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Consumption of petroleum products surges

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The consumption of petroleum products in the country, surged by five million metric tonnes (Mt) last year, the Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Hassan Tampuli, has disclosed.

The 15 per cent increase was from 3.4million Mt recorded in 2017 to 3.9 million Mt in 2018, he said at the ongoing 3rd edition of the Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhIPCon) 2019, in Accra.

He attributed this to efforts towards curbing illicit fuel activities, coupled with deliberate technology based schemes and policy initiatives aimed at propelling private sector growth.

He said the petroleum sector had contributed over GHȼ86 billion to Ghana’s GDP, representing an average of about eight per cent per annum in the period 2013 to 2018.

These successes, Mr Tampuli said, were achieved despite the many challenges in the industry, including smuggling via unapproved offshore routes and dumping of Gasoil declared for sale to foreign vessels at local filling stations.

Others, he said, were under-declaration and non-declaration of products lifted at depots; diversion of subsidised social products such as premix fuel, as well as fraudulent freight claims from some transporters.

These “nefarious activities”, he said, cost the country about $200million per annum of tax revenue while compromising on product quality at filling stations.

According to Mr Tampuli, “the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) also recorded about US12million losses per annum”.

In addressing the stated challenges, he said the NPA had rolled out a series of measures in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Navy and other relevant security agencies in the country.

 He said digital solutions such as Enterprise Relational Database Management Software, Petroleum Products Marking Scheme and Bulk Road Vehicle Tracking project had been intensified.

Mr Tampuli urged participants to use the GhIPCon platform to deliberate on, and find solutions to pressing issues in the sector to ensure efficiency in the Ghana petroleum downstream industry.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr Amin Adam, were among the dignitaries who graced the event with their presence.

Source: Ghanaian Times

77,962 NSS personnel deployed

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About 77,962 National Service Personnel have been deployed across the country in all sectors for the 2019/2020 service year.

Out of the number, 66,348, representing 85.1 per cent of the total postings have been deployed to the public sector while the private sector received 11,614 personnel representing 14.9 per cent of the total figure.

Consequently, a total of 6,000 were deployed to support the Agricultural sector including the Planting for Food and Job (PFJ) Policy.

At a press briefing to announce the postings in Accra yesterday, the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Mr Mustapha Ussif said 2,000 personnel were also posted to support NSS’s newly introduced poultry entrepreneurship programme which focused on all the value chain in poultry production.

Postings registrations, he said, would commence at all regional centres across the country from Monday, July 22 to Friday, August 20.

He mentioned that the period was provided to ensure service personnel had sufficient time to go through the registration processes before formally beginning their service on September 2.

According to Mr Ussif, all service personnel were required to provide their student’s identification cards (ID) and any valid national ID card to avoid impersonation or “attempts by unscrupulous persons to compromise the process”.

The Executive Director, however, noted that the personnel were required to book an appointment on the scheme’s website before reporting to the premises of the designated registration centres to register, adding that personnel who showed up at the registration centres without appointment letters would be turned away.

He revealed that the trend in the regional distribution with regard to requests, choice of regions and deployments had not seen much change as compared to previous years.

“The Greater Accra, Northern and Ashanti regions received very high posting requests while the two upper regions, Upper East and Upper West recorded low requests but we are working to shore up the numbers in these two regions with late registrations and postings in due course,” he added.

Mr Ussif advised the service personnel to stay away from people who might approach them to offer assistance to change their postings, saying such persons should be reported to any officer of the scheme or the law enforcement agencies for the necessary action to be taken against them.

Started in 1973, the National Service programme is a compulsory one-year service required of all citizens of Ghana who are 18 years and above, at the time of deployment to, among other objectives, encourage the spirit of national service among all segments of Ghanaian society.

Under the scheme a person who has not commenced and completed his period of national service  would not obtain employment outside the scheme or be employed by any other person outside the Scheme.

BY RAISSA SAMBOU

Stalled Project: LEKMA Hospital Road

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Residents along the Lekma-Lascala-Manet road at Teshie have expressed displeasure about the deplorable state of the road and the health hazards they are exposed to as a result.

The 7.5-kilometre stretch, which connects the Spintex Road to the Accra-Tema Beach road has stalled since 2016.

Unfortunately, it is the only alternative route to residential areas around the Manet Estate, off the Spintex road.

Residents and commuters alike have had cause to complain about the road, decrying the potholes which keep increasing in size and depth by the day.

Recent rainfalls in the city have also added to the nightmare of driving on that stretch, especially when the showers start early in the mornings.

Drivers have to apply all the requisite driving skills during such periods to drive through unscathed as the roads suddenly turn into muddy patches, becoming slippery and dangerous.

Bumpy ride to healthcare

Patients visiting the LEKMA Hospital have had to endure the discomfort of bumpy rides on the potholes-ridden stretch. The nature of the road also makes it difficult for emergency cases to be rushed in because drivers always have to slow down in order to bring in patients safely and not worsen their condition.

Nearly every surface of the LEKMA hospital is covered in dust and the air conditioners paints a better picture of the situation.

High maintenance cost

In an interview with the Daily Graphic some drivers who do business on that stretch complained bitterly about the high maintenance costs they have to endure to keep their vehicles in good shape.

One driver, who gave his name as Annan Okang, said he had changed his shock absorbers thrice in a space of eight months and this had affected his finances negatively.

According to him, drivers may consider transferring the cost of maintaining their vehicles to passengers, if the situation is not resolved within the shortest possible time.

We feel disrespected

Another driver, Michael Anum, says they feel disrespected by government’s inability to fix the road.

According to him, despite the concerns raised by residents and drivers alike, it defies logic why the road has been left unattended to by government.

We are worried

Some shop owners have expressed worry about the situation. They indicate that the dust has affected their businesses in several ways leading to low patronage.

The dust, they say, is unbearable. While some have resorted to fixing air conditioners to salvage the issue which the say comes at an extra cost. The rest have to occasionally wipe dust off their products to ensure that they do not gather dust.

Relocation

A tenant, who was seen relocating last Saturday, said issues of proximity made him rent in the area. However, the amount of dust that gathers in his apartment upon his return from work was too much as he had to clean up the house everyday after a long day at work. This, he said, was a factor that was making him relocate to another area of the city.

No help in sight

Residents along the stretch may have to endure all the challenges that come with the unfinished road as it appears there are no immediate plans in place to address the situation.

Contract re-awarded

In a telephone conversation, the Deputy Director of the Department of Urban Roads, Mr Akwasi Nuamah said the road had been re-awarded to another contractor to see to its completion.

He indicated that many factors had contributed to the rather long delay of the project.

He was, however, quick to add that the new contractor had started mobilising for work and that active construction works on the stretch should begin in the coming days.

Link road

When completed the road would link the Spintex Road and the Accra-Tema Beach Road and would also connect the Tsuibleoo, Agblezaa and Tebibiano communities to the Accra-Tema Beach Road.

GraphicOnline

Newspaper Headlines Tuesday 16th July 2019

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Rawlings’ dispatch rider shot, suffers broken arm

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Sgt. Atsu Sekey, the regular police dispatch rider of former President Jerry John Rawlings narrowly escaped death at the hands of suspected robbers last Saturday night, when they shot at him severally at the Community 22 junction, Tema.

Sgt. Atsu escaped with a broken arm bone and has since been transferred from the Tema General Hospital where he was first admitted to.

A security source tells Graphic Online no less than 16 pellets had been removed from his body and that “He was saved by his instinct…he jumped behind a truck and that saved him.”

Sgt. Atsu was said to have closed from work and was heading home when he was hit by the driver of an unregistered Toyota Corolla who was driving in the wrong lane.

“The driver hit Sgt. Sekey whilst maneuvering in the wrong lane and failed to stop. This led to a hot chase and after Sgt. Sekey caught up. After he caught up with the car in a dead end and got down, the guy managed to turn and rush on the rider with the car and started shooting. It was likely a second person in the car who did the shooting”, the security source told Graphic Online.

The source said the intent of the attacker(s) was to “fatally hurt him”, and that it was at this point that he instinctively jumped behind a truck to save himself.

The Independent

Mahrez stunner sends Algeria into Africa Cup of Nations final

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Riyad Mahrez rifled in a stoppage-time free-kick to earn Algeria a dramatic 2-1 victory over three-time champions Nigeria on Sunday and set up a rematch with Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Algeria led through a first-half own goal by William Troost-Ekong before Nigeria equalised with an Odion Ighalo penalty on 72 minutes awarded after a VAR review.

However, as extra time looked necessary, Mahrez blasted in from 20 yards with the last kick of the match to send the Desert Foxes through to their first final since lifting the trophy for the only time in 1990.

Algeria will take on Sadio Mane’s Senegal for the title on July 19, in a repeat of a group stage clash they won 1-0.

“We are very happy to be in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations because it is something very special,” said Mahrez.

“It was our goal to do it for the people and for our families. We know they are behind us all the way. It’s my most important goal for the national dream. Yes, it’s my dream to win it and hopefully we will be able to.”

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr conceded Algeria were worthy winners after denying the Super Eagles the chance to compete in an eighth final.

“I have to congratulate the players for a big fight against this very good team. They won it in the last minute and they deserved it,” said Rohr. “A wonderful free-kick made the difference.”

An injury to Youcef Atal, who fractured his collarbone during the quarter-final win over Ivory Coast on penalties, forced Djamel Belmadi to start Mehdi Zeffane at right-back, while Nigeria fielded the same team that overcame South Africa here.

Algeria supporters filled most of the lower tier at one end of the ground, dwarfing a small section of Nigeria fans, but there were large swathes of empty seats at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.

– Mahrez leads by example –

Leading scorers in the tournament and considered the most impressive side, Algeria quickly asserted themselves as Ramy Bensebaini headed narrowly over before a wicked Youcef Belaili cross nearly lead to a goal for Baghdad Bounedjah.

Hesitant defending from Kenneth Omeruo just outside his own area then allowed Bounedjah to nip in, but the Al-Sadd striker could only shoot tamely at Daniel Akpeyi.

Seemingly having moved on from the penalty miss that reduced him to tears in the last round, Bounedjah was consistently proving a nuisance to a nervy Nigeria backline with Jamilu Collins relieved to see a toed clearance land on the roof of the net.

Nigeria countered intermittently as Ighalo dragged wide after Mahrez was caught in possession, but the Manchester City winger promptly atoned as Algeria made the breakthrough on 40 minutes.

After gathering the ball on the right Mahrez danced past Collins before sending over a cross that flicked off the left-back and struck a helpless Troost-Ekong in the midriff before tricking over the line.

Rohr has regularly praised his side’s resilience, particularly the way they bounced back from a shock loss to Madagascar to eliminate defending champions Cameroon, and Nigeria again hit back with the aid of VAR.

Gambian referee Bakary Gassama initially dismissed Nigerian penalty appeals when a Peter Etebo shot struck the arm of Aissa Mandi but reversed that decision, with Ighalo sending Rais Mbohli the wrong way from the spot for his competition-best fourth goal.

Sofiane Feghouli blazed over late on and extra time beckoned after Ismael Bennacer rattled the bar in stoppage time, but Mahrez incredibly won it in the 95th minute with a thunderous strike into the top corner.

 

Source: AFP

Newspaper Headlines Monday 15th July 2019

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PDS Urge Calm Over Dumsor Rumors

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Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited, have urged the general public to exercise caution in responding to rumors of challenges in the power sector.

PDS particularly warned against news about the possible return of erratic power supply known in the local parlance as ‘dumsor.’

The call was made in a joint statement signed by Managing Director of ECG, Ign. Samuel Boakye-Appiah, and Chief Executive Officer of PDS, William Hutton-Mensah.

In the statement, they assured that any electricity supply challenge of significance would be brought to the attention of the general public and its attendant mitigating arrangements would also be properly spelt out.

Recently, it would be recalled that the Chamber of Independent Power Producers and Bulk Consumers [CIPDIB] hinted Ghanaian power consumers of a possible power outages in the next few days (within a 7-8 working days period), if the Power Distribution Services (PDS) failed to pay its huge financial debt to the Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

A statement issued and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of CIPDIB, Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, had urged the government through the Ministry of Energy to compel PDS to expressly pay all accumulated invoices to the IPPs within the seven days.

The statement further urged the government to not only make PDS pay its debts to the IPPs; but also be made to pay interest on all overdue invoices which the IPPs could have profitably utilized.

It also called on Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) to compel PDS to adhere to best business practices and respect the terms of the PPAs and ensure the nation derive the optimum benefit from the concession.

But in the statement dated July 12, 2019, managements of ECG and PDS said they were maintaining very good working relations with the IPPs during the transition period, noting that they are working through various challenges which are not uncommon in such transitional arrangements.

BY Melvin Tarlue

NAM 1, Wife, Sister Charged With Fraud

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An Accra Circuit Court yesterday remanded the embattled Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, aka NAM1, in police custody pending investigations.

The beleaguered businessman, who arrived from Dubai on Thursday morning and was quickly apprehended by the police, was yesterday hauled before the court which had issued a warrant for his arrest when he was out of the country.

NAM1 has been in jail in Dubai since last December and was brought to the country by Dubai Interpol and handed over to its counterpart in Ghana.

The troubled ‘millionaire’ has been accused of defrauding some 16,000 customers over GH¢1.68 billion between January 2017 and September 2018 under false pretences.

Charged alongside NAM1 is his wife, Rose Tetteh, including his sister, Benedicta Appiah; for aiding him in his alleged fraudulent act.

Charges

NAM1 is facing a total of four counts relating to fraud and operating without licence.

He has been charged with two counts of abetment to defraud by false pretence and two counts of abetment to carry out banking business without license contrary to section 6(1) of the banks and specialized deposit-taking institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

Two of his companies – Brew Marketing Consult and Menzgold Ghana Limited – represented by him have each been charged with defrauding by false pretence contrary to sections 20(1) and 13(1) of the criminal offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

NAM1 Accomplices

Apart from NAM1, his sister and wife have also been slapped with two counts of abetment to defraud by false pretence and two counts of abetment to carry out banking business without licence contrary to section 6(1) of Act 930.

The two women who are said to have aided Menzgold to carry out the fraudulent acts are still at large as their whereabouts still remain a mystery to the police.

Early Appearance

NAM1 was virtually ‘sneaked’ into the court yesterday by police officers “for security reasons.”

The police, the accused person and his lawyers were on the premises of the court as early as 6am long before the gates to the premises were even opened.

He was then kept in the courtroom until around 9am when the court commenced sittings.

The security did not allow scores of journalists who gathered to enter the courtroom where NAM1 was being tried and was immediately whisked away after the short proceedings.

Facts

Per the fact of the case as cited by DAILY GUIDE, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in October 2018 received a petition from 16,000 complainants that Menzgold through NAM1 and the other accused persons urged them to deposit monies which would accrue a monthly interest of 10 per cent.

According to the facts, the complainants deposited various sums of monies totaling GH¢1,680,920,000.

It said Nana Appiah, Benedicta Appiah and Rose Tetteh had absconded and their offices and residents were later locked.

It said a warrant of arrest was issued for the arrest of the accused persons until NAM1 returned to Ghana last Thursday when he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport.

Police Request

The prosecution, led by ASP Sylvester Asare, told the court that they do not intend to take the plea of NAM1.

According to him, the matter was still under investigations and prayed the court to remand the accused for them to do thorough work.

The court, presided over by Harriet Akweley Quaye, remanded NAM1 in police custody to return to court on July 26, 2019.

Genesis

The woes of Menzgold emerged on September 7, 2018, after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) directed it to suspend its gold trading operations with the public.

The directive, according to SEC, was based on the ‘fact’ that Menzgold had been dealing in the purchase and deposit of gold collectibles from the public and issuing contracts with guaranteed returns with clients without a valid licence from the commission.
The move, SEC explained, was in contravention of “section 109 of Act 929 with consequences under section 2016 (I) of the same Act.”

The company was, however, allowed to continue its “other businesses of assaying, purchasing gold from small-scale miners and export of gold.”

By Gibril Abdul Razak / DailyGuide

Korea’s Foreign Minister Visits Ghana

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The Foreign Minister of South Korea, Kang Kyung-Wha, has paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The Korean Official is on a two-day working visit to Ghana.

She is scheduled to hold a joint press conference with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on Saturday, July 13, 2019, in Accra.

During the visit which took place on Friday, July 12, 2019, the Vice President pledged Ghana’s support for the ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Korean crisis.

He recounted that both Ghana and Korea have enjoyed decades of mutually beneficial ties, expressing the President Akufo-Addo administration’s desire to adapt the South Korean development model which focuses on human resource development, skills acquisition, to suit Ghana’s needs.

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