Martin King Arthur popularly known as Kofi Kinaata is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi. He is noted for his Fante rap and freestyle and therefore known as the Fante Rap God.
The all time best songwriter,who made a great breakthrough with “Susuka” posted a throwback picture of his “onyi chorus” days and his present day with the same posture with his right hand up showing two sure.
Fans are thrilled with his breakthrough and consistency with his lyrical plus content delivery.
John Dramani Mahama is on the neck of the Supreme Court again based on the ruling on Wednesday 2022.
He tweeted on thursday saying that,”If Deputy Speakers, because they are Members of Parliament, can vote while presiding as Speaker, they could as well be able to participate in any debate on the floor over which they are presiding. This is the absurdity into which the Supreme Court ruling leads us”.
If Deputy Speakers, because they are Members of Parliament, can vote while presiding as Speaker, they could as well be able to participate in any debate on the floor over which they are presiding.
This is the absurdity into which the Supreme Court ruling leads us.
The former President seems unhappy because this tweet adds to his earlier statement that the 7-0 ruling is a dangerous attack on the independence of the legislative arm of government which may in the near future trigger an unprecedented impact in the deliberation process in parliament.
he Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, dismissed a suit brought before it by law lecturer Justice Abdulai, who sought interpretation on articles 104 and 109 of the Constitution after a strange move by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu in December last year to vote as Member for Bekwai while sitting in the chair of the Speaker of Parliament.
By a 7-0 unanimous decision, the Court said Mr Osei-Owusu exercised his right constitutionally.
It also struck out Standing Order 109(3), which says a Deputy Speaker or any other member presiding shall not retain his original vote while presiding.
It furthered that the Deputy Speaker can be counted during the quorum for decision making according to Article 104(1).
Professor yaw Gyampo is of the view that Ghanaians should focus on promoting fairness and objectivity in our political discourse and stop been partisan with the ruling by linking it with the E-Levy
The Supreme Court ruling on the right of Deputy Speakers to vote while serving as speakers, must be interrogated dispassionately. Unfortunately, the partisan responses have not helped as they insinuate many things that do not help the quest to shore up the independence of the judiciary. Why should it be that every top NPP person likes the ruling while every top NDC hates it? Why can’t we have a middle way of objective thinking about the issue? Excessive partisan is indeed a serious affront to our God-given ability to think and analyze issues, with a view to promoting fairness and objectivity in our political discourse.
The ruling may elate those seeking for the numbers to pass the E-Levy. But it will also help those opposed to it if they win power and hung parliament comes back again tomorrow.
It must be noted that, per the doctrines of Checks and Balances as advocated by the French Political Thinker, Baron de Montesquieu, the courts have the right to review and rule on the activities of both the Executive and Legislature. So the court, in theory did no wrong in entertainment the matter brought before it and judging it.
But Parliament is also a Master of it’s one processes, now as even more independent arm of government. It can therefore decide to go by its own rules and work with its Standing Orders. But this, to my mind, shouldn’t be the case, as it may amount to paying the judiciary back, by snubbing their ruling and setting the stage for another chaotic clash in Parliament, between those who support the ruling and those who are against it. The way to go may be for a review of the decision to be sought at the Supreme Court.
A key question that must engage our mind is, what happens to debate if those expected to moderate it takes to one side via partisan voting? This question must be answered taking cognizance of the fact that deputy speakers must not necessarily lose their right to represent their constituents simply by moderating debates. Perhaps we may want to rethink our constitution by looking for deputy speakers who do not represent constituencies just like the Speaker.
Yaw Gyampo A31, Prabiw P.A.V. Ansah Street Saltpond & Suro Nipa House Kubease Larteh-Akuapim
A train heading to Takoradi Harbour from Kojokrom on Thursday March 10 has hospitalized 40 individuals after developing a fault
In an interview with Soft power FM,an Assembly member of New Takoradi Mr Ofori explained that the train driver lost control after realizing the train has developed a fault to which thick smoke started coming out of the engine side.
The driver forcefully jumped out of the train for his own safety.
A report by a committee of inquiry set up by the General Legal Council (GLC) has established that 10 students were illegally admitted into the Ghana School of Law.
The Committee is therefore recommending their withdrawal from the school.
Admission into the only school running the professional law programme remains a contentious matter as every year, thousands of students fail the entrance examination.
The renowned Kwame A-Plus has file a writ that based on the reports from the Ghana legal Council,Mr Maxwell Opoku Agyeman do not deserve to be appointed to the court of Appeal or any superior court in Ghana.
A photo sighted by countryghana as shown below dated 9-03-2022 gives out the full details
Ghanaian gospel musician, Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom, popularly known as MOGMusic in the music industry, has explained why he chose ‘New Wine’ as the name for his annual concert.
According to him, after his first album and concert titled ‘New Wine’, he was advised to keep the name for the subsequent editions of the concerts
“Wine is nice, especially the one with alcohol. It soothes you. It settles the body, When you read the Bible, wine even plays an important role in it,” he told Ghana Weekend TV in an interview
https://youtu.be/p10AT5_SXFc
MOGMusic will be having the 6th edition of his ‘New Wine’ Concert on 20th March, 2022, at the Oil Dome of the Royal House Chapel.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government – meaning he is now unable to sell the club.
Abramovich has had “his assets frozen, a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions” imposed on him. There is now doubt as to whether he will be able to sell the club due to the restrictions he is under.
The government have granted Chelsea a special license to allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches. It is unclear if the license covers just Chelsea’s first team or all teams, including the women’s and junior sides. Nadine Dorries, the minister for Sport and Culture, has tweeted: “I know this brings some uncertainty, but the Government will work with the league & clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended. Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We’re committed to protecting them.”
A government statement said: “Given the significant impact that today’s sanctions would have on Chelsea football club and the potential knock on effects of this, the Government has this morning published a licence which authorises a number of football-related activities to continue at Chelsea.
Roman Abramovich has been hit by UK government sanctions and will be unable to sell Chelsea ( Image: PA)
“This includes permissions for the club to continue playing matches and other football related activity which will in turn protect the Premier League, the wider football pyramid, loyal fans and other clubs. This licence will only allow certain explicitly named actions to ensure the designated individual is not able to circumvent UK sanctions. The licence will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities.”
A Chelsea Supporters’ Trust Spokesperson said: “The CST notes with concern the Government’s statement regarding the owner. Supporters must be involved in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts on the club and its global fan base.
1/ 4🧵Putin’s attack on Ukraine continues & we are witnessing new levels of evil by the hour. Today the Government has announced further sanctions against individuals linked to the Russian Government. This list includes Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea Football Club.
“The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process to minimise the uncertainty over Chelsea’s future, for supporters and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”
Abramovich has been sanctioned along with six of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential oligarchs, whose business empires, wealth and connections are closely associated with Vladimir Putin’s regime. They have a net worth of £15bn.
Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC and has stakes in steel giant Evraz and Norilsk Nickel
Oleg Deripaska has stakes in En+ Group
Igor Sechin is the chief executive of Rosneft
Andrey Kostin is chairman of VTB bank
Alexei Miller is CEO of energy company Gazprom
Nikolai Tokarev is president of the Russia state-owned pipeline company Transneft
Dmitri Lebedev is chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank Rossiya
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.
“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Today’s sanctions show once again that oligarchs and kleptocrats have no place in our economy or society. With their close links to Putin they are complicit in his aggression.
“The blood of the Ukrainian people is on their hands. They should hang their heads in shame.
“Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not stop in this mission to ramp up the pressure on the Putin regime and choke off funds to his brutal war machine.
So in short, based on this freezing order, no he can’t sell the club. Now if the government is prepared to give a special licence in relation to the operation of the club, then the question is whether they would then give another special license in relation to the sale of the club.
But based on the terms of this freezing order, no he can’t.
Former President John Mahama has criticised the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision that Deputy Speakers of Parliament can vote even when they are presiding as Speaker.
In a tweet, he described it as “shocking but not surprising”.
Mr. Mahama said it was “an unfortunate interpretation for convenience that sets a dangerous precedent of judicial interference in Parliamentary procedure for the future.”
A unanimous 7-0? Shocking but not surprising.
An unfortunate interpretation for convenience that sets a dangerous precedent of judicial interference in Parliamentary procedure for the future. pic.twitter.com/mKesTDcBNR
The landmark judgment was given in a case brought by a law professor, Justice Abdulai, who was contesting the Deputy Speaker’s decision to count himself as forming a quorum for a vote on the budget.
The judgment backed the position of the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, who defended his decisive vote in the approval of the 2022 budget, although he was presiding as Speaker.
The Court also struck down order 109 (3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, describing it as unconstitutional.
On November 30, last year, Mr. Osei-Owusu, also the Bekwai MP, presided over the overturning of an earlier vote of the House rejecting the government’s 2022 Budget.
Reaction to judgment
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, called the judgment in the case a travesty of justice and a sign that the judiciary has failed the country’s parliamentary democracy.
“The judiciary of Ghana is failing parliamentary democracy in their inability to appreciate the true meaning of Article 110 of the Constitution; that Parliament shall by its standing orders regulate its own procedures.”
Mr. Iddrisu also said the decision signifies judicial support to the government to pass the e-levy.
But the First Deputy Speaker welcomed the judgment, describing it as refreshing.
Mr. Owusu also said he will continue to interpret the constitution and the standing orders of Parliament as he understands it.
“Matters that have never arisen, are now on the fore due to the numbers we have in parliament. Anytime there is disagreement, as I have said before, I will interpret the rules and the laws as I understand it.”
The Attorney General, Godfred Dame, also said reasoning had prevailed with this judgment.
“I think the reasoning by the Supreme Court is clearly sound and is in accord with the practice in other jurisdictions around the world,” he said.
“Nowhere in the constitution has any statement been made that whenever a deputy speaker presides, he loses his right to vote,” Mr. Dame argued.
Karim Benzema scored a superb second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid produced a stirring fightback at a raucous Bernabeu to reach the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Paris St-Germain.
Karim Benzema reassured Kylian Mbappe about his Champions League hopes-Getty images
Kylian Mbappe’s first-half goal had given PSG a deserved two-goal aggregate lead and looked to have put Mauricio Pochettino’s side well on course for the last eight.
However, a mistake by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma proved the catalyst for a dramatic recovery with Benzema turning home after the Italian dawdled in possession.
Luka Modric’s driving run and intricate pass made Benzema’s second as he levelled the tie against a clearly panicked PSG, and as the visitors attempted to regroup the 34-year-old drove a low effort into the bottom right corner seconds after the restart to settle the tie.
Until Donnarumma’s error PSG had been in complete control.
Marco Verratti was slick and dominant in midfield, while Neymar and Lionel Messi worked themselves into some dangerous positions as the hosts struggled to contain their more fluent opponents.
Mbappe in particular was electric, racing on to a pass from Neymar to open the scoring against the side he has been heavily tipped to join in the summer when his contract at PSG expires.
Either side of that the 23-year-old tormented the Real defence, twice having goals correctly disallowed for offside but showing his predatory instincts nonetheless.
A surge of acceleration also saw him burst past Real’s Eder Militao and only a brilliant covering challenge from David Alaba prevented him from adding to his tally.
Mbappe’s influence was such that he received warm applause from the home support as he got up after appearing to be hurt in a tackle, but the real damage to his and PSG’s long-standing aspirations in the competition were still to come.
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has appealed to the government to as a matter of urgency institute measures to resolve the problems of the cedi.
President of the GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng indicated that businesses are going down due to the the high exchange rate.
“It is very discomforting for businesses and most of us are losing our capitals. Already about 15 per cent of our capital has been depleted . If it continues we wouldn’t know what to do,” he said.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has said also said consumers in Ghana should prepare to pay more for goods and services due to the poor performance of the cedi against the major trading currencies.
Executive Secretary of the association, Samson Awingobit, said members of his association have no option but to pass on the high cost of importing goods on to the consumer.
The cedi is currently trading beyond 7 cedis to the dollar. Analysts have predicted it is most likely to cross 8.
Mr Awingobit told journalists in Accra on Tuesday March 8 that “The business community is worried and consumers should also be worried because at the end of the day if an importer will have to go through and bring goods under this high cost rate of the dollar to Ghana cedis, 7.4 per dollar as we speak, it tells you that goods and services prices will have to go up.
“That will not be well for the Ghanaian consuming public looking at the economic situation of the ordinary Ghanaian.
“I strongly believe that our call that majority of our import is coming from China market and so there is no need for any Ghanaian business person to say he is travelling to China to buy goods, should be listened to. You put physical cash at the commercial bank exchanging for dollar, instead of the Bank of Ghana or the government making Chinese Yuan available.
“So far as this supply is coming from China there will be no need for dollar before you go to China. I strongly believe that that is the only way to go through. So make Chinese Yuan available in the market.”
