The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, has distanced himself and the celebration’s management from a circulating letter allegedly issued by Regional Secretary Theophilus Tetteh Chaie. The letter, which calls on celebration leaders to appoint people for presidency appointments, has been declared unauthorised and missing approval from the regional govt committee or the celebration’s apex management. In an announcement issued on December 25, 2024, Ashie Moore categorically denied information of the letter and disassociated the regional executives from the directive, stating that it was not sanctioned by the celebration’s apex management or the regional govt committee.
“Let me state explicitly that I am not aware of such notification from the apex level of the party. Neither has the regional executive committee been consulted nor have we approved such a directive,” he clarified. A Sole Decision Without Party Approval Ashie Moore described the letter as a unilateral motion taken by the Regional Secretary with out adherence to the celebration’s established protocols. He urged celebration members and the general public to dismiss the letter with the seriousness it deserves. “This is indeed a sole decision of the Regional Secretary without any recourse to laid-down party structures. Kindly disregard the letter completely with the seriousness it deserves,” Ashie Moore said.
Focus on Transition and Policy Implementation The Regional Chairman additionally took the chance to spotlight the NDC’s present priorities. According to him, the President-Elect’s transition workforce is diligently working to make sure a clean handover of energy and is concentrating on executing the highest 10 insurance policies promised for implementation throughout the first 120 days of the brand new administration. Ashie Moore’s letter seeks to reaffirm the dedication of the NDC management to correct governance processes and efficient management because the celebration prepares to imagine workplace.
Some 573 journalists frolicked behind bars, whereas extra 550 are anticipated to be imprisoned in 2024, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a not-for-profit advocacy group report has disclosed.
The report mentioned these numbers have elevated in comparison with that of 2023, exhibiting the necessity to shield journalists across the globe is extra essential than ever.
China, Myanmar, and Israel are the world’s largest prisons for journalists. These nations have gotten lawless zones, the place document numbers of journalists are detained, lacking, or held hostage.
The RSF report made obtainable to the Ghana News Agency mentioned RSF’s group was work tirelessly to acquire their fast launch because it envisions no journalist needs to be imprisoned merely for doing their job.
Thibaut Bruttin, General Director of RSF mentioned the outfit is an indispensable a part of the combat to defend journalists, and to uphold each human being’s proper to dependable data.
“These statistics are more than cold numbers as they represent real human suffering and political consequences,” he lamented.
“Our ideas are significantly with Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old journalist from Hong Kong, who, on the time of this report could die in jail as a consequence of trumped-up expenses in opposition to him.
“We’re also dismayed by the relentless legal persecution of Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan for her coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak.”
“What is more, last month the Guatemalan journalist José Ruben Zamora was sent back to prison after being granted house arrest. At 68 years old, he has already spent 800 days in prison — in despicable conditions.”
In an thrilling improvement for the Ghanaian music scene, rising star King Paluta is about to launch his debut album, which is able to function famend dancehall artiste Shatta Wale.
The album scheduled to be launched on Friday, December 27, 2024, marks a big milestone for the reigning New Artiste of the Year who has had a outstanding 12 months churning out back-to-back hits.
The album titled “Give Time Some Time” blends numerous Ghanaian music genres with King Paluta showcasing his lyrical prowess and ruthless vocals.
Album particulars
The album has a complete of 13 songs which contains among the already launched hit singles ” Makoma,” “Aseda,” and “For the Popping”.
Interestingly, Shatta Wale was the one artiste featured on the album, and the observe title “Adiepena” is anticipated to be one of many standout tracks on the album.
The “Adiepena” single would undoubtedly function a lead single that would generate vital buzz for the album.
Shatta Wale’s energetic music type with King Paluta’s soothing musical verses, would create a dynamic sound that appeals to each artists’ fan bases.
The anticipation surrounding this undertaking is palpable, as followers eagerly await new music that mixes their favourite parts from each artists.
Other songs on the album are “Nika Enye,” ” Promise,” “Upon My Sins,” “Time,” “Beautiful,” “Mmaa No,” amongst others.
Album manufacturing
All songs on the album had been written by Thomas Agyei Wireko identified by his stage title as King Paluta.
The album has a number of producers together with Apya, DJ Breezy, Wings Armani, Khendi Beatz and Quab Sea.
Interestingly, King Paluta produced 5 songs on the album showcasing his prowess in churning good rhythms.
The album could be distributed by famend music publishers Yve Digital whereas Kwame Baah carried out the function of Artiste and Repertoire (A&R) for this undertaking.
King Paluta has undoubtedly been the standout artiste this 12 months and the discharge of this album would definitely put him in competition for Artiste of the Year.
With three large songs already, the “Give Time Some Time” album is already a hit and tracks like “Adiepena,” “Beautiful,” and ” Ahiaa” would definitely be family hits.
Nana Kwame Bediako, chief of the New Force Movement, has prolonged his congratulations to President-elect John Dramani Mahama throughout a press convention held to acknowledge his victory within the current presidential election.
Addressing the media, Nana Kwame expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for his or her help in the course of the election, emphasizing that the end result was secondary to the acceptance and recognition he acquired from voters. “For me, losing the election was not an issue. The fact that many Ghanaians accepted and voted for me is what matters,” he remarked.
He highlighted his contributions to society throughout his marketing campaign, which included establishing farms throughout varied areas and setting up boreholes to supply clear water for communities. “I went into politics to serve my country. I cannot accept any ministerial position because, for instance, I may become an Employment Minister but fail to deliver even 5% of employment opportunities to Ghanaians,” he lamented.
Nana Kwame additionally pledged his help for President-elect Mahama, emphasizing the significance of peace and unity over partisan politics. “Peace in Ghana is more worthy than any political party. I will work towards strengthening the unification of our dear country,” he acknowledged.
He referred to as on Ghanaians to cease participating in divisive practices and as a substitute deal with collective efforts to develop the nation. “We need to believe in each other and work together to build our country,” he appealed.
Dispelling rumors about his voting selections, Nana Kwame clarified, “I voted for myself, my wife voted for me, and so did my family. I urge my supporters to ignore such false claims.” He concluded by encouraging his supporters to stay united and work tougher in preparation for the 2028 basic elections.
The National People’s Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the “false and defamatory” allegations made by Mbemba Drammeh, a self-identified former supporter of the celebration.
In an interview with Kerr Fatu Online, Drammeh claimed that the NPP manipulated the outcomes of the 2021 presidential election by means of the actions of seven people together with himself.
The celebration, in a press release issued by means of its deputy spokesperson Seedy S.Ok. Njie, categorically rejected these accusations as “delusions, malicious fabrications, and complete falsehoods.”
The NPP reaffirmed that the 2021 presidential election was a pivotal second in The Gambia’s democratic growth, well known for its transparency, equity, and adherence to worldwide requirements.
“The NPP firmly rejects these unfounded claims. Mbemba Drammeh has never held any official position within the party at any level, nor does he have any credible basis for his allegations. Our records show that he was not even present in the country during the election period, making his involvement in any purported irregularities implausible,” he mentioned within the assertion.
The NPP emphasised that it didn’t have interaction in any unlawful actions or try to affect the result of the election. The celebration identified that each home and worldwide observers praised the election for its integrity.
“While the NPP upholds the right to freedom of speech, as enshrined in The Gambia’s Constitution, it stressed that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
The assertion reminded Drammeh that allegations of election rigging are critical and may have far-reaching penalties if not substantiated with proof.
“The NPP calls on Mr. Drammeh to provide credible evidence to back up his claims, particularly the names of the seven individuals he alleges to have been involved. Failure to do so will only confirm the malicious nature of these accusations and may expose him to legal action under the laws of The Gambia,” the assertion warned.
In closing, the NPP reiterated its dedication to upholding democratic values, transparency, and the rule of regulation, urging all Gambians to stay vigilant towards misinformation that might undermine the integrity of the nation’s democratic establishments.
The navy has debunked studies that its fighter jet allegedly bombed civilian buildings within the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto state. Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre Operation Fansan Yamma Lt.- Col. Abubakar Abdullahi in assertion insisted that the targets struck within the neighborhood of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively recognized as related to the Lakurawa group. He accused the Lakurawa terror group of participating in disinformation to undermine efforts of the navy. The assertion learn partially, “The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions. “This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
Monrovia – The Executive Mansion has termed as misrepresentation and deliberate distortion of remarks made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., relating to funding, corruption, and governance.
On Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered an tackle in the course of the sixtieth anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties buying county standing. In his speech, President Boakai made a stunning assertion, saying: “So, we want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, I beg, the money should be used to bless our people.”
The President’s remarks have drawn parallels to comparable controversial feedback made by former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, in August 2022. At the time, McGill acknowledged that looting authorities coffers and investing the proceeds in private infrastructure tasks inside Liberia was “a good thing.” His feedback, made to a gaggle of ladies in Bong County, sparked widespread condemnation, together with from President Boakai’s Unity Party, then serving as the primary opposition.
Boakai remarks have sparked outrage throughout Liberia, notably amongst anti-corruption advocates and civil society organizations. Critics argue that such statements undermine the federal government’s dedication to combating corruption and enhancing governance in a nation already battling systemic corruption and poverty.
Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE, questioned the president’s dedication to accountability. “Are you serious about this, Mr. President? You expect to secure an MCC Compact with this mindset? What happened to the accountability platform on which you campaigned and won?” Jarwolo requested.
However, the Executive Mansion, opposite to current claims, President Boakai’s remarks weren’t an endorsement of corruption however a transparent denunciation of this vice and a name for integrity in public service and even handed use of public assets.
“As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people. His statement reaffirmed his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and instead a firm stance commitment to good governance,” the Executive Mansion mentioned.
It famous that the Boakai-led Government stays unwavering in its combat in opposition to corruption.; including that key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this yr embrace anti-corruption audits, suspension of officers on account of corruption and public declarations to foster transparency and accountability, amongst others.
The E-Mansion outlined that in February 2024, the President commissioned audits of key authorities establishments, together with the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, overlaying actions from 2018 to 2023. These audits aimed to deal with monetary irregularities and guarantee accountability.
It added that following these audits, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024 as a consequence of unauthorized loans and overspending. In October 2024, senior officers of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) had been additionally suspended amid allegations of economic misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The E-Mansion furthered point out that in August 2024, President Boakai cautioned newly commissioned officers that corruption wouldn’t be tolerated, emphasizing accountability and warning that violators would face penalties.
It added that removed from countenancing acts of dishonesty and theft, the Government of Liberia urges the general public and media to contemplate the President’s assertion in its full and correct context, rejecting makes an attempt by ill-intentioned political actors who’re solely pushed by a motive to distort and win political factors.
“President Boakai remains resolute in his vision for a Liberia defined by ethical leadership, unity, and inclusive development. The Administration calls on all citizens and partners to join hands in fostering good governance, transparency, and lasting progress for the nation,” the assertion added.
Salaji Forest, an important 3,000-hectare expanse in The Gambia, recognized for its wealthy biodiversity and environmental significance, is beneath growing menace of destruction attributable to a controversial authorities determination.
Once a protected State Forest Park, the federal government has allotted a 2.5-hectare part of the forest for basalt storage, a transfer that sparks protests from environmental teams and native communities. The controversy begins when the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) approves a brief allocation of land inside Salaji Forest for the storage of basalt, a cloth to assist the nation’s infrastructure tasks.
The determination is made in partnership with GACH Global, a non-public firm tasked with facilitating the import of basalt to be used in numerous development works. The authorities contends that this undertaking complies with all authorized and environmental pointers, assuring that the land use can be momentary.
However, the choice to faucet into Salaji Forest, a protected space gazetted in 1952 and managed by the Department of Forestry, triggers outrage.
Critics argue that the choice is made with out enough session with native communities, violating each nationwide legal guidelines and the general public’s belief.
Pa Matarr Cham, focal particular person for Sukuta Village Development, voices his group’s frustration, emphasising that they had been by no means consulted in regards to the allocation.
“As a community, we aren’t consulted. They admit this is a mistake and promise to follow the right procedures,” Cham explains.
He provides that the folks of Sukuta are so indignant in regards to the determination that they really feel their voices have been ignored in a matter that straight impacts them.
His group stays open to dialogue however insists that any decision should shield each the forest and the native inhabitants.
Environmental advocates additionally increase considerations in regards to the dangers of storing basalt in shut proximity to a pure reserve.
Muhammed Hydara, Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance, factors out the dearth of transparency within the course of.
“The laws are clear, before degazetting any protected area, due process must be followed,” Hydara argues.
He warns that the buildup of basalt within the forest might considerably hurt each the native surroundings and public well being. With fears of air air pollution and potential contamination of water sources, native residents are alarmed by the choice.
Hydara provides: “right now, all we want is for all activities to be stopped and consult the community.”
“We will definitely challenge this issue in the courts if the minister doesn’t accept.”
The ecological affect is already evident in different areas. Cham attracts comparisons to Kerr Serign, the place the destruction of pure habitats displaces wildlife, together with monkeys now seen wandering city areas.
He fears the identical destiny awaits Salaji Forest if the federal government’s plan proceeds unchecked. “The forest hosts diverse species. If the trend continues, this forest will soon be extinct,” Cham warns.
The looming menace to Salaji’s biodiversity and its potential affect on water sources intensifies the stakes. Local communities, already weak to environmental modifications, are deeply involved about their future.
“Basalt storage shouldn’t be within the vicinity of the community,” Hydara emphasises. The environmental dangers posed by the storage website prolong far past the forest itself.
Environmental harm in The Gambia
The Gambia has witnessed important environmental degradation over time, with deforestation, land degradation, and coastal erosion being main considerations.
Deforestation stays one of the urgent points, with massive areas of the nation’s forests cleared for agriculture, infrastructure, and firewood assortment.
The Gambia’s forest cowl has dwindled from 75% within the Nineteen Sixties to round 40% at this time, a loss that has led to a lower in biodiversity and a heightened vulnerability to local weather change.
Coastal erosion can also be a serious menace, particularly within the capital metropolis of Banjul and surrounding areas. Rising sea ranges, coupled with unsustainable improvement alongside the shoreline, have brought on the lack of wetlands and important habitats for marine life. The tourism and fishing industries, key to the nation’s financial system, are additionally affected by these environmental modifications.
Land degradation attributable to deforestation is more and more affecting agricultural productiveness. The nation faces lowered soil fertility and water shortages, placing native communities vulnerable to meals insecurity.
The authorities’s determination to allocate land inside Salaji Forest for basalt storage provides to the mounting environmental considerations, elevating questions in regards to the nation’s long-term dedication to sustainable improvement.
A spouse has received nearly £10,000 after suing her husband for sacking her after he had an affair with a fellow chef on the nationwide park pub they ran collectively in Derbyshire.
Jacqueline Herling confronted partner Stefan following her discovery of CCTV footage proving his illicit relationship with the worker.
In a heated row, the mum-of-two stated she ‘would not set foot in the pub again’ and lowered her work to ‘occasional duties’, an employment tribunal heard.
Mrs Herling continued to obtain her wage for an additional 4 months till her head chef husband issued her with a p45 with out telling her.
She has now efficiently sued her accomplice of 19 years and the household firm that owned the pub for unfair and wrongful dismissal, unauthorised pay deductions and victimisation and has been awarded £9,676 in compensation.
The tribunal, held in Manchester, heard that Mrs Herling began working part-time behind the bar at The Beehive Inn in Combs, Derbs, in 2003.
The pub is nestled within the coronary heart of the Peak District and boasts of its ‘beautiful views’ and ‘friendly and welcoming atmosphere’.
A spouse has received nearly £10,000 after suing her husband for sacking her after he had an affair with a fellow chef on the nationwide park pub they ran collectively. Jacqueline Herling (proper) confronted partner Stefan (left) following her discovery of CCTV
In a heated row, the mum-of-two stated she ‘would not set foot in the pub again’ and lowered her work to ‘occasional duties’, an employment tribunal heard
As properly as providing a menu constituted of native produce there’s additionally a farm store on web site promoting items from close by farms.
‘[Mrs Herling] pursued her claim against what has been the family business, centred on a very successful pub in which [she] used to work, and also against her estranged husband,’ the tribunal heard.
The listening to was advised that the couple acquired collectively in 2005, had their first youngster in 2007, earlier than marrying the next yr.
The household lived above the pub and ran the venue along with Mrs Herling being paid a ‘nominal’ tax free wage of £9,000 a yr.
‘On 30 May 2022, [she] confronted [Mr Herling] because she had discovered he had been having an affair with the sous-chef,’ the tribunal was advised.
‘[He] initially denied it, till [she] defined that she had seen CCTV footage. There was a row. The gist of what was stated by [Mrs Herling] was that she needed nothing extra to do with the pub and that she wouldn’t set foot within the pub once more.
‘However, [she] didn’t depart. The youngsters went to stick with family for a brief interval while the couple talked, as they did that evening. In truth [Mrs Herling] by no means moved out of the pub and the youngsters quickly returned.
‘Nevertheless, from then on, [she] didn’t work within the pub and, at most, carried out occasional duties which benefitted the enterprise, for instance chopping logs, mowing the lawns and on one event, a go to to Costco for numerous provides.
The tribunal heard that Mr Herling continued to pay her wage of £758 a month and urged her to ‘think about things’ earlier than making any ‘long-term decisions’.
The tribunal, held in Manchester, heard that Mrs Herling began working part-time behind the bar at The Beehive Inn in Combs, Derbs (pictured), in 2003. The pub is nestled within the coronary heart of the Peak District and boasts of its ‘beautiful views’ and ‘friendly and welcoming atmosphere’
In July 2022 Mrs Herling started divorce proceedings.
At some level that summer time Mr Herling spoke to the enterprise’ accountant who stated his spouse couldn’t be paid a wage if she was not working for the pub.
On this recommendation the corporate issued Mrs Herling a P45 firstly of October however her husband solely advised her about this firstly of November when she requested why she hadn’t obtained the earlier month’s pay.
The tribunal discovered that Mrs Herling was dismissed in November when she was advised concerning the P45 and was owed a month’s pay for the time when the couple ‘could and should have talked about arrangements further’.
Defending the declare, Mr Herling and the household enterprise argued that his spouse ‘resigned’ by her conduct on 30 May 2022, when she found the affair.
The tribunal disagreed.
‘[Mrs Herling] was very upset that night, and a number of things were said/suggested, in the heat of the moment, none of which were acted upon nor carried through,’ the panel stated.
‘[She] didn’t depart or transfer out and he or she didn’t don’t have anything to do with the enterprise from then on, albeit that she lowered the duties she undertook to the naked minimal, while the events talked.
‘[Mr Herling’s] proof was that he needed to offer [his wife] time to consider issues. He didn’t need her to depart and left the place open.
‘In those circumstances, the Tribunal considered that [Mr Herling] did not, at the time, consider [his wife] to have resigned.’
Upholding her declare of unfair dismissal, Employment Judge Marion Batten stated: ‘[Mr and Mrs Herling] continued to dwell aspect by aspect within the pub and did converse.
‘Discussions about [Mrs Herling’s] place and the accountant’s recommendation might need resulted in [the couple] coming to some various preparations for [her] employment, for instance, it might have led to [Mr Herling] providing [her] the chance to return to work within the enterprise on revised phrases and circumstances.
‘So, while the tribunal thought of that procedures would have made little distinction to the scenario [the couple] had been in, nonetheless, the tribunal thought of that there may and may have been a minimum of a month taken, to speak and suppose, earlier than the finality of termination of employment was implement.
‘The possible consequence could have been that [Mrs Herling] wouldn’t in the end have returned to work, however [Mr Herling] ought to have tried, at that stage to succeed in a compromise.
‘In light of all the above, the tribunal found that [Mrs Herling] was unfairly dismissed but that any compensation should be limited to a month’s pay, to cowl the interval through which the events may and may have talked about preparations additional.’
Gambia’s Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has issued a public apology to passengers of SN Brussels following an airport energy outage that led to 2 flights being diverted to Dakar on Saturday.
However, he strongly rejected what he described as “false” claims from critics, defending the federal government’s actions and offering readability on the incident.
The disruption occurred when Banjul’s airport was plunged into darkness after an influence lower, forcing the flights to be rerouted.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many expressing concern in regards to the state of the nation’s electrical energy provide, which has confronted ongoing challenges beneath the administration of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
Speaking on Coffee Time, Dr. Ceesay apologised to affected passengers, acknowledging the inconvenience brought on.
“Our apology to those passengers who felt inconvenienced. No passenger would want to experience this, particularly on a long-distance flight, looking forward to meeting their families,” he mentioned.
However, the minister pushed again towards misinformation circulating on-line, together with claims that the ability outage had prevented the planes from touchdown. “That’s not the fact. It’s far from the truth,” Dr. Ceesay mentioned.
“NAWEC was planning scheduled maintenance as part of the ongoing effort to modernise the grid. Development comes with disruptions, and sometimes, for safety reasons, NAWEC has to temporarily switch off power lines.”
Dr. Ceesay defined that though the airport had been operating on backup energy all through the day, the scenario turned difficult round 5-6 pm, when NAWEC restored energy however skilled instability.
This led to the technical problem of isolating NAWEC’s unstable energy from the backup system simply as the 2 flights have been getting ready to land. “The power was flickering on and off,” he famous, attributing the disruption to a technical glitch reasonably than a systemic failure.
He additionally pointed to comparable incidents world wide as a comparability, referencing a serious energy outage at Manchester Airport in June, which affected 90,000 passengers, and one other incident within the UK final 12 months that led to the cancellation of 1,500 flights.
“These things happen worldwide, even in the most developed countries,” Dr. Ceesay mentioned. “To claim that The Gambia is a failed state because it cannot provide consistent electricity for flights is an exaggeration.”
