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Biography of Owusu Afriyie Akoto

Owusu Afriyie Akoto (born 19 October 1949) is a Ghanaian agricultural economist and politician. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party and served as the Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana from 2017 to 2023. He resigned on 10 January 2023 to focus on his presidential ambition.

Akoto was born in Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana. He attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1975. He then went on to the University of Cambridge, England, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1977 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics in 1980.

After completing his education, Akoto worked as an economist, senior economist, principal economist, and chief economic advisor at the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in London, England, for over a decade. He also worked as a consultant to the World Bank and the United Nations on soft commodities (cocoa, coffee, and sugar).

In 1995, Akoto returned to Ghana and founded Goldcrest Commodities Limited and Plantation Resources Limited, two international commodity companies. He served as the CEO of both companies until 2007.

In 2008, Akoto was elected to the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana. He spent two terms as Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. In Parliament, he held the positions of Deputy Ranking Member and subsequently the substantive Ranking Member for the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs until 2017.

In 2017, Akoto was appointed the Minister for Food and Agriculture by President Nana Akufo-Addo. As Minister, he oversaw the implementation of a number of policies and programs aimed at transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector. These included the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which provided subsidized inputs and extension services to farmers; the Rearing for Food and Jobs program, which supported livestock farmers; and the One District, One Warehouse program, which constructed warehouses to store agricultural produce.

Akoto’s tenure as Minister for Food and Agriculture was marked by a number of successes. Ghana achieved food self-sufficiency in a number of crops, including maize, rice, and cassava. The agricultural sector also grew at a faster rate than the overall economy.

In January 2023, Akoto resigned as Minister for Food and Agriculture to focus on his presidential ambition. He is one of the leading contenders to be the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party in the 2024 presidential election.

Akoto is a highly respected figure in Ghana’s agricultural sector. He is known for his expertise in agricultural economics and his commitment to transforming Ghana’s agriculture. He is also known for his outspokenness and his willingness to challenge the status quo.

Owusu Afriyie Akoto campaign promises

Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister for Food and Agriculture from 2017 to 2023, is one of the leading contenders to be the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party in the 2024 presidential election. He has made a number of campaign promises, including:

To transform Ghana’s agriculture into a modern, profitable, and sustainable sector. This would involve investing in research and development, improving infrastructure, and providing farmers with access to credit and markets.

To ensure food security for all Ghanaians. This would involve increasing domestic production, reducing food imports, and promoting healthy eating habits.

To create jobs in the agricultural sector. This would involve supporting small-scale farmers, investing in agro-processing, and promoting tourism.

Akoto has also pledged to improve the living conditions of Ghanaian farmers. He has promised to provide farmers with access to subsidized inputs, extension services, and insurance. He has also promised to reduce the cost of doing business for farmers.

Here are some specific promises that Akoto has made:

He has promised to increase the production of maize, rice, and cassava by 50% by 2027.

He has promised to increase the production of cocoa by 20% by 2027.

He has promised to create 1 million jobs in the agricultural sector by 2027.

He has promised to reduce the cost of doing business for farmers by 20% by 2027.

Biography of Mahamudu Bawumia

Early life and education

Mahamudu Bawumia was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale, Ghana. He is the son of Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, a former Chairman of the Council of State, and Hajia Mariama Bawumia. Bawumia attended the Sakasaka Primary School in Tamale, and gained admission to Tamale Secondary School in 1975. After graduating from Tamale Secondary School, Bawumia proceeded to the United Kingdom where he obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB).

Bawumia then went on to study economics at the University of Buckingham, where he graduated with first class honors in 1987. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in development economics from Lincoln College, Oxford University, in 1988, and a Ph.D. in economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada in 1995.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Bawumia worked as an assistant professor of economics at Baylor University in Texas, United States. In 2000, he joined the Bank of Ghana as a senior economist, and he rose to the position of deputy governor in 2006. He served in this position until 2009, when he was nominated as the vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Bawumia ran alongside presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 elections. The NPP lost all three elections, but Bawumia became a popular figure among NPP supporters and Ghanaians in general. He is known for his expertise in economics and finance, as well as his charisma and communication skills.

In 2017, Akufo-Addo was finally elected president, and Bawumia became vice president. As vice president, Bawumia has played a key role in the Akufo-Addo government’s economic management team. He has also been responsible for overseeing the government’s digitalization agenda.

Personal life

Bawumia is married to Samira Bawumia, a former beauty queen and banker. They have four children.

Achievements and legacy

Bawumia has had a number of notable achievements during his career. As deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, he played a key role in the implementation of a number of successful economic policies, including the introduction of inflation targeting and the reform of the banking sector.

As vice president, Bawumia has been responsible for overseeing the implementation of a number of successful economic policies, including the introduction of mobile money interoperability and the implementation of a national identification system. He has also led the government’s efforts to digitalize public services.

Bawumia has also been a vocal advocate for economic development in Africa. He has argued that Africa needs to focus on industrialization and technological transformation in order to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Bawumia has made a number of campaign promises for the NPP primaries, including:

  • To continue the economic progress made by the Akufo-Addo government. Bawumia has pledged to continue the government’s focus on job creation, infrastructure development, and industrialization. He has also promised to reduce inflation and poverty.
  • To accelerate the digitalization of Ghana’s economy and society. Bawumia has pledged to make Ghana a leader in digital transformation in Africa. He has promised to expand access to broadband internet, promote the use of digital technologies in government and businesses, and support the development of Ghana’s startup ecosystem.
  • To improve the quality of education and healthcare in Ghana. Bawumia has pledged to invest in early childhood education, improve the quality of basic and secondary education, and make tertiary education more affordable. He has also pledged to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce the cost of healthcare for Ghanaians.
  • To promote social justice and equality. Bawumia has pledged to create a more inclusive and equitable society. He has promised to empower women and youth, support the disabled, and promote the rights of minorities.

Bawumia has also made a number of specific promises to NPP delegates, such as:

  • To support the development of NPP constituencies. Bawumia has pledged to provide financial and logistical support to NPP constituencies to help them develop and grow.
  • To empower NPP youth. Bawumia has pledged to create a youth empowerment program within the NPP to help develop the skills and leadership potential of young NPP members.
  • To promote gender equality within the NPP. Bawumia has pledged to work to ensure that women are well-represented in all levels of the NPP.

Reference:Wikipedia

Nollywood legend Ameachi Muonago paralyzed, seeks help from fans

Nollywood legend Ameachi Muonago is currently paralyzed after suffering a spinal cord injury seven months ago. Muonago explained in a video that the accident happened while he was on his way to enter his car. He is currently seeking help from his fellow actors, actresses, and fans to come to his aid.

Muonago is a veteran actor who has starred in many popular Nollywood films, including “Living in Bondage,” “Nneka the Pretty Serpent,” and “Glamour Girls.”

In the video, Muonago said that he has been undergoing treatment for his injury, but he needs more financial assistance to cover the cost of his medical bills and rehabilitation. He appealed to his fans and colleagues to help him get back on his feet.

Biography of Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (born June 16, 1960) is a Ghanaian politician and businessman who represents Assin Central in parliament for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is also the owner of Kencity Media, which includes radio stations Oman FM and Net 2 TV. Agyapong is known for his outspokenness and his often controversial statements.

Agyapong was born in Assin Dompim in the Central Region of Ghana. He attended Adisadel College in Cape Coast and then went on to study business administration at Fordham University in New York City. After graduating from Fordham, Agyapong returned to Ghana and started a number of successful businesses, including Kencity Media.

Agyapong entered politics in 2000, when he was elected to parliament as a member of the NPP. He has been re-elected to parliament five times since then. Agyapong has served on a number of parliamentary committees, including the Communications Committee and the Defense and Interior Committee.

In addition to his political career, Agyapong is also a successful businessman. He is the owner of a number of companies, including Kencity Media, Assin Farms, and Supercare Group of Companies. Agyapong is also a philanthropist, and he has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes.

Agyapong is a controversial figure, but he is also a popular one. He is known for his outspokenness and his willingness to speak his mind. He is also known for his generosity and his commitment to helping his constituents.

Achievements and legacy

Agyapong has had a number of notable achievements during his career. He is a successful businessman and a respected politician. He is also a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes.

Agyapong’s legacy will likely be defined by his outspokenness and his commitment to helping his constituents. He is a role model for young Ghanaians who aspire to make a difference in the world.

Personal life

Agyapong is married and has 22 children. He is a devout Christian.

Agyapong’s Presidential Platform

If elected President, Agyapong has said that he will focus on the following areas:

Job creation: Agyapong has said that he will create jobs by investing in infrastructure and developing the private sector.

Education: Agyapong has said that he will improve the quality of education in Ghana by making it more affordable and accessible.

Healthcare: Agyapong has said that he will improve access to healthcare by building more hospitals and clinics and making healthcare more affordable.

Agriculture: Agyapong has said that he will invest in agriculture to make Ghana food self-sufficient.

Corruption: Agyapong has said that he will fight corruption by strengthening the institutions that are responsible for fighting corruption.

Controversies

Agyapong has been involved in a number of controversies over the years. He has been accused of making defamatory statements, inciting violence, and threatening individuals. In 2019, he was arrested and charged with contempt of parliament.

Despite his controversies, Agyapong remains a popular figure in Ghana. He is seen as a strong and independent voice. He is also seen as a champion of the poor and the marginalized.

Reference

Wikipedia

Western Fire Command Advises Public to Notify Them Before Blocking Roads

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The Western Fire Command of the Ghana National Fire Service is advising the general public and all other organizations to notify the Ghana National Fire Service before embarking on any road blockage.

This is in accordance with Li 17, 24 regulation 16 under road blocks and diversion law, which states that the chief fire officer must be notified within 24 hours for a pre-planning at the fire station to curtail lateness when there is a fire.

ADO2 Efua Pongo, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, told Skyy News that road and diversion blockages without informing the fire service can make it difficult for them to respond to emergencies.

“This creates a lot of problems for us and delays our time, which in return may lead to a total destruction or death of the property or individual we are going to save,” she said.

ADO2 Pongo urged organizations and individuals to first seek permission or alert the fire service before blocking any road so that the fire service can make its diversion plan in times of an emergency.

She also warned against prank calls to the National Fire Service, which is an offense. Anyone found guilty is liable to a summary conviction of 100 penalty units and 6 months imprisonment.

ADO2 Pongo urged the general public to desist from prank calls as it hinders the delivery of their work. People who are caught in this act are liable to a prison sentence and fine as well.

Why is it important to notify the Fire Service before blocking roads?

There are a few reasons why it is important to notify the Fire Service before blocking roads:

  • In the event of an emergency, the Fire Service needs to be able to respond quickly and efficiently. If they are not aware of a road blockage, it may delay their response time and could put lives at risk.
  • Road blockages can also cause traffic congestion and disruption. By notifying the Fire Service, they can develop a diversion plan to help minimize the impact on traffic.
  • Prank calls to the Fire Service can be a serious nuisance and can waste valuable resources. If you are caught making a prank call, you could be liable to a fine or even imprisonment.

How to notify the Fire Service before blocking a road

If you need to block a road for any reason, you should notify the Fire Service at least 24 hours in advance. You can do this by calling your local fire station or by visiting their website.

When you notify the Fire Service, you should provide them with the following information:

  • The date and time of the road blockage
  • The location of the road blockage
  • The reason for the road blockage
  • Any other relevant information, such as the length of the road blockage or any alternative routes that can be used

Bizzle Entertainment Responds to Concert Cancellation by Shatta Wale

Bizzle Entertainment, the organizers of the cancelled Wolverhampton concert featuring Shatta Wale, has responded to the abrupt cancellation of the event by Shatta Movement Empire.

In a press release issued on November 1, 2023, Bizzle Entertainment expressed its shock and disappointment over the cancellation. The press release stated that Bizzle Entertainment and its partners take their commitments seriously and have always strived to maintain open and transparent communication with the artist, their management, and sponsors.

The press release also clarified that Bizzle Entertainment has met all requirements of its contract with Shatta Movement Empire and paid an initial 50% down payment of what was agreed in good faith. Bizzle Entertainment went on to state that it was eagerly looking forward to hosting Shatta Wale in Wolverhampton and offering their audience an unforgettable experience.

The press release concluded by stating that Bizzle Entertainment is committed to resolving the issue amicably with Shatta Movement Empire in line with the terms of their agreement and continuing to bring world-class entertainment to their community.

The cancellation of the concert has left fans disappointed and confused. Many fans had already purchased tickets and were eagerly looking forward to seeing Shatta Wale perform live. Bizzle Entertainment has stated that it will be issuing full refunds to all ticket holders.

It is unclear why Shatta Movement Empire cancelled the concert. The press release from Bizzle Entertainment did not provide any specific reasons. However, some fans have speculated that the cancellation may be due to contractual disagreements or financial problems.

Kudus and Partey nominated for 2023 CAF men’s player of the year award

Ghanaian duo Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey have been nominated for the 2023 CAF men’s player of the year award. The pair are among a 30-man shortlist released by the continent’s football governing body on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Kudus has had a stellar season for both club and country. He scored 18 goals and provided 5 assists in 42 appearances for Ajax, and he was also one of the stars of the Qatar 2022 World Cup with his two goals and one assist. Partey has also had an impressive season, helping Arsenal finish second in the Premier League and secure qualification back to the UEFA Champions League. He was also instrumental in helping Ghana qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The two players face stiff competition for the award, with other nominees including Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, and Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech. However, Kudus and Partey have strong cases for winning the award, given their outstanding performances over the past year.

Kudus is a versatile and dynamic player who can play in a variety of positions, including attacking midfield, winger, and false 9. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. Partey is a powerful and athletic midfielder who is excellent at winning possession and distributing the ball. He is also a good goalscorer from outside the box.

The winner of the CAF men’s player of the year award will be announced at the CAF Awards Gala in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 11, 2023. Both Kudus and Partey would be worthy winners, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Analysis:

The nominations of Kudus and Partey for the CAF men’s player of the year award is a testament to their outstanding performances over the past year. Both players have been key figures for their respective clubs and countries, and they have played a major role in their successes.

Kudus has particularly impressed with his versatility and goal-scoring ability. He is able to play in a variety of positions across the attack, and he is always a threat to score goals. Partey, on the other hand, has been praised for his strength, athleticism, and passing ability. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and he is also a threat from set-pieces.

It will be difficult to predict who will win the award, given the high quality of the nominees. However, Kudus and Partey have both had exceptional seasons, and they would be worthy winners.

Asamoah Gyan Slams Ameyaw Debrah

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Asamoah Gyan, the former captain of the Black Stars, sent a mysterious message after learning of his divorce settlement from his former wife, Gifty Gyan.
The now-retired football player implied that while his ex-wife Gifty might believe she has “won,” that may not be the truth in a Twitter comment on a story published by Ameyaw Debrah.

“If I have 10pts and I keep quiet cos I’m matured, and you have 2 pts and you going find public sympathy, then it’s cool. You are very funny. This is deep so think about it,” Asamoah Gyan commented under the post.

Court Case

On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, an Accra court decided, following a three-year legal fight, that Gifty Gyan’s three children are Asamoah Gyan’s, the former Black Stars footballer.
This comes after Asamoah Gyan and his ex-wife Gifty Gyan fought over their divorce for years.

Asamoah Gyan had demanded that their marriage be dissolved and stated he was not the father of their three children.

On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the court did, however, find that Asamoah Gyan is the rightful owner of the three children.

The former captain of the Black Stars was ordered by the court to provide Gifty Gyan 25,000 Ghana cedis per month to cover the three children’s expenses, which do not include school tuition, medical and dental treatment, or airfare.

Gifty Gyan will now also take custody of a BMW vehicle and an Infiniti that Asamoah Gyan owns.

In addition, the court has granted Gifty Gyan a land belonging to Asamoah Gyan, originally designated for a filling station.

The court also annulled the marriage between the two parties, while noting that despite the annulment of the marriage, the kids which Asamoah Gyan had hitherto denied, are actually his children confirmed by court-sanctioned DNA test.
Gifty Gyan was also given Asamoah Gyan’s mansion in the UK as compensation in addition to a four-bedroom home in Spintex.

Additionally, Asamoah Gyan’s BMW and Infiniti will now be under Gifty Gyan’s care.

Moreover, the land that was originally intended for a filling station but belonged to Asamoah Gyan was granted to Gifty Gyan by the court.

A court-approved DNA test proved that the children Asamoah Gyan had previously denied are, in fact, his children, the court noted, even though the marriage between the two parties was dissolved.

Shatta Wale Announces Cancellation of Wolverhampton Concert

Shatta Wale Announces Cancellation of Wolverhampton Concert : In a statement released on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Shatta Wale’s management announced the cancellation of the artist’s highly anticipated concert scheduled to take place at The Hangar in Wolverhampton, UK on November 4, 2023. The statement cited “unforeseen circumstances concerning the artist’s demands that the promoters have been unable to meet” as the reason for the cancellation.

Shatta Wale, one of the biggest names in dancehall music, is known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant demands. According to the statement, the artist’s rider and contractual requirements are “equally grand, reflecting his status as a wealthy and successful artist and a business mogul.”

The statement also revealed that the promoters had been working diligently for the past two weeks to bring Shatta Wale’s performance to Wolverhampton. They had chosen The Hangar, a world-class venue, as the setting for the event and were confident that it would be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.

However, despite their best efforts, the promoters were unable to meet the artist’s demands. The statement stated that these demands were “fitting for an artist of his stature,” but that they had proven to be “logistically and financially challenging” for the organization.

As a result, the promoters made the difficult decision to cancel the concert. They stated that their primary concern is always to provide an outstanding experience for concertgoers, and they believed that it would be unfair to compromise the quality of the show by attempting to cut corners or reduce their preparation value.

The statement concluded with an apology to all the fans who had been eagerly looking forward to the event. The promoters acknowledged the disappointment that the cancellation may cause, and they shared in that disappointment.

Refunds will be automatically issued to all ticket holders for the Shatta Wale concert. The promoters asked ticket holders to allow up to some days for the refund process to be completed.

The cancellation of Shatta Wale’s Wolverhampton concert is a major setback for fans of the artist and for the city’s music scene as a whole. It is unclear whether the concert will be rescheduled, but the promoters have stated that they are committed to delivering top-tier entertainment events in the future.

Breaking the 8: PRESEC Legon secures 8th victory as NSMQ champions

Breaking the 8: PRESEC Legon secures 8th victory as NSMQ champions : The 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz tournament was won by Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC Legon).

On Monday, October 30, 2023, the record winners defeated Opoku Ware Senior High School and Achimota Secondary School to win the championship for the eighth time in the competition’s existence.

With 40 total points after five exciting rounds of intellectual competition, PRESEC won.

Opoku Ware scored 23 points, trailing behind Achimota’s 28.

PRESEC had won the tournament in 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020, and 2022 in addition to this year.