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Boris Nadezhdin, a former local councillor and Kremlin challenger, has successfully collected enough signatures to qualify as a candidate in Russia's upcoming presidential election.  Notably, Nadezhdin has gained attention for openly criticizing President Vladimir Putin and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, bringing a fresh voice to a landscape often dominated by the ruling party. Nadezhdin proudly announced that he has submitted over 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities, surpassing the required threshold for candidacy. Following this submission, the electoral commission will review his application, a crucial step in the process. READ ALSO: Ron DeSantis Exits Presidential Race To Back Trump It's important to note that the electoral commission's review includes validating the signatures submitted. Any "irregularities" discovered among these signatures could potentially lead to the disqualification of the candidate. We saw a recent example of t...

The National Democratic Congress's National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has called for a bipartisan investigation into Ghana's budget and related expenditures for the 2024 AFCON tournament, citing concerns of wasteful spending by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government during economically challenging times. Related To This: Sports Ministry Used $1.5m on Black Stars AFCON 2023 qualifiers – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa In a fervent appeal shared on Wednesday, January 31, via Facebook, Gyamfi vehemently argued against the government's attempt to downplay the issue and stressed the public's demand for accountability. He urged for a prompt and thorough bipartisan probe to shed light on the alleged irresponsible financial management. In his social media post, Gyamfi remarked, "Instead of engaging in these baseless and shameful equalizations, we urge these NPP apologists and their unpatriotic backing vocalists in the media to channel their energies into calling for a bipa...

Renowned figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has disclosed his retirement from domestic politics in a recent interview with Asaase Radio.  The legal practitioner voiced his discontent with the NPP's ineffective communication of its recent achievements, expressing his frustration with the party's failure to acknowledge the government's accomplishments during a challenging economic period from 2021 to 2022. Related To This: NDC's Nii Lantey Vanderpuye Withdraws From Odododiodio Constituency In his remarks, Otchere-Darko underscored the significant progress achieved by the Akufo-Addo-led government in navigating the demanding economic landscape and successfully implementing policies that averted extensive queues for essential products and services, despite the country facing substantial economic challenges. "I have retired from domestic politics," Otchere-Darko stated, highlighting his disappointment with the prevailing narrat...

Members of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union, an essential healthcare service provider, have signaled a looming industrial action as they express discontent over the government's failure to address their demands for clearly defined conditions of service. Related To This: GAUA Embarks on Strike Despite NLC Meeting Invitation In a press statement dated January 26, 2024, the association, through its General Secretary, Dr Cephas Kofi Akortor, conveyed their frustration, citing the government's neglect of their service conditions as indicative of a lack of appreciation and undervaluation of their role in the healthcare sector. The statement expressed dismay over the perceived lack of urgency and management's approach in addressing their concerns, outlining a 14-day ultimatum for the government to initiate negotiations or face the prospect of strike action. Addressing the potential move, National 1st Vice Chairman of the Union, Dr Franklyn Armah, emphasized ...

Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party revealed that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption, dealing a severe blow to the embattled former prime minister.  In a case involving the unlawful selling of official gifts during Khan's term as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, the National Accountability Bureau found them guilty. Related To This: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Leaking State Secrets Khan has been in jail since August on a number of allegations, and the PTI reports that he has also been forbidden from holding public office for ten years. This sentence represents his second judicial loss in the same week. After the sentence, Bibi was brought into the custody of the police. This development occurs less than a week before the general election anticipated on February 8. Moreover, it closely follows a 10-year sentence imposed on Khan for the purported leaking of state secrets—an even...

In the bustling urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub and the continent's most populous city, plastic waste has long posed a persistent challenge.  However, this familiar sight may soon undergo a transformation if the recent bold ban on polystyrene and single-use plastics by the local Lagos State government successfully comes into effect. READ ALSO: Nigeria To Ban Degrees From Kenya and Uganda The surprise announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics "with immediate effect," by Tokunbo Wahab, the state's commissioner for environment, sparked a mix of responses, particularly within the informal sector where vendors ply their trade. Streetside vendors, such as 20-year-old Cecilia Mathew, expressed concern over the potential impact on their livelihoods, citing the economic advantage of utilizing styrofoam boxes over reusable, more expensive plastic containers. Funmilayo Oresanya, another food vendor, echoed these sentiments, highligh...

The Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government has emphasized its intention to review the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, as indicated in the latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Ghana's US$3 billion bailout programme. Related To This: Review Free SHS For Parents To Assist You - NUGS To Government Contained in the 155-page report, on page 76 under the heading 'PUBLIC SPENDING EFFICIENCY,' the government outlined plans to recalibrate the expenditure portfolio of Municipal and District Assemblies responsible for social spending, aiming to reallocate funds towards targeted and meticulously designed interventions. In the education sector, the report specified a review and rationalization of the Free SHS programme, highlighting a commitment to supporting tertiary education, enhancing foundational learning, and introducing collaborative reforms to enrich overall learning outcomes. Titled "STAFF REPORT FOR THE 2023 ARTICLE IV CONSULTATI...

In a video apology that was made public on Tuesday night, Ghana's national team captain, Andre Ayew, apologized for the squad's underwhelming performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.  The apology follows the Black Stars' unannounced elimination from the competition after they gave up two late goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Mozambique. Related To This: AFCON 2023: “I take responsibility” – Chris Hughton on Draw With Mozambique Ayew accepted accountability for the team's performance and acknowledged the challenging period that Ghanaians and football supporters were going through. He apologized for the team's performance and underlined that they ought to have done better. He took full responsibility for the events that transpired on the field as the team's captain. Related To This: AFCON 2023: Silly Mistakes Caused Us To Concede Goals - Mohammed Kudus Despite the setback, Ayew remained optimistic, stating that such challenges would make the team stronge...

GCB Capital has highlighted the potential for banks to bolster their capital position through retained earnings. Despite facing losses in 2022 due to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, banks managed to return to profitability in 2023. Related To This: BoG To Reduce Policy Rate by 8% to 22% in 2024 - Fitch Reports The analysis of key liquidity and profitability indicators indicates that banks are maintaining high levels of liquidity and profitability, despite significant credit risks. The report notes that financial institutions have directed their liquidity towards high-yielding money market instruments, given limited loan book expansion and a high-interest environment. With the recent return to profitability, GCB Capital suggested that the immediate risks to recapitalization have decreased, as banks have the opportunity to capitalize on retained earnings over the next two financial years.  Additionally, the establishment of the Ghana Financial Sector Stabilisation Fund (GFSF) ...

The Ministry of Finance has taken note of concerns expressed by Organized Labour regarding the proposed implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on residential customers' electricity consumption. Related To This: We Can't Implement VAT on Power Consumption, It has Bottlenecks - ECG MD In response, the Ministry announced its intentions to facilitate extensive consultations with Organized Labour and other key stakeholders in the forthcoming weeks, seeking their valuable input in the decision-making process. In a press statement released on Tuesday, January 30, the Ministry urged restraint from Organized Labour, ECG, NEDCO, and all stakeholders, advocating for a conducive atmosphere that fosters constructive dialogue, leading to a swift and amicable resolution of the impasse. The Ministry's response follows Organized Labour's threat of industrial action over the imposition of VAT on domestic electricity consumption. Their concerns were echoed on Wednesday, January 24, when ...

Transparency International recently released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023, revealing that Ghana attained a score of 43 out of 100, retaining the same score recorded since 2020.  In terms of ranking, Ghana secured the 70th position out of 180 countries included in the index. Related To This: Establish Anti-Corruption Courts to Strengthen Fight Against Corruption - Kissi Agyebeng to Gov't While this score positions Ghana ahead of several other African nations, including Burkina Faso (41), South Africa (41), Côte d'Ivoire (40), Tanzania (40), and Lesotho (39), it also places the country lower than Mauritius (51), Namibia (49), and Sao Tome and Principe (45) within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The CPI signals a varied portrayal of anti-corruption endeavors across Africa, where some nations have demonstrated progress, while the majority grapples with widespread corruption. In Africa, the average score remains low, with 90% of Sub-Saharan African countries notchi...

Expressing worry over the departure of seasoned Members of Parliament from the country's legislative body, Ayawaso Central MP Henry Quartey highlighted the potentially impactful vacuum created by the exit of experienced lawmakers.  Underlining the crucial role played by experienced legislators, Quartey specifically acknowledged the substantial contributions of the outgoing Suame MP, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, to the country's developmental landscape. Related To This: NDC's Nii Lantey Vanderpuye Withdraws From Odododiodio Constituency Quartey emphasized that the departure of these experienced MPs presents a challenge to the continuity and efficiency of parliamentary proceedings. He noted that the high turnover rate within Parliament, with MPs exiting after their first or second terms, hampers the practice of parliamentary governance. He drew attention to the fact that longevity in Parliament allows individuals to accrue knowledge and expertise, citing other jurisdictions where...

Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George, is pressing for Parliament to officially declare Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), as persona non grata.  Related To This: GRA Boss’s Age Sparks Controversy at PAC Meeting He asserts that since October 2021, the GRA boss has continued to serve without a formal contract with the government after reaching the retirement age, implying that his tenure is unlawful. In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, January 30, Sam George outlined his plan to correspond with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the finance committee of Parliament, urging them to cease the participation of Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah in parliamentary affairs. George expressed his intention to formally write to the President, demanding a response on this matter. He emphasizes the need to bring attention to this issue upon the reconvening of Parliament, stressing that they should not entertain the presence of someone with ...

The Electoral Commission (EC) has put forward a proposal to modify the timing of Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections, aiming to shift the voting date from the typical December timeline to November.  At the heart of this initiative, the EC has revealed that over 50% of political parties have consented to this proposed adjustment. Related To This: Parliament To Decide On SDA's Petition to Reschedule December 7 Election From Saturday During an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on January 29, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and several political parties voiced their opposition to the proposal, asserting concerns about the logistical readiness for an election within the newly suggested timeframe. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), however, is yet to reach a decision on the matter. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and ICT for the NDC, urged caution and broader national discussion concerning this pivot. He articulated th...

During a roundtable discussion on the 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng underscored the need for the establishment of dedicated anti-corruption courts to prosecute individuals suspected of involvement in corruption and corruption-related cases.  Expressing disappointment in Ghana's stagnant corruption score of 43, which has remained unchanged since 2020, Agyebeng stressed the imperative of decisive action if the country is intent on combatting the pervasive issue of corruption. Related To This: ‘Should I Feel Frustrated And Resign?’ – Special Prosecutor On Corruption Fight Ghana's ranking of 70th out of 180 countries and territories in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023 signifies the fourth consecutive year of stagnation in the nation’s anti-corruption endeavors, according to Transparency International. Notably, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana held the 8th position out of 49 countries. Highlighting the connection between this stagnation a...

Pakistan’s former leader, Imran Khan, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for purportedly leaking state secrets, his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced in a statement on Tuesday. The closed-door hearing, conducted under the Official Secrets Act, took place at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi are already serving sentences on corruption charges. PTI emphasized that both individuals intend to contest the decision in a higher court, hoping to secure a suspension of their sentences. READ ALSO: Moussa Dadis Camara Returned To Jail After Kidnap From Prison This sentencing adds to a series of legal confrontations faced by Khan and comes just before the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 8, which the ousted former leader is disqualified from contesting due to his prior conviction. Dubbed the “cypher case,” the recent sentencing stems from accusations against Khan for leaking an encrypted dip...

The proposal to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years old is being made by the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL).  The proposal's significance and potential to allow skilled retirees to keep making valuable contributions to the workforce were underscored by Dr. Abraham Koomson, the GFL Executive Secretary. Citing instances when pensioners demonstrated health and fitness, Dr. Koomson underscored the need for discussion on this topic, which prompted the federation to seek discussions with the authorities and interested parties. Related To This: GFL Declares 2024 as a Year of Action for Labour Recognizing the strength and capability of certain retirees, Dr. Koomson conveyed, "We realized that why don't we discuss and put this across for stakeholders and government and see whether some adjustment could be made so that we don't waste these people who have institutional memories to help the growth and development of wherever they will be working."  Alongside ad...

J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appellate judge with conservative leanings, has petitioned the Supreme Court to bar Donald Trump from future electoral ballots, asserting that Trump's post-2020 election actions amounted to a more sweeping effort than South Carolina's secession that fueled the Civil War. Related To This: Trump Steps up Attacks on Nikki Haley To Defeat Her In New Hampshire's Republican Primary Luttig, known for his prominent conservative profile, has consistently argued that Trump's actions following the 2020 election loss constituted an insurrection, disqualifying him from holding public office.  His legal involvement in the pivotal battle over the 2020 election certification, particularly through leveraging social media to provide legal support for then-Vice President Mike Pence, underscores his longstanding stance on the matter. The unfolding legal saga has now captured the attention of the US Supreme Court, which earlier this month agreed to revie...

Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, a esteemed Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has expressed apprehension over the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) ability to maintain its stronghold in Greater Accra during the impending polls. This disquiet stems from the recent dislodging of incumbent Members of Parliament (MP) from seeking re-election, a development that has prompted concerns about the party's electoral viability in the region. Related To This: NPP Parliamentary Primaries: List of MPs Who Lost Their Bid Dr. Asante apprehensively warned that if no strategic interventions are implemented, the trend of sitting MPs losing their candidacy might potentially cascade into the general elections, posing a formidable challenge to the party's electoral success. Emphasizing the pivotal role of Greater Accra, a region characterized as a swing district, Dr. Asante stressed the urgent need for intensified campaigning efforts to familiarize the electorate with the new candidates. He...

On January 30, 2024, former president John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to start a two-day tour of the Eastern Region under the banner of "Building Ghana."  The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer will participate in a variety of activities throughout the region as part of the tour, which is purposefully planned to promote stronger ties with the local populace. Related To This: John Mahama to Embark on Building Ghana Tour Ahead of 2024 Presidential Campaign The agenda will begin at Peduase Valley Resort with a meeting of the party's Regional Executive Committee and other interested parties. A polite visit to the Anum Manhene will come next, and then there will be a lively durbar of fishmongers and farmers in Frankadua Market Square. Subsequently, a second durbar will be convened, this time bringing together transport unions and traders at the Roman Catholic Parish Hall in Agormenya, leading up to a pivotal town hall meeting at the GNAT Hall in Koforidua, the cap...

Monday's Public Accounts Committee meeting took an unexpected turn when what seemed like a straightforward query became a focal point of contention. At the session, the Ningo-Prampram minister, Sam George, posed a seemingly innocuous question, seeking to ascertain the year in which the Ghana Revenue Authority's (GRA) Commissioner-General, Rev Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, turned 60. However, a committee member initially insinuated that age-related inquiries were a personal matter, leading to a 10-minute debacle over the birth year. Related To This: GRA/SML Deal: KPMG's Audit Is Deception, Akufo-Addo Has Flown GRA Boss Out Of The Country - Ablakwa Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, argued that the matter of age was personal, but Committee Chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, swiftly rejected this notion, asserting that as a public official, the Commissioner-General was not shielded from disclosing such information. The intensified debate persisted for some time, during whic...

On Monday, January 29, the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) called for a statewide walkout in protest of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for allegedly failing to uphold their terms of employment. Related To This: Senior Staff Association Rejects NLC's Directive to End Strike General Secretary Richard Afriyie of the group announced in a media interview that the strike would not end, even after receiving an invitation from the National Labour Commission (NLC) for a meeting that was set to take place on Wednesday. He made it clear that unless their issues were sufficiently addressed, they would not be going back to work. "Until future notice, we have instructed our personnel to put down their tools. That's why we're starting it now.  There hasn’t been any disregard for any directive. We have been asked to appear before NLC to discuss the matter on Wednesday,” Afriyie stated. “We have not yet gone to ...

Last week, the Ghana cedi experienced gains across major trading currencies due to improved foreign exchange supply and decreased demand pressures.  The currency appreciated by 1.21% against the US dollar, reducing its year-to-date loss to about 0.9% in the retail market. Additionally, it advanced 0.32% and 0.93% against the pound and euro, respectively, on the retail market. Related To This: Cedi Depreciates 2.2% Against Dollar In January 2024, $1 now GH₵12.43 Closing the week at GH¢12.38 to one dollar on the forex market and GH¢11.97 in the interbank market, the cedi benefited from easing foreign exchange demand pressures, supported by a $11 million spot market intervention by the Bank of Ghana. Analysts anticipate further strengthening of the local unit this week, driven by additional inflows from the World Bank. The recent approval of $300 million for Development Policy Operations (DPO) for Ghana is expected to bolster the Bank of Ghana’s intervention capacity, ensuring stabil...

The lead counsel representing three of the 12 individuals sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of Major Maxwell Mahama has made it known that his clients intend to contest their conviction. Theophilus Kafui Donkor, the legal representative, indicated firmly that his clients are convinced the judge misdirected the jury, potentially influencing the verdict against them. As a result, they have instructed him to elevate the case to a higher authority through an appeal. Related To This: Court Sentences 12 Culprits to Life Imprisonment for Major Mahama's Killing In an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight, Donkor conveyed his clients' dissatisfaction with the judge's directions to the jury, underlining their intention to challenge the court's decision through an appeal. He declared, “My clients are not satisfied with the decision of the court and they indeed are going to challenge it on appeal. They believe strongly that they have a good case in this matter. So, I think t...