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After being arrested on Sunday, the former prime minister of Mauritius was freed on bail.

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Pravind Jugnauth, the former prime minister of Mauritius, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of money laundering and was later freed on bail.

Following searches at several sites, including his home, by commission detectives, he was placed under arrest.

He was freed on the condition that he not speak to the public or the media about the matter.

He was also prohibited by the judge from directly or indirectly tampering with any witness or prospective witness.

His client has been charged temporarily, according to the former prime minister’s attorney, who refuted the accusations on Sunday.

Neymar gets his first goal after a year away from football.

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In a 3-1 victory over Água Santa of Sao Paulo on Sunday, Neymar scored his first goal for Santos since coming back to Brazil by converting a penalty.

The 33-year-old great will feel some comfort following a difficult restart when he finds the net from the spot in the 14th minute of the Sao Paulo state championship match.

Santos’ goals were completed in the 26th minute by Thaciano and in the 70th minute by Guilherme, who was assisted by Neymar.

So far, Neymar has not managed to play all 90 minutes in a match for Santos. His performances were below par in the first three games for the club, but he showed some improvement on Sunday as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Neymar officially returned to soccer in October after an entire year out.

He confirmed last month that his contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal had been terminated by mutual consent. He had an injury–marred spell at Al-Hilal, where he played only seven matches and scored once.

Neymar has signed a six-month contract with Santos, which he said could be extended later.

In his first professional spell at Santos from 2009 to 2013, he scored 138 goals in 225 official matches. The Brazilian became the most expensive player in soccer history when he transferred from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros (then $262 million) in 2017. He went to Al-Hilal in 2023 for 90 million euros ($94 million).

A Total of GHC 380,113,600 allowance, feeding grants in arrears – GTEC  

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Akatsi (VR), Feb. 17, GNA- A whopping GHC380 million comprising teacher trainee allowance and feeding grants for the 2023/2024 academic year for all the 46 Colleges of Education across the country are yet to be released. 

The amount comprises GHC220 million for the trainee allowances for the current academic year (2024/2025) and the outstanding arrears of GHC159 million for the 2023/2024 academic year. 

The figure covers an estimated student population of 68,792 from all the Colleges for the current academic year, according to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). 

This was made known by Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director General of GTEC in an address on Friday at the 15th congregation and investiture of Dr Felix Kwame Kumedzro as Principal of the Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico) in the Volta Region. 

“As of today, February 14, there is an outstanding amount of GHC 159,979,200.00 for teacher trainee allowances for the 2023/2024 academic year yet to be paid. For this academic year, the estimated student population by GTEC for all 46 Colleges of Education is pegged at 68,792,” he indicated. 

Heads of the Colleges, according to him, feed their students three square meals daily at a rate of GHC 8.00 stating, “I wonder how they perform this magic, yet our students are not happy.” 

This, he said, required a sustainability conversation on the subject without any further delay, where he expressed optimism that a scheduled ‘National Education Forum’ instituted by the President would open the avenues for them to prescribe some solutions to the issues. 

On the issues of promotion criteria for faculty and staff due to the new education reform, Prof. Jinapor also assured affected staff that all legitimate concerns emanating from the process would be addressed. 

He expressed the hope  that Dr Kumedzro would steer the affairs of the College for the next four years by providing the much-needed leadership aimed at consolidating past gains as well as positioning the College to advance its mandate as a teacher training institution. 

Prof. Jinapor also commended Prof. Samuel Attintono, President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOFF), for his enormous dedication and contribution to getting the migration exercise successfully implemented.  

Prof. Isaac Boateng, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Guest Speaker, who delivered an address on the theme “Transforming Technical and Vocational Education in Ghana: The Role of Technical Colleges of Education” said TVET transformation remained a crucial step in adapting to rapidly changing job market, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for specialized skills.  

On his part, the new Principal declared his preparedness to position the College as one of the best teacher training institutions in the country for the advancement in quality teacher education delivery towards national and global development.  

Dr Kumedzro appealed to all stakeholders to come together to work towards upgrading the College to a fully-fledged University College of Education. 

A total of 362 students for the 2022/2023 batch, comprising 105 from Upper Primary and 265 JHS Education categories respectively have graduated. 

Out of the total number, 47 had First Class Honours, 216 had Second Class Upper, 82 had Second Class Lower Division, 14 had Third Class, and a student recorded Pass. 

Certificates and awards were presented to deserving students. 

Hohoe MP to construct new classroom block for Fodome Abledze 

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Fodome (V/R), Feb. 17, GNA-Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Hohoe Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), has announced plans to construct a three-Unit classroom block for the Fodome Abledze community to enhance teaching and learning. 

This was after the MP inspected a dilapidated school building in the community during his tour to some communities and churches in the Constituency. 

Mr Tsekpo reiterated his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents,  adding that it was the hope that the contractors would fast-track the project. 

“This is a significant step towards providing a safe and conducive learning environment for 

the pupils in the community. It is in line with my election promises, where I pledged to focus on development and job creation”. 

The leadership of the community as well as the youth commended Mr Tsekpo’s efforts in addressing their needs and that of other communities in the Constituency. 

The project in is collaboration with a native of Gbi, King Bansah and his wife from Germany. 

During his visit to some churches including the House of Eternal Life, Paloma, The Lord’s Pentecostal Church, Paloma, Rhemaway Chapel and People of Prayer Ministry, Torkorni, Mr Tsekpo reaffirmed his commitment to the communities, promising not to fail them. 

He emphasized the importance of sharing the national cake and resources equally devoid of any political biases. 

Mr Tsekpo shared updates on the ongoing efforts to address the water crisis in the Municipality, adding that engineers were working to ensure a steady water supply as well as an improvement in the road network.  

MTN Ghana replenishes blood banks in Upper East

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Bolgatanga, Feb. 17, GNA – MTN Ghana, a leading mobile telecommunication network has organised a blood donation exercise in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, to help replenish blood banks of health facilities.

The exercise which formed part of MTN Ghana’s Foundation’s project dubbed “Save a Life,” was part of efforts to restock the blood banks of the health facilities in the region, particularly the Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, to help save lives and effectively respond to emergencies.

The exercise, held at the Bolgatanga Senior High School (Big Boss) and Zamse Senior High Technical School (Zamstec) in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Hospital Blood Bank collected 121 pints of blood at the end of the exercise.

Since 2011, the MTN Ghana Foundation had been holding blood donation exercises each year as part of efforts to restock blood banks of health facilities across the country, to help respond to respective needs of clients.

In a media interaction on the sidelines of the exercise, Mr Martin Yaw Kumobah, the Upper East Regional Territory Sales Controller, MTN Ghana, said company had prioritised health and wellbeing of its customers, and it was one of the key pillars of MTN Ghana Foundation.

He said as a way of showing love to mark Valentine’s Day each year, his outfit organised blood donations to help the health facilities to save lives and improve upon the quality of healthcare at the hospitals especially during emergencies.

“Health is one of the key pillars of MTN Foundation, so we take the health of our customers seriously”.

“And if you agree with me, each day in our hospitals there is a cry from the blood banks that people need to donate blood for accident victims, surgeries among others, so MTN is basically responding to this health need of our hospitals,” he said.

Mr Kumobah reiterated the commitment of MTN Ghana to continue the exercise and expand the scope to contribute to replenish the blood banks of the facilities across the country to improve health delivery.

“We believe that Valentine is the time to show love and for me the best love anybody can show another human being is to donate your blood to save another person’s life,” he added.

He commended all the stakeholders and the public for their support over the years and urged them to continue to support the initiative to continue to make significant impact.

Mr Kingsley Kwame Gamor, the Principal Laboratory Assistant, Upper East Regional Hospital Blood Bank, commended MTN Ghana for the initiative to support the hospital to respond appropriately to the need of clients.

He said each day there were emergencies cases reported at the health facilities and approximately each day the regional hospital required 14 pints of blood to respond to emergencies and encouraged the public to donate blood voluntarily to help save lives.

President Mahama appoints Amoah as GNPC CEO following reassignment of Bawa

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Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Mr Kwame Ntow Amoah the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

A statement issued by GNPC, copied to the Ghana News Agency said Mr Amoah takes over from Mr Edward Abambire Bawa, who has been reassigned to GOIL as Managing Director and Group CEO.

Throughout his career, Mr Amoah had held key leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Executive at GNPC and Advisor to the Minister of Energy/Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy.

He has also served as Chairman and Member of various national, international, and industry boards and committees.

Mr Amoah has played a pivotal role in international arbitration cases involving Ghana.

His contributions include serving as Technical Advisor for Ghana in the Maritime Boundary Case, which the country won on September 23, 2017.

His efforts have led to securing significant investments, savings, and financing for both GNPC and the country.

He played a key role in attracting investments leading to the exploration successes that established Ghana as a commercial oil production province.

He was also instrumental in securing approximately $7 million in investment for the Sankofa Oil and Gas Development Project, backed by $700 million in partial risk guarantees from the World Bank.

He holds an MBA from IMD, Switzerland, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Ghana.

Additionally, he has participated in various international leadership and management training programmes, as well as in courses in energy and petroleum management.

The statement said GNPC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Amoah on his appointment and looks forward to his leadership in advancing the Corporation’s strategic vision.

“We are confident his expertise and dedication will drive GNPC’s continued growth and success,” it stated.

WTO Director-General urges African leaders to look inward for funding opportunities  

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Accra, Feb 17, GNA – Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has urged African leaders to look inward for funding opportunities to accelerate the continent’s socio-economic development. 

She said the Continent could raise funding through value addition to natural resources, tapping into pension funds to raise patient capital to fund development and also pricing carbon emissions with innovative ways.  

Dr Okonjo-Iweala made the appeal in her address at the Heads of State and Government breakfast dialogue held at the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

The event, which was hosted by President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, was on the theme “Africa at the forefront: Mobilizing African Investment and Financing for Implementing Agenda 2063”. 

It was held on the sidelines of the AU Summit, under the auspices of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financing Institutions, also called the African Club. 

Dr Okonjo-Iwealavcalled on African leaders to reduce their appetite for borrowing and rather find innovative ways to attract and sustain investments into the continent.  

“We must take advantage of investment that comes to Africa and be able to sustain them for our own development,” she stated. 

A high-level panel discussion on the topic, “Mobilizing African Investment and Financing for Implementing agenda 2063”, highlighted key strategies and approaches for mobilizing African finance for delivering on Agenda 2063 priorities. 

Man City has ‘ONE percent’ chance of defeating Real Madrid to advance to the Champions League round of sixteen, according to Pep Guardiola.

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The odds of Manchester City defeating Real Madrid to advance to the round of 16 of the Champions League are ‘one percent’, according to Pep Guardiola.

After hosting Newcastle in the Premier League and winning 4-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Omar Marmoush on Saturday, City appeared to instantly regain their previous level of play. In order to advance far in the European competition and possibly pull off a surprise victory, the reigning league champions must now maintain that level for the second leg of the Champions League play-offs against Real Madrid. They finished the league stage in 22nd place.

The Cityzens lost the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad having taken the lead twice via Erling Haaland. Despite their sudden spring into form against Newcastle, Guardiola has claimed that his side ‘are still not good’ as he believes they only have a ‘one percent’ chance of beating Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “The margin to win in Bernabeu in that position, everybody knows that if you ask before the game, the percentage to go through, I don’t know, we arrive at one percent, it will be minimal, but as much as you have a chance, we will try, that’s for sure.”

On the win against Newcastle: “This season, the reality, we have been miles, miles away. If you tell me, if you perform like [Saturday], we finished 22 in the Champions League, of course not, we would have finished higher.

“But the reality, we have been really, really poor in performance in the results this season, and just for one game, that today, played really good, and it’s not going to change the opinion, the reality, the team, it is right now, and we are still not good in terms of day by day.

“But of course, it’s better to travel to Madrid with this result than imagining defeat in the last minutes, so at the end, okay, the chance is, minor, because the result was not good, five minutes ago, with 2-1, it will be different, but with 2-3, the chances is, but as much as you have a chance, we are going to take it, and we’ll see what happens.”

Mahama applauds AU Commission  

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Accra, Feb 17, GNA-President John Dramani Mahama has applauded the African Union (AU) Commission for its proactive role in providing capacity-building to Member States at the continental level. ,

He also lauded the Commission for advocating fair and equitable international tax rules at a global level. 

President Mahama, who is the Champion on African Union (AU) Financial Institutions, gave the commendation in his keynote address at the Heads of State and Government breakfast dialogue held at the AU Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The event on the theme “Africa at the forefront: Mobilizing African Investment and Financing for Implementing Agenda 2063”, was held on the sidelines of the AU Summit, under the auspices of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financing Institutions, also called the African Club. 

President Mahama said the USAID withdrawal for example should be a wake-up call to all Africa that they should look more inward and raise domestic financing.  

He said addressing the financing gap requires a multifaceted approach, and that domestic resource mobilization was crucial.  

The President said by improving tax administration and combating illicit financial flows and encouraging a culture of tax compliance, African countries could significantly increase their revenues. 

He said the ongoing work on the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation was a critical step towards eliminating base erosion and profit-shifting, thus protecting our national revenues.   

“It is projected that African countries need to increase their median tax-to-GDP ratios by about 13.2 percentage points to 27.2 percent of GDP to be able to close the financing gap by 2030,” he said. 

The President said there was the need for additional innovative financial resources and reform of the global financial architecture to ensure equitable and inclusive distribution of resources.  

He said the role of African multilateral financial institutions in financing sustainable development could not be overemphasized.  

He said the institutions were uniquely positioned to address trade, investment, and development gaps across the continent.  

“It is our responsibility to strengthen them to effectively contribute to the continent’s transformation and the realization of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  

He said the establishment of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AMFI), also known as the Africa Club, exemplified their commitment to collaboration to achieve this objective.  

President Mahama said the initiative strengthened the ability of the capable institutions to advance the interests of member states in global finance and to advocate homegrown solutions to the continent’s development challenges. 

He said the support of AMFI should also be complemented by innovative initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.  

President Mahama reiterated that innovation was key to the continent’s progress and the launch of the African Virtual Investment Programme (AVIP) by the African Union Commission was a testament to this. 

He said by aggregating comprehensive data on investments and related policies, the platform would provide the evidence necessary for informed policy discussions and decision-making.  

He said the platform was designed to attract investment and ensure that it was deployed in a way that promoted sustainable development and inclusive growth.  

The President said accelerating the implementation of the African Union Financial Institutions, namely the African Central Bank, the African Investment Bank, the African Monetary Fund, and the Pan-African Stock Exchange was instrumental in fostering investments and financing to achieve their objectives. 

Jordan and Egypt intensify their efforts to oppose Trump’s idea.

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As the two nations continue to develop a strategy to reconstruct Gaza without forcing the Palestinians to leave, Egypt’s president welcomed Jordan’s Crown Prince to Cairo on Sunday.

Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi discussed the most recent events in the Palestinian territories, the attempts to carry out the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the exchange of hostages and detainees, and the availability of humanitarian supplies.

Al Hussein’s visit followed a meeting between Jordan’s King Abdullah II and U.S. President Donald Trump last week, during which Trump reaffirmed his commitment to permanently remove the more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and to forbid their return.

At one point, Trump said he may threaten to stop U.S. funding to Egypt and Jordan unless they take in Palestinians.

Egypt will host an Arab summit on Feb. 27 and is working with other countries on a counterproposal that would allow for Gaza to be rebuilt without removing its population.

Human rights groups say the expulsion of Palestinians would likely violate international law.

Egypt has warned that any mass influx of Palestinians from Gaza would undermine its nearly half-century peace treaty with Israel, a cornerstone of U.S. influence in the region.

Arab and Muslim countries have conditioned any support for postwar Gaza on a return to Palestinian governance with a pathway to statehood in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories that Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war.

Israel has ruled out a Palestinian state and any role in Gaza for the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven out when Hamas seized power there in 2007.

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