RAISE GHANA MUSIC INDUSTRY TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD, PIERRE 
Director for IDP.Infra.ch International Directhelp Projects, Mr. Pierre P. Petijean and his team has set November 2, 2018 to hold a high class orchestra Gala Cocert: "Filip Bandžak in Accra 2018" at the National Theatre in Accra, Ghana to bring the European standard of music to Ghana.

He said because there is yet no conservatory in music in Ghana's music industry , IDP. Infra.ch International Directhelp Projects is planned to build a school and concert hall for good acoustic situation for classical concert in Ghana. 
Speaking to Topnews in Accra, the Capital City of Ghana on Monday June 25, 2018, Mr. Pierre Paul Petitjean said Ghana has a unique culture art that needs to be promoted. He said there are lot of actress, actors and artist who can perform well when the basic necessities such as concert halls and training are provided.
He said conducter Maestro Jan Pellant, a team member, will arrive and hopefully Tuesday 26th June 2018, he will start training the orchester at the national theatre in Accra, ahead the main program in November this year.
Bellow are the main team members for Ghana Gala Concert coming live at the National Theater in Accra, directet by Mrs Amy Appiah Frimpong,  ghana in November 2, 2018, in connection with the Richards Group
IDP Project GH-181102 VIP Gala Concert: "Filip Bandžak in Accra 2018"

* Conductor, Maestro Charles Olivieri-Munroe,

* Orchester Developer, Maestro Jan Pellant,

* Organiser, Pierre Petitjean, the Director IDP. Infra.ch Intenational Directhelp Projects,

* Bariton, Holder of the highest award of European Union of Arts in operatic singing:

   "Golden Europea", Production, Filip Bandzak 

* Coordinator, Ghana, Akgri M Daniel
Read more on idp.Infra.ch.

EOCO probes GEPA Boss

By Kwame Obend Asare. -- June 12 , 2018 .

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has officially taken over the alleged corruption scandal at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
It has consequently extended an invitation to the sacked Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Gifty Klenam, to appear before it today.
EOCO has also asked Ms Klenam’s sacked deputy, Eric Twum Amoako, to report before it for questioning.

A source at EOCO says the two individuals, who allegedly misappropriated $132,000 or GH¢580,800 during their tenure at GEPA, are to appear before the Executive Director of EOCO, K.K. Amoah, by June 12.

Ms. Klenam and Mr. Amoako, it would be recalled, reportedly collected $132,000 or GH¢580,800 for rent covering a period of two years in gross violation of state procurement laws.

A statement was issued later by the Public Relations Department of GEPA, denying the allegations.

The statement indicated at the time that “the Ghana Export Promotion Authority by this release denies the allegations as put in the media.”
It’s not clear if per her dismissal, she would be made to refund the rent advance paid to her and Eric Amoako.
Even though the ex-CEO and the authority denied the allegations, checks by Daily Guide indicated that she and her sacked deputy actually collected the said amount for their accommodation when GEPA is in desperate need of funds to boost its export promotion activities.
President Akufo-Addo was virtually forced to sack them to apparently save GEPA from sinking financially.

According to sources, workers at GEPA were seething with anger over the alleged reckless spending by Ms. Klenam, who was, on one hand, seen advocating for the promotion of non-traditional export commodities by introducing what she termed as One District, One Exportable commodity, and on another hand ‘blowing’ cash needed for the realization of such project, on her luxurious lifestyle.

The amount was said to have actually been cashed from First Atlantic Bank, Ghana and used for the rent.

The authority, in its response, failed to address the substantive issues that were raised against Ms Klenam and her deputy.

Reports have it that the CEO and her deputy, in a letter dated 23rd May, 2017, which was jointly signed by the two, ordered the Manager of First Atlantic Bank, Ghana Limited, to effect the transfer of “the cedi equivalent of $132,000 from account number 0360571101014 and credit same to account number 0360571101025.”

The letter said Mr. Twum was to receive the money on behalf of the authority, and that the money was subsequently withdrawn in two tranches, with $100,000 withdrawn on May 23, 2017 and $32,000 withdrawn on May 26, 2017.

Ms Klenam had reportedly parted with $72,000 as rent allowance at $3,000 a month for 24 months while her deputy Mr. Twum collected $60,000 at $2,500 a month for 24 months.

Again, Ms. Klenam has been accused of paying herself GH¢93,000 as clothing allowance and has also been accused of paying $19,500 for a training programme at Harvard University in the United States of America.
Furthermore, it’s alleged that she also authorized the purchase of two new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles and two new Saloon cars for herself and her deputy and a new Nissan Teana car for her assistant.

Source: Daily Guide

POLICE BLOCKED GFA OFFICIALS FROM ENTERING OFFICE


The Officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday blocked staff of the Ghana Football Association(GFA) from entering their offices.

The staff who had turned up for work after being blocked by the CID officers, found shelter under a shed at the premises of the Ministry for Business Development, Office of the President.

Kweku Eyiah, the leader of the five-member GFA Committee set up to meet government over the way forward for the association, led the CID officers into the GFA building to search the facility.

The GFA building was declared a crime scene by the Police on Friday with the public warned to stay away from the building, as police commenced investigations into the activities of the GFA and its officers.

This comes afterwards the ‘Number 12’ exposé by Anas Aremeyaw Anas of Tiger Eye PI, an investigative video in which several football officials including the GFA President, Kwasi Nyantakyi were caught on camera taking $65,000 from a supposed investor to broker a sponsorship deal, with the referees taking various amounts of monies to compromise their fairness in football matches.

In a statement signed by Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, government said it is “shocked and outraged” by the contents of the exposé which was premiered at the AICC on Wednesday.

“Government will see to it that the necessary reforms are urgently undertaken to sanitise football administration in the country.

“Government will communicate these decisions to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), and engage with been on these developments to chart a way forward for Ghana football.”
Source: Damakmedia

THE PHASE TWO OF KUMASI AIRPORT, PRESIDENT CUTS SOD FOR WORK COMMENCEMENT

President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has performed the ceremony to mark the commencement of  the construction works on phase two of the Kumasi Airport project.
This would cost €66,350,000.00 and is expected to be completed in 24 months.

It involves the construction of a new terminal building, extension of the runway, car park, access roads and security fence.

The project would create about 1,200 direct and indirect jobs for artisans - carpenters, masons, welders and other unskilled labourers.

President Akufo-Addo said it formed critical part of his government’s vision to expand and grow the nation’s aviation industry.
In all, it is projected that in excess of one million passengers would be using the Airport every year. He said that the funding had been secured and there should not be any excuses by the contractors, Messrs Contracta Construction to delay the work.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for quality job and said there needed to be value for money. He spoke of the strong commitment of his government to develop the domestic aviation sector, citing the removal of 17 percent value added tax (VAT) on flight tickets.
President Akufo-Addo noted that Kumasi was a major business destination in West Africa and therefore the elevation of the airport to international status would further stimulate growth and development of the city.
He expressed concern about the encroachment on airport lands by private developers, something, which he said, was a threat to future expansion of the facility.
He urged management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to act quickly to protect these lands.

Madam Cecelia Abena Dapaah, the Minister of Aviation, said the project was in line with government’s agenda of making Ghana the aviation hub of the West Africa sub-region.

The sector could be a game changer - had tremendous potential to accelerate Ghana's economic transformation.
Mr. John Dekyem Attafuah, Managing Director of the GACL, said the completion of the expansion works would provide additional routes for passengers.
Source: damakmediapublication

KMA PRE-LAUNCHES ”KEEP THE CITY CLEAN & GREEN” PROJECT


June 6, 2018

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Tuesday 5th June, 2018 pre-launched the operation ”keep the city clean and green” project, as part of the measures put in place to fight against filth within the metropolis and its environs.

Addressing the gathering at the Pre-launch of the project in Kumasi, the Capital City of Ashanti, Mr.Osei Assibey Antwi, The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly said, the project seeks to rid the City of filth by improving sanitation and advocating for attitudinal change among people in waste management and also green the city by encouraging people to grow more trees to replace the depleted vegetative cover.

According to Hon.Osei Assibey Antwi, the pre-launch of “Keep Kumasi clean and green” project will help residents to ensure good sanitation in their various homes and work places. It would be recalled that, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive,Hon.Osei Assibey Antwi in an address at the second ordinary meeting of the second session of the seventh KMA held on the 11 -12 May,2017 at true Vine hotel in Kumasi said” for the metropolis to succeed in the execution of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly development agenda, there was the need to form a stronger partnership with Central Government, the Kumasi Traditional Council, the private sector, civil society and well-meaning individuals who have the growth and development of the metropolis at heart.

Mr Osei famed, to ensure its success, the new partnership must be guided by the following principles:
Collective effort to mobilize resources, mutual accountability for delivery of services and programmes,effective communication and mutual respect among stakeholders, committing all the key stakeholders to our development strategies, supporting transparent and evidence-based policy making, harnessing the capabilities of the private sector and civil society, selecting collaborative stakeholders on the basis of access and efficiency, inviting development partners to align their support as well as flexibility in the implementation of our programmes”.

Also, there is the need to remind ourselves that very soon, the Assembly members will be presenting themselves once again before their various constituent for re-election; and their chance of returning to office will depend on the level of development they have succeeded in bringing to their electoral areas. "We can only succeed if we cooperate effectively". He said.

Non. Osei used the opportunity to encourage all stakeholders and the general public of the metropolis to support his agenda especially “Keep Kumasi clean and green project”.

He said in all, institutions like Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, Fidelity bank,VIP Company among others have already supported the project before the pre-launch.

Source: damakmediapublications

KMA, OPERATION KEEP KUMASI CLEAN AND GREEN PROJECT PRE-LAUNCH

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly ( KMA ), as part of measures to make Kumasi environmentally resilient, is embarking on an operation " KEEP KUMASI CLEAN AND GREEN " project.

The project seeks to rid the City of filth  by improving sanitation and advocating for attitudinal change in waste management and also green the City by encouraging all persons to grow trees to replace the depleted vegetation cover.

In view of this, the Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, appealed to the general public to adapt good attitude towards sanitation management and  prepare ahead to the pre-lauch of the " KEEP KUMASI CLEAN AND GREEN " project scheduled to take place on Thursday 5th June, 2018 at the Ghana Post Office Square Adum - Kumasi.

Source: Damaksanitationwatch.

J. J. RAWLINGS MARKS 39TH JUNE 4 ANNIVERSARY TODAY AT MADINA

Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and leader of the June 4 uprising, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, will deliver the keynote address at a durbar of cadres and activists to climax activities marking the 39th anniversary of the uprising today June 4, 2018.
According to a statement issued by the anniversary planning committee, the durbar will take place at the Madina Social Welfare School Park today  Monday June 4, 2018 from 8am.
This year’s celebration is under the theme, “Re-organising towards the core values”.
Other speakers at the event will include NDC party chairman, Kofi Portuphy, Dan Abodakpi, Fritz Baffour, Samuel Nuamah Donkor, Ebi Bright and Lawrence Lamptey.
Activities marking the 39th anniversary include a lecture which was held at the National theatre on Thursday May 31.
Monday’s durbar is open to all sympathisers of the June 4 uprising, the 31st December Revolution and members of the public.
Flt Lt Rawlings led a group of junior officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces in an uprising against the then Supreme Military Council (SMC II) regime led by General F.K. Akuffo.
The move was motivated by a desire to stem the scourge of corruption that had engulfed the country at all levels leading to a virtual breakdown of the economy.
90 days later the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) led by Rawlings handed over power to an elected government

Source: DamakMediapublication

OPEN DEFECATION, 11 JAILED 30 DAYS EACH

Adjaben Magistrate Court in Accra has sentenced  Eleven people for open Defection. They were given 30 days each in prison for engaging in open defecation, urinating in public and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

The offenders were arrested on May 30, 2018

The 11, who were arrested by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly on Wednesday, May 30, were convicted on their own guilty plea at the Adjaben Magistrate Court and were accordingly sentenced by the magistrate, Isaac Addo to serve as deterrent to others.

The victims includes; Emmanuel Holornyo, Yahaya Assuma, Bashiru Zaaki, Abdul Wahab Inusah, Montario Muhammed, Victor Saviour, Akolobila Akudibila, Prince Kamorudren, Ibrahim Issifu and Umar Mohammed.

One Ibrahim Alhassan, was fined GH 240, while three others, Nicholas Mensah, Adongo Cletus and Lawal Olarenweju were granted bail with GHC2,000.00 each after they pleaded not guilty.

They are to appear again on June 13.
The action by the convicts and the accused persons were in contravention of Act 851 Section 56(A and B) of the Public Health Act 2012.

Speaking to Damakmedia, the head of AMA Sanitation and Monitoring Taskforce, Mr. Charles Bosomprah said the convicts and the accused persons were arrested in an operation carried out around the ICGC Christ Temple Church, Old Fadama, Mortuary road, GCB Liberty House, Tudu, Kantamanto, Tema Station, National Theater, Rawlings Park, Kimbu and James Town.

Also, speaking with the head of Operations at the AMA Public Health Department, Mr. Randolph Benjamin Morkeh, he said the people within the metropolis were cautioned about a month ago to refrain from dumping indiscriminately and engaging in open defecation and others but it was not to their hearing.

Mr. Morkeh assures that the AMA will do all it can to end open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the city of Accra. He added that any person caught in the act will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He also, disclosed that the operation will continue and cautioned households who do not have toilet facilities to register with the assembly for a toilet facility.
“We will advise that households or residents should have  toilet facilities for themselves and also register with the accredited solid waste company for your waste to be collected and disposed of sanitarily, if you give your waste to these junkies we will arrest the junky and come after you too,” he said.

He further on warned residents and public toilet operators who discharge effluent into public drains to desist from the practice as the AMA will come after them.
Source: damakmediapublication