Author: newsfilegh

Talks between congressional Republicans and Democrats aimed at averting another US government shutdown have broken down without agreement. The negotiators were hoping for a deal by Monday to give Congress time to pass legislation by Friday, when last month’s federal funding deal runs out. The impasse centres on Democratic demands to limit the detention of irregular migrants already in the US. The previous shutdown, lasting 35 days, was the longest in US history. Hundreds of thousands of workers were furloughed or worked without pay. The cost to the US economy was estimated at $11bn (£8.5bn). It was unclear how the…

Ghana’s youngest female pilot is calling for the introduction of an aviation-related course in schools’ curricula to mould the interest of the youth towards the industry. Audrey Maame Esi Kumwa Swatson, 21, made the call while paying a courtesy call on the Aviation Minister, Joseph Kofi Addah. Ms. Kumwa Swatson went beyond the norm to live her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Recounting her journey, she said she had to travel outside the country to become a pilot since Ghana’s educational system did not favour her dream. “The educational system here does not support my dream to become a pilot. The…

Dua Lipa won best new artist and Kacey Musgraves took home album of the year at a female-first Grammy Awards. Musgraves won four prizes in total for Golden Hour, her critically-acclaimed third album, which blends country with elements of psychedelia. She dedicated the award to “my sweet husband” with whom she fell in love as she recorded the album. Dua said she was “nervous and grateful” as she accepted her award, one of the night’s four biggest prizes. The 23-year-old paid tribute to the “incredible” line-up of “so many female artists” in the category, adding: “I guess this year we’ve…

The Ministry of Education has denied that junior high school graduates in the country will be issued with diploma certificates. Sector Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh was quoted to have announced plans to upgrade junior and senior high school certificates into national diploma to enable graduates gain employment. “The curriculum that will appear for the Junior High School will lead to a National Higher Diploma, [and] when you finish Senior High School, you get a National Diploma. It is not everybody who must go to the University straight, but we must prepare our kids for the world of work. “And…

The Head of Zylfon Arts Club and legendary record producer, Willi Roi has passed away. Willi Roi, who played a vital role in establishing Zylofon Arts Club, was found dead in his apartment at Royal Richester Hotel at East Legon, Accra on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Information gathered indicates that Willi Roi recently moved into the new apartment from his Tema home to help him reduce the stress after his night gigs in Accra. Reports say security officers broke into his room and found his lifeless body after he failed to step out the whole day. His body was taken…

The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has praised the legacy and achievements of the celebrated Ghanaian industrialist Dr. Esther Ocloo and urged young entrepreneurs to emulate her can-do spirit. According to Mr Oppong Nkrumah, the work of Dr. Ocloo nee Nkulenu should serve as an inspiration to a generation of industrialists and spur innovation and productivity. He was delivering the key note address at a ceremony in Accra to launch activities marking the centenary celebration of the life of Dr. Mrs Esther Ocloo, who died in 2002. The celebration is themed ‘Honoring a legend of her time’. He said…

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, will from Tuesday, February 12, publicly present Constitutional Instruments (CIs) to give effect to the creation of the six new regions. Even though the Minister of Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Botwe, had earlier announced an upcoming ceremony to that effect, a statement signed by the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has specified when presentations will be for each region. “The schedule for presentations is as follows: – Tuesday, 12th February 2019 – North East and Savannah Regions – Wednesday, 13th February 2019 – Bono East and Ahafo Regions…

Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Constituency Samuel George Nartey has described as “crimes against humanity” the violence which occurred during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, injuring at least six people. According to the MP, who was himself manhandled by armed men believed to be pro-NPP vigilante group Invisible Forces, leaders in other countries have been put before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to answer charges of crimes against humanity for similar incidents. Speaking on TV3’s New Day on Friday, January 8, he emphasized that the Minister of State in-charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong, who openly admitted he deployed the…

An office for Nigeria’s election commission has been burned down just six days before the country is due to vote in a general election. The fire in Plateau State has destroyed everything needed to vote, including ballot boxes and voting slips. A spokesperson called it a setback for the preparations for the election but is quoted in This Day as saying that it is too early to suspect sabotage. The general election is due to be held on Saturday. On Sunday President Muhammadu Buhari warned of potential electoral fraud. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over laundered money being…

Persons with disability in the Ledzokuku municipality in Accra have accused the local authority of being selective in the disbursement of funds allocated to them in the District Assembly Common Fund. By law, all district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies are required to disburse 3% of the Common Fund to persons with disability within their respective jurisdictions, but that seems to be problematic at Ledzokuku as some concerns have been raised. At a 3FM Community Connect programme at Teshie Tsuibleoo in Accra, some persons with disabilities lamented the Assembly is not transparent in the disbursement of their share of the Common…