Category: News

  • Vodafone Ghana officially transitions to Telecel

    Vodafone Ghana officially transitions to Telecel

    In a significant development within the telecommunications sector, Vodafone Ghana has officially transitioned to Telecel Ghana, marking a strategic move to expand economic access to communication services across the country.

    Telecel Ghana has now assumed control over various operations previously managed by Vodafone, including fixed telephone lines, internet services, voice and data services, as well as cash transfer and other business services.

    This transition follows the acquisition of a 70 per cent majority stake in Vodafone Ghana by Telecel Group.

    During the official rebranding ceremony, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, emphasized the commitment to innovation and digital inclusion on the newly unveiled Telecel network.

    Mrs Obo-Nai assured customers of a transformative experience on the Telecel platform, promising enhanced service delivery and a focus on mobile financial solutions.

    Reflecting on the transition process, Obo-Nai highlighted the one year of preparation following the strategic acquisition of Vodafone Ghana shares by Telecel Group.

    She noted the deliberate approach taken to unveil the Telecel brand starting with internal stakeholders and progressing to key external partners and customers, culminating in a public launch event at Labadi Beach Hotel.

    Telecel Ghana’s rebranding efforts include the introduction of the Telecel Play app, aimed at delivering a range of digital innovations and mobile financial services to customers.

    Mrs Obo-Nai emphasized the company’s presence in all 16 regions of Ghana, with plans to engage and showcase the new Telecel brand offerings to a wider audience in the coming days.

    With the unveiling of Telecel Ghana, customers, partners, and stakeholders can expect a new era of communication services characterized by enhanced digital experiences and a customer-centric approach.

    “So, in February 2023, Vodafone Ghana ended its work in Ghana. So, we signed a deal with Telecel Group to take over the 70% shares of Vodafone Group in Ghana Telecom. It has been one year of transition. And so, from yesterday, we ended the relationship with the Vodafone brand and we unveiled the Telecel brand. We started with our employees in the morning at the conference centre, so they will see it first.

    “We have announced our brand promise that they are going to see an experience that is very different in our network, in the way we deliver service to our customers, and also, importantly, the mobile financial services.

    “There will be a lot of digital innovations that will come up. And so, we announced our app called Telecel Play which everybody should download. And over the period, you begin to see the changes that will happen, especially in the financial services. So we are available in all 60 regions, and we’ll move to the regions to show everybody what the new Telecel brand has to offer.”

    ………………………….

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  • I will sue Lil win for accusing me of using weed toffee – Mr Logic

    I will sue Lil win for accusing me of using weed toffee – Mr Logic

    Emmanuel Barnes, also known as Mr. Logic, is a Ghanaian entertainment pundit and artist manager. He has taken a strong stand against Kumawood actor Lilwin and announced his intention to file a defamation lawsuit.

    The enraged industry figure responded strongly after Lilwin publicly accused Mr. Logic of using a “weed toffee.”

    Known for his direct approach, Mr. Logic strongly refuted the claims in an interview with Hit FM’s Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz, highlighting the possible damage the accusation could do to his standing in the industry and reputation.

    In the entertainment industry, allegations of substance abuse can be especially damaging. Mr. Logic is committed to using the legal system to dispel these claims. He added that he could be tested in order to get confirmation.

    The artiste manager believes the accusation stems from his questioning of the actor regarding the use of Nigerian actors in his upcoming film, “A country called Ghana.” On February 22, 2024, Mr. Logic said on Daybreak Hitz that he could not understand LilWin’s decision to use Nigerian actors in a film that aimed to showcase Ghanaian culture and patriotism.

    While he acknowledged that collaborating with Nigerian actors might help the film find a larger audience and be featured on a global platform such as Netflix, he expressed concern that the film would deny Ghanaian actors an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

    “It’s a good one because of the agenda to get onto Netflix. But to continue doing the same thing for commercial purposes, I don’t think it’s advisable. The Ghanaian movie industry is still under the carpet. So it’s best if he lifts up the industry by lifting up young talents like Fifi Coleman is doing.

    “Why are you making a movie named “A Country Called Ghana” and featuring Nigerians in it? We should put Ghanaian actors and stories first, stories that connect with our people,” he said. “It’s about uplifting our own,” he said.

    Lilwin was not amused by this and has since started making fun of and insulting the well-known figure in the music industry.

  • Waakye’s death: I fear might die same incident – Maame Dokono

    Waakye’s death: I fear might die same incident – Maame Dokono

    Legendary Ghanaian actress Maame Dokono, whose real name is Grace Omaboe, has stated that she worries she might pass away similarly to the late actor Prince Yawson, also known as Waakye.

    In an exclusive interview with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli for the Prime Morning show, Maame Dokono revealed the reason behind the late actor’s passing, saying that Waakye’s death was caused by an error made by someone.

    The seasoned actress, well-known for her contributions to Ghana’s entertainment sector, underlined the importance of exercising prudence and caution when managing health-related issues.

    “Waakye’s death was all of a sudden. It was somebody’s mistake, and Waakye was dead because I spoke with him on the morning of that day, and he was dead in the evening,” she said.

    The renowned actress, who was devastated to learn of Waakye’s passing, fears she might end up just like the late actor. Though her mother passed away after a century, she still hopes to live to be as old as her.

    In her own words, “I was so devastated and didn’t know what to do. So, maybe my death will be like that. I’m almost 80. I’m hoping to be like my mother. She was 115 years old, and if I take good care of myself, I should be able to live like her.”

  • Expect more power outages during peak hours – ECG warns Ghanaians

    Expect more power outages during peak hours – ECG warns Ghanaians

    Prior to peak hours, there will be more power outages, according to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    In a social media post, ECG disclosed that rising power consumption has caused 630 distribution transformers in communities throughout its operating zones to operate above capacity.

    According to the claim, this could lead to blown fuses and broken conductors, which would cause outages, especially in the affected locations during the peak load period (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

    “However, we wish to assure our customers that transformer upgrading, and new projects are on-going to relieve these transformers to ensure a more reliable power supply,” the post added.

    Samuel Dubik Mahama

    “Customers within the underlisted communities/localities are therefore advised to report any localised outage or voltage fluctuations to the ECG Call Center on 0302-611611 (also available on WhatsApp) or reach us on our social media handles via ECGghOfficial (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for prompt rectification,” it said.

    The affected customers were urged to be patient and supportive of the ECG as it works to further enhance Ghana’s power distribution infrastructure.

    In response to the frequent power outages (dumsor), Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director (MD) of the ECG, stated earlier this month that the business was having some maintenance problems.

    He asserted that the company’s use of machinery meant that problems could arise at any time due to the machinery’s propensity for malfunction.

  • CEO of Zonda Sinotruck, other convicted for Contempt, find GHc36K

    CEO of Zonda Sinotruck, other convicted for Contempt, find GHc36K

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Zonda Sinotruck Assembly Plant Limited, Mrs Yang Yang, and her Company have been convicted and fined GHc36K for Contempt by the High Court in Tema.

    The CEO of the Chinese transport and logistics, dealers in heavy-duty trucks, and her company were convicted on her plea after they pleaded guilty to contempt.

    The Court presided over by Justice Patricia Quansah, however, imposed a fine of GHc2,000 penalty units on her and 1000 on her company which are equivalent to GHc24,000 and GHc12,000 respectively.

    This brings the total fine for her and her company to GHc36,000.

    In default to the payment of the fine, the Court said she and her company would serve 30 days and 15 days in jail respectively.

    CEO of Zonda Sinotruck, Mrs Yang Yang

    Counsel for the Plaintiff – Archie Martin Danso Jnr, cited the CEO of Zonda and her company for Contempt of Court for gross disobedience of the law.

    It was the case of the Plaintiff that, while a case of breach of contract is pending at the Court, Zonda Sinotruck and its CEO Mrs. Yang Yang, fully aware of the pendency of the suit against Narh Global Services showed gross disregard for the court,

    The Plaintiff contended that the respondents (convicts) stormed Narh Global’s mining firm on August 1, 2023, in the Ashanti region with about 40 armed soldiers from the 4th Battalion Infantry and six armed police officers.

    The Plaintiff alleged that they attacked workers of the mining firm, ceased mobile phones of the workers, and allegedly assaulted the workers.

    It also alleged that the over 40 military men siphoned over 1,500 liters of diesel belonging to the mining firm and ceased excavators of the company.

    It was on the premise of this that the mining firm cited Mrs Yang Yang and Zonda Sinotruck Assembly Plant Limited for contempt.

    “l am advised by the Applicant’s lawyers and verily believe it to be true that the conduct of the Respondents is tantamount to contempt of court.

    “l am also advised by the Applicant’s lawyers and believe it to be true that the Respondents’ conduct has brought the administration of justice into disrepute, public ridicule and opprobrium.

    “The Respondents’ contemptuous conduct is intended to overreach the jurisdiction of this court,” the Plaintiff stated in his Statement of case.

    They admitted the charge and the court convicted and fined of GHC 24,000 and GHC 12,000 respectively.

    Counsel for the Plaintiff though he disagreed with the reasons for the fine, the judge is courageous to convict her.

    The Court has since directed the Plaintiff to file for their defense.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • It is not food poisoning that killed my husband, John Kumah — widow speaks

    It is not food poisoning that killed my husband, John Kumah — widow speaks

    The widow of former deputy finance minister John Kumah has vehemently denied rumours that her husband passed away from food poisoning that have been making the rounds on social media and in mainstream media.

    Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband bravely fought a serious illness for more than a year in an interview with Accra-based Asaase radio.

    She revealed that the illness that the physicians in Germany had identified nearly a year prior was what ultimately took his life on Thursday, March 7, 2024—not food poisoning.

    Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, the General Overseer of Disciples of Christ Ministries, urged people to stop speculating about her husband’s death’s cause, highlighting the additional suffering it causes to her immediate and extended family.

    She mournfully demanded that the police act quickly to stop people like Blessed Godsbrain Smart, also referred to as Captain Smart, who made a public claim that her late husband had been poisoned without offering any proof.

    Apostle Lilian Kumah expressed her worry, questioning Captain Smart’s boldness in claiming such things about John Kumah, who devoted his life to serving the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his country.

    She emphasised that action must be taken in accordance with national laws, calling on the authorities to hold Captain Smart responsible and require evidence to support his baseless accusations.

    However, she is questioning Captain Smart about claims that her husband’s death was caused by poisoning.

    She requested that the Ghana Police Service make sure the Onua TV host provides evidence to support his statements regarding her husband’s death in a formal complaint that she submitted.

    John Kumah, the husband of apostle Lilian Kumah

    “Why is it that someone has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” she stated.

    On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the member of parliament representing Ejisu in the Ashanti Region under the banner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) departed from this life.

    After a short illness, he passed away at the age of 45.

    He left behind a wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and six children.

    A man of integrity, he was well-known to his constituents as lawyer John Kumah. He encouraged job creation and gave the youth and elderly in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, hope for the future.

  • Retired British actress Viscella Vikki Richards found dead at Caribbean home

    Retired British actress Viscella Vikki Richards found dead at Caribbean home

    Viscella Richards, a retired British actress, was discovered dead at her home in the Caribbean.

    Richards, who performed under the stage name Vikki Richards, was discovered on Wednesday inside her North Valsyn, north of Trinidad, bedroom, her hands bound.

    After discovering her property had been looted, police believe that the 79-year-old was killed by robbers.

    According to the authorities, her body bore no further signs of violence. Following her onstage debut, Vikki starred in television shows including Howard’s Way, Return of the Saint, and The Onedin Line.

    Vikki began her career onstage, later appearing in TV’s The Onedin Line, Return of the Saint and Howard’s Way.

    Actress Viscella Vikki Richards

    Richards gained notoriety for her supporting performance in the grimy 1973 British blaxploitation movie Black Snake, which was filmed on the island of Barbados.

    In 1974, she posed with Wolves star striker John Richards for the very first picture ever taken by renowned Sun photographer Arthur Edwards.

    Edwards was able to convince Richards to take a picture with the actress, which would mark the start of Richards’ illustrious career on Fleet Street.

    Vikki, who was childless and single, was a citizen of both Trinidad and Britain. Her family had migrated to the UK when she was six years old in the early 1950s.

    She retired from stage and television acting and relocated back to Trinidad.

    Her body was discovered this week by a carer on the bedroom floor of her house close to Port of Spain; local police are now conducting an investigation.

    A friend, who had not been able to get in touch with her since Tuesday night, went to check and found her body.

    When the woman got to the house, the front gate was locked. The front door was ajar, so she called out to Richards multiple times. It was while looking for the elderly woman that she discovered the body.

    Her friend, barrister Sir Timothy Cassel KC, said: “The gate was open when she was found and the door was open.

    “So whoever was there was let in by her.”Whether she knew them or not, or whether they manipulated her vulnerability, who knows? It’s sad.”

    The hard drive from the security cameras was also stolen. “Yes, we were concerned about her safety because we were getting things in place to get somebody to stay with her as her illness progressed,” the cousin said.

    Although Richards could still take care of herself, she could not be left alone for very long, according to her.

    Edward Arthur & Viscella Vikki Richards

    “We have lots of memories to talk about, but too much to mention,” she said. “She was a very friendly person, very outgoing and outspoken.”

    Shocked friends struggled to take in the news as they recalled the type of person Richards was.

    One neighbour said, “She was a beautiful lady, a warm person, engaging, thorough.”

    “Living alone in this place, we felt she needed somebody in the house with her, but in a situation like this with people realising she lived alone…she may have been a soft target,” he added.

    Another relative who asked to remain anonymous said that she only returned to Trinidad in January after spending time in England and mainland Europe following a trip in December last year.

    “She loved to travel and shop. She loved being out and travelled throughout Europe. She loved Italy,” said Richards’ cousin.

    Asked if she saw her cousin’s films, she said that she had seen a few, “but I never really kept up with the films she was in”.

    Richards’ relative did not want to talk about how she died but noted that pieces of jewellery from her house were missing.

    A guard employed by SWAT Estate Police said officers had carried out two daily patrols at 9 am and 11 am and would have swiped their security pass at Richards’ house during those patrols but were only notified around 12.30 pm of the discovery of her body.

  • Ghana named 9th safest African country for women

    Ghana named 9th safest African country for women

    Ghana is the ninth-most-safe country in Africa for women to travel to, according to the most recent Global Women Peace and Security Index 2023.

    The index, which ranks 177 nations according to factors including women’s participation, justice, and security, revealed Seychelles to be the highest-ranked nation in Africa, with Ghana not far behind.

    In addition, Cape Verde, South Africa, Mauritius, Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana, Tanzania, and Sao Tome and Principe were listed among the top 10 countries for their respective efforts to guarantee women’s safety and security.

    Mother Ghana, the gateway to Africa ????

    The Central African Republic, on the other hand, was ranked as the least safe place to travel, according to the report. Other nations that were near the bottom of the list, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Eswatini, Somalia, Niger, Sudan, and Chad, indicated serious security and safety concerns for female tourists.

    Ghana’s ranking among the top 10 shows how dedicated the nation is to advancing women’s rights, safety, and inclusivity, enticing visitors to confidently experience its varied landscapes and dynamic culture.

  • Tears as Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank Holdings CEO, wife, and son laid to rest

    Tears as Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank Holdings CEO, wife, and son laid to rest

    Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank Holdings, was laid to rest yesterday 9 March, 2024 in a private mausoleum at Wigwe University in Isiokpo, Rivers State, in a solemn ceremony that included his wife, Doreen Chizoba, and their son, Chizzy. a group that Dr. Wigwe established.

    After a moving funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo, mourners gathered at the family’s private tomb at approximately 2:45 pm.

    CEO of Access Bank

    As the caskets were gently lowered into the ground, a heavy weight of grief pervaded the atmosphere.

    On February 9, 2024, the Wigwe family tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash close to the California–Nevada border in the United States. Following their transfer from the US to Port Harcourt International Airport, the Wigwe family’s remains arrived in Nigeria on Friday, March 8, 2024.

    The remains arrived at the family compound in Omueke, Isiokpo at approximately 1:33 pm, accompanied by a sizable motorcade.

    A large number of dignitaries attended the funeral, demonstrating the profound loss that Wigwe and his family had to endure.

    Herbert Wigwe was a visionary leader who helped Access Bank become a well-known international financial organisation.

    The business community is still shedding light on Wigwe, with many praising his beneficial influence on the Nigerian economy.

    Herbert Wigwe’s contributions will always be regarded with great respect and admiration, and his legacy will live on in the history of banking in Nigeria.

    EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR KOBBY JOSVAN

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    Time with Dr. Nicole Nugent – UN ambassador & Queen Mother, Asankare Traditional Area

    With UK based pastor and UN ambassador, Rev. Attah Badu Snr.

  • “I hold our African leaders accountable, not America” – Dr. Waheed Musah on Anti-LGBTQ bill

    “I hold our African leaders accountable, not America” – Dr. Waheed Musah on Anti-LGBTQ bill

    LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) citizens of Ghana face unique difficulties not shared by non-LGBT citizens. The vast majority of Ghanaians have anti-LGBT views. LGBT people frequently face physical and violent homophobic attacks, which are frequently instigated by religious and political leaders as well as the media.

    Dr. Waheed Musah, a Ghanaian diplomat, humanitarian scientist, and Special Envoy of the UN Youth Association, has offered his opinions on the state of the LGBTQ community today.

    The Ghanaian youth advocate claims that African leaders’ incapacity to reach a firm decision is to blame for their current predicament, not the Western world’s stance on it.

    In addressing the issue, he noted;

    I don’t solely blame America; I also hold our African leaders accountable. Despite their wealth and power, they often seem to prioritize foreign interests over those of their own people. Ghana, like other African nations, is independent and free, with constitutional and cultural values that should guide our decisions. America cannot dictate to us; we have the right to express our own wishes and determine our own path.

    Are you in Africa to conduct LGBTQ+ business, or are you here to erode our fundamental human values?

    How can you be proud of pampering diaper generations whose anuses are licking like water falls, and you called this madness a right? Don’t you know that same-sex activities are a major problem, and they need medical support to guide them towards the right order of human values?

    In recent years, America has faced criticism for its efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights in African nations, with accusations of using economic support as a tool for coercion. This approach has sparked a heated debate, raising questions about the boundaries of democracy, human rights, and cultural respect.

    For generations, the common practice has been a sacred sexual relationship between man and woman, which stands as our oldest form of sexual union. Any deviation from this norm has been deemed an abomination in every religious, ethical, and cultural context. America, if you desire a generation of different values, that is your prerogative, but do not force others or withdraw economic aid because they refuse to adopt what I consider a departure from fundamental human values.

    America’s decision to cancel $3.8 billion in deals with Ghana due to our parliament passing an anti-LGBTQ+ bill is not only foolish but also lacks diplomatic tact.

    Africa, too, must consider canceling all economic integrations with America, including trade in raw materials, and cancel all American products and companies in Africa, in response to this pressure.

    I believe that while America has the right to practice LGBTQ+ rights within its borders, imposing these beliefs on other nations violates the principles of democracy. Democracy, in my view, should reflect the will of the majority, and imposing minority beliefs runs counter to this notion.

    Moreover, I understand the concerns about the clash of cultural, religious, and constitutional values at stake. LGBTQ+ rights can be seen as conflicting with traditional African values and beliefs, making the imposition of these rights a form of cultural imperialism. It’s important to respect and preserve Africa’s rich cultural and traditional heritage.

    I also share concerns about the potential health implications of LGBTQ+ lifestyles. America’s push for these rights could have negative consequences for African societies, which are still grappling with the legacy of Western influence from centuries of colonization.

    Furthermore, I agree that there are pressing issues in Africa that require immediate attention, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic development. America should prioritize addressing these issues rather than imposing its values on African nations.

    In conclusion, while America’s efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights are rooted in a desire for equality and human rights, the approach of imposing these rights on African nations raises complex ethical and cultural questions. Finding a balance between promoting human rights and respecting cultural diversity remains a challenge in the ongoing debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.

    Common sense should guide America to consider whether they truly value the practice of same-sex relationships among their future generations.