G9 ft Eddie Gee Tango (Take Note) Prod by Eddie Tango Recd Label: Amazing Music Nation

Follow Him on Twitter handle @Gabriel9yn

 IG: @official9yn 

Facebook: Gabriel9yn

This guy is good

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Music: YoungFamous (Dream) Prod. by ROSKO

New Artist in Town,,... This guy go blow soon,, just check it out,,,

Record Label : The Royals Entertainment and Produced by ROSKO

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Michael Essien to purchase European club?

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien may soon become the first Ghanaian owner of a European club after holding talks with the managers of Irish club Limerick FC over a possible sale.

A report in the Limerick Life newspaper claims prolonged negotiations between Essien and the club began during the summer.

The newspaper reported that a 40 percent stake in the newly promoted side has also been offered to a Wexford businessman, with a smaller stake on the table for Essien after a series of discussions in London and Limerick.

The article added that Essien’s wife Akosua Puni, who runs a foundation for underprivileged children, has been hugely impressed by largely unseen work that Limerick FC does in educating poor children in the Treaty City.

However, the chairman of Irish club Limerick FC Pat O’Sullivan has denied holding talks with the ex-Chelsea star about taking a stake at the newly promoted Premier Division club.

O’Sullivan, who has pumped a substantial amount of his own money into Limerick, welcomed Essien to the Markets Field for a game with Shelbourne last summer.

The Ghanaian midfielder later posted pictures from his Limerick visit on his Twitter account, thanking O’Sullivan and the fans for their welcome.

It’s believed he also visited Limerick FC’s soccer academy in Bruff, with a view to using the former convent boarding school and adjoining sports fields for a sports education programme helping teenagers from disadvantaged communities.

O’Sullivan has denied offering to sell the club to anyone, stating: “If I am, there will be a (public) announcement made about it.

“Michael Essien visited (Limerick) for a game while he was here on a private visit. He was in Limerick and I believe he asked to come to a game, and, just like anyone else, he was facilitated.”

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“I LOVE SEX AND MY MAN MUST BE TALL AND HAVE SWAGGER” – NIGERIAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST LAURITTA ONYE

She made the revelation in an exclusive interview with The Sun.Speaking about her past relationship, she said:

“When I came to Lagos, I decided to have one boyfriend. Fortunately or unfortunately, he broke my heart by looking for another girl. He did it twice.

He is a normal person. He should be over five feet. He was the person who deflowered me.”

When asked if she enjoys making love, she said “yes.” On the kind of man she would like to marry, she said:

“I want a God-fearing man, a man that cares, a man that looks cute, a man that dresses well and has swagger. .

I don’t like men that wear earrings or funny hairstyles. I need a man that is dark in complexion. I like tall men, men over five feet. My father was a tall man; I want a man like him. The man should be faithful. My kind of man should be romantic.”

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Nigeria: Over $300bn spent to promote renewable energy in 2016 – FG

AS the world is moving away gradually from fossil fuel to renewable energy, the Federal Government, on Monday, announced that over $300 billion was spent in 2016 by the world to promote renewable energy.

It, however, said that the government has taken proactive steps in eradicating tsetse fly, which its adverse effects on both the livestock and human beings are death.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made this announcement in Abuja, while addressing World Press Conference on developments/outcome of his recent visits to United Arab Emirate (UAE) and Ethiopia to attend 7th General Assembly on International Renewable Energy Agency.

He said with the attendance of three prime ministers and 75 ministers, represented their various countries at the conference, it was very clear that the world was moving towards renewable energy as the only sustainable way to make sure that energy access and energy security was achieved globally and Nigeria must not be left behind.

Dr Onu said further that due to the enormous problems being faced through the climate change, many countries were now increasing their percentage and contributions towards renewable energy.

The minister explained that the platform, which was being provided by Arena, an international organisation, who promotes bio-energy solar, hydropower and many more, was being supported and encouraged by countries that were rich in crude oil, with a view to increasing their economic well beings and diversify their own source of energy.

He said out of 120 countries and 150 organisations, including United Nations that participated in the conference, Nigeria was elected fourth Vice-President to work successfully towards the 8th General Assembly, which is billed for January 13 and 14, 2018.

According to him, “for the first time in 2016, the world spent over $300 billon in promoting renewable energy and so many countries are increasing the percentage, contribution of renewable energy. But what is very interesting is that this platform that is being provided by the Arena is being supported and also encouraged by countries that are rich in crude oil and they are doing this for economic reasons, because this is important so as to diversify your own source of energy.

“If in the future, take for example, solar energy is competitive through the utilization of science and technology, in research and innovation, and if you don’t play a role in this level, then you maybe in the situation where you will be regretting later that you would have done so. So, we are very happy that Nigeria is playing an important role as a founding member of Arena,” he added.
On his visit to Ethiopia, the minister said the interest was based on how the Federal Government could effectively control and if possible to eradicate tsetse fly in Nigeria completely.

According to him, “this tsetse fly is a very destructive insect that has adverse effect on livestock, which result in death. The livestock will continue to lose weight until it dies. It affects productivity, it also affects meal production but the tsetse fly does not only have adverse effect on livestock but also adversely affect human health.

“The tsetse fly gives sleeping sickness and demand stage of the sleeping sickness result is death, you can see that it is not only our food security that is affected by the tsetse fly, it also affects human beings, human health and the productivity of the nation. It has adverse effect on the economy,” he stated.

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Ghanaian refugee to lose fingers and toe after 7-hour trek to cross US border

A Ghanaian refugee who almost died during a trek to cross the U.S.-Canada border into Manitoba on Christmas Eve will lose all of his fingers, a toe and possibly his arms.

"It's very bad news," Seidu Mohammed, 24, told CBC News in an interview at a Winnipeg hospital where he is being treated for severe frostbite. "I don't know what to do right now."

Mohammed said he fled Ghana for the United States in 2015 because he feared for his life due to his sexual orientation, but when he arrived in San Diego, he was detained for a year.

He applied for asylum after his visa ran out but a judge denied his request.

"I ran for my life," Mohammed said.

He and another Ghanaian man, who he met in Minneapolis, decided to flee to Canada. The two of them took a bus to Grand Forks, N.D., then flagged a cab and spent $400 for a ride to a spot near the U.S.-Canada border on Dec. 24.

"There is a big farm around the border and we passed through," said Mohammed. "It was very difficult because when we stepped in that farm, the snow was [at] our waists."

For at least seven hours, the two trudged through snowy fields with the temperature hovering around the –18 C mark, without the wind chill factored in.

They finally came upon Highway 75, near the Emerson, Man., border crossing.

The two men tried for hours to flag down trucks passing them by on the highway. A truck driver finally stopped and called 911 to get medical help for the men who were disoriented and cold. It is unclear how they managed to cross the border without being stopped.

They've both been in hospital since the trucker got them help, recovering in a specialised burn ward of Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre.

"If not for him, we would have died in that snow," said Mohammed. "Nobody stopped till this Good Samaritan, God sent [this] man.… We were about to give up."

On Monday, Mohammed and his friend met the Good Samaritan for the first time since the morning of Christmas Eve.

"He was crying. We all started crying because he saved our lives," Mohammed said.

Mohammed is one of hundreds of refugees this year that have crossed the Canada-U.S. border into Manitoba between ports of entry.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency figures, there's been a fivefold increase in the number of refugee claimants crossing between ports of entry in the past three years.

The Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement requires refugees to seek asylum in the first country they arrive, with a few exceptions.

Some advocates say the agreement is the reason refugees sometimes put their lives at risk sneaking into countries like Canada.

"If the Safe Third Country Agreement would be scrapped, then these people would not be risking their lives through the prairie open field," said Bashir Khan, a Winnipeg immigration and refugee lawyer who has taken on the Ghanaian refugees' case.

They'd be able to present themselves right at the border," he said.

Mohammed has filed an application for refugee status. Refugee claims are typically heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada within two months.

He is hopeful he'll be able to stay and work in Canada and is grateful for all the help he's received from various groups, including the local Ghanaian community.

"I want to say thank you to all of you who show caring."

Even though he was especially saddened by news from his doctors that he will lose a toe since he's an avid soccer player, Mohammed said it's a price he's willing to pay for freedom and a better life.

"The journey was worth it. I'm happy I'm here. To go back, I lose my life," he said.

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I’m against free SHS in Ghana- KB Asante

Retired Ghanaian diplomat, Dr. KB Asante says he is against the free Senior High School (SHS) policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In his view, parents should be responsible for the education of the children they bring on earth, not the state.

Mr. Asante made the comment on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday, while commenting on how the Akufo-Addo led government will fund its plethora of promises especially the free SHS.

The policy according to experts could cost 150 million dollars in its first year of implementation and rise to about 400 million dollars over a four year period.

Given the current economic challenges, most of the policy think tanks and political pundits have described the policy as very ambitious.

But KB Asante stated unequivocally that he is against the policy because parents will shirk their responsibility to their wards.

“Let parents be responsible for their children; if they face difficulties, the children can either apply for scholarship or support” stated.

This notwithstanding, the former Diplomat said the Akufo-Addo led government made the promise therefore must fulfil it.

He called on the NPP to explain how it intends to fund the policy and its implications for other sectors of the economy.

“It’s a good idea, but can it be done, are the funds available? The president has promised that, I wish him well” he added.

KB Asante promised to promote the good intention of the Akufo-Addo government to accelerate Ghana’s development.

“The president and his party alone, cannot bring the change we want; we must all support. When they go astray, we should be bold and polite to tell them” he noted.

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Ghanaians angry as SA Defence Union staff mocks Akufo-Addo for wearing “shower curtain”

A secretary to the South African National Defence Union has incurred the wrath of Ghanaians with his description of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s colourful inaugural kente cloth as “a shower curtain” on Twitter.

The white South African, Pikkie Greeff, who exhibited an apparent lack of knowledge about the widely valued kente cloth, tweeted a picture of Nana Akufo-Addo in the presidential chair with a caption ridiculing the President and his office.

“Someone wanna tell us why Ghana President wears a shower curtain and sits on a primary school stage play at prop?” he tweeted on Monday, causing attacks against himself.



The tweet, which has since been retweeted about 300 times and gained over 200 favourites, ignited the fury in some Africans, especially Ghanaians, who have described him as a racist.

But Pikkie Greeff appears unapologetic about his tweet, which is yet to be deleted, despite the criticisms and condemnation by hundreds of tweeters. “Stupid. Ignorant twerp. Ghanaian culture is legendary around the world.

Travel and see the world,” was how media practitioner, John Osei Tutu Agyemang responded to Pikkie’s tweet. Television presenter, Kokui Selormey, who was a bit charitable with her comment, replied: “you could have asked in a different way and many would have happily educated you about our culture.

Rudeness was unnecessary”. Another tweeter with the handle Julius the Rich Guy replied: “the shower curtain you see, when sold, can feed you and your entire generations. The stool is valuable than the whole SA. Ofuii”.

“How can someone with your profile be so reckless and foolish,” Ghanaian entrepreneur, Tony Senayah fired. Social media strategist, Mac-Jordan, responded to the tweet: “How do you ridicule our culture?

Pls tell the negative committee which meets inside your head to sit down and shut up”.

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Essien among Mourinho's best players ever

The Ghanaian was named when the Portuguese coach recounted some of his most outstanding players

Ghana international Michael Essien got a mention in Jose Mourinho's address of a question concerning the best players of his coaching career so far.

The current Manchester United boss has worked with an array of stars during his managerial roles at several European top sides including Chelsea, Real Madrid, FC Porto and Inter Milan, winning the Uefa Champions League with the last two.

Speaking to Fifa.com, Mourinho hesitated against naming his Best XI ever, in appreciation of the contributions of many others who may not make the cut due to the limitation of the question.

"It's an answer that I've always refused to give and will continue to," Mourinho said.

"So many players gave their blood and soul when they played for me, how can I name some and forget others?

"Vitor Baia, Petr Cech, Julio Cesar... how can I choose just one? Jorge Costa, Ricardo Carvalho, Marco Materazzi, Lucio, Walter Samuel, John Terry… how can I choose one?

"Michael Essien, Wesley Sneijder, Nemanja Matic, Costinha, Maniche, Xabi Alonso, Frank Lampard … how can I choose one?

"I don't think I will ever answer that question because I'll never forget my brothers in arms."

Following his appointment as Chelsea boss in 2004, Mourinho signed Essien from Lyon in a five-year deal worth £24.4 million in 2005.

The duo reunited at Real Madrid, which Mourinho joined after winning the Champions League with Inter in 2010. 

Essien made 21 league appearances and scored twice during his season-long loan with the Whites in 2012-13.

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Internet users will decline to 94.4m in November – NCC

The number of internet users in Nigeria’s telecommunications networks has further reduced to 92,446,687 in November, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

The telecommunications industry umpire made the disclosure in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data for November, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

The data indicated that internet users on both Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks reduced by 759,683 in November.

It showed that of the 92.4 million internet users in November, 92,416,378 were on GSM networks, while 30,309 users were on CDMA networks.

Also, the GSM service providers lost 759,683 internet customers after recording 92,416,378 users in November, as against 93,176,061 it recorded in October.

According to the data, Visafone has 30,305 customers surfing the internet in November, while Multi-Links has just four internet users.

The decrease in the use of the internet in November showed that service providers had a great job of ensuring that more Nigerians embrace data, as the next revolution.

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Egyptian pro-democracy activist released from prison

Egyptian pro-democracy campaigner, Ahmed Maher, was released on Thursday from prison after serving a three-year jail term for an illegal street protest, according to reports.

Maher, 36, an iconic figure in the country’s 2011 uprising will be on probation for three more years as part of a court sentence in the same case, the report said.

In 2013, Maher was handed down the sentence after being convicted of participating in an unauthorised protest and attacking a police officer outside a Cairo court building.

The verdict was issued under a controversial law that heavily restricts public protests.

Hundreds of Egyptians have been arrested for violating the 2013 law.

Maher is the co-founder of the April 6 Movement that catalysed the 2011 protests that eventually forced longtime president Hosny Mubarak out of power.

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Farewell! History will be my judge - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Mahama has said he will allow history to be the judge of how he performed in office.

Delivering his last State of the National Address in parliament on Thursday, 5 January as he prepares to leave office on Saturday, 7 January, Mr Mahama said: “I’ll allow history to be the judge of how I’ve served my nation: how well I have done my part in running my lap of that relay.”

“How that verdict will ultimately be, I cannot say, I can only say that I have done my best, given my all and done so with the best of intentions for my God and our country Ghana.

“This is why I stand here today Mr Speaker, holding the baton of leadership, prepared to pass it on with pride, goodwill, and determination to Nana Adddo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and to ask all Ghanaians to cheer him on as he runs his portion of this important relay for Ghana,” Mr Mahama added.

Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) beat Mr Mahama and five others in this year’s elections. Mr Akufo-Addo will be sworn into office on Saturday, 7 January.

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Full Text : Mahama's last State Of The Nation address

Your Excellency the Vice President,

Right Honourable Speaker,

Your Ladyship the Chief Justice

Honourable Members of Parliament

Mr. Speaker, Allow me to begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Afihyiapa.

This hall that exists within these walls is a place where I have always felt at home. It was in this august house, as an MP for Bole-Bamboi, that I began my political career. Or, better said, it was when I first held public office. The residents of that community entrusted me with the privilege of representing their best interests in the national dialogue of policymaking and legislation.

It seems fitting that I should find myself here in this same house delivering my final public address which will, in effect, bring to a close my tenure as President.

I deliver this message on the State of the Nation in fulfilment of Article 67 of the 1992 constitution.

It has been a rare honour and privilege for me to serve my country in the highest office as President. It has been a worthwhile journey. And let me seize the opportunity to thank God for his grace and to the good people of Ghana for the opportunity to serve.

May I also respectfully thank My Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Her Ladyship the Chief Justice and Honourable Members of this House for the cooperation and solidarity I have enjoyed during my tenure as President.

Mr. Speaker, The purpose of this specific State of the Nation Address is to let the people of Ghana know where we stand as a country as the baton of leadership passed from one leader to another. Where are we in this race, so to speak. In so far as nation-building, how is Ghana faring when compared to other nations in Africa and of course, in the world?

Our world has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Majority of economies around the world are sailing against strong headwinds. The world economic crisis and the slow-down in the growth of the Chinese economy has affected the growth of emerging markets and has resulted in a fall in world demand for commodities. As the United States of America (USA) makes a slow but steady recovery, the recent increase in the USA interest rates means more money is leaving emerging markets and being reinvested in America. Coupled with the fall in commodity prices on the international markets, this is causing an adverse economic outlook for lower middle income economies like ours.

Changing climate has made the world weather more unpredictable. In our part of the world deforestation, sea erosion and tidal waves, erratic rainfall, more severe harmattan are becoming the new normal. These are wreaking havoc on non-irrigated agriculture and power production from hydro sources.

The rise of insurgency and failed states in North Africa and the middle-east and religious fundamentalism have resulted in a rise of many terrorist cells that have created a deadly cocktail across the whole world and increasingly in Africa, stretching from the Sahel, through West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa all the way to the Horn of Africa. Our sub-region has not been spared and attacks as close as Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire have brought the reality of possible terrorist attacks closer to our doorstep. This is the global context in which our country has had to survive and make progress

EDUCATION

Mr. Speaker, At the start of our term in office and for many years prior, there have been national dissatisfaction at the declining standards of education at the basic and secondary levels. Lack of access to both basic and secondary education meant that many children were being left behind.

A shortage of professionally trained teachers, teacher absenteeism, shortage of core textbooks- resulting in a situation in which four (4) children shared one textbook-, dilapidated schools, lack of science laboratories and workshops, among others, manifested in declining results at the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) and West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

Our vision under my administration has been to turn this situation around and not only improve access to education but also the quality of education.

Mr. Speaker, We are witnessing a significant improvement in our educational outcomes. More children than ever before in our history are having access to education at the basic and secondary levels. With the distribution of free text books, children have access to all the four textbooks and no longer have to share.

In excess of two thousand (2,000) dilapidated schools popularly referred to as “schools under trees” have been replaced. Teachers are more available and are more evenly distributed than in the past. Teacher absenteeism is down from 27% to below 9%. This has led to more engagement hours between teachers and students.

The construction and population of forty-seven (47) newly built Community Day Senior High Schools means more students are able to continue their education beyond the basic level instead of dropping out.

These investments we have made are yielding results and reflecting in the performance of our children. Performance at both the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) and the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) have seen remarkable improvement. The very last batch of BECE students recorded the highest number of students obtaining a raw score of above 500 marks in the history of the examination.

We are recording improved performance in many public schools in the WASSCE across the country. During the Best Schools Awards Ceremonies, many rural and public schools are outperforming some of the better known urban and private schools. Ghana has consistently, over the last three years, taken the three top spots in the WASCCE.

The progressively free secondary education programme, under which we have absorbed the major fees paid by day students, has this year been extended to cover one hundred and forty thousand (140,000) boarding students.

Mr. Speaker, At the tertiary education level, the construction of additional public universities in the Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions have improved access to university education. The sod cutting for start of work on the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Region, the conversion of the polytechnics into technical universities, the creation of three autonomous universities out of the University for Development Studies (UDS) are all creating additional opportunities for students to pursue courses at the tertiary level.

HEALTH

Mr. Speaker, In the area of healthcare, the situation was no different. Many Ghanaians were denied access to quality healthcare. Although in 2005, the Kufuor administration had commenced one of the most famous social intervention programmes in the health sector on a broader scale, after years of experimentation, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), utilization was low due to lack of access to health facilities. The sector was characterized by a severe shortage of trained health professionals.

Our vision over the period of my administration has been to provide improved health facilities and trained health workers in all nooks and crannies of the country. Construction of new regional hospitals in Bolgatanga, Wa and Accra is dramatically improving the health outcomes for tens of thousands of people. New district hospitals in districts across the country, including the recent ones for which I cut sod in Wheta, Somanya, Buipe, Tolon and Sawla have and will advance even further our policy of providing every district with a first class health facility.

Mr. Speaker, New Polyclinics, health centers and CHPS compounds have also helped to bring quality healthcare to the doorsteps of our people. This development has resulted in a phenomenal expansion of utilization of the NHIS. Out-patient utilization for 2015 stood at twenty-nine million up from nine million in 2008.

Increased numbers of trained professional being churned out of our training institutions has solved the problem of lack of personnel to man our health facilities. Indeed, at the rate at which this category of personnel are being produced, Ghana may need to sign agreements with less endowed countries to officially deploy some of our health professionals to assist improve their health systems.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

Mr. Speaker, As a lower middle income country, income disparities widen the gap between the rich and poor. To cushion the poor and vulnerable, many social protection programmes have been introduced in Ghana.

At the start of this administration, the number of people benefitting from these schemes were very few. Under the school feeding programme, less than five hundred thousand (500,000) children were being fed. Under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, less than sixty thousand (60,000) households were benefitting. Few children had access to books, school uniforms and school sandals.

Mr. Speaker, Our effort under this administration has been to expand the coverage of these programmes to cover the majority of the poor and vulnerable population in Ghana. The school feeding programme is better managed today under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social protection and covers more than 1.5 million children. The LEAP programme is benefitting almost one hundred and fifty (150,000) households.

The percentage of the District Assembly Common Fund meant for persons with disability has been increased by 50%. School children in public schools are receiving all their core textbooks and exercise books. Tens of thousands of children have benefitted from the free school sandals and uniforms programme. The introduction of the Eban card also means that vulnerable ones among the elderly receive some privileges and protection.

WATER & SANITATION

Mr. Speaker, One of the essentials of life for which social exclusion was evident was in access to clean drinking water. Many rural and urban communities were water starved. Statistics indicate that by the year 2008, 56% of rural people and 58% of urban dwellers had access to potable water. This meant that water borne diseases were a major affliction and created a heavy incidence of disease on our healthcare system.

The universal target is to achieve “water for all by the year 2025”. Our vision has been to achieve this target well in advance of the target date. We have under my administration continued to increase investment in the provision of clean drinking water for our people. Provision of bore holes, small town water systems, and major urban water treatment projects have significantly increased access to clean drinking water.

Statistics at the end of 2015 show that in excess of 76% of both rural and urban residents have access to potable water. The Teshie desalination plant, the Kpong water expansion project and the ATMA project have expanded access to urban water supply in the capital, Accra.

The Wa water supply project, the 3Ks project covering Kumawu, Konongo and Kwahu are all projects guaranteeing sustainable water supply to our people. We estimate that under this administration, we have lifted more than seven million people out of water deprivation.

POWER

Mr. Speaker, The early years of this government was characterized by a crippling power crisis. The shortage of power led to a very unpopular load management programme. This shortage of power hobbled the growth of the economy, and affected both business and residential customers. Many businesses had to resort to the use of generators to survive.

Mr. Speaker, I stood on the floor of this very house and took full responsibility for the crisis and promised that I would do my utmost to fix the problem. It has taken a lot of hard work and effort. Fast tracking the deployment of emergency plants, and speeding up the completion of ongoing plants ensured that we added more than 800MW of power over an 18-month period. This increased generation, in addition to the Energy Sector Levy and ongoing works to restructure the legacy debt of the power utilities, has helped to stabilize the power situation.

With the expectation of more domestic gas from the Ten and Sankofa Fields, Ghana is entering into an era of energy self-sufficiency. Indeed, the warning signals have started sounding about the danger of over- capacity and excess redundancy in the power sector.

We have agreed to work with the World Bank to rationalize the addition of new plants and ensure that we achieve optimum utilization of existing capacity.

Mr. Speaker, Access to power under my administration has continued to increase. Ghana has one of the highest access to electricity estimated to be above 80% currently. Additional pending electrification programmes like the China Water Company and the Hunan Energy projects will bring even more communities onto the national grid.

ECONOMY

Mr. Speaker We inherited an economy that was running a high deficit, with increasing inflation and interest rates. It was also characterized by a rapidly depreciating currency. This unstable macro environment created an unfavourable investment environment for both indigenous and foreign capital. Our forum at Senchi was an attempt to forge a consensus for a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme. The Senchi outcome eventually became the basis for the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme we are implementing.

The ECF programme has resulted in an improved macro environment which is seeing a steady decline in inflation and interest rates. A new public debt management strategy is also seeing a steady decline in Public sector debt, estimated to have dropped from nearly 72% to below 65%. The currency has also enjoyed relative stability, depreciating at just above 4% this year.

Mr. Speaker, While the deficit target will be missed this year on account of inability to meet revenue targets, it is important for us to continue to pursue fiscal consolidation in the 3rd and final year of the programme. Multiple causes are responsible for our inability to meet the target. Reduced lifting from the Jubilee field on account of the turret bearing problems, non-realization of some expected non-tax revenue such as the sale of electro-magnetic spectrum, reduced cocoa export revenue and higher than expected election-related expenditures. In spite of the breach of the fiscal deficit target, expenditure was lower than programmed and thus the approved appropriation for 2016 was not exceeded.

Ghana’s economy is still the second largest in West Africa with a GDP of almost $39 billion. Ghana has also moved up thirteen (13) places in the ease of doing business index and is currently considered number one on the World Bank index.

ROAD AND TRANSPORT

Mr. Speaker, There was widespread dissatisfaction with the road network in the country. Complaints covered poor state of urban roads, feeder roads and highways. Many hours sitting in traffic caused frustration and discomfort for urban commuters. Poor feeder roads and pothole-riddled highways increased maintenance cost for drivers and in-turn led to increased fares and transport charges for goods.

My tenure of office has seen some of the most massive investments in the road sector in the history of Ghana. My vision was to finish off road projects I inherited such as Achimota-Ofankor, Awoshie-Pokuase, Sofo line, Tetteh Quarshie- Adenta etc.

We also commenced and completed the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, fast tracked the construction and opening of the Kasoa overhead bridge, completed the Airport hills/Burma Camp network of roads and completed the 37- El Wak-Trade fair road.

We have also invested more resources in continuing the Eastern corridor road project, asphalt overlay of roads in Regional and District capitals and massive investments in cocoa roads across the country have opened up our country significantly.

Many other projects are ongoing such as the Tema motorway roundabout decongestion project, and a new bridge from flower pot roundabout on the Spintex Road over the Accra- Tema motorway into East Legon. There are others ready to commence with financing arranged such as the Obetsebi Lamptey interchange, the Pokuase interchange, and Motorway expansion project among others.

Mr. Speaker, The transport sector has also experienced marked improvement under this administration. Incentives such as reduction in cost of aviation fuel, improved airport infrastructure has seen a massive increase in both domestic and international travel. The Terminal 3 project at the Kotoka international Airport is progressing fast and would make Accra the most favoured aviation destination in West Africa. Already, the completed rehabilitation of the arrival hall in terminal 2 has created better comfort for passengers using Accra’s airport. Kumasi and Tamale Airport expansion will also see increased passenger movements. Wa and Ho are advancing steadily and would be open to commercial travel soon.

Commencement of the Bus Rapid Transit with dedicated bus lanes, christened “Aayalolo” will create better comfort for urban commuters. Urban rail systems like the sekondi-Kojokrom-Takoradi line will ease the inconvenience of commuters in the twin city. The Tema-Akosombo line will soon start to maximixe the use of the Volta Lake Transport Company for moving cargo for land-locked Sahel countries, upriver to Buipe in the Northern Region.

Work on the expansion of our two maritime ports at Takoradi and Tema are ongoing and would lead to faster turn-around times for ships and larger throughput cargo volumes. Bulk cargo handling will also be more efficient.

GOVERNANCE

Mr. Speaker, Our security forces were severely challenged when it came to logistics and equipment to fulfil their constitutional mandate. Today, I can report with pride that vehicles, APCs, riot control equipment, aircrafts, helicopters, fire tenders make up a few of the components of the investments we have made in our security services.

Vehicles for judges and completion of the court complex has created a better atmosphere for the dispensation of justice.

Implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) unanimously adopted by this house remains on track. I wish to commend the house for the passage of numerous legislation including the recent Public Financial Management Act, which strengthens our hands in the fight against corruption. I must however say that the public and Civil Society Organisations are disappointed in our inability to pass the Right to Information bill and are still hopeful that before this Parliament is dissolved a consensus can be found to pass this bill into law.

Mr. Speaker, The achievements outlined in this statement are accomplishments that my government and I proudly claim. But the state of our nation, at any given time--where we are in the race- is the result of more than the visible gains made by one individual during his tenure.

Every President inherits the unfinished work of his predecessor. Every president benefits from the seeds planted by his predecessor, seeds that could not be sown during his predecessor's tenure.

Indeed, I believe if politics could be described as a sport, the one it would most closely resemble is a relay. It is a sport that relies as much on individual achievement as it does on teamwork and cooperative effort. The true test of that competition is in the passing of the baton. So, too, with politics.

Mr. Speaker, President Jerry John Rawlings started the structural transformation of this economy under the Economic Recovery Programme. This programme restored Ghana to a path of growth which he handed over to President John Agyekum Kufuor.

President Kufuor continued the economic adjustment programme and under the HIPC initiative achieved significant debt reduction. Implementing new social intervention programmes such as NHIS and LEAP, he passed it on to President John Evans Atta Mills. President Mills commenced the Eastern Corridor road project, University of Ghana Medical Centre, which I inaugurated yesterday, the Kotokoraba market, Cape Coast stadium and host of others which I inherited and completed.

My administration commenced the construction of new community day senior high schools, a policy of progressively free secondary education, construction of the eastern university, investments in many infrastructure projects that are ongoing and many others that will actually commence under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

I am assured by his firm statements that he will continue these projects as enjoined by our constitution. I wish him all success in this regard. As I have said many times already, regardless of whose tenure in which these visions come to fruition, its success belongs to Ghana. They belong to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, Political opposition and differences of opinion are vital to the health and growth of a democracy. Political parties are formed when people of similar ideology come together to move their agenda forward in a way that best serves their country.

But the wellbeing of the nation and the will of the people must always come first. Partisanship for its own sake, in the end, is no better than dictatorship. If we look around the world, we can so clearly see the deep divide that blind partisanship is creating in nations with democracies far older than ours.

We can see, too, the divide that it is threatening to create in ours if we are not careful. Already, it has taken a toll on our morale and our sense of optimism. It has given way to a cynicism that is as dangerous to the incoming political party as it was to ours.

We cannot afford as a nation to wish or hope for the failure of any president and his or her government. Ensuring accountability is not the same as leveling insults or encouraging apathy. We have history as proof that we have been better and we have done better. And we will, we must, do better once again.

Mr. Speaker, I first entered this house as MP for Bole Bamboi in January 1997. It was, perhaps not coincidentally, the same year that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo entered as MP for Akyem Abuakwa. Taking breaks from the business of the house to grab something to eat at the snack bar, Nana Addo always stood at the end of the counter, his signature white handkerchief tucked into his sleeve. “Johnny” he would shout in greeting as he preferred to call me. Incidentally we both served three terms in this house, departing together in January 2009.

This is how long I have known the president-elect and worked with him. I have the utmost respect for him.

Given our history, especially that we have each had our turn on each side of a presidential election, it would seem only natural for us to be considered opponents- worthy opponents is the description generally used in the world of sports.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, we are all on the same team. We worked together when I served as Ranking member on the Committee of Foreign Affairs at a time Nana Addo was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

One of the issues on which we crossed swords was the murder of some Ghanaian youth in the Gambia. It is instructive that as I leave office and he takes my place, Gambia once again is a nation that is engaging international attention.

Mr. Speaker, It is my assertion that the information I've provided is a snapshot of the current state of our nation.

As I have said before, I will allow history to be the judge of how I have served our nation, how well I have done my part in running my lap of the relay. What that verdict will ultimately be, I cannot say. I can only say that I have done my best, given my all and done so with the best intentions for my country, our country.

This is why I stand here today, Mr. Speaker, holding the baton of leadership prepared to pass it on with pride, goodwill and determination, to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and ask all Ghanaians to cheer him on as he runs his portion of this relay for Ghana.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you. I thank the members of this house.

And I thank the citizens of Ghana.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless our beloved homeland, Ghana.

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Sexually active women are at risk of cervical cancer, virgins are not – Expert

• Says 3 out of 4 sexually active women are in danger

DR Omolola Salako, the Executive Director of Sebaccly Cancer Care and Support Centre, has raised alarm on the growing rate of breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Speaking during the launch of the Sebeccly 1K Cervix Campaign in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) last weekend, Salako described cervical cancer as the second most dangerous cancers among women in Nigeria after breast cancer.

According to her, cervical cancer is caused by a virus known as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can be transmitted only through sexual intercourse to women, causing an infection in the cervix (the neck of the womb), which culminates to renal failure, haemorrhage and an eventual loss of life.

She disclosed that three out of every four sexually active women are exposed to the deadly virus, while over 9,000 out of 14,000 women, who are diagnosed of the disease, die annually.

She, however, stated that the disease can both be prevented and cured with early diagnoses as it takes about 10 to 15 years for the cells of the cervix to grow abnormal and become cancerous, a period within which screening can be done to detect the abnormality in the cervix and prevent the disease.

While enjoining reproductive women to go for regular HPV screening and tests for cervical cancer, she advised young girls from the age of nine as well as sexually naïve women to seek vaccination against the disease.

She said, “The girl-child should be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine from the age of nine. The vaccine is also beneficial to women who have not been sexually exposed to the virus, while sexually active women should go for the regular screening. Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent and the death rate is unacceptable”.

She also said that a woman could reduce the risk of cervical cancer by delaying the age of first sexual experience, avoid multiple sexual partners, alcohol and smoking.

Also speaking, Dr Kehinde Okunade, a Consultant Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) called on authorities to improve on the awareness and treatment of the “silent killer” amongst women.

Okunade, who is also a Director, Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre, said that cervical cancer was killing more women worldwide than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria put together.

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Court clears UI lecturer accused of sexual assault

A lecturer of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Martins Fabunmi, who was accused of sexually harassing a female student of the university, Miss Thelma Uzoma Adoseh, leading to his dismissal by the university management got judicial clearing, acquitting him of all allegations.

The embattled don had reported Adoseh, Kolawole Adesina, Peter Ogere and Olufemi Adesina, all students of the university ‎to the police at Sango, Ibadan Divisional Police Station over allegation of assault and armed robbery and upon which they were arrested and later granted administrative bail.

The suspects, however, jumped bail and this informed the police decision to contact their sureties, Messers Ogundele Oyeleke and Adeleye Adebayo, both staffers of the university to produce them following which the sureties approached the applicants to save them from police harassment by producing their children.

But, instead of producing the suspects, the litigants approached the court to file processes against the Nigerian police and joined the embattled lecturer, Fabunmi as co-defendant.

In three separate suits delineated FHC/IB/CS/69/2016, FHC/IB/CS/70/2016 and FHC/IB/CS/71/2016 filed by the parents of the three students arrested; Mrs. Stella Ogere, Major Joseph Adesina (rtd) and Mr. Innocent Lucky ‎Adoseh respectively before Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, the plaintiffs complained of attempted arrest by the police on alleged offence committed by their children.

The applicants through their counsel, Olapade Delano and Olumide Oridupa argued that their arrest for their inability to produce their children to face charges for the offence allegedly committed by them was “unlawful, unconstitutional and wrongful infringement of their fundamental right to personal liberty and human dignity and freedom of movement’ as guaranteed by the constitution of Nigeria.

They subsequently sought for an order of the court restraining the respondents from violating or infringing on their fundamental rights ‎as well as the payment of N12million as damages.

Dismissing all the claims by the applicants, the judge, having listened to counter arguments by the respondents’ counsel, S.E. Aruwaji (for the Police) and Femi Aborisade and Nweke C. Umunna (for Fabunmi), held that ‎the applicants instituted the suit as a decoy to lure the police authorities from their investigation.

“I find from the entire submissions in applicants’ applications that there is no reasonable cause of action in the motions against the respondents,” Justice Abdulmalik held.

The judge further averred that the applicants failed to debunk the fact that the suspects were not reasonably indicted by the police authorities pursuant to the complaint of Fabunmi to warrant their production by their sureties.

He cited ‘Exhibit J’ as the evidence ‎to assuage the court, which is the letter of apology from applicants’ children and ‘Exhibit E’ which is another letter of apology signed by the parents themselves from which the judge quoted that “we are convinced that the case is a set up against you and we therefore apologise on their behalf and plead with you to tamper justice with mercy”.

The judge said it was curious that ‎parents, whose children were accused of assault and armed robbery or whose daughter was sexually abused would in turn write a letter of apology to the villain, adding, “the ‘Exhibit E’ definitely deflates the hype from the applicants’ suits because it begs reasoning.”

Source:Tribune Nigeria

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