ELECTION PETITION: SC DECLINES A MOTION BY MAHAMA TO EC

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January 19, 2021

The Supreme Court has dismissed a motion by former President John Mahama seeking permission to elicit answers to some 12 interrogatories from the Electoral Commission.

Among others, lawyers for the petitioner are asking the EC to answer if the National Communications Authority (NCA) played any role or facilitated in any way, the transmission of the election results to its headquarters.

Again, Mr Mahama wants to know how the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, arrived at the figures she used in declaring candidate Nana Akufo-Addo as the winner of the 2020 presidential poll.

Lead Counsel Tsatsu Tsikata argues that, the interrogatories are critical as it would help the apex court determine the authenticity of the results that saw the NPP presidential candidate, emerging as the winner of the 2020 polls.

But the EC’s lawyer, Justin Amenuvor contends that Mr. Tsikata is using the back door to introduce matters that are not stated in their earlier petition.

He explained that most of the questions are not in contention and have either been answered by the EC or is information that John Mahama is well aware of because he deployed agents across the country.

Giving its verdict on the motion, the Supreme Court held the view that Lawyer Tsatsu was relying on CI 47 while the current rule in force relating to the Supreme Court is the CI 99.

Also, the request requires the exercise of discretionary power that is granted when a case for relevance is made but since this has not been established hence the decision to dismiss the motion.

The seven-member panel of Judges hearing the petition includes Chief Justice Anin-Yeboah; Justices Yaw Appau, Marful Sau, Professor Ashie Kotei, Mariama Owusu, Nene Amegatcher, and Gertrude Tokonor.

Meanwhile, the legal representation for Mr. John Mahama includes Tony Lithur led by Tsatsu Tsikata, while Lawyer Justin Amenuvor and Lawyer A. Asamoah are the lawyers for the Electoral Commission of Ghana who is the 1st Respondent; and Akoto Ampaw with Frank Davies, Kwaku Asirifi, and Yaw Oppong represent the 2nd Respondent who is the President, Akufo-Addo.

COVID-19: THE SITUATION IN GA EAST HOSPITAL

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The Genius Bright

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January 19, 2021

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A nurse whose identity has been concealed for fear of victimization has opened up on what is happening inside Ghana’s Isolation and Treatment Center in the Greater Accra Region.

The Ga East Hospital is overwhelmed by the increasing number of intakes of COVID-19 cases which started three weeks ago and 30 percent of people on admission are on oxygen.

A Nurse who braced himself for any consequences said he can no longer keep quiet over what health authorities are afraid to talk about because they don’t want to cause fear and panic.

According to the nurse, 70 percent of the cases are coming from the community and not travellers who came down from outside Ghana.

The Nurse who spoke to Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise Morning Show on 3FM said the cases are real and the staff cannot bring pictures out because of victimization.

He said patients are fighting for their lives almost on daily basis.

“Now the Virus is trying to let us know how severe it can be. Now the cases that are coming they are young folks: it is not about your age, or you having condition or not. We are pleading with the public to observe the safety protocols. Now we are the only hospital admitting so those hospitals like Nyaho Clinic and Korle-Bu are no longer taking patients”.

He said people are dying almost on daily bases but was hesitant to put out the numbers. He, however, said that “People are dying in their homes but because they don’t have any idea about the condition they let it go and take it as if normal death. We are pleading because now those we have in the facility about 30 percent are on Oxygen fighting for their lives.”

He also opened up on the type of patients on admission.

“Now we have mild, moderate, critical and severely ill cases and now those who are severe hey are more than 20 percent; critically ill more than 20 percent and those who are severe more than 50 percent and most of these people of the severe cases are on oxygen. This is getting out of hands.”

Source: TV3

NDC HEADS TO COURT TO CHALLENGE SPEAKERS MAJORITY DECLARATION

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The Genius Bright

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January 19, 2021

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The legal team of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti region is not happy that Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, declared the NPP caucus and Fomena MP as a “majority group” in Parliament after the Fomena MP officially noticed the House he would align with the NPP to do business.

The legal brains of the party in Ashanti region say they are preparing to go to the Supreme Court for interpretation on whether the Speaker’s declaration is valid or not.

But they believe it is a mistake for the Speaker to have declared the NPP wing together with the independent Fomena MP, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, as majority in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic.

Leading member of the legal team, Lawyer Evans Amankwaa is of the view that the Speaker of Parliament erred in such declaration.

Speaking on Akoma Fm’s Wonsom on January 16, Lawyer Amankwaa told host Aduanaba Kofi Asante Ennin that “the NDC will head to the Supreme Court for further and better interpretation to clear all doubts”.

He maintained that according to the 1992 Constitution, “declaring a majority in this hung parliament is a mistake”.

He cited Article 95 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, saying that “once there is parity in number of members from both caucuses it is clear in black and white in the constitution that the Fomena MP, who is now the 2nd Deputy Speaker cannot join the NPP side, therefore, there is no majority in parliament”.

GHANA’S DEPT TO GDP TO HIT 80% — MOODY’S

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The Genius Bright

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January 19, 2021

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Credit rating agency Moody’s has projected in its 2021 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Outlook report that Ghana’s debt to GDP ratio will hit 80 per cent in 2021.

The debt to GDP has already crossed the 70 per cent threshold.

Moody’s said “We expect most SSA sovereigns to see their debt burdens rise further in 2021. The average debt burden in the region will hover around 64% of GDP in the near to medium term compared to the 47% average in 2015-19”, Moody’s said.

“We do not expect debt burdens to come down in the foreseeable future as revenue generation capacity remains weak”, it added.

“Nobody eats GDP” says AfDB President as he calls for inclusive growth FEBRUARY 4, 2020

It further indicated that the country will be ranked second in Sub Saharan Africa with the greatest External Vulnerability Stress pressures.

“In SSA, higher external vulnerability indicators – which are a measure of short-term debt and upcoming external debt maturities against international reserves – will be more challenging for sovereigns outside of monetary unions. Zambia and Ghana will see the greatest EVI pressures, with 2021 levels forecast to be 509% in Zambia and 143% in Ghana”.

It is recalled that last year when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made similar projections, the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta described the projections as merely statistical.

He told TV3’s Etornam Sey in an exclusive interview on Monday, October 26 2020 that the government of Ghana was not too concerned about the debt because attention was focused on spending the funds to protect Ghanaians against the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The lives of the people, he said, mattered to the government than debt.

Similarly, he added, the government spent huge sums of money during the cleanup exercise in the banking sector which resulted in the collapsed of nine domestic banks.

But Mr Ofori Atta said “The IMF is expecting developed countries to have 125% debt to GDP ratio. Countries like ours is doing about 65%.

“When you discount what was spent on the financial service and on the energy sector, that brings it back. I guess the question for any nation at this pandemic time is, what you put forward first.

“The lives of the people who then become productive or you stick to some statistical numbers as an issue from stopping you from saving lives. I think we have chosen the latter.”

UPSCALE PRIVATE SCHOOL RESCHEDULES REOPENING DATE DUE TO COVID-19

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The Genius Bright

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January 19, 2021

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Upscale private school postpones reopening over Coronavirus infection
Video ArchiveMon, 18 Jan 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.com
A private school located in an upscale part of the capital has postponed reopening after a board member tested positive for COVID-19.

Management of Alsyd Academy located at North Airport confirmed the development to Accra-based Joy FM on Monday.

An official statement confirmed that a key official of the school board was the victim contrary to reports that it was a teaching staff.

“Your full co-operation is required in the interest of our pupils and all other stakeholders,” management urged parents.

A number of parents had arrived with their kids for resumption of school but had to return them. A parent narrated their early morning experience to Joy News: “When we got to the school this morning at exactly 7:10 am, we realised some cars were parked outside and the school’s main gate was closed.

“The security personnel came to tell us that it is so unfortunate, but the school has postponed its reopening till further notice.”

As part of additional preventive measures, the school has rolled out mandatory COVID-19 testing for core staff members.

A new reopening date has yet to be communicated. The board also confirmed that it was in the process of notifying the Education Ministry about the development.

Schools across the country – public and private – were ordered by the president to resume lessons last Friday but majority of them officially resumed today

GNAT SUPPORTS CLOSURE OF LOWER BASIC SCHOOLS

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The Genius Bright

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January 19, 2021

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The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has thrown its weight behind various institutions calling for re-closure of basic schools.

According to the association, until the government makes available Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for the various schools as promised on time, then, schools should be closed again.

President of the Association, Philippa Larson, has disclosed that after touring some schools after their reopening, she observed that most students were not wearing nose masks, not using hand sanitizers and above all, completely disregarding all COVID-19 safety protocols.

The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) earlier today called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to suspend the reopening of schools till all relevant PPEs promised them by the government are distributed to all schools.

Executive Director of IFES Peter Anti, said after campaigning for the reopening of the schools IFES had become terribly disappointed that the President failed to deliver the basic face masks and other PPEs to the schools.

Both IFES and GNAT leaders advised parents to provide their wards with face masks at the start of the term in anticipation of the government’s provision delaying.

President Akufo-Addo in his 21st address to the nation on measures taken against COVID-19 announced that children in kindergarten, primary and Junior High, in both private and public schools, will be back in school from 15th January, 2021.

He also pledged government’s support to the schools to ensure the safety of students with the resumption of school.

Including the fumigation and disinfecting of schools and other institutions across the country, he promised to equip all schools and students with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and isolation centers to deal with any cases of COVID-19 positives.

SOPHIA AKUFFO: I AM APPALLED appaul BY MUNTAKA’S BRIBERY ALLEGATION

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The Genius Bright

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January 18, 2021

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National
I’m upset about Muntaka’s bribery accusations – Sophia Akuffo
Source: Stella Amoyaw
18 January 2021 3:58pm

A former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, has expressed her displeasure with Asawase MP’s allegation that a Supreme Court Judge offered to bribe an NDC MP to influence the outcome of the Speakership elections.

Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka’s accusation according to her has defamed other innocent Judges of the apex court who have built a reputation for themselves over the years.

This she said, “I am upset at the very thought that, that kind of accusation will be made. I don’t like accusations like that. It is like throwing a bucket of dirty water at people and you were aiming at somebody but you just threw it and it dirties everybody.”

JoyNews/AdomNews · I’m upset about Muntaka’s bribery accusations – Former Chief Justice
Sophia Akufo, however, insisted that if these claims by the MP were true, he should be bold and mention the name of the Judge rather than generalize it.

“There are 17 people you have defamed in that causal manner but you are talking about only one person so there are 16 people who have been wrongly done by,” she said.

Mr Muntaka who was speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, alleged that a very prominent judge contacted an NDC MP; offering an inducement should the person vote in favour of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Speaker nominee, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye.

Speaking exclusively with JoyNews’ Latif Idris, Madam Akuffo strongly rejected the accusation and described the claim as “bizarre”.

She also indicated that the Chief justice is looking into the matter and has written to the MP to make himself available to assist in investigation.

Source: myjoyonline.com

NATIONAL SECURITY COORDINATOR DEAD

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The Genius Bright

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January 18, 2021

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Ghana’s National Security Coordinator, Joshua Kyeremeh has died.

A source at the National Security Secretariat who confirmed the death the News revealed that the security capo died in the early hours of Monday, January 18, 2021.

The late Joshua Kyeremeh was said to be receiving treatment for COVID-19 at the Ga East Municipal Hospital when the incident occurred.

Mr Kyeremeh was appointed National Security coordinator in 2017 when then President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo announced the names of persons making up his administrative staff at the Flagstaff House.

Joshua Kyeremeh is a product of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a former Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

He worked at the BNI for about 22 years, where he served at command levels in the Northern, Upper East, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

He also served as head of the Investigations Unit of the Bureau.

He rose to become the Deputy Director BNI and ultimately, the Director of BNI from 2005 to 2009.

Kyeremeh was part of the transition team after the 7 December 2020 elections.

Source: citinewsroom.com

KARELA UNITD LEADING GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

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The Genius Bright

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January 18, 2021

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Karela United climbed back to the top of the Ghana Premier League table following a 4-1 win over Berekum Chelsea on Sunday with their fifth successive win at home this season.

Taylor Diawisie gave the home side the lead in the 12th minute before John Andoh restored parity for the visitors in the 29th minute to end the first-half 1-1.

Karela began the second-half strongly and deservedly restored their lead through Kwame Boateng in the 46th minute and in the 60th minute to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.

Diawise scored the fourth goal for the hosts in the 74th minute, and his 6th of the season to seal the win for Karela United.

The result sees Berekum Chelsea in 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone after nine games.

WAFA remain unbeaten at home this season following their 1-1 draw with Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday at Sogakope.

Daniel Lomotey Agbloe put the host in the lead in the 29th minute after several attempts at goal and WAFA ending the first half with their noses in-front.

Kotoko began the second-half looking to find the equalizer and their efforts paid off as Kwame Poku put the ball in the back of the net in the 62nd minute.

The result leaves Kotoko in 6th place with 12 points, just a point behind WAFA who are in 5th place with 13 points having played a game more.

Elsewhere at the Len Clay stadium, AshantiGold were held to a goalless stalemate by Medeama on Sunday.

This is the first time the miners have kept a clean sheet at home this season.

The first-half saw both teams fail to create significant goal-scoring opportunities.

But in the 53rd minute, Medeama saw their goal attempt saved by Ashantigold goalkeeper.

AshantiGold’s first goal attempt came in the 61st minute after Hans Kwofie volleyed a cross from Yaw Annor but goalkeeper Boateng saved the situation for the visitors.

Both teams tried to find the back of the net but their attempts failed to result in a goal.

At the Nana Gyeabour Park, Bechem United had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Dreams FC on Sunday.

This result means Bechem have now gone three games without a win.

The home team took the lead in the early stages of the first-half through a penalty which was converted by Moro Salifu in the 10th minute,

Bechem had several opportunities to kill the game but failed to convert their chances.

The visiting team managed to restore parity in the dying embers of the game after they were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, which was converted by Issah Ibrahim.

Aduana Stars returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Legon Cities at Dormaa, following their loss to Medeama in Match Week 8.

Yahaya Mohammed’s 21st minute ensured that the home side went into the break with their noses in front.

Legon Cities put the visitors on level terms just two minutes into the second-half through Francis Addo, but Fatawu Abdulrahaman restored Aduana’s lead in the 49th minute.

Fatawu’s goal was enough to see the home team to their third-win of the season.

King Faisal were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Elmina Sharks at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.

Elmina Sharks took the lead in the 39th minute through a penalty that was taken by James Bissue, after a player was brought down in the box.

The home-side came into the second-half looking to equalize and were rewarded when Razak Tophic scored from a free kick in the 59th minute.

The results leaves King Faisal in the relegation zone with only 7 points from 9 games.

The last game of Sunday saw Accra Hearts of Oak record a 2-0 win over Techiman Eleven Wonders.

Hearts begun the game on the front-foot and immediately took the lead through Manaf Umar after he latched unto a cross from Fatawu Mohammed.

Eleven Wonders nearly snatched the equalizer five minutes from half time when Samuel Boakye went through two defenders before pulling the trigger but Richmond Ayi produced a super save to palm it away for a corner kick.

Hearts extended their lead just three minutes into the second-half and that was enough to seal victory for the Phobians.

This is a second successive defeat on the road for Eleven Wonders after losing at the same venue to Inter Allies.

In Saturday’s only game, Ebusua Dwarfs recorded their first away win of the season after beating Liberty Professionals by 2-1 at the Carl Reindorf Park.

Liberty opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Abraham Wayo after the home team were awarded a penalty.

Michael Ohene Agyei Asamoah put Dwarfs on level terns in the 40th minute with a brilliant header from a Martey free-kick.

Sumaila Moro’s goal in the 83rd minute secured all three points for Dwarfs.

The visitors ended the game with 10 men after Simon Martey was shown the red card in the 74th minute.

On Friday, Accra Great Olympics were 2-0 winners over Inter Allies in Yaw Preko’s first game in charge as Interim Head Coach.

Two penalties from Maxwell Nii Abbey Quaye in both halves helped the Dade Boys to earn all three points in the matchday 9 encounter.

The result leaves Inter Allies in the relegation zone in 16th position while Olympics sit in 4th place with 14 points.

Source: CITI SPORTS

I WOULD LOCKDOWN THE COUNTRY AGAIN IF THE NEED BE – AKUFO ADDO

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The Genius Bright

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January 18, 2021

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President Akufo-Addo says he will announce a lockdown of the country in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 if it becomes necessary.

According to him, government has instructed the Police Service to ensure strict public compliance of the COVID-19 protocols in order to control the spread of the virus in the country.

“We do not want to go back to the days of lockdowns but should that become necessary; that is if infected cases continue to go up I will have no option but to reimpose those restrictions,” the President warned in his 22nd national address on measures being taken by his government to check the virus in Ghana.

Meanwhile, five more Ghanaians have died of COVID-19 bringing the total number of casualties to 346, the Ghana Health Service has announced.

Also, 297 new cases of the virus have been recorded bringing the active case count to 1,776 as of Sunday, January 17, 2021. 53 persons are also in critical condition.

The Greater Accra region continues to lead with the majority of the cases.

Living Avenue

ELECTION PETITION: SC DECLINES A MOTION BY MAHAMA TO EC

COVID-19: THE SITUATION IN GA EAST HOSPITAL

NDC HEADS TO COURT TO CHALLENGE SPEAKERS MAJORITY DECLARATION

GHANA’S DEPT TO GDP TO HIT 80% — MOODY’S

UPSCALE PRIVATE SCHOOL RESCHEDULES REOPENING DATE DUE TO COVID-19

GNAT SUPPORTS CLOSURE OF LOWER BASIC SCHOOLS

SOPHIA AKUFFO: I AM APPALLED appaul BY MUNTAKA’S BRIBERY ALLEGATION

NATIONAL SECURITY COORDINATOR DEAD

KARELA UNITD LEADING GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

I WOULD LOCKDOWN THE COUNTRY AGAIN IF THE NEED BE – AKUFO ADDO

VIRTUALLY IMPAIRED MAN GRADUATES FROM UCC

ACTOR AND POLITICIAN JOHN DUMELO GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

NATO CHIEF URGES US TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

THE UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES DUE TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH

VIRTUALLY IMPAIRED MAN GRADUATES FROM UCC

ACTOR AND POLITICIAN JOHN DUMELO GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

NATO CHIEF URGES US TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

THE UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES DUE TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH