You sent 1000 soldiers to look for me? Papavi asked government
leader of Western Togo land secessionist, Papavi Kormi Kudjordjiem, has broken his silence following violent agitations by some groups pushing for the creation of Western Togoland. Speaking from his hideout in a video gone viral, Papvi condemned the state’s search for him. “I remember we once went for a meeting, we closed, and I went into another meeting. I was attending meetings here and there, peaceful meeting meetings here and there. At the end of one, I was informed that several soldiers, heavily armed, were chasing after my name. Rumours even had it that I should be brought either alive or dead. “I have made myself available to the police, security agencies on several occasions. Anytime they wanted me, I went, and we had discussions, and I come home. But this time, I don’t know why over one thousand young men were holding guns looking for an 85-year-old man. I don’t know what they have in mind about me, so I had to hide my face a little,” he said while explaining his decision to go into hiding. A group suspected to be members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation, a group demanding to secede from Ghana blocked roads, leading to the Volta and Oti regions, including Kpong-Akosombo, Juapong-Ho, Ho-Mepe, Sogakope-Accra. The separatists attacked two police stations at Aveyime and Mepe. They seized ten AK-47 assault rifles after breaking into the police armoury. They ransacked the police stations, released inmates in custody, physically assaulted and injured police officers. Just four days after this violent attack from the group, another act of vandalism was recorded. This time, the group, also believed to be members of the secessionist group turned their focus on the State Transport Corporation (STC) in the Volta Regional capital, Ho. According to the police, four armed men stormed the transport terminal Ho STC yard demanding the keys to all the vehicles parked. The armed men set two minibuses ablaze when the drivers failed to produce the keys to the eleven buses which were parked there. They also beat the drivers in the process. A flag believed to be that of the Western Togoland secessionists was found at the scene. But reacting to these disturbances perpetuated by suspected members of the group, leader of the foundation, Papavi said the government of Ghana must thoroughly investigate the matter. According to him, his group is a peaceful one and does not operate with violence. “It had come to my attention that about a week or two ago, there was the blocking of roads, a sort of a demonstration, mayhem in the land (Volta Region). The homeland Study Group is a peaceful group. A peace-loving group. A peace generating group which started since 1994.” “I am advising strongly that our people, the government of Ghana, should take that letter published online seriously and go by it. I have on two occasions written to the President of Ghana for us to sit down and talk at a round table but no attention has been given to the letter. He added “Nobody should label the Homeland Study Group Foundation with this kind of thing. We are not like that. Ghana should intensify its level of investigation and not just suspect and arrest people, firing people and locking people up”. Before going into hiding, Papavi on November 16, 2019, declared a Western Togoland independence from Ghana at Ho in the Volta Region. “Today the 16th of November 2019, the leader of Western Togoland independence Mr Charles Kormi Kudzodzi has announced the separation of Western Togoland from Ghana. He sighted numerous reasons as the bases for which the union that was not established must not be recognized. More information will soon reach the General public soon,” the group wrote on Facebook. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible News publications
Retiring workers for 2020 earning less under pensions reform
Retiring workers for 2020 have been made victims of the pensions reform system. According to a Daily Graphic investigation published on October 5, 2020, the promise of better retirement earnings has only delivered less than what the pensions regulator, previously gave to retirees. The investigation also revealed that among tiers one and two, benefits remunerated to people who retired this year under the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) received an average three times lower under the PNDC Law 247. However, the differences are in spite of comparisons in the ranks achieved, incomes earned and the number of years one worked and contributed to the scheme prior to retirement. According to the Daily Graphic, a nurse who retired this year as a Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDSS) in the Upper West Akim District in the Eastern Region received GH¢16,019.70, made up of GH¢10,019.70 as Past Credit under tier one and GH¢6,000 from tier two investments. The nurse whose name is withheld said she had worked for 38 years and contributed to the pension scheme for 504 months. Another, whose name is also withheld and served as a community health nurse/ midwife and retired in 2019 said she received GH¢62,607.23, after contributing for 508 months to the pension system. The nurse told the Daily Graphic that she was bemused and was still recovering from what she describes as a “shock” which came with the amount she received5 as Past Credit. “When they printed my statement for me in the district office of SSNIT, I had a blackout. I sat there for more than 30 minutes without being able to open my mouth,” she narrated. Petition to SSNIT The nurse, however, revealed she wrote a petition to the district office of the SSNIT to look into the matter indicating that with “38 years of unblemished service, the amount paid was just a little over GH¢10,000”. According to her, the petition also noted that the amount “cannot do much in this economy of ours to secure a peaceful retirement”. SSNIT, in a response to the nurse, said that the formula used in calculating the benefits for pensioners was prudent and that the retired nurse was not in any way cheated but was paid the right due amount under the Pensions Act 766. Others retirees stories A teacher in the Jaman South District of the Ashanti Region who retired as Assistant Director disclosed, he had received GH¢10,644.31 as a benefit, after working for 34 years and contributing for 405 months. While another teacher who retired on the same rank in 2018 said he had received about GH¢63,256, after contributing for around 401 months. The story is also the same for a staff member of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) whose name is also withheld. The former staff member said he had retired earlier this year under Pensions Act 766 but only received GH¢42,369.65, comprising GH¢15,369.65 as Past Credit under tier one and GH¢27,000 under tier two, after working for 37 years and contributing for 444 months to the scheme. Also, a member of staff of the GWCL who retired on a lower rank under Act 247 in 2018 received GH¢61,410.56, after contributing for 405 months. They both worried why a new law that permits them to benefit more from the pensions system would make its contributors and retirees rather worse off. “It is pathetic and everybody should come on board for us to look at it. Is this what we want for people who have sacrificed and given their all for their country?” one of them quizzed. Response from SSNIT, NPRA and Trade Union Congress The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were contacted in separate interviews on the matter. Though they all indicated their awareness of the disparity in pensions benefits under Act 766 and Act 247, they assured that they were teaming up with the government to address the situation. The Director-General of SSNIT, Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang, indicated that the disparities were however due to what he describes as “transitional challenges”. According to him, his outfit was notified of a letter from the government that pledged to increase the disparities in what a pensioner would have received as a benefit under Act 247 and what the contributor truly received under Act 766. “After this transition period, the simulations show that everybody’s Past Credit and tier two will outstrip whatever he or she would have got under Act 247. Also, the lifetime pension benefits under Act 766 are better than under Act 247, and that is an undisputed fact,” Dr. Tenkorang said. He added, “I have directed my team to work out those differences for us to submit to the Cabinet,” he said. The implementation and regulation of the tier three pensions scheme under Act 766 which started in 2010 was greeted as the finest stake to guarantee retirement income security through pension savings yet its implementation has been riddled with various delays and challenges for contributors and pensioners. Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Arsenal make £45m move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Partey
Arsenal have made a late move to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid before tonight’s transfer deadline, Goal has learned. The Ghana international – who has a release clause of £45 million (€50m/$58m) – has been a priority target for the Gunners all summer. Discussions with Atletico have taken place during the past few months, with Arsenal hoping to land the midfielder for a fee less than his release clause, but Atletico have consistently stated that the only way Partey will be leaving this summer is if that clause is activated. Arsenal have previously indicated that the release is too high, but Goal has been told that stance has now changed and Arsenal are willing to meet the clause and have indicated such to La Liga, who hold the player’s registration. Arsenal’s legal team are now at the club’s London Colney training ground working to get the deal done. Speaking about possible incomings after Sunday’s 2-1 win against Sheffield United, boss Mikel Arteta reassured fans that the club would be doing all they can to add to the squad before Monday night’s deadline. “What I can guarantee is that we are doing our maximum for that to happen, whether we are going to achieve it or not, I don’t know,” said the Spaniard, when discussing the possibility of bringing in new signings. “I cannot discuss the players that we want but we recognise certain positions that we believe we are short in. First of all in numbers and then adding different qualities to complement each other and this is what we are trying to do. “I always try to be really honest and clear. Believe me that the ownership, the board, myself, are doing everything we can to maximise the resources we have to improve the team and to sustain and keep the players that are in this club to make this club successful. “I have 100% backing from them. It’s not just words, it’s reality. Whoever knows me, if it wasn’t like that I wouldn’t say it but I say it because I feel it and it’s true.” Partey has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer along with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, who has now confirmed he will be staying with the French club for another year. Atletico do not want to lose their midfielder and have given him assurances that he will be handed a new contract once the financial difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic begin to lessen, but as previously reported by Goal, Partey wants a move to Arsenal and has been waiting to see if a deal can be struck. The Gunners have now made their move and are trying to finalise the transfer before tonight’s 11pm deadline Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email:apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications
‘I now sell pork, pizza and chicken wings’ – Tic Tac
All other things being equal, it’s important for everyone to maintain multiple streams of income in this life. No one should heavily rely on just one stream of income as there will be moments that, one particular stream of income, may not bring in returns all the time. Some of our celebrities understand this business concept and have created for themselves side businesses aside their main career and Tic formally called Tic Tac has made that move and he’s into pork business. In an interview on eTV Ghana’s Late Nite Celebrity show, Tic revealed that he has ventured into the food business, shifting from the nightclub business. “I’ve shifted from the nightclub business, I’m now into food business. I sell food, I sell pizza, I sell chicken hot wings, I sell bongo pork and bongo goat. According to Tic, he ventured into this business during his break from music. On records, born Nana Kwaku Okyere Duah better known as Tic (Tic Tac) started performing in 1997 with a group called ‘Naatty strangers’. He reached a wider audience when he was featured on Azigiza’s song ‘Woye Bia’, which was a hit in Ghana. He did a lot of collaborations with Slim Buster and Daasebre Gyamena of blessed memory. In 1999 Tic released his debut solo album, ‘Philomina’, which helped him to register his name on the lips of many Ghanaians. Currently, he’s out with a new single titled “Pene Mame” which features Kidi. Source: GH Base
Teachers not excited with the introduction of wearing professional uniforms To School.
It is an open secret that Nurses, doctors have uniforms. Lawyers, Judges have uniforms and even Services and Forces like immigration, police, Army, Fire Service have uniforms. Most recognized professions have uniforms except the teaching profession. However, teachers have received the news of “professional uniform” with mixed feelings. While some think that it’s good for teachers to have their own uniform, others vehemently oppose the idea. Counsellor Daniel Fenyi, who spoke to Green 88.5FM last Friday morning, made an appeal to the Government to consider introducing uniforms to the teaching profession just as they have introduced the Teacher License. He argued that teachers spend a lot of money on clothes and dressing, meanwhile, they are not given any clothing allowance. Counsellor Daniel also decried the shabby and faded dresses some teachers take to school. He thinks that when a uniform is introduced, it will reduce the cost of dressing and also reduce the shabby dressings of some teachers. Counsellor also added that a uniform will give teachers some “official” recognition in the public space such as the bank, hospital, transport, etc just as the police, nurses gain recognition when they go to the bank, hospital or sit in public transport. However, some teachers have kicked against Counsellor Daniel’s appeal. They feel a uniform will reduce their status and make them appear childish. For more information, contact Counsellor Daniel Fenyi, Counsellor | Educationist Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email:apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications
Breaking: NDC Youth Organiser shot dead by unknown gunmen
News reaching MyNewsGh.com has confirmed that a branch executive of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Pusiga District of the Upper East Region has been shot dead by unknown gunmen. Khalifa believed to be in his late 30’s who operates a drinking spot at Widana within the Pusiga enclaves, was shot on his leg and stomach by his assailants who demanded for the GHS70, 000 they claimed he kept to buy a house within the area. The deceased who handed only GHS500 to his attackers believed to be robbers was shot twice and abandoned on the floor until he bled to death. Sources disclosed to MyNewsGh.com that the deceased had agreed to buy a property worth GHS70, 000 but the owner demanded he changes the amount into CFA francs which he was said to be in the process of doing before the robbery attack that claimed his life. One person has so far been arrested in connection with the incident while his accomplices are said to be on the run and are being pursued by the police who confirmed the attack to this portal. Source: MyNewsGh.com
ACHIEVEMENTS OF OSAGYEFO DR. KWAME NKRUMAH BETWEEN 1957-1966
History is always the best judge. The many good things done under the administration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for the benefit of his beloved nation, Ghana, ought to be brought to the limelight for today’s generation since most are ignorant or underestimate his achievements. Education Sector Senior High Schools Under the Ghana Education Trust policy, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah built a number of Senior Secondary (High) Schools including: Mfantsiman Secondary School, Ofori Panyin Secondary School, Techiman Secondary School, Winneba Secondary School, Swedru Secondary School, Apam Secondary School, Dormaa Secondary School, Tema Secondary School, Oda Secondary School, and the Labone Secondary School. Colleges of Education Kwadaso College of Education, Atebubu Training College, Berekum Training College, Fosu Training College and the Enchi Training College, Ghana National College of Cape Coast, etc. Universities and Technical Institutes Kumasi Technical Institute (now University) , Ajumako School of Languages (now under UEW), Accra Polytechnic now Accra Technical University, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Institute of African Studies, Kwame Nkrumah Institute of Economics and Political Science (now south campus of UEW), made University of Ghana (then University College of Gold Coast affiliated to university of London) a full fledge university to award its own degrees and became their first chancellor, among others. Other Education Policies Free education for primary and middle schools (JHS) to ensure that every child of school age had education in Ghana. Health Sector Built the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (previously Kumasi central hospital) Made Korle Bu a teaching hospital and expanded its capacity by constructing the Medical, Maternity, Surgical and Child Health blocks. Established the Ghana Medical School Free Medical care to all citizens Established GIHOC pharmaceuticals Built several hospitals and clinics. Factories and Industries Abosso Glass Factory Zuarungu Meat Factory Wenchi Tomato Factory Kade Match Factory Akosombo Textiles Limited Kumasi Shoe Factory Pwalugu Tomato Factory Asutuare Sugar Factory Komenda Sugar Factory Kumasi Jute Factory Nsawam Cannery, Brick and Tile Factory Tarkwa Bonsa Tyre Factory Bolgatanga Meat Processing Factory Bolgatanga Rice Mill Factory GIHOC Fibre Products Company, etc. State Owned Enterprises and Companies Ghana Black Star Line with almost 15 ships Bank of Ghana (BoG) Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) National Investment Bank (NIB) State Insurance Company (SIC), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHAPOHA) Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) The National Management and Productivity Institute, Ghana Film Industries, Accra Ghana Airways Corporation Ghana National Trading Corporation Cocoa Marketing Board (COCOBOD) Tema Steel Works VALCO, etc. State Housing and Hotel Projects In Accra (Labone Estate, Kanda Estates, Osu Ringway Estates, Airport Residential Area) In Kumasi (Patasi Estate, Kwadaso Estate, Buokrom Estates, North and South Suntreso) Tema Township (Communities) State Hotels (Star, Meridian, Ambassador, Continental now Golden Tulip Accra, Atlantic, City Hotel Catering Rest Houses now Golden Tulip Kumasi), Peduase Lodge. Others Ghana Museums Ghana Film Corporation Ghana News Agency Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Atomic Reactor Station Akosombo Dam Restructured the British Military base into Accra (now Kotoka) International Airport. Tema Motorway Tema Harbour Adomi Bridge State Farms and Institutes NB: All the above were achieved in less than 10 years (1957 – 1966) Whatever Ghana is today, we all owe it to the ideas and innovation of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his administration. Out of envy and mismanagement, most of the factories built under his administration were left to decay. If you have ever underestimated the achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, I believe you have been enlightened. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible News publications
Video: Poster war between NPP and NDC in Bongo
There has been growing tension between the youth of the two main political parties in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. A viral video which was seen by Apexnewsgh.com captures the moment of some youth believed to be in the Bongo District were spotted removing the campaign flyer of President Akufo Akufo-Addo. According to the information reaching Apexnewsgh.com, the youth were actually removing the flyer of the president to make Edward Abambire Bawa’s flyer more visible all because they alleged that he was the first to have his flyer on the said billboard. Edward Abambire Bawa happens to be a Ghanaian politician and member of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana representing the Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress. The video which has gone viral has also caused some tension between the fans of the 2 main political parties. Some were actually of the view that they had no right to do that and that it was totally illegal and should be arrested for their actions whilst others were of the view that the whole campaign picture should have been pulled down. However, the paramount Chief of the Bongo traditional area Bon-Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyurum has advised the two parties to remove their posters from the billboard to allow peace prevail in the constituency. video attached Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible News publications
Navrongo Central PPP Parliamentary candidate cries for traders in the Navrongo market.
PPP Parliamentary candidate in the Navrongo Central of the Upper East Region has expressed some level of disappointment; frustration and pain for the unbearable nature of sanitation witnessed in the Navrongo market during the weekend. Madam Agoriba Kubirizegah visited the two markets and the abattoir on Saturday, October 3, 2020, as part of her campaign activity ahead of the 2020 election. “Sanitation is a key problem in Navrongo, which authorities are not bothered about and if not tackled early, it can worsen the health situation of the people. Our population is nothing as compared to the big cities and if, we are not populated like the big cities such as Kumasi and Accra and we cannot handle sanitation, what will happen in the next 5 to 10 years?” She said According to her, is unfortunate that the big politicians in the Constituency are not seeing sanitation as a challenge, because they are not leaving with the people in the Constituency. “When they don’t live with the people, they wouldn’t be able to know that this is what the people are going through but as for me, I lived with the people and I shopped in those markets every market day. I go the abattoir to buy meats and I saw what is happening. So, is a very big challenge. When am giving the opportunity as an MP serve the people, I will be able to address that challenge.” However, Madam Kubirizegah blamed the Assembly for not considering sanitation as a big challenge. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please kindly contact APEXNEWSGH on Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible News publications