Telecos Begin Blocking Unregistered SIM Cards, over 7.4 Million Momo Wallets affected

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June 1, 2023

BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Effective today June 1, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company have commended implementing revised utility tariffs for the second quarter of 2023.

These new tariffs, approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in May, bring an 18.36 percent increase in end-user electricity prices, adding to the nearly 30 percent hike experienced in the first quarter.

For residential water customers, the new tariffs will result in a nine percent rise in prices, from GHp/M3 433.38 to 472.39. Non-residential customers, on the other hand, will face a 15 percent tariff increment, with prices going up from GHp/M3 1215.11 to 1397.38.

Sachet water producers will see a significant 22.22 percent increase in their tariffs, jumping from GHp/M3 1,800.00 to 2,200.00. Industrial water customers, on the other hand, will experience a 25 percent hike, with tariffs rising from GHp/M3 2000.00 to 2,500.00.

In contrast, commercial and bottled water and drinks producers will benefit from a 16.6 percent reduction in tariffs, lowering prices from GHp/M3 3000.00 to 2500.00.

These upward adjustments in tariffs, according to the ulitities refular, PURC, are attributed to the combined impact of currency depreciation, inflation, increased gas costs, and higher expenses for chemicals used in raw water treatment.

The quarterly review of utility prices is a requirement under the 3-billion dollar support programme that the government entered into with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive Ghana’s struggling economy.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NDC to mark June 4th Anniversary at Hohoe

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May 31, 2023

BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Hohoe Constituency will be hosting this year’s June 4th Celebration, marking the 44th anniversary of the event.

The celebration, which will be on the theme,”Saving Our Democracy: the Spirit of the June 4th,” will include a health walk, a public lecture, and a wreath-laying ceremony.

A press release issued by the Regional Communication officer of the NDC, Kafui Agbleze, stated that, former President and Flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, will be the Special Guest of Honour, along with other distinguished guests and speakers.

The June 4th Celebration commemorates Ghana’s 1979 Revolution, aimed at promoting probity and accountability in the nation.

Below, is the fill statement from the NDC.

THE VOLTA REGION HOSTS THIS YEAR’S JUNE 4TH CELEBRATION IN HOHOE

The Volta Region will be playing host to this year’s June 4th Celebration, which is the 44th since its inception, and it is scheduled to take place in the Hohoe Constituency.

The programme will commence on Saturday June 3rd with a health walk in the morning and subsequently a public lecture at 2:00pm at the campuses of the St. Francis College of Education (FRANCO).

The memorial event will be climaxed the next day Sunday 8am with a wreath laying at the E.P park in Hohoe.

This year’s programme is under the theme: “Saving Our Democracy: the Spirit of the June 4th”.

The Special Guest of Honor for this year’s celebration is H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Former President and Flagbearer of the NDC. Other distinguished Guests and Speakers include, Hon. Hudu Yahaya*l, H.E. Dan Abodakpi, Hon. Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, the National Chairman, Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary, Hon. Mawutor Agbavitor, Volta Regional Chairman, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu and Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi West, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, MP for Klortey Korley, Comrade Shine, Comrade Gyamwodie Comrade Eric Bartey and Hon. Worlanyo Tsekpo*, the Parliamentary Candidate for Hohoe.

June 4th is an annual event prominent on the NDC’s calendar, celebrated to mark Ghana’s 1979 Revolution meant to awaken the conscience of the Nation and imbibe in the citizenry the principles of probity and accountability.

We are by this release, calling on the general public to join the NDC and actively participate in this historic event in Hohoe.

Signed:

Sorkpa K. Agbleze

(Regional Communication officer)

30th May 2023

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Pencils of Promise, others donate Educational Materials to Ho Central Prisons

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May 29, 2023

Pencils of Promise donation to Ho prisons — Items donated

BY: Kofi Gamor | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Non-governmental organization Pencils of Promise (PoP) has partnered with Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Complementary Education Agency to provide educational materials to the Ho Central Prisons.

The gesture, which is aimed at supporting formal education within the correctional facility, is in line with the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) programme, introduced by the government in 2020 under Act 1055 of Parliament.

Mr. Prince Richard Dada-Addo, Volta/Oti Regional Director of the Complementary Education Agency, underscored the programme’s objective of bridging the literacy gap in Ghana and reintegrating beneficiaries into formal education or skill training, to promote self-reliance.

He further stated that, the programme offers accelerated learning classes in local communities to out-of-school children aged 8 to 14. After a 9-month intensive period, many students are reintegrated into the formal education system.

Mr. Gobah presenting the items to Prisons officials

Items donated include textbooks covering various subjects, notebooks, exercise books, teachers’ resource packs, whiteboards, markers, whiteboard cleaners, and desks.

Mr. Freeman Gobbah, Country Director of Pencils of Promise, highlighted the importance of providing formal education to all citizens, including those in prison, stressing the need for the government and Ghana Education Service to ensure the sustainability of the complementary basic education programme.

‘As an organisation, our primary focus is on the traditional school system, but we also believe that, education as right should not only be limited those in the formal school system, but should be accessible to everyone including prison inmates.,’ he stated

The Deputy Commander of the Ho Central Prisons, C/Supt. Francis Dotsey, expressed gratitude for the donation and acknowledged the prison’s efforts to provide formal education to 50 students under the CBE programme. He thus, appealed for regular supply of teaching and learning materials to the facility to support both current and future students.

On his part, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of GES, Mr. Forgive Yao Agohah, assured that the directorate would supervise the use of the donated items to ensure their proper utilization and positive impact on education for all.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Archbishop Agyinasare Breaks Silence, Clarifies Controversial Nogokpo Comment

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May 28, 2023

Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the renowned founder of Perez Chapel International, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his statement referring to Nogokpo as a “demonic headquarters.”

Speaking during Sunday’s church service, he clarified his intentions behind the comment, which has sparked significant debate online.

According to him, his intention was to teach the importance of divine protection from demonic attacks, a principle deeply valued by Charismatic Christians, drawing from his personal experiences. As such, his reference to Nogokpo was not directed at the town itself but rather an incident that occurred after a crusade in Aflao.

He thus, expressed regrets and apologised for any misunderstanding his comment might have generated, stressing that, he never intended to demean the people of Nogokpo or the broader Volta Region.

Read his full statement below

“I have received calls from people very close to me and my attention has been drawn to social media commentary on some portions of comments I made this past Thursday during the Supernatural Empowerment Summit here in the Perez Dome.

I was speaking on the divine protection we as Christians enjoy from God and was teaching congregants on the need to activate divine protection from demonic attacks. This is a cardinal principle of our faith as Charismatic Christians.

To drive home my point, I made reference to several instances where I have encountered manifestations of demonic powers in my crusades which have taken me to over 92 countries of the world. I gave an example of people who were seeking to levitate during a crusade in India. I gave an example of an attack I suffered as a very young Pastor who had gone to preach at a bus stop around Korle Bu.

In reference to Nogokpo, I wish to clarify that I never intended to refer to the town but an incident that happened after a crusade at Aflao. I had absolutely no intention to cast a slur upon the people of the Nogokpo Town and the Volta Region as a whole.

I have had a very cordial relationship with the people of the Volta Region. My wife of 38 years is an Ewe from Keta. And two of my sons bear Ewe names. All of the examples I gave were not intended to denigrate any of the towns and their people but to elucidate the principle of divine protection to congregants.

Any misrepresentation or misinformation that has characterised the subsequent commentary and reportage is regretted.
My Ministry over the past 40 years has been one that has spoken up at critical times in our Nation as a spiritual gatekeeper and I remain committed to serving God’s people and our Nation as the spirit directs.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Agyinasare’s Controversial Nogokpo Comment; Church sends directive to Members

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May 28, 2023

In the midst of the controversy surrounding comments made by Archbishop Charles Agyinasare of Perez Chapel International, the church is rallying support and solidarity for its founder.

The call comes after the Archbishop referred to Nogokpo, a town in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region, as a “demonic headquarters” during a recently held Supernatural Empowerment Summit.

Following the event, where the Archbishop made what some perceived as derogatory remarks, the church in an SMS broadcast to its members, encouraged them to showcase their love for their spiritual leader by posting his pictures on social media for the next three days.

The message read, “Precious One, this past week, our Father, the Archbishop, has been a great blessing to us at the Supernatural Empowerment Summit. As a way of showing our love for him, kindly use any picture of the Archbishop as your profile picture on all social media handles for the next 3 days to celebrate our Father.”

Screenshot of the sms sent to church members

The comment made by the Archbishop during the summit sparked a wave of controversy and debate, with many expressing their disappointment and outrage over his choice of words. The statement, referring to Nogokpo as a “demonic headquarters,” was seen by some as disrespectful and demeaning towards the town and its residents.

Nogokpo, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage, has been a subject of fascination and interest for many, both within and outside the Volta region. The town holds traditional beliefs and practices that have attracted tourists and researchers alike.

In response to the Archbishop’s comments, various individuals and groups from Nogokpo and beyond have been engaged in heated debate online, with some calling for a retraction of the statement.

Nonethless, within the Perez Chapel International community, some members have responded promptly to the request of the church leadership to changed their social media profile pictures to images of the Archbishop. One of such members, is Hon. Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram and an Elder of the church.

MP, Sam George’s new Facebook profile picture

This move is, however, seen by some observers as a counterpoint to the criticism that has arisen from the Archbishop’s controversial comments about Nogokpo.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

‘Demonic HQ’comment: See the reaction of the Nogokpo Chief

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May 27, 2023

The recent controversy surrounding Archbishop Charles Agyinasare’s remark about Nogokpo being a “demonic headquarters,” seem to be far from over.

This is because, Torgbui Saba V, the Dufia (Chief) of Nogokpo, has released a statement addressing the issue.

In a brief statement issued on Friday, Torgbui Saba V acknowledged that the traditional authority at Nogokpo had become aware of the discussions taking place on social media platforms concerning Archbishop Agyinasare’s comment.

The Archbishop, founder of Perez Chapel International, recently made headlines with his controversial statement, which sparked widespread debates and condemnations.

“We wish to let Ghanaians and the world know that we are deliberating on the issue, and you shall hear from us in due course,” stated the Chief of Nogokpo, signifying the seriousness with which the matter is being approached. The statement from the traditional authority suggests that they are actively engaged in assessing the implications and significance of Archbishop Agyinasare’s comment.

Nogokpo, located in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, is renowned for its traditional religious practices and spiritual beliefs. The community is known for the popular Zakadza Shrine (the shrine of the god of thunder).

However the comment by the Perez Chapel founder, labeling the entire Nogokpo community as the ‘demonic headquarters‘ due to a supposed vehicular incident in the area, involving his entourage some time back, has ignited intense discussions among Ghanaians, especially netizens. Many of whom have expressed contrasting opinions, with some defending the Archbishop, while others have criticized the remark as being disrespectful to traditional beliefs and practices, hence demanded an apology from him.

Earlier, the Shrine had responded to the archbishop’s comment, urging him to retract and respect other people’s beliefs. But with this latest statement from the Chief, it remains to be seen how the traditional authority will respond to this controversial situation in the coming days.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Four persons crashed to death in Gory accident at Akatsi

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May 26, 2023

Accident lexus card — The damaged front part of the lexus vehicle

Four persons tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident that took place at the Akatsi-Yaluvi junction on the Accra-Aflao highway Friday afternoon.

According to sources, the accident involved an Aflao-bound Lexus Sportsplus 4×4 vehicle, which collided with the popular ‘Mahama camboo’ tricycle and a motorbike traveling in the opposite direction.

The tricycle wreakage after the accident

Eyewitnesses told Volta Online that, the driver of the Lexus was attempting to avoid an object in his lane but lost control, swerving into oncoming traffic and crashing into the passenger tricycle, a motorbike and a stationery tipper truck, resulting in the instant death of two occupants of the tricycle- a woman and a man.

Both the riders of tricycle and the motorbike were later pronounced dead at the St. Paul hospital in Akatsi, where they were rushed by the emergency response team.

However, all five occupants of the Lexus, including the driver, escaped unharmed.

The incident has left the community in a state of deep grief. Officers from the Akatsi Police Command and the local fire station swiftly responded to the scene to attend to the victims and clear the wreckage from the road, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.

Emergency service officers attending to victims at the scene

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the St. Paul hospital morgue at Akatsi for preservation, while the police has commenced investigations into the accident.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NPP opens Nominations for Presidential Primaries today

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May 26, 2023

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has open nominations for its upcoming presidentialprimaries today, May 26.

This follows the approval of the timelines by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council.

A statement issued by Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP, revealed that the nomination process would commence on Friday, May 26, 2023, and conclude on Saturday, June 24, 2023. it noted that, aspiring presidential candidates can obtain nomination forms from the Office of the General Secretary at the Party Headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, during office hours from Monday to Friday.

In addition, each aspirant is expected to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 50,000.00) through a Bankers Draft issued in the name of the party before picking the forms.

While the statement was however silent on the filing fee aspirants are to pay for the primaries; it iterated the party’s determination to conduct a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful primaries, and hence called upon all stakeholders to contribute towards making this a reality.

The race for the party’s nomination is expected to be highly competitive, as various figures within the party, including the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have expressed their interest to succeed President Akufo-Addo,who will end his tenure of office in January, 2025.

The NPP has scheduled the National Congress for the election of flagbearer for Saturday, November 4, 2023.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nogokpo Shrine Responds to Agyinasare’s “Demonic Headquarters” Comment

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May 26, 2023