Security will not be compromised at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) as the much-talked about undercover documentary on corruption in Ghana football premieres today, June 6, 2018, the project manager of Tiger Eye PI, Latif Abubakar, has said
Adding that the national security and the police are on high alert and everything is in place to ensure public safety.
“We are ready and security is tight. No one should be afraid. Everything has been put in place and the place is safe,” Latif told Francis Abban, host of Morning Starr.
He said he Tiger Eye PI team has already served notice everything is in place for today’s event for the premiering of investigative piece.
the Ace Investigator, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has also assured the general public via a tweet that the show will come off as scheduled.
In the Tweet, the Journo said;
It’s June 6, 2018. See you soon.#Number12 #IamAnas #SayNoToCorruption
Those expecting the Akufo-Addo government to apologise for accusing the former government of fraud over the Ameri power barge contract in 2015, would have to wait a little longer.
According to the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, the Akufo-Addo government will do no such thing, at least not now.
He said in an interview on Eyewitness News that even if “there could be an apology” Ghanaians would have to “wait for the [special parliamentary] committee [that investigated the deal] to present its report [to Parliament] thereafter we decide who renders the apology.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government signed a $510 million Ameri contract in 2015 to secure a 300MW emergency power at the peak of the country’s power crisis.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) while in opposition accused John Mahama government of fraud over the deal.
The party vowed to review or abrogate the agreement if it wins power.
True to their words, few months into office, it formed a 17-member committee to investigate the issue. The committee was fraught with some controversies but later upheld the party’s earlier position.
K.T. Hammond subsequently moved that Parliament withdraws the Ameri agreement due to what he calls “misrepresentations” by the company when the deal was presented to the House under the Mahama Administration.
A committee was set by Parliament to investigate the issue and make recommendations; however, a year down the line, its report has not yet been released.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the Attorney General has cleared the Ameri deal stating that the John Mahama government did not “err” in signing the agreement because it was “valid.”
But KT Hammond believes that Parliament’s investigative committee has a different take on the matter, but said it has to be brought before Parliament first.
Minority pressure
The Minority Members of Parliament are demanding an express apology from the president, Nana Akufo-Addo for what they describe as ‘unwarranted attacks’ on John Mahama in the run-up to 2016 general elections over the controversial AMERI power deal.
Their call is premised on the supposed Attorney General’s report on the contract which seemed to have exonerated the previous government.
According to the Minority NDC, the report from the Attorney General’s department vindicates John Mahama and “proved that Former President Mahama and his government took a very good decision in the wake of the energy challenges.”
I didn’t make any accusation
“I never made the point that the NDC government and the Minister of Power or whoever was responsible at the time did something fishy…there can’t be an apology,” K.T. Hammond said on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News on Tuesday.
Direct Ameri report delay concerns to Majority Leader
K.T. Hammond says he cannot be blamed for the delay on the presentation of the report on controversial Ameri deal on the Floor of Parliament.
According to him, some complaints must be directed to the Majority leader who leads parliamentary business.
It hasn’t come to the plenary because the Majority Leader hasn’t put it in the business,” KT Hammond said.
In what has been described by insiders as a tsunami to rock Ghana and African football, internationally acclaimed investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas is set to premier a video from undercover investigations that exposes bribery and corruption involving football administrators.
What Anas has up his sleeve now, titled ‘Number 12: When Misconduct and Greed Become the Norm’, starts premiering today.
The details of the documentary’s release emerged on fliers and billboards about one months ago.
Over 100 football officials in the video
Snippets of information gathered by The Finder indicate that over 100 football officials have been captured in the tape in various acts considered to be illegal or in breach of the code of ethics of the sector.
About 70 referees, 10 GFA and 3 NSA officials captured in the video Those captured in the video include about 70 referees from Ghana and across Africa, 10 Ghana Football Association (GAF) executives, predominantly Executive Committee Members, and three officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA).
Bits and pieces of the video
Bits and pieces of the exposé show corrupt practices in football, such as influencing referees, match fixing, visa racketeering, which player gets Black Stars call-up, as well as sponsorship and player transfer among others.
President Akufo-Addo reports Nyantakyi to CID
Already, GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi is under investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) because President Nana Akufo-Addo has filed a complaint in which Nyantakyi is accused of using Nana Addo’s name in alleged fraudulent activities in the video.
It is believed that Nyantakyi was engaged in some influence peddling using the name of the President, his Vice, and some ministers in a 10-minute video which is part of the about two-hour video.
15 Ghanaian referees in the video
Additionally, the names of some 15 Ghanaian referees have been mentioned for corrupt activities as captured in the video.
Over 12,000 Ghanaians to watch the video
About 12,000 Ghanaians are expected to watch the much-talked-about investigative piece.
The Tiger Eye PI team says it is ready for the overwhelming number of Ghanaians who are eager to attend the various shows. The tickets have run out, leaving a number of Ghanaians disappointed.
Mahama stunned at football revelations
Former President, John Dramani Mahama, who has watched excerpts of the yet-to-be-premiered football documentary, has been left in complete shock.
Former President Mahama, like the very few who have had the opportunity to watch exclusive excerpts of the video, was visibly shaken by the revelation.
In the video posted on Anas’ Facebook page, Mr Mahama said the revelations may be the reason Ghana, in recent years, has struggled to remain relevant in football.
“For many years, we have been wondering why the quality of our game keeps going down…Ghana was one of the greatest teams on the continent and internationally.
“This doesn’t look good; it’s sad,” he lamented.
What Anas is doing is relevant – Dr Bawumia
After watching the video, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia defended the mode of operation of the undercover journalist in exposing corruption. He said: “What Anas is doing is very relevant,” adding that, “People should know that what they do in the dark can be exposed.
“Really, I will encourage him [Anas] to do what he does,” the Vice-President added.
Dr Bawumia made these remarks in a video posted on Anas’ Facebook page on Sunday ahead of the public screening of a video said to have captured some top officials in Ghana’s sports sector engaging in some alleged corrupt practices.
Dates for premier
The video will be premiered at the Accra International Conference Centre today and tomorrow.
There will be four shows per day — 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 10pm. The video will also be shown at the new GCB Auditorium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on June 9 and 10, 2018.
The people of Tamale will have their turn to watch the video at Radach Hotel on June 13, 2018 while those in Takoradi will have the opportunity at Akroma Plaza on June 16, 2018.
Works of Anas
Anas is noted for coming up with videos on corruption in some public institutions.
His exposés have led to some reforms, convictions and dismissals. Key among his works are the exposé at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), dubbed ‘Soul-Takers’, a documentary on the deviant acts of public officials that lead to carnage on our roads and highways.
There is also a documentary dubbed ‘Enemies of the Nation’, which is on bribery and corruption at the Tema Harbour.
The late President Mills stormed the Tema Harbour in February 2011 when the video was released. Many Customs officers were fired while revenue collection improved instantly after the exposé.
Following his documentary on cocoa in Ghana, eight accused persons were jailed by the Accra Fast Track High Court for aiding and abetting in the smuggling of cocoa.
They were jailed a total of 16 years with hard labour.
The trial judge, Mr Justice Bright Mensah, found the accused persons guilty of aiding and abetting in the smuggling of cocoa out of the country.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has described as “evil” the level of corruption and greed perpetrated in the administration of football in Ghana.
After watching excerpts of the documentary, Mr Kufuor who appears to be close to tears expressed disgust at the corrupt acts of some officials cited in the latest exposé by ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
In a video posted on Anas’ Facebook and Twitter page, Mr. Kufuor asked for the relevant punishment to be meted out to all the culprits, with the backing of the law.
“I want the nation to be shocked of this practice; of this evil. I believe Ghana is a country of laws and investigations should be put to work, and of course the outcomes be applied strictly to law.’’
Meanwhile, some high profiled personalities including Former President Mahama who watched exclusive excerpts of the video expressed similar sentiments.
“For many years we have been wondering why the quality of our game keeps going down…Ghana was one of the greatest teams on the continent and internationally.
“This doesn’t look good, it’s sad,” Mr. Mahama said.
The #Number 12 documentary will premiere at the Accra International Conference Center from June 6-7, 2018, with four screenings each day: 3pm, 5pm, 8pm & 10pm.
The video will also be shown at the new GCB Auditorium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on June 9 and 10, 2018.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has threatened to take legal action against media houses claiming that he received an amount of $8 million from some investor-friends of embattled President of the Ghana Football Association Kwasi Nyantakyi ahead of the 2016 elections.
According to media reports, Mr. Nyantakyi who is facing charges for fraudulently using President Akufo-Addo’s name to swindle some investors stated in his caution statement on May 23 that an amount of $8 million was given to Mr. Mahama and the NDC ahead of the 2016 elections.
The former President in a tweet Tuesday described as “propaganda” media reports that he benefited from the supposed donations by investor-friend of Mr. Nyantakyi.
In a tweet Mr. Mahama said: “Over the years people fought & in some cases paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. When a supposedly respected media house like Multimedia allows itself to be used for political propaganda, it besmirches our common honour & the sacrifices we’ve made as a people.”
Speaking on Starr Today Tuesday, spokesperson to the former President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari said the former president is consulting his lawyers and a decision would be taken soon.
According to her, the publication is a diversionary tactic aimed to take the minds of Ghanaians off the numerous scandals that have rocked the NPP administration over the last 16 months.
“It is a mere fabrication, it is totally false and I expected the Multimedia to have taken steps to verify this…the level of corruption in the country now is unprecedented…and that is why they are using their allies in the media…it is most unfortunate that the media that he [Mahama] fought so hard to protect…will be used in such a reprehensible way against him.
“The lawyers are looking at the situation and a decision will be taken soon,” the former deputy Transport Minister said.
Two persons are in the grips of the police in the Eastern Region for attempting to write the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for others.
The two, Owusu James, 20, and Attah Kay, 19, were nabbed at the Tease Presbyterian examination centre while writing the General Science paper for Bright Nkrumah and George Opoku, who are both Junior High School (JHS) students of St. James Academy at Mame Krobo in the Donkokrom Tease District of the Eastern Region.
According to the Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh who confirmed the arrest to Citi News, the suspects were caught by the Donkokrom GES WAEC officer and the assistant exams supervisor who later handed them over to police.
“Around 11:10 am today Mr. Ntumy Ernest who is the Ghana Education Service officer in charge of WAEC at Donkokrom together with one Mr. Addo who is the assistant exams supervisor arrested and brought to the police station two young men who are alleged to be writing the exams for some Junior high students”.
“According to them the two suspects Owusu James aged 20 years and Attah Kay 19 years old were spotted by the examiners at the Presbyterian examination centre at Tease Mame Krobo writing the General Science paper for Bright Nkrumah and George Opoku who are Junior high school students of St. James Academy at Mame Krobo.”
DSP Ebenezer Tetteh added: “Upon confrontation and interrogation the two admitted to not being students of the school and were later handed over to the police. The two will be arraigned and it is likely we will charge them for impersonation.”
DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, advised the general public and teachers who normally facilitate the criminal activities by impersonators to desist from aiding them.
“I will use this opportunity to advise both teachers and those in the habit of writing exams for people to desist from such criminal activities because when the law catches up on you, you will not be spared”.
10 university students, others arrested for writing WASSCE for candidates
10 University students were arrested by the Akim Oda Police in April 2018 for allegedly writing exams for some candidates of the PLACID International School in the Birim Central Municipality in the Eastern Region in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The ten, comprising five women and five men, were spotted by an examiner at the centre who suspected that they were not students of the school.
Three others from a private second cycle institution, Star International School, were also picked up for the same offence.
The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, told Citi News at the time that all 13 students had been charged with impersonation.
Two more jailed
In May 2018, a final year Senior High School student was sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Accra District Court for impersonation during this year’s WASSCE.
The court also fined Jeffrey Okyere, a student of ICODESH School in Accra, an amount GH¢4,200 and also banned from writing WASSCE for three years.
Okyere’s accomplice James Kudjo, a 20-year old gardener and a Game Center Operator, was also sentenced to six months imprisonment and would also pay a fine of GH¢4,800 cedis.
Okyere is said to have paid GH¢200 to Kudjo to write this year’s WASSCE Integrated Science paper one and two for him.
3 arrested in Tamale for writing WASSCE for candidates
The Northern Regional Police Command in April 2018 also arrested three persons in Tamale for impersonating some candidates during the just ended WASSCE.
A report issued by the Northern Regional Police Command in Tamale named the suspects as Alhassan Abdul Karim aged 20, Zakaria Abdul Rauf, aged 24, and Tanko Baba, aged 17.
The report said they were arrested at the WAEC Hall in Tamale during the Core Mathematics paper in the ongoing WASSCE.
The international news agency, BBC World Service, has released an exclusive video of the ‘Number 12’ investigative piece by the controversial journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The video, which shows parts of the much-anticipated video by Anas, has scenes of referees and powerful faces under the Ghana Football Association (GFA), exchange wads of cash – both in local and foreign currencies – just to influence the outcomes of matches played by the Ghana Black Stars and other local leagues in the country.
This video, according to the BBC, will be an ‘earthquake’ which will shake the very core of Ghana football forever.
Just moments before the premiering the entire country has run short of tickets for the event with thousands of Ghanaians besieging the forecourts of media houses to secure a ticket for June 6th.
So far, Anas remains focused in showing the video despite harsh criticism and threats from some political figures like the MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas has been respected as the most feared investigative journalist in Africa. Having used deep investigative skills to uncover grave cases of corruption in Ghana and across the African continent.
The investigative journalist uncovered so many corrupt practices from the Tema Ports, Judiciary, Police department and now the Ghana Football Association.
There is no denying the fact that so many people want to clear Anas off their path.
He is an investigative journalist and would do everything possible to get in his way and if possible annihilate him. It is for this reason that Anas would always have to watch his steps just so he does not risk losing everything he spent years building.
An earthquake is coming. #BBCAfricaEye is about to bring you the inside story about @anasglobal’s explosive investigation into football. Will the game in Africa ever be the same again?
Former President John Mahama has described as “propaganda” media reports that he benefited from supposed donations by investor-friend of the embattled President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwesi Nyantakyi.
According to media reports, Nyantakyi who is facing charges for fraudulently using President Akufo-Addo’s name to swindle some investors stated in his caution statement on May 23, that an amount of $8 million was given to Mr. Mahama and the NDC ahead of the 2016 elections.
In a tweet Tuesday, Mahama said: “Over the years people fought & in some cases paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. When a supposedly respected media house like Multimedia allows itself to be used for political propaganda, it besmirches our common honour & the sacrifices we’ve made as a people.”
Meanwhile, about 12,000 Ghanaians are expected to watch the much talked-about investigative piece by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas which is set to premier tomorrow Wednesday June 6, 2018.
According to the project manager of the latest expose’ titled number 12, Latif Abubakr, the Tiger EyePI team is ready for the overwhelming number of Ghanaians who are eager to attend the various shows.
“We know Ghanaians are eager to watch how things unfolded in the whole piece which took over two years to do, as my boss himself has said. So far we expect about 12,000 people to watch the shows at the conference centre between Wednesday and Thursday,” Latif who is also a playwright told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Tuesday.
The yet-to-be aired video centres mainly on malpractices within the football fraternity and the game in the country.
Already, the President of the Ghana Football Association Kwasi Nyantakyi is facing charges for fraudulently using President Akufo-Addo’s name in the investigative piece.
Additionally, the name of some 15 Ghanaian referees have been mentioned for corrupt activities as captured in the video.
The accused referees include, James Osafo, Jason Nunoo, Kennedy Bentil, Adams Badiu, Alhassan Badiu, Safi adade, Samuel sukah and Kyereme Yeboah.
The rest are Cecil Flecther, Nathan Anafo, Harry atitonu, Umar Teni Wellington, Charles Dawouna and Rahman Salifu.
With the arrival of the 28th Escort Task Group (ETG 546) of the Chinese Navy, Ghana’s Navy is expected to engage in bilateral military activities with their counterpart visiting Chinese navy.
At the welcome ceremony of the visit of the ETG 546, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang said this first engagement of the Chinese Naval ETG 546 will open a new chapter in history of the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Ghanaian military forces.
The ETG 546 will from June 4th to June 8th, 2018 engage in series of exchange activities including high-level meetings, mutual military facilities tours, and joint military exercise at sea, among others.
This is to promote Ghana-China relations to a higher level, Wang said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Obed B. Akwa noted that the long standing economic ties has been expanded to include defence cooperation.
Some military project engaged by the Chinese government includes the construction of the Ministry of Defence office complex as well as the Ghana Armed Forces Barrack, known as the Beijing Barracks.
Last year, the Chinese government donated four boats to the Ghana Navy, which has enhanced the operational capability in the country’s littoral waters.
Citing some recent incidents of attacks in Ghanaian waters, the Minister said, the ever complex nature of maritime security has brought to the fore the need to cooperate, to train and build capacity to deal with these threats.
He indicated that Ghana is one of the few countries chosen to be visited by the fleet, which shows a new frontier in Sino-Ghanaian relationship.
Nitiwul said the two navies would embark on some training activities to learn from each other.
Three Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) students of Gomoa Fetteh Church of Christ D/A Junior High School sustained severe injuries in an accident Tuesday.
This was after the Sprinter bus conveying the candidates and teachers to an examination centre at Gomoa Ojobi in the Central region, collided with a taxi early Tuesday morning.
One of the teachers who spoke to Adom News was thankful none of the students died in the accident.
Meanwhile the candidates say they have been gripped with fear but have no choice than to continue with the exam.
They are however appealing to government to give them a centre in Gomoa Fetteh so they can avert such accidents in future.
