “They cannot shirk their responsibility,” he stated. He has meanwhile called on his supporters to remain calm and not engage in violence act or activity that will increase the tension in the constituency. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/several-npp-supporters-injured-in-violent-clash-at-mampong/

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has hinted of plans by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to employ the use of Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensors across its systems to fight the canker of power theft. Speaking at the launch of a mobile application for ECG customers on Tuesday, Dr Bawumia indicated that difficulties in collecting payment for power supplied and eliminating power theft were major challenges confronting ECG, and the use of Artificial Intelligence would be a major game-changer. “The issue of solving the collection problem at ECG is a major part of solving the energy issue in Ghana. I think this app also enhances collection, but I am aware – because I have been talking to the Board Chairman and the MD – that they are thinking about applying technology, artificial intelligence and remote sensors in the collection process. “I know that they are piloting the system now, and by the grace of God if all goes well, we will have implemented a new system, starting this year, whereby nobody will be able to steal electricity in Ghana again. “It is major thing that the ECG is likely to implement this year, using artificial intelligence and remote sensing. They are piloting it right now, and the results look quite good. Once we solve that problem, the issue of losses from people doing ‘kuluulu' connections of electricity will be a thing of the past,” Dr Bawumia revealed. The new app, known as ‘ECG Power' and designed in-house by the ICT staff of ECG, will make it possible for 2.8 million out of the company's 3.8 million customers to make payments for power purchased and services rendered by the Company. This figure is expected to rise by the end of the year when old meters are replaced with smart ones. Users of smart phones can download the app from the Google play store or Apple App Store, create an account, add the meter number, and top up or pay bills using mobile money wallets. Users of Non-smart phones, popularly known as ‘Yam' phones are not left out; they can dial *226# and follow the prompts to enjoy the service. Vice President Bawumia expressed delight at the unveiling of the innovative application that will enhance the delivery of an essential public service to all ECG customers – from households, organizations, small businesses and industry. “This is historic in the sense that the ECG for the first time in its long history is employing technology to tackle two major problems: first, improve on one of its critical functions of delivering power to its customers; and, second, address the more serious challenge of mobilizing its revenues from power delivery effectively and efficiently. “With this new application, customers can now buy electricity credit from the comfort of their homes, anytime and anywhere. What is more, you can now buy credit for distressed family members and for acquaintances. “All this is well in line with President Akufo-Addo's vision to use digital technology to transform the economy of Ghana,” Vice President Bawumia stated.  “The programme of Government which we are consistently delivering to Ghanaians is to use technology to bring about a total transformation of the way we go about our daily tasks, the way we do business, and the way we govern ourselves.” While commending the Board, management and staff of ECG for effectively using the pilot period to iron out the kinks in the app, he urged them to take steps to provide the necessary support systems for efficient management of the Mobile App. “There can be no excuse for systems failures, unreliability and inaccuracies,” he cautioned. The Vice President expressed delight that the app had been developed by staff of ECG, saying “We as government believe in local solutions to tackling local problems and I want to express my congratulations to the team of ECG staff that developed this application. Like Oliver Twist, we look forward to more innovative and productivity enhancing measures to improve efficiency and in so doing reducing the cost of electricity to Ghanaians.” By Presidency|3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/ecg-to-deploy-artificial-intelligence-to-check-power-theft/

A public health specialist, Dr. Ismael Norman, has underscored the need for Ghana to use local languages in creating awareness on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Speaking a public forum organised by Media General on the global scourge of coronavirus Tuesday, Dr Norman said it would be more purposeful to use local dialects to raise awareness and educate the masses on the symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention of the virus. Dr Norman who is President of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies believes that local dialects like Ga, Dagaare, Twi, Ewe, Kasena Nankane and other languages needs to be used instead of relying on only English Language. “It doesn't serve any purpose when you stand at Korle Bu and you talk to each other when the vast majority of the people can't even understand the language you are speaking. Let us have the risk communication in their native languages,” he emphasized. Local dialects, he said, should not be used for only political propaganda and campaigns but also for health preparedness and emergency in times like this. He was not satisfied with the attitude of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) as regards public health education on the novel coronavirus. He remarked that, “risk communication and health promotion are two major issues when it comes to public health. Without spewing too much spittle we can all agree that the GHS with its MoH have not done this nation proud”. According to him, the public education that is currently going on in the nation is being championed by the media via newspapers, and Radio and TV broadcast. He also called for a broader and deeper collaboration between GHS and National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to deal with the needs of people and offer assistance when necessary. NADMO, he said, can conduct a rapid and detailed need assessment for distribution of humanitarian aid if there are confirmed cases of the virus and deaths resulting from that. Although NADMO is part of the stakeholders of GHS and MoH for emergencies, Dr Norman decried that their involvement in planning of interventions is at a low level. He identified lack of respect for the NADMO staff and the lack of transparency in the use of funds allocated for emergencies as the key reasons for lack of inclusion of NADMO officials in the planning process. By Ferdinard Tiekon|3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/use-local-languages-to-create-awareness-on-coronavirus-public-health-specialist/

China has ordered three foreign journalists of the Wall Street Journal to leave the country over an opinion piece it said was “racist”.

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/china-expels-wall-street-journal-journalists-for-coronavirus-article-it-deemed-racist/

Waste management expert, Zoomlion Ghana limited, has displayed its integrated waste management solutions to world leaders at the 10th session of the World Urban Forum organized in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company which has been lauded for its sustainable approach to urban sanitation management, demonstrated to the world leaders and participants   how technologies are being deployed to provide sustainable total waste management solutions in Ghana and beyond. Head of Laboratory and Research of Sewerage Systems Ghana limited, Zoomlion, Engineer Ahmed Issahaku,  who in his presentation, highlighted the various compost and recycling plants, faecal treatment plants, medical waste treatment facilities, temporary haulage centers for solid waste, provision of technologically-enabled waste bins as some of the innovations being deployed in the communities of Ghana by Zoomlion and its subsidiaries to help sustainable manage the increasing rate of waste generation as a result of the rapid urbanization. He said effective urban sanitation management is critical to public health as the increasing rate of people moving to urban centres demands increased waste management and sanitation infrastructure that meets the unique needs of its people. A Research Director at Zoomlion Ghana limited, Dr. Kofi Sekyere Boateng who also spoke on the topic “Development of municipal capacities for urban solid waste management: strengthening the circular economy and climate protection in cities” indicated that improper solid waste management has a negative impact on climate change. He underscored the need to adopt the integrated recycling and compost plants in communities as being done by Zoomlion in Ghana. Secretary General of UN Habitat, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, pointed out that sustainable urbanization should be a reality. She encouraged countries present to adopt the culture of change which is a critical element in urban development. “What worked yesterday may not work today. We must differentiate between culture of the people and the culture of the nation”, she stated. The 10th session of the World Urban Forum was themed “Cities of opportunities, connecting culture and innovation”. The theme was aimed at harnessing potentials for investment opportunities, learning from best practices, sharing success stories and innovations in the environment and sanitation space. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/zoomlion-showcases-urban-sanitation-solutions-at-world-urban-forum/

One of South Africa's premium wine brands, Boschkloof, has officially launched onto the Ghanaian market with a call for responsible alcohol consumption. The Chief Executive Officer of Boschkloof Wines, Jacques Borman, made a strong case for responsible drinking during a wine-tasting session held at Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra on Tuesday. He said the company was not only concerned about consumption of its products but also the health of the people, indicating that is the best way to ensuring continuous patronage. “As a leading wine company interested in growth, we are also concerned about the consumption of our products to safeguard the health of consumers, because it is only when the consumers are healthy that they can work, make profits and afford our good wines,” he said. Guests, including expert wine-tasters and retailers, praised the quality of the range of products from the Stellenbosch-based wine company. General Manager for Klass-One Investments, sole importers and distributors of Boschkloof wines, Jennifer Dodoo, said the company is proud to be associated with Boschkloof wine, which she said is top quality. She also reiterated the call for responsible drinking, adding that “although wine has been proven to have some health benefits, Klass-One Investments does not endorse its immoderate indulgence”. She added “Boschkloof Wines are strictly not suitable for persons under 18 years of age.” Klass-One Investment introduced Boschkloof Wines to the Ghanaian market in June 2019. [caption id="attachment_13999" align="aligncenter" width="836"] The four brands[/caption] The brand comes in four blended products, namely Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and White Blend. By 3news.com|Ghana

February 19, 2020

https://3news.com/south-africas-boschkloof-wines-launched-in-ghana/