There are many award events in the country and they keep increasing by the day. Some people have criticized the mushrooming of awards while others have also applauded them.

I will not like to make a judgment on the increasing awards events in the country now. The most important thing for me is the quality and criteria of the awards. Winners must know why they are adjudged the best and those who do not win must know what they must do to win. The quality of both the event and award procedure is critically important.

Last Friday’s Television Awards took place after the industry award, which was held a week earlier.

Having attended similar awards like the Radio and Television Awards (RTP), I was eager to see what this one had to offer. The attendance was better than I personally expected though. Although I didn’t attend the maiden event last year, I understand this year’s event was an improvement over the first.

The event took place a day before the Ghana Journalists Awards but surprisingly they managed to attract a lot of interest.

As we got ushered in I braced myself to have a good time. The ushers, who looked good in the black dresses, seemed to know what to do and generally protocol arrangements worked better than some other events I had attended.

The show started around 9:30pm although the advertised time was 7pm.  Starting a television award two and half hours late is not acceptable.

The band could have been playing whilst the guests were waiting.

The idea of running live interviews with guests as they come in is becoming popular but didn’t work in this case. It was quiet boring and not many people paid attention to it. In television, time cannot be compromised and when a programme is scheduled to run it must start at the scheduled time unless there is a major technical hitch in which case an apology must be rendered.

I was therefore surprised that although the event started late there was no apology. The welcome and intro also did not state clearly the objective of the event. I thought this was very important. Maybe they thought they had already done that a week earlier during the industry awards but I believe many more people attended the final award night who were not at the industry awards and therefore would not know the objectives of the awards. For such a new programme it was important to highlight the objectives a bit more.

When the event started, it run smoothly though.  The musical performances from No Tribe, Kwabena Kwabena and Gasmilla were all good choices and the guests were excited.

However Gasmilla’s performance could have come a bit earlier; I think his performance came in rather later. The backing vocals and supporting band were very good.

A spice of humour from Akrobetu and Kyeiwaa, both local film actors, brought a lot of excitement to the programme. Though their act was brief, I really enjoyed it. That for me was the funniest part of the event.

In terms of programme flow I believe the organizers did a good job. The sound was generally okay and the programme didn’t suffer a lot of technical hitches except an initial challenge with the microphones. The main technical challenge was the rolling of the nominee’s tape which didn’t pass the survival text.  It started well but got messed up somehow. Some of the tapes were also mislabeled.

The idea of using comedians or humorous people to MC programmes may be good, however I believe a little scripting would have been great. For example there should have been scripts for the names of the events -it changed from Ghana Television Awards to Television Awards Ghana and Prime Time awards – it was a bit confusing for me.

In addition, personalities, ice breakers, guests who will be presenting awards should have been scripted for the MCs to ensure names are pronounced correctly.

Scripting will also guide the MCs to stay focused on the purpose of the event and what it is seeking to achieve.

It would also have helped MCs to transit without any difficulties. Most importantly scripting means preparing and guiding the event and ensuring that the sensibilities of people are not insulted. MCs even with their best intentions may run out of words or jokes and may not readily have something in mind. MCs should not be allowed to say things anyhow and at any time in the name of humor.

A better coordination and careful preparation will have made the MC’s job excellent.

Most importantly the awards presentation itself needs to follow a clear pattern so that the event can keep its tempo running from beginning to end.

For example which awards are the top awards and which ones are the medium ones so we move from honorary, standard and top awards. I was really happy to see Kofi Laign (Kowhɛ) and Kwabena Yeboah winning honorary awards. They really deserve it.

Just like the Emmy’s and the Golden Globes of the US which also recognizes excellence in the television industry the event must work hard to carve a niche for itself.

An excellent programme doesn’t just happen, it takes a lot of hard work and creativity and once people know what to expect they will start taking the program seriously.

I believe the event has the potential to grow bigger if the organizers keep their focus on the rationale for the event and work on improving the flaws. All in all it was worth attending and I will like to see what they come up with next year.

Congratulations to all the award-winners and the sponsors including Frytol, MTN, Best Premium Hotel, Indomie Noodles, Verna Water.

Simond Dornoo and Mona Helen K. Quartey

The Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB) has announced plans to collaborate with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in setting up a GH¢200 million Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) Equity Fund for the domestic market.

President of GAB, Simond Dornoo made this known in Accra last Friday at the 35^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.

According to him, the mechanisms for the successful operation of the fund which seeks to develop the nation’s SME sector were being developed.

He disclosed that BoG and the operators in the banking sector would equally contribute to the fund.

Commenting on the performance of the banking sector in 2014, Mr. Dornoo said that “the year 2014 was a challenging year for the banking sector. Rising interest rates and the volatile state of the Ghana cedi during the period under review seriously affected the operations of operators in the country’s banking industry.”

Despite the challenges, he said, the sector was able to make some significant gains.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Mona Helen K. Quartey, in a remark, said the “SME Fund will help small, medium enterprises to develop or produce locally what is needed even for the larger aggregators who do the big exports.

“This is a great idea. I think an SME Fund will be very useful especially at this time when we are looking at a transformation agenda that speaks to export-led growth.”

BoG and GAB must source for a project development company so that only the very best projects come through and then of course the fund itself will do the financing. That way, we have low level of non-performing loans and so forth and the fund will be able to cater for more people.”

Sector Overview

Explaining further, Mrs. Quartey noted that the banking sector has become highly competitive with new banks springing up everyday.

“These banks, both local and foreign owned, are developing new and superior products and services to meet the increasing needs of customers.

According to her, “There is a high growth in the number of universal banks (currently 28 and still growing) with over 750 branches in Ghana. In addition, there are about 140 Rural and Community Banks with about 711 branches and outlets, 500 licensed Microfinance businesses and 640 Credit unions.”

Constraints

“Given the country’s current fiscal space constraint, there is a significant financing gap.

According to her, “To help address the challenge, the financial sector needs to complement government’s efforts in this direction.

“The financial services industry going forward has no option but to be more innovative, diversify their products, integrate markets and manage risks more efficiently.”

BY Melvin Tarlue

Bernard Amankwah

Bernard Amankwah, one of the sensational gospel music icons in Ghana, is gearing up to host the 2015 edition of ‘Celebration of His Grace’ concert in Accra at the National Theatre on September 20.

The concert, according to the multi-talented songwriter, will witness a gathering of believers of the gospel from all walks of life, adding, “This is an event you will not want to miss.”

Bernard Amankwah, who is credited with several hit songs, including ‘Presence’, ‘Presence II’, ‘Almighty’, ‘The Glory Has Come’, ‘Holy’, ‘Mercy Rescue Me’, among others, has made a tremendous impact in motivating and inspiring so many people, both in and out of the church.

His projects lined up for the future include writing and producing songs for budding music talents as well as hosting another concert in Kumasi, adding, “It is time for gospel music icons who expect great things from God to support the needy in society because God is ready to support all those who have the welfare of the needy at heart.”

Bernard’s contribution to the music industry in Ghana would undoubtedly add to the rich repertoire of musical works that the country already has.

(beatwaves@yahoo.com)

By George Clifford Owusu

Cwesi Oteng and Minister Igwe

Minister Igwe has asked Ghanaians not to think that he has a problem with fellow gospel musician Cwesi Oteng because of his rendition of the hit song ‘God Dey Bless’.

The Nigerian-born Ghanaian-based gospel musician said that they are very good friends and that he sought permission from Cwesi Oteng before using the song on his album.

Minister Igwe said he was pleased when Cwesi Oteng accepted his plea to do his rendition of ‘God Dey Bless’ and also help him sing it.

“This time around, we did it in Nigeria. We even performed it together at Ohemaa Mercy’s Tehilah Experience. He doesn’t have any problem with it because he gave me the right to record it and the happy thing is, we did it together,” he told Zionfelix.com in an interview.

On how Ghanaian gospel musicians relate to him, Minister Igwe said, “I’m surprised at how they are relating to me. Virtually all of them are my friends. Somebody like Sonnie Badu and Cwesi Oteng are my fathers, Ohemaa Mercy is also my mother. All of them have accepted me and we live like family.”

Minister Igwe continued that his management team was working tirelessly to spread the message God has given him to give to the world.

He pleaded with Ghanaians not to worry gospel musicians who feature secular artistes because “everyone and his understanding. The way someone will preach John 3:16 will be different from how another will preach with same quotation so that means the way we are reason is different.”

Minister Igwe’s album, ‘This Is Not English’ which will be out in September, has nine songs.

Hearts players

After a week of tearing away from relegation, Accra Hearts of Oak are back in the embarrassing zone when they recorded a 0-0 score line against Medeama in Tarkwah yesterday.

Hearts are back to second from bottom of the table by virtue of the fact that all the relegation-threatened teams won their games.

With just two games to go, the Phobians pressured the Moses Parker men to claw all the points but their efforts could only hand them a point.

At the Baba Yara Stadium, Kotoko muscled their way from the sixth spot in a six-goal thriller to occupy the third spot, their very first time this season.

The Porcupine Warriors succeeded in hammering visiting and relegation bound BA United 4-2 with goals from skipper Amos Frimpong, Obed Owusu with Richard Mpong recording a brace in less than five minutes after recess.

United’s consolation were fetched by Karim Jabla and Wahab Abdul in the 63rd and 78th minutes respectively.

Also hunted by relegation, Great Olympics lifted their game to secure a 2-0 win over WAFA at the Accra Stadium.

FCPPL Scores @ A Glance

Oly 2, WAFA 2

Medeama 0, Hearts 0

Liberty 1, Int. Allies 0

Bechem 1, All Stars 0

Edubiase 2, Hasmal 1

Lions 1, Aduana 0

Chelsea 2, Ashgold 2

Kotoko 4, BA Utd 2

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum

Mercy Myles

Twenty-five players have been invited to be part of the Senior Women’s National Team (Black Queens) as they begin camping at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Prampram.

Coach Yussif Bassigi’s side are preparing for the 2015 All Africa Games which will take place next month in Congo.

The invited players are expected to arrive at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at 4:00pm on Monday.

Below are players who have been invited to the Black Queens camp:
Fafali Dumehasi,  Faiza Ibrahim, Diana Ankomah, Patricia Mantey,  Rosemary Ampem, Portia Boakye, Agnes Aduako, Janet Egyir, Safia A-Rahman and Rita Okyere.
Others are Regina Antwi, Beatrice Sasu, Linda Addai, Juliet Acheampong, Cynthia Adobea, Mercy Myles, Grace Asare, Grace Adams, Hillia kobblah and Margaret Otoo.
The rest are Edem Atovor, Mary Essiful, Elizabeth Addo, Linda Eshun and Samira Suleman.

 FA

Alhaji Collins Dauda (4th right) flanked by GAMA members and other dignitaries 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD), Alhaji Collins Dauda, has commissioned 29 double-cabin pick-up vehicles for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Sanitation and Water Project.

The 11 metropolitan and municipal assemblies (MMAs) forming the GAMA, received two pick-ups each with the remaining going to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing – which are implementing the project.

The vehicles are expected to help the GAMA team to go about their duties smoothly.

Commissioning the vehicles, Alhaji Collins Dauda expressed appreciation to the World Bank Group for the USD150 million IDA grant and the USD4.85 million Global Partnership for Output-Based Aid (GPOSA) grant toward the GAMA project.

He explained that the GAMA project is government’s effort aimed among other things, at ensuring improved sanitation and providing potable water facilities to over 250,000 people in targeted low income communities of the 11 participating MMAs.

The minister hinted that a lot remained to be done in the sanitation and water sectors in view of the fact that only 15% of the population have access to improved household toilet facilities.

Alhaji Collins Dauda mentioned that out of the 29,000 cases of cholera recorded in 2014,  GAMA alone recorded 20,000.

Harold Esseku, World Bank representative at the function, commended the MMAs for their respective implementation roles in the past, and reminded them of the need to do more.

The GAMA Project Cordinator, Inj. George Asiedu, mentioned the components of the project as providing improved environmental sanitation and water supply to low income urban communities, provision of water supply, planning, improvement and expansion of GAMA-wide environmental sanitation services and institutional strengthening.

By Solomon Ofori

Paul Boateng

ASHANTI REGIONAL head of the Electoral Commission (EC), Paul Boateng, has expressed frustration and fury over the behaviour of what he termed as “some stubborn aspiring assembly members” in the upcoming district assembly polls.

“Some of the aspirants in the upcoming district level assembly elections are very stubborn. They have been blatantly told and cautioned to abstain from certain acts that are not permissible in the polls but they are still indulging in those acts.

“For instance, the EC has sternly warned the various aspirants that they are not allowed to use the colours of registered political parties in the country, but sadly, some of them are still flouting this simple order from the EC.”

According to him, his office had received several complaints from some aspirants to the effect that their opponents were using colours of known political parties in the country on their posters to aid their ambition of winning the elections.

He stated categorically that partisan politics has no place in the district assembly polls, maintaining that the EC had continually made this order known to the aspirants “but some stubborn aspirants would just not listen.”

Mr. Boateng, who sounded disturbed about the development, hinted that soon the EC would crack the whip on “those stubborn aspiring assembly members.”

He was speaking during a one-day workshop on Election Reporting, Constitutional Reform and Consensus Building, which was organized for journalists in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, on Wednesday.

A brainchild of the US Embassy in Ghana in collaboration with the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), the workshop was geared towards building the capacity of the journalists so as to enhance their news delivery.

Mr. Boateng pointed out that apart from the political colours, the aspiring assembly members are also forbidden from using the emblem of a political party or campaigning in the name of any registered political party.

He stated that the EC was critically monitoring the activities and campaigns of the various aspirants in the region.

Kim Williams, Press Attache, US Embassy in Ghana and Prof. Susanna Wing, Associate Professor of Political Science, USA, in their respective deliveries, admonished journalists to always abide by the ethics of their profession.

Listowell Yesu Bukarson, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA), wholeheartedly thanked the US Embassy and IDEG for their strong passion to see journalism developed in Ghana.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi

Veteran Ghanaian actor Dan Tei Mensah has become a born again Christian and will spend the rest of his life propagating the gospel, NEWS-ONE has gathered.

The actor has ‘repented’ and given his life to Christ, joining the league of Ghanaian entertainers who have found solace in serving God.

He is now a spirit-filled, tongue-speaking, heaven-bound Christian who now goes about preaching as well as going on evangelism to help win souls for Christ.

Information available to NEWS-ONE says Dan Tei Mensah will be mounting the podium this coming weekend as a main speaker at a three-day revival programme organised by the Apostolic Church-Ghana at Nii Boiman Central in Accra.

The programme, under the theme, The End Time, starts from 8am to 12pm each day from August 19 to 21.

Dan is yet to speak about his new life and clear the air about whether he will continue to pursue his acting career or not.

Dan Tei Mensah is described as one of Ghana’s favourite actors whose contributions have helped Ghana’s movie industry.

He professionally started acting in the 1985 movie, Ogboo Nana, starring Alhaji Sidiku Buari, after which he starred in rested sitcom Thursday Theatre, Showcase In Ga and other TV productions.

Prior to that, the then Ministry of Health organised a drama troupe called Hewale, of which he was a member.

Over the years, he has featured in a lot of movies including Shadows From The Past, Without Her Concern, Wedlock, Man-Woman and a host of others.

 (Twitter: @fdee50   Email: fdee500@yahoo.com)

By Francis Addo

Data compiled by the Health Insurance Service Providers Association of Ghana (HISPAG) has revealed that 500 people have died nationwide since public sector doctors declared a strike on July 30, 2015 to demand conditions of service.

A report by the Finder Newspaper stated that many of the dead could have been saved as they died while being transported from one hospital to the other.

The number of deaths, according to the report, is believed to be higher than the 500 because many deaths, especially in rural communities, are said not to be reported.

Reported deaths from the Brong Ahafo region alone amount to 47 while the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital in Accra have also recorded 10 and 19 deaths respectively.

The situation has been aggravated by the shortage of essential drugs at HISPAG facilities due to a 12.5 million debt owed them by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS).

Doctors have refused to see out-patients or admit new in-patients despite pressure from government, religious, and cultural leaders to call off strike and return to work.

The doctors are demanding better conditions of service, a problem for a government that is trying to cut a large budget deficit in order to stick to the terms of a $918 million aid programme from the International Monetary Fund.

Credit: Starrfmonline.com

Prices of various petroleum products are likely to go up by between 4% to 6% today.

The two week price review window is part of the full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector.

The increases in the prices of petrol and diesel have been largely due to the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar.

The prices of petrol and diesel have been reduced in excess of 20% since July 16. This is despite the cedi’s continuous depreciation against the US dollar and other major trading currencies.

The cedi has been depreciating against the dollar since July 16, the last time the prices of petroleum products were reviewed downwards.

A dollar as at last week Friday was selling at 3 cedis, 90 pesewas representing a 65 pesewa depreciation of the cedi since July 17.

However the price of crude on the world market for the first time in over six years tumbled to below 42 dollars a barrel before close of last week but has since edge up to 42.50 dollars.

The cedi’s consistent slide against the dollar is to blame for today’s upward review in prices of various petroleum products. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) would be expected to monitor the pricing formula of the various OMCs keenly to ensure Ghanaian are not exploited.

Source: Citifmonline.com

Haruna Iddrisu, Employment Minister

Government has pulled out of conditions of service negotiations with striking members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).

According to government, it cannot negotiate with the doctors while they are on strike.

The GMA last month called the strike demanding that government puts in place conditions of service for its members. The two parties have since failed to reach common grounds after they failed to agree on proposals and counter proposals relating to the conditions of service.

Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Haruna Iddrisu says until the striking doctors return to work, it will be difficult to negotiate with them. “Government will continue negotiations with the GMA only if they call off their strike action and come back to the negotiation table for us to dialogue further on putting closure to the whole subject of getting them a codified condition of service.

“But so long as they remain on strike, boycotting work whether partial or full and not resigning puts us in a difficulty in continuing negotiations”, he added.

Mr Iddrisu however indicated that issues relating to the Category 2 and 3 allowances are already being negotiated at the Public Services Joint Negotiating Committee.

But “specific to their conditions of service, government will want to engage them if they call of the strike action”, he reiterated.

In a response to the Minister, General Secretary of the GMA Dr Frank Serebour said they will only return to work after signing conditions of service document with government.

“The decision for us to go on strike was not taken by any individual; it was taken by the General Assembly. As we speak we don’t have any scheduled meeting so as and when it becomes necessary and we meet with our membership we will forward the fact that government says they are not going to negotiate unless we call off the strike.

“As we speak the General Assembly is saying that they will continue with the strike because there is a conditional clause attached to it and that is until we sign we sign a negotiated conditions of service we will strike”.

“So if the government is not going to negotiate with us that means we will never have the conditions of service and that means that the strike will continue”, he said.

Meanwhile government will this week roll out an elaborate emergency plan to deal with the absence of the doctors from the country’s hospitals as part of several measures in response to the strike.

Haruna Iddrisu said the Health Minister will communicate an elaborate programme of government to deal with the situation.

Last week government issued a warning to all striking public sector workers to call off their strike or forfeit their salaries.

Government is yet to confirm if that action will be carried out as the GMA defied that notice.

Nana Akufo-Addo

Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, will lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday to  address the nation on the party’s push for a new voters’ register for the 2016 general elections.

The highlight of the event will be a presentation by Dr. Bawumia, to according to them, expose the flaws in current register.

Before the presentation at a news conference in Accra in the morning, the General Secretary of the Party, Kwabena Agyepong, and Dr. Bawumia, will present a document at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission to its Chairperson, Mrs Charlotte Osei.

This comprehensive document sources say, contains the evidence of the NPP’s case for a new register, including the evidence of their findings. Meanwhile the General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says any attempt to replace the current voters’ register may open the floodgates for the register to be compromised.

He also said, a fresh register will only create avenues for more minors to be registered. Meanwhile a political science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Richard Amoako-Baah has also backed calls for a new voters’ register, insisting that a new register will guarantee credible polls 2016. According to the Dr. Richard Amoako-Baah the current voters’ register has raised suspicion among the political parties themselves and just cleaning is not an option.

The NPP argues that with a voter population of about 14 million, Ghana has a questionable and statistically indefensible rate of 56 percent of its population being above 18 years. Speaking to Citi News, the Head of the History and Political Studies Department in the Faculty of Social Science at KNUST, Dr. Richard Amoako-Baah was of the view that Ghana needed a new register to have the confidence of all political parties and the international community in the 2016 elections.

Source: Citifmonline.com

A 43-year-old former security guard of Unicorn Credit has appeared before an Accra circuit court for allegedly stealing 10 air conditioners belonging to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) worth GH¢45,000.

According to the accused, Gad Azankoto, he stole the items to make for some amount of money the company owed him.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Edward Afful, told the court that the accused and five accomplices currently at large, on August 6, 2015 conspired and robbed the warehouse of Unicorn Credit and made away with the air conditioners.

Gad is facing an additional charge of causing harm to Felix Osei, a security guard on duty at the warehouse at the time of the incident.

Appearing before trial judge Aboagye Tandoh, he denied the offence and was remanded into police custody until August 24, 2015.

Earlier, the defence counsel applying for bail, said the facts of the prosecution did not support the charges.

He said on the day of the incident the accused was at home and could not have been at the scene of the crime.

According to the defence lawyer, the accused, when granted bail, would be in court to stand trial and also have people of substance to stand surety for him.

Opposing the bail, Chief Inspector Afful was emphatic that Gad had to be remanded because the prosecution was still investigating the case, insisting that the grant of bail could interfere with the investigation.

Mr. Tandoh ordered the prosecution to complete the investigation by August 24 for the trial to commence.

The facts of the case are that the complainant, Nii Nortey, 35, is a resident at Haatso while the accused also lived at Ashaiman and worked as a security guard of the company’s warehouse at Klagon near the Tema Motorway in Accra.

Chief Inspector Afful said at about 1:30 am on the said day, six armed men, including the accused, armed with AK47 rifle and five cutlasses, attacked two night guards at the warehouse.

He said the other security man escaped leaving Mr. Osei, a day security guard, who was sleeping in the resting office.

Chief Inspector Afful stated that Osei struggled with the robbers but he was overpowered and butchered by the gang.

The police officer said the robbers tied Osei with a rope and dragged him about 300 metres and left him at the main gate and broke into the 40-footer container in the warehouse with a cutter and made away with the air conditioners.

jeffdegraft44@yahoo.com

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson

DCOP Yohuno touring the American Farm area

Barely two months after some houses were raided at Amanfrom in the Ga South Municipality, another gang of suspected armed robbers over the weekend robbed about eight houses at Amanfrom-American Farm.

The robbers, who were all reported masked and wielding machetes and locally made pistols, attacked their victims and took away unspecified amount of money and mobile telephones.

Four victims sustained various machete and gunshot wounds in the course of the attack.

DCOP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Accra Regional Police Commander, together with other commanders from the Weija and Amanfrom districts, paid an operational visit to American Farm, for a first-hand information about the situation on the ground.

The four victims who were attacked during the robbery operation were also visited in their various homes by the regional commander and his team.

Some of the victims told the police commander that the robbery occurred at dawn on Saturday.

Mr David Nyameku, secretary of the Residents Association in the area who briefed the police boss and his men, said three men robbed the people of

DCOP Yohuno, who addressed the media after the tour dispelled rumours that over 50 houses were robbed.

He called on the residents to help the police put up a police post to protect the place.

(lindatenyah@gmail.com)

By Linda Tenyah Ayettey

A 27-year old man, who was being detained over a stealing charge leveled against him, is alleged to have stolen the mobile telephone and money belonging to the investigator in-charge of the case.

Kingsley Owusu, according to information, took the phone and the money on the desk of the investigator while his statement was being taken at the Accra Central District police station last Friday.

Another stealing charge has been slapped on him in addition to the one he is facing after he was alleged to have stolen a car battery earlier at the Electoral Commission area in Accra.

DSP Owusu Sekyere, Accra Central District Crime Officer, confirmed to DAILY GUIDE on Friday that Kingsley was arrested and brought to the station by a complainant for stealing his car battery.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) personnel was immediately assigned to take charge of the case.

According to the police, after being detained for some hours, the suspect was released to give his statement to the investigator in the afternoon.

In the course of giving his statement, the investigator received a call from his district commander to immediately report at his office.

Kingsley, who was seated facing the investigator, took advantage of the latter’s departure from his office to unplug his Sony Experia ZL mobile phone valued at about GH¢2,000 and GH¢30 and pocketed them.

When the investigator returned, he realized that his mobile phone had been unplugged and quried his colleagues who were also busily handling some other suspects.

When the pocket of the suspect was searched, the mobile phone and the money were found.

Kinsley reportedly confessed to the act and begged for forgiveness.

He would be arraigned before court for stealing.

(lindatenyah@gmail.com)

By Linda Tenyah Ayettey

Baci

The winner of Season 8 of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant, Baci, will represent Ghana at the 22^nd edition of Top Model of the World pageant and is optimistic she will bring the crown home.

This year’s Top Model of the World pageant is scheduled to take place in Egypt from August 21 to September 6.

Baci will be competing with some other 55 girls who will be taking part in the event.

“I intend to represent Ghana very well and hopefully win the crown. I have learnt a lot from Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant. It was interesting living with other nine (9) ladies from across Ghana for three months in the reality house; and I intend to use my experience very well.  I am ready to participate in the Top Model of the World beauty pageant. I am very excited and humbled to be part of this life-changing pageant and I promise to make my fans and the entire country proud,” she told NEWS-ONE.

 Baci, born Abigail Baciara Bentie, is 23 years old and comes from Tumu in the Upper West Region of Ghana. She is also a graduate of the University of Development Studies and is the last of six (6) children—one deceased male child and five girls.

She is currently the reigning queen of Ghana’s Most Beautiful after winning Season 8 of the pageant. She stands the chance to add another crown should things pan out well for her at the Top Model of the World pageant in Egypt.

“I wish to seek for the support of my fans through their prayers and votes online when the time is due. I thank TV3 and all the sponsors for the support,” she said as she pleaded with Ghanaians for support.

 (Twitter: @fdee50   Email: fdee500@yahoo.com)

By Francis Addo

Alhaji Tanko Abdul Rauf

In spite of his efforts to ensure another hitch-free Hajj operations, Chairman of the Pilgrims Office, Ghana, Alhaji Tanko Abdul Rauf is suffering the negative effects of late payment of fares by prospective pilgrims.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE as the countdown to the airlift of pilgrims begins, the chairman narrated how such late payments is affecting the efficiency he would have wished is brought to bear on Hajj 2015.

A deadline for the payment of fares has had to be extended to allow more people to pay but even then a slow response remains the feature.

The management of the Hajj have had under the circumstances to make a compulsory payment to the Saudi airline penciled for the airlift, an arrangement made possible through a financial institution DAILY GUIDE has learnt, just so unintended hitches would be obviated.

This was at an additional cost to the Hajj operations; a situation which could have been avoided had there been early payments by prospective pilgrims.

Previous hajj operations have witnessed delayed payments but this year’s are unlike those periods; the consequences being difficulties in making projections and to organize corresponding logistic arrangements. This has always come at a cost to the operations, the Hajj Chief disclosed.

As at last week only 50% of prospective pilgrims were said to have paid up.

The tenure of Alhaji Tanko Abdul Rauf has witnessed improvement in Hajj operations, a feat he would want to maintain or even improve upon but for the shortcomings being experienced in the delayed payments.

Speaking to the DAILY GUIDE from Lagos where he was waiting to catch a flight back to Accra, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, Chief Executive Office of Al Balad Travel & Tours Limited, leading pilgrim agency, expressed his frustration over the late payment.

“I am appealing to prospective pilgrims to pay up. Late payments make it difficult for proper planning for transportation in Saudi Arabia among others” he said.

The 31^st July deadline for the payment of fares has ended but since no new cutoff date has been announced, prospective pilgrims can continue to make payments he said. Alhaji Garba added that those intending to perform the pilgrimage should bear in mind that delayed payments are not in the best interest of all stakeholders.

Hajj 2015 has also been bedeviled with the fluctuations in the value of the Cedi against the dollar. This constitutes a major challenge for the managers of the pilgrimage.

By A.R. Gomda

Farouk Tofic Mohammed

Farouk Tofic Mohammed, a 23-year-old graduate of the Kumasi Polytechnic, has emerged male winner of the 2015 edition of Runway Sprint.

Runway Sprint is a modelling and fashion competition which seeks to discover would-be models in Ghana and give them the requisite training and platform to sprint to prominence in the modelling and fashion industry.

Farouk spoke to NEWS-ONE after emerging winner.

What exactly did you win?

I won the male Runway Sprint event, 2015 edition. It is a modelling programme to scout talented wannabe models. Many of us have the modelling talent and passion but we lack the platform and avenues. Runway Sprint provides such a platform.

Why do you want to be a model in a country where modelling is not lucrative?

I love it. It will be my side job and if the platform grows big, then I look beyond Ghana where it is lucrative… I have had the passion since secondary school but there was no platform to exhibit it. Then when I got to the Kumasi Polytechnic, I had a small opportunity, showed what I could do and the feedback was great. So when Runway Sprint came up, I thought I should give it a try and, of course, I went through all the stages—from picking of forms, auditions, group stages, final event—and I won.

What type of model do you want to be?

I want to be a runway and magazine model.

How has this contest helped you?

The competition has helped boost my confidence, and made me overcome stage fright. It was very tough and taught us a lot: how to handle interviews, how to face pressure, etc. It was not limited to only the runway or photo shoot; it was also about grooming and social etiquette.

As a Muslim, how do you handle erotic photo shoot sessions and how are your parents taking it?

My parents are very cool and have supported me from the scratch. When I passed at the auditions, I called my elder brother who acts as my manager and he really urged me on. My family encouraged me to add zeal to my passion. My family support has really helped me. It has inspired and pushed me.

Any major challenges?

My main challenge has been getting the requisite platform and links. But I hope winning the Runway Sprint will be a solution to that. Then comes the challenge of criticism from my Muslim friends who aren’t too pleased with some of my photo shoots. Striking the balance has been difficult but I am handling it.

Tell us about yourself.

I am 23. I schooled at Chemu Senior High in Tema, completed in 2012 and studied Building Technology at the Kumasi Polytechnic where I completed this year.