US Revokes Licenses for Sales of Chips to China’s Huawei
The U.S. government has revoked licenses that allowed U.S. chip makers to export certain goods to Chinese technology giant Huawei. The Department of Commerce did not specify which permits were canceled, but the move follows Huawei’s release of an AI-enabled computer powered by a chip created by Intel. American chip maker Intel declined to comment on the request for comment from BBC News. The BBC has also contacted Huawei and San Diego-based chip giant Qualcomm for responses to the announcement. Since 2019, the U.S. has restricted technology exports, such as computer chips, to Huawei, citing alleged ties to the Chinese military. “We have revoked certain licenses for exports to Huawei,” the Commerce Department said in a statement on Tuesday, but did not give details of which permits had been withdrawn. Some U.S. lawmakers had criticized the administration of President Joe Biden following the launch last month of Huawei’s MateBook X Pro laptop. “Make no mistake, the Biden Administration would not have taken this action if Republicans in Congress were not holding them accountable,” said Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in a social media post. Huawei has been hit hard by U.S. trade restrictions but more recently appeared to mount a comeback. The Chinese company has enjoyed a resurgence, particularly after the launch of the Mate 60 Pro smartphone in August. In 2019, during the presidency of Donald Trump, U.S. officials added Huawei to a so-called “entity list.” It means that U.S. companies need to obtain a license from the government to export or transfer some technologies, especially over concerns that they will be used by the Chinese military. However, in that time, licenses have been granted to some U.S. companies, including Intel and Qualcomm, to supply Huawei with technology that was not related to 5G. The U.S. has imposed restrictions on several Chinese technology firms in recent years, as tensions between the world’s two biggest economies intensified. Earlier this month, President Biden signed a law that could ban the video app TikTok in the country unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company. TikTok filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to block the legislation. Beijing has condemned Washington’s moves against its companies, describing them as “economic bullying.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Mahama Fires Back at Akufo-Addo: I Won’t Protect Your ‘Unclean Legacy
Former President John Mahama has responded to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent comments, stating that he will not protect Akufo-Addo’s “unclean legacy” and “unimpressive record” if he returns to office in the 2024 general elections. Apexnewsgh reports Akufo-Addo had earlier urged Ghanaians to register to vote in the upcoming elections, warning that Mahama would destroy his legacy if elected. However, Mahama has fired back, stating that he will not shield Akufo-Addo’s “legacy of corruption, misgovernance, arrogance, ineptitude, bankrupt economy, increased unemployment, and pushing more of our people into the poverty bracket.” Mahama’s response on social media emphasized that he will not protect Akufo-Addo’s record, which he believes has had a negative impact on the country. This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the two leaders and their parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as the 2024 elections approach. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Just In: Pusiga NDC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Busing of Foreigners by NPP Parliamentary Candidate
The Pusiga Constituency NDC Communication Bureau has expressed grave concern over reports of foreign nationals being bused in by the NPP Parliamentary candidate to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise. Apexnewsgh reports According to the Bureau, citizens of Sankanduri, a town in Burkina Faso, have been transported into the country using a vehicle with registration number GE.7383-21 to register. Despite efforts by the NDC constituency chairman, Alhaji Osman Rahim, to prevent their entry, the situation escalated into open confrontations between the NDC and NPP supporters. The Bureau has received credible information about this development and is calling for swift action to address the issue. This allegation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for chaos and disruption in the constituency. The NDC is urging all relevant stakeholders, including the security services and the media, to intervene swiftly and decisively to prevent any further incidents of this nature and safeguard the democratic process. The Pusiga Constituency NDC Communication Bureau is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, and will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. However, efforts made by this platform to hear from the NPP wasn’t successful. Read the full details below: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pusiga NDC Constituency Communication Bureau raises alarm Over the busing of foreigners by the Npp Parliamentary candidate using vehicle number GE.7383-21. Pusiga, Ghana – The Pusiga Constituency NDC Communication Bureau is gravely concerned about the ongoing voter registration exercise in the constituency, as reports have surfaced of foreign nationals being bused in by the Parliamentary candidate of the ruling party NPP to participate in the registration process. The Bureau has received credible information that citizens of Sankanduri, a town in Burkina Faso, have been transported into the country by the NPP parliamentary candidate for Pusiga to register. Despite efforts by the constituency chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Alhaji Osman Rahim to prevent their entry, the situation escalated into open confrontations between the NDC party Chairman, the MP for the area, Hon. Laadi Ayii Ayamba, and the MR.Hanan who is responsible for the mass influx of foreigners for the registration. This alarming development raises serious concerns about the integrity of the voter registration exercise in Pusiga and the potential for chaos and disruption going forward.We urgently call on all relevant stakeholders, including the security services and the media, to intervene swiftly and decisively to prevent any further incidents of this nature and safeguard the democratic process. The Pusiga Constituency Communication Bureau urges immediate action to address this situation and ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process in the constituency. Our democracy and the trust of the electorate depend on it. Sign: Hon.Baba Alale NDC Comm officer for Pusiga (0243113878) Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Mahama Urges Ghanaians to Persevere Amid Voter Registration Challenges
Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has encouraged Ghanaians to remain resolute and participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise despite the challenges encountered on the first day. Apexnewsgh reports In a Facebook post, Mr. Mahama acknowledged the frustrations caused by network issues and technical glitches but emphasized the importance of persevering and registering to vote for change in the upcoming December 7 polls. The 21-day limited voter registration exercise, launched on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, aims to register approximately 623,000 new voters, with a focus on first-time voters and those seeking to obtain a voter card. Despite the initial setbacks, the Electoral Commission has assured the public that the challenges have been addressed to ensure a smoother process moving forward. Mr. Mahama urged eligible voters not to let the initial difficulties deter them from visiting Electoral Commission offices to register, emphasizing that their participation is crucial for change. The registration exercise will conclude on Monday, May 27, 2024. The former President’s message of perseverance and civic duty encourages Ghanaians to remain committed to the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. By overcoming the initial challenges, Ghanaians can ensure a successful registration exercise and contribute to shaping the country’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Supreme Court Adjourns Anti-LGBTQI Bill Case Indefinitely Over Intemperate Language
The Supreme Court has indefinitely adjourned proceedings regarding the anti-LGBTQI bill, citing the presence of intemperate language in documents submitted by the Speaker of Parliament’s legal team. Apexnewsgh reports The court has directed the team to submit new documents, dismissing a preliminary objection raised by Thaddeus Sory, the lawyer representing the Speaker. During the televised court session, lawyers representing broadcaster Richard Sky, who initiated the case, sought to amend one of the reliefs in the motion for injunction. However, Thaddeus Sory objected, arguing that their earlier objections to the relief’s formulation had been clearly stated in previously filed documents. After deliberation, the Apex Court, chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkoornoo, ruled that the preliminary objection was unnecessary. The Chief Justice emphasized that each party has the right to present their case as they see fit and reprimanded the Speaker’s legal team, stating, “You have wasted our time and energy for no reason.” Broadcaster Richard Sky and Researcher Amanda Odoi filed separate suits against the bill’s endorsement by President Nana Akufo-Addo. Mr. Sky argues that Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is unconstitutional and violates provisions of the 1992 Constitution. He contends that the Speaker of Parliament contravened Article 108(a)(ii) of the Constitution by admitting and allowing Parliament to proceed upon and pass the bill into law. President Nana Akufo-Addo withheld his assent to the bill pending a determination by the Supreme Court. Attorney General Godfred Dame wrote to the court to permit live coverage of the hearing, which was granted. The cases have sparked significant public interest, with the Attorney General recommending full media access to the relevant courts to undertake coverage of all proceedings. The Supreme Court’s adjournment has indefinitely delayed the proceedings, awaiting the submission of new documents by the Speaker’s legal team. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Accra Metro Assembly’s Internal Auditor Given Two-Week Ultimatum to Recover Missing GH¢110,000
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the internal auditor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Ridwan Kokroko, a two-week ultimatum to ensure that six revenue collectors deposit GH¢110,000 into the local authority’s account or face the consequences of paying the amount from his own pocket. This directive was given during a recent PAC hearing, where it was revealed that out of GH¢151,000 collected by the six revenue officers, only GH¢41,000 was accounted for, according to a report by the Auditor-General. PAC Chair James Klutse Avedzi expressed his dissatisfaction with the internal auditor’s performance, stating, “You are not doing your work as an auditor. You are not!” He further rebuffed an excuse offered by AMA officials, saying, “I don’t believe that an officer is not well, and for that matter, the file cannot be retrieved.” The PAC Chair emphasized that the internal auditor is to take full blame and responsibility for the missing cash. “We are giving you two weeks to go and locate the file and show it to the auditors to ensure that lodgement had been made for these GH¢110,000, and if you fail, we will make you pay the money,” he warned. This ultimatum highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public financial management. The PAC’s actions demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and efficiently, and that those responsible for managing these funds are held accountable for any discrepancies. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Setting the Record Straight: RCBs CEOs President Rebuts EC’s “false” Claims
The CEO of BESSFA Rural Bank, Alhaji Hayatudeen Awudu, who also serves as the President of the National Association of Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) CEOs in Ghana, has responded to statements made by the Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr. William Obeng Adarkwa, which he describes as “palpable lies” against RCBs in the Upper East Region and country at large. Apexnewsgh reports On Monday, May 6, 2024, Mr. Adarkwa was quoted in an article published by Apexnewsgh.com, stating that the rural banking system in the region is underdeveloped and that Apex Bank, the mother bank of RCBs, faces challenges in confirming the existence of some rural banks due to networking issues. He further claimed that this affects the payment of allowances to individual applicants. The above pronouncement has not gone well with President of the National Association of Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) Alhaji Awudu. However, responding to pronouncement Alhaji Awudu expressed strong disagreement with Mr. Adarkwa’s statements, which he believes are misleading and damaging to the reputation of RCBs. He emphasized that RCBs play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion and providing essential banking services to rural communities. Following the Upper East EC boss statement against the RCBs, the National President has further called for accurate and fair representation of the rural banking system, highlighting the significant contributions of RCBs to the region’s economic development. He further urged the Electoral Commission to refrain from making unfounded claims that could undermine the trust and confidence of the public in RCBs. Alhaji Hayatudeen Awudu raised three key concerns regarding Mr. Adarkwa’s statements: Firstly, he disputed the claim that the rural banking system in the region is underdeveloped, stating that all five RCBs in the region are in good standing with their licenses intact and have been operating for many years without any challenges. Secondly, he challenged the assertion that traditional banks are better networked, making it easier to receive payments promptly. He pointed out that the five RCBs in the region are fully computerized and networked, and have been participating in electronic payment systems without any challenges. Thirdly, he expressed concern over Mr. Adarkwa’s advice to applicants to use popular banks to ensure timely payment of allowances, which he sees as an attempt to discredit RCBs and promote other banks. The National President assured clients of the five RCBs in the region that they can confidently provide their account details to the EC for the upcoming exercise, and assured them of timely payment of allowances. Below are Alhaji Hayatudeen Awudu’s response: First Concern “Mr. Adarkwa explained the issue, stating that the challenges lies with the rural banking system in the Region” (paragraph 2). “According to Mr. Adarkwa, the rural banking system is not well developed, and the Apex Bank, the mother bank, faces difficulties in confirming or denying the existence of some rural banks”. Response The above statement from Mr. Adarkwa is a complete falsehood. We have five Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in the Region and all of them are in good standing with their licenses intact as issued by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) being intact. 2 of the RCBs have been in existence for more than 40 years each and the remaining 3 have been operating for more than 15 years now without any challenges. None of the RCBs in the Region is facing difficulties as peddled by Mr. Adarkwa. The 5 RCBs in the regions cumulatively have about 21 Branches operating in the various towns and Districts in the Region and beyond. All the Branches are opened to customers on a daily basis for banking services and so his claim that the ARB Apex Bank faces difficulties confirming or denying the existence of these RCBs is with the greatest of respect a palpable falsehood. Second Concern “This leads to challenges in sending payments to these banks [RCBs], and sometimes, applicants’ account details may be incorrect or incomplete. He emphasized that traditional banks are better networked, making it easier to receive payments promptly” Response Since when did Mr. Adarkwa became the Marketing Officer of the “traditional banks”? Is he suggesting that account holders of the “traditional banks” cannot submit incomplete or incorrect account details or is it the case that when an account holder of “traditional banks” submit incorrect or incomplete account details the EC can still proceed to pay them? The 5 RCBs in the Region are fully computerized and networked for more than a decade now. All of them are participating in almost all the electronic payment systems in the country without any challenges whatsoever. It is a matter of record that the 5 RCBs in the Region have been the source through which most of the temporary workers of the EC have been receiving their allowances over the past 20 years. Indeed, the 5 RCBs in the Region, in the past couple of weeks, received and successfully paid, without any challenges, the allowances of the temporary workers of the EC that were engaged during the District Assembly and Unit Committee Elections last year. It will interest you to know that some of the permanent employees of the EC draw their monthly salaries from these RCBs. Therefore Mr. Adarkwa’s assertion is either made out of ignorance of the immense services the RCBs in the Region are providing to temporary workers of the EC or it was a deliberate and calculated attempt at making the RCBs look bad in the eyes of its cherished clients which is very unfortunate. Third Concern “He explained that during the training session, he advised applicants to use popular banks to ensure timely payment of allowances. The EC boss emphasized that the challenge is not unique to the EC but also affects Apex bank, which is the mother bank across the country” Response The ARB Apex Bank, which is a mini–Central Bank to the RCB Industry, has never stated anywhere that it has any challenges with the RCBs in the Region. The above statement clearly shows