Equatorial Guinea’s VP Obiang on trial in France

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Starrfm.com.gh

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January 3, 2017

Equatorial Guinea’s flamboyant vice-president has gone trial in absentia in France on charges of corruption after he failed to stop the landmark case.

Teodorin Obiang Nguema is accused of buying a mansion and sports cars in France with a fortune amassed from oil-rich Equatorial Guinea’s public funds.

A lawyer for Mr Obiang, the president’s son, denies he is a “big-time bandit”.

The trial is the first since France started investigating African leaders accused of illegally acquiring wealth.

It comes after a nearly decade-long campaign by anti-corruption groups demanding that France act against leaders suspected of stashing their “ill-gotten gains” in Europe.

Mr Obiang’s six-storey Paris villa, estimated to be worth more than $100m (£80m), is located on Avenue Foch, in one the most prestigious neighbourhoods of the French capital.

It boasts a cinema, spa, hair salon and taps covered in gold leaf, AFP news agency reports.

Mr Obiang’s lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, asked the court to delay the trial, saying he needed more time to prepare his client’s defence.

“Believe me, Mr Nguema is not a big-time bandit. He just wants his rights observed,” the Associated Press news agency quotes Mr Marsigny as saying.

Corruption watchdog Transparency International’s lawyer William Bourdon told the court that the trial should proceed and the defence was trying to “paralyse” the judicial system through “opportunistic” and “malicious” manoeuvres, AP reports.

Malibu mansion

The West African state’s government launched a bid at the International Court of Justice to prevent the trial from going ahead, arguing Mr Obiang had diplomatic immunity.

The United Nations’ court turned down the request last month.

In November, Swiss authorities seized 11 cars belonging to Mr Obiang, accusing him of money-laundering.

Among them was reportedly a Porsche valued at more than $830,000 and a Bugatti Veyron which sells for $2m.

In 2014, Mr Obiang agreed to surrender a Malibu mansion, a Ferrari and Michael Jackson memorabilia as part of a settlement with US authorities.

The US had filed claims against his US-based assets worth more than $70m, alleging they were proceeds of corruption.

Equatorial Guinea, a small country on the west coast of Africa, struck oil in 1995 but most of its population still lives in poverty.

Its President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, is Africa’s longest serving leader.

He seized power in 1979, and promoted his son to the post of vice-president in 2012.

Mr Obiang has always said that “he earned the money legally in his country,” Mr Marsigny told AFP.

Kotoko players suffer pay cut

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Starrfm.com.gh

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January 3, 2017

The search for total discipline and prevention of avoidable injuries especially in matches not authorised by the club has intensified as Interim Head Coach, Michael Osei has fined three players for indulging in those community matches otherwise known as ‘Sunday Special’.

The three, Richard Osei Agyeman, Edwin Tuffour and Atta Kusi will forfeit part of their January salaries for their disobedience. Atta Kusi and Edwin Tuffour were given a little respite as they would lose GH100 each but Richard Osei Agyeman will lose half of his salary.

The club already has a rule that bar players from playing in such matches. However, the trio defied the rule and participated in different matches organised at some Kumasi suburbs during the Christmas break.

Michael Osei got wind of it and phoned the players involved warning them to stay away. The trio promised not to return to those matches but Osei Agyeman didn’t honour his promise as he went back to play in a New Year match organised at a suburb near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The team resumed training after the yuletide break on Monday and Michael Osei had a stern warning for the players as he announced the punishment for the trio. “I heard they were playing community games against the rule banning those matches. I called and warned them personally and they promised they won’t do that again”.

“I also spoke to Agyeman and warned him but I heard he played one of those games near KNUST yesterday. For his punishment, he will lose half of his January salary. Atta Kusi and Tuffour would also lose GH100 each”.

“This is to ensure discipline. The playing surface at where you play these games are not good and you can easily get injured. I keep telling you that you have gone beyond the level of such games” he said warning that, the club wouldn’t treat offending players lightly.

Source: asantekotokosc

VGMAs 2017 Nomination opens Jan 9

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Starrfm.com.gh

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January 3, 2017

Nominations for the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) will on Monday January 9, open to enable artistes and sound engineers to submit their works for the 18th edition of the awards.

Organizers of the event, Charter house in a statement said “The annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Festival would like to announce to musicians, music industry practitioners and members of the general public that nominations for the 18th edition of the festival officially opens on Monday 9th January 2017.”

The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards recognizes and celebrates hardworking and dedicated players in Ghana’s music industry.

Below are details of the statement

Timeline for works that qualify for submission:

Works released between January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016. Terms and conditions apply.

Where to pick nomination forms

Offices of Charterhouse Productions Limited

Partner radio and TV stations

or download from www.ghanamusicawards.com.

(Forms can also be filled and submitted online at entry.ghanamusicawards.com)

Completed hand filled forms with copies of CDs, videos and promotional pictures should all be submitted to the offices of Charterhouse Productions Limited located at B824/10 Feo Eyeo Street, Industrial Area Accra, near TV Africa.

Please log on to www.ghanamusicawards.com for full terms and conditions.

The nomination period will end on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM

Photos: Shatta Wale gives out Toyota Camry, iphones to fans

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Starrfm.com.gh

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January 3, 2017

Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has given out a brand new Toyota Camry to his ‘Fan of the Year’ Sekley Moses.

The handing over ceremony was done during the Festival of Lights and Music held at the Junction Mall, Nungua to usher in the New Year.

Wale also gave out 4 Iphones and 4 HP laptops.

In Moses’ acceptance speech, he thanked Dancehall act, Shatta Wale, Shatta Michy and the entire Shatta Movement crew for their support and love.

Spain Ceuta: Migrants found hidden in car and suitcase

By

Kwame Acheampong

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January 3, 2017

Police have detained two Moroccans who tried to smuggle migrants into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta – two hidden in a car and one in a suitcase.

When police checked a car on Monday one person was found hidden in the dashboard and another in the hollowed-out back seat.

The man and woman, thought to be Guineans, received first aid as they had had little air to breathe.

Separately, a young African man was found hidden in a woman’s suitcase.

That incident happened on 30 December and again the man – believed to be from Gabon – required urgent medical attention.

A 22-year-old Moroccan woman had tried to smuggle him into Ceuta, but customs officers ordered her to open the case, which was tied to a trolley.

The incidents coincided with a mass attempt by sub-Saharan Africans to storm the 6m (20ft) border fence separating Ceuta from Morocco.

Fifty Moroccan and five Spanish border guards were injured when 1,100 migrants tried to get over the fence on Sunday.

None managed to get through, but two people were injured scaling the fence and were taken to hospital in Ceuta. One guard lost an eye, officials said.

A similar assault on 9 December involved more than 400 African migrants.

There have been many such attempts by sub-Saharan Africans living illegally in Morocco, who desperately want to reach Europe. Melilla – Spain’s other North African enclave – is similarly targeted by migrants.

Gov’t extends Subah’s contract with GRA

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Starrfm.com.gh

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January 2, 2017

Government has extended its contract with Subah Infosolutions, to monitor the country’s revenue in the telecommunication sector.

This comes barely a week to the swearing of the incoming government led by Nana Akufo-Addo on January 7, 2017.

A letter emanating from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) signed by its Commissioner-General, George Blankson and copied to the Telecommunication chamber dated December 1, 2016 and telecom companies said that: “We wish to inform you that Subah Infosolutions Ghana Limited has been granted approval to continue its role of monitoring revenue from the telecommunication companies on behalf of the Ghana Revenue Authority.”

“Further to the above, we wish to request that you continue to grant access to Messrs Subah Infosolutions Ghana limited to your physical network nodes in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Act 864),” it added.

Below is the letter from the GRA

CONTINUE GRANTING OF ACCESS TO YOUR PHYSICAL NETWORK NODES PURSUANT TO THE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TAX (AMENDMENT), ACT, 2013 (ACT 864)

This has reference to a letter with reference number MoF/RPD/GRA/016 dated 11th November, 2016 from the Hon. Minister of Finance on the above subject.

We wish to inform you that Subah Infosolutions Ghana Limited has been granted approval to continue its role of monitoring revenue from the telecommunication companies on behalf of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Further to the above, we wish to request that you continue to grant access to Messrs Subah Infosolutions Ghana limited to your physical network nodes in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Act 864). Counting on your cooperation.

Yours faithfully

George Blankson

Commissioner-General

Frema Opare is Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff

By

Kwame Acheampong

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January 2, 2017

StarrFMonline.com can state on authority that barring any last minute changes, former Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wugoon constituency Frema Opare will be announced Chief of Staff for the incoming Akufo-Addo government.

StarrFMonline.com sources say all necessary negotiations for the appointment of Ghana’s first main female Chief of Staff have already been concluded.

She will be assisted in a deputy position by Abu Jinapor, who is brother to the outgoing deputy Power minister, John Jinapor.

Already, Nana Addo has stated that celebrated heart surgeon Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng will be his minister for Environment Science and Technology.

The Akufo-Addo government will be sworn into office on Saturday January 7, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Gonja group raps Nana Addo to appoint Gonjas

By

Kwame Acheampong

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January 2, 2017

ASANSAN, a fan base of a media production house in the Gonjaland is strongly appealing to President-elect Nana Akufo Addo to “wipe the tears” of Gonjas by accepting a list of carefully compiled Gonja personalities for positions in his government.

“The president elect has promised to be father for all. He has promised to share the national cake equitably. ASANSAN as the voice of Gonjaland takes him by his words. Let it be reminder that, Gonjaland expect more from the President elect to wipe off their tears”.

The list presented by the lobbying group and available to StarrNews included a former special aide to the president elect Mr. Samuel Jinapor, Madam Otiko Djaba National women’s organizer of the NPP, Hon Boniface Saddique, Dr. Clifford Braimah a onetime Northern region scribe of the party.

The checklist also contained names of former District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament and defeated parliamentary candidates including Zakaria Yakubu, Dr Alhaji Adams Sulemana Achanso, Muhazu Seidu and Madam Veronica Alele Herming.

Leadership of the group said the above names owed the Gonjaland a service and the only way to actualize it is to be offered opportunity to be directly involved in the incoming Nana Addo-led administration.

According to the group, accepting their “fervent appeal” would restore hopes to the Gonjas who are still grieving over the electoral defeat of President Mahama, their kin.

“The message from ASANSAN to Nana Addo (President elect) is to look back to the land. Wipe our tears beginning with his appointments. We have able men and women who hold the NPP in high esteem. They have made promises to the land on your behalf. They need our mandate to prove themselves as NPP network in Gonjaland. So we expect to see a sign of consolation from your high office in your appointments”

Avram Grant names 26-man squad for AFCON 2017

By

Kwame Acheampong

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January 2, 2017

Coach of the senior national team Avram Grant has announced a 26-man provisional squad for the 2017 African Cup of Nations Cup competition.

Skipper Asamoah Gyan leads the team which will camp at the UAE before travelling to Gabon on January 13 for the AFCON.

Below is the list:

Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Adam Kwarasey (Rosenborg, Norway) Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), (John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain) Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England), Ebenezer Ofori (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria), Joseph Larweh Attamah (Ba?ak?ehir, Turkey)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE) Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England), Abdul-Majeed Waris (Lorient, France), Andre Ayew (West Ham, England), Ebenezer Assifuah (Sion, Switzerland), Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke, Germany), Rahpael Dwamena (Austria Lustenau, Austria)

Drunk pilot arrested in Canadian cockpit before take-off

By

Kwame Acheampong

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January 2, 2017

A pilot who was drunk in the cockpit has been arrested shortly before take-off in Canada.

Two hours after his arrest, the 37-year-old man was found to have more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his body. His plane, part of the Sunwing budget airline, later left Calgary for Cancun, Mexico, with a different pilot. There were more than 100 people on board.

The incident happened at 07:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Saturday.

Airline staff noticed the pilot behaving strangely, and then he passed out. They alerted the authorities and the man was escorted from the cockpit. He has now been charged with being in charge of an aircraft while being impaired.

Calgary police have named him as Miroslav Gronych, 37, a Slovak national.

Police spokesman Paul Stacey said: “It had all the potential for a disaster but I’ll tell you this much – the likelihood of a pilot on a major airline like this actually being able to take off when they’re impaired like that is pretty slim, because there’s a lot of checks and balances.

“There’s the other flight crew and there’s gate crew and they’re all about safety. “So, I’m not surprised that he got caught before (the plane) left the terminal.” But Mr Stacey said: “He won’t be flying anytime soon.”