The President, who spoke at the commissioning of eight envoys at the Flagstaff House on Tuesday night, charged them to work to protect the interest of all Ghanaians in their respective countries.

[contextly_sidebar id=”JiWxSQoMSg08Z58kFFRy0BrvTOTQL2lp”]The President asked the envoys to cooperate and work with all Ghanaians in their respective countries.

“Your rapport with the Ghanaian community in your respective countries will be vital to your prospects of success. We will be counting and looking up to you to champion not only our nation’s interest but theirs as well. Do your best not to disappoint them. The Ghanaian people have placed their hopes for a better life in us. We cannot fail them”

The envoys are Emmanuel Enos, Qatar, Francis Abakah, Sierra Leone, Ernest-Burke Asare-Asiedu, Liberia, and Yahaya Iddi Ahmed-Rufai, Kuwait. The rest are Mrs. Hannah Ama Nyarko, Israel, Joseph Kweku Antwi, DR Congo, Mrs Perpetual Dufu, Angola and Sayuti Yahaya Iddi, Iran.

The President’s comment comes on the back of recent remarks by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ayisi Boateng, who averred that he will first serve the interest of NPP supporters.

Mr. Boateng had stated that members of the party’s Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON), will be prioritized for various jobs, if he had his own way.

He also said he considers NPP members as more Ghanaians than others.

“…this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I’m here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian take it or leave it,” he said.

His comment invoked a public uproar with some Ghanaians as well as civil society organizations calling on the president to fire him.

There has since not been any official response from the Flagstaff House on the issue, after he was reportedly invited there for a meeting that culminated in him issuing an apology.

–

By: Marian Ansah & Sammy Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Seek welfare of all Ghanaians – Nana Addo tells Ambassadors appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to Mahama, the embattled diplomat only signed the letter drafted for him from the Flagstaff House.

“When they [NPP] were looking for your votes, President Akufo-Addo said they shall open the opportunities of this country to all Ghanaians, irrespective of their party or ethnic affiliations. He came to power and now that the pigs are enjoying, they say some Ghanaians are more Ghanaian than others. For something like this, you don’t call the person to the Flagstaff House, draft an apology letter for him and ask him to sign. You sack him at once,” he added.

[contextly_sidebar id=”yrHJiLVNbtv2TSkpYMdzcOs2DNOLFr9C”]John Mahama made the claim when he led teaming supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress to embark on a Unity Walk in Cape Coast in the Central Region on Sunday.

 Background:

Mr. Ayisi Boateng has been in the news for saying that his first priority is to members of the NPP, and that if he had his own way, members of the party’s Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON) will be prioritized for various jobs.

He also said he considers NPP members as more Ghanaians than others.

“…this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I’m here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian take it or leave it,” he said.

His comment invoked a public uproar with some Ghanaians as well as civil society organizations calling on the president to fire him.

However, there has not been any official response from the Flagstaff House on the matter, despite reports a supposed meeting at the presidency that brought about the apology.

Ayisi should’ve been sacked immediately – Mahama

While condemning the comment made by the diplomat, John Mahama said the president should have sacked him immediately.

The former president also rebuked Akufo-Addo saying he has not been able to take decisive action against his appointees who go wrong.

“The President seems unable to take firm action in anything. When I talk about the President not putting his foot down, we have a constitution and the constitution is the supreme law of the land. If you are a party officer, you can say whatever you want, there is no problem,” he said.

–

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post Ayisi Boateng’s apology was written for him – Mahama appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The legislator argued that, the comment can be likened to vigilantism and must not be swept under the carpet.

[contextly_sidebar id=”e9yXqicpFJyydTIhhypiafx5DeWQwdSg”]Mr. Ayisi Boateng has been in the news for saying that his first priority is to members of the NPP, and that if he had his own way, members of the party’s Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON) will be prioritized for various jobs.

He also said that he sees NPP members as more Ghanaian than others. Whilst many had called him to apologize, he defended the comments saying he said nothing wrong.

He subsequently apologized for the comment three days after a meeting at the seat of government.

But speaking on Citi FM’s news analysis programme The Big Issue on Saturday, Mr. Fuseini said “When leaders start making these statements then the party foot soldiers at the ground level have a feeling of entitlement and it feeds into political vigilantism.”

“He said that with our men, we will do everything and anything to protect them, satisfy them, to ensure that we show appreciation for what they did for the party and that is where impunity rears its head. And that is why the statement is condemnable,” Mr. Fuseini argued.

The Tamale Central MP however said, Mr. Ayisi shouldn’t have uttered such words but instead implement it silently.

“Saying it is more dangerous. If you act it we could only perceive it,” he added.

The MP, who was also a Former Minister of State, further charged the President to compel the diplomat to peacefully step aside.

–

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post Ayisi’s comment breeds vigilantism; he must go – Inusah Fuseini appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Minority in a statement indicated that, Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology will not suffice since he initially “treated with contempt our [Ghanaians] demand of him to retract and apologize for his unconscionable, bigoted and unconstitutional remarks.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”m8FgB1aWh2aTD8LlFxYN1eLpggCOrBTd”]Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology came almost three days after his initial comments incurred the wrath of Ghanaians.

He also defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong in putting his party and its members first.

Some key officials of the NPP, particularly acting Chairman Freddie Blay, had suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments may have been taken out of context.

Describing the comments as reluctant and insincere, the Minority also enumerated other reasons to press home their demands for Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s resignation.

These reasons are listed below:

• That H.E Ayisi Boateng even in the face of overwhelming condemnation and revulsion from many decent minded Ghanaians still chose to adopt a more belligerent, reckless and divisive posture as demonstrated by his reported retort in which he dared the Minority to go to the Supreme Court if we so please.
• That H.E Ayisi Boateng rather than express remorse for flagrantly violating Articles 17 and 35 (3) of the Constitution of Ghana, and the requirements of the Oath of Office he swore, unfortunately chose to embark on a pathetic attempt to equalize with non-existing parallels including a wicked effort to denigrate the good name of former president John Evans Atta Mills of blessed memory, mobilizing misguided NPP youth groups, and some ill-advised party leaders to defend his shameful utterances.
• That we have confirmed that the said public apology would not have been rendered by the disgraced envoy if he had not been forced by his superiors at the Flagstaff House and the Foreign Ministry coming 72 hours after intense public pressure on Government to act.
• That Ghanaians living in South Africa have expressed their displeasure and sense of insecurity under this embattled High Commissioner demanding that he is not retained.
• That the conduct of H.E. Ayisi Boateng over the last 96 hours have shown him to be unfit and lacking the temperament of a diplomat to occupy the high office of High Commissioner.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Ayisi Boateng must resign – Minority insists appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Ablakwa suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng was coerced into apologizing by his superiors.

[contextly_sidebar id=”rRWzpLmOl0JjXuqMzDne6FcNGeKBRVga”]Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology came almost three days after his initial comments incurred the wrath of Ghanaians.

He also defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong putting his party and its members first.

Some key officials of the NPP, particularly acting Chairman Freddie Blay, had suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments may have been taken out of context.

All this was not lost on Mr. Ablakwa, who said, “even after 48 hours, when he had the opportunity to reflect, he said he had done nothing wrong and he remained proud… From what we hear, he was summoned to the Flagstaff House and he appears to have been compelled to issue this apology letter, which has come late in the day.”

Way forward for Minority

The North Tongu MP, who has been vocal in his condemnation of the High Commissioner’s partisan comments, said the Minority is also going to meet decide on its next course of action.

“We will be meeting [Thursday morning] and we will consider all the circumstances, and we will convey our final decision to the general public,” he stated.

The Minority had held that Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments were suicidal, disgraceful and asserted that he be sacked immediately.

It also accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of turning a blind eye to the High Commissioner’s “bigotry.”

The Minority in a statement avowed to use every means possible to have their demands met.

“We will not relent in demanding action on this matter. We have considered our options under the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, and can indicate our readiness to trigger further processes if Government inertia continues.”

Apologize or be sacked

Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology may suffice for some, like pressure group Occupy Ghana, which said he should be sacked only if he failed to apologize.

A retired diplomat, K.B. Asante was also more reconciliatory in his comments on the matter suggesting that Mr. Ayisi Boateng be given the opportunity to learn from his mistakes, however senseless it was.

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ayisi Boateng’s apology forced, insincere – Ablakwa appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The apology and retraction was contained in a letter signed by the diplomat and dated November 1, 2017.

[contextly_sidebar id=”IxkhVUx3MFCZRM4INKOfJ9HMmI8y3o4H”]“I have upon sober reflection, decided to retract the comments I made during my interaction with some Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region over the weekend. I have realized that my statement is unfortunate and at variance with the letter and spirit of the Ghanaian constitution, and the dignified office of High Commissioner that I occupy. I am aware that as the representative of Ghana to South Africa, I have a responsibility to protect the interest of all Ghanaians within my jurisdiction and to grant them equal access to opportunities that are presented, irrespective of their political affiliation,” the statement said.

“I regret the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry. I therefore wish to retract my comments and render an unqualified apology to the presidency and all Ghanaians,” it added.

He’s a disgrace, sack him quick – Ghanaians bash Ayisi Boateng

Prior to the apology, there were reports he had been summoned at the Flagstaff over the faux pas,  since many Ghanaians have called for his dismissal over the comments largely considered divisive and irresponsible.

The diplomat, while addressing members of the Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON) in the Ashanti Region over the weekend, said his first priority is to members of the party, and that if he had his own way, members of TESCON will be prioritized for various jobs.

Mr. Boateng said he considers NPP members as more Ghanaian than others.

“…this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I’m here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian, take it or leave it,” he said.

Ayisi Boateng must apologize or be sacked – OccupyGhana

Although many groups had called for his dismissal, pressure group Occupy Ghana, had in particular asked that he should be sacked only if he fails to apologize.

‘Your wife and kids must eat first’; I did no wrong – Ayisi Boateng

It must however be noted that, Mr. Ayisi Boateng called the bluff of Ghanaians after the massive criticism, insisting in an interview with Kumasi-based Abusua FM that he had said nothing wrong and that he would not apologize.

In that interview he said: “I didn’t speak evil at all… When you have a large family but you first make your wife and children eat first before others, what is wrong with that? I am not divisive. E.T Mensah is my senior colleague, when he came to South Africa, find out what I did for him. I have not said anything bad, I stand by my words.”

‘Maybe Ayisi Boateng spoke in context’ – Freddie Blay

Some key officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), particularly acting Chairman Freddie Blay, had suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng may have been taken out of context.

Ayisi’s comment suicidal; Nana Addo must act now – Minority

Prior to today’s apology, the Minority in Parliament turned the heat on President Nana Akufo-Addo to break his silence over the widely condemned partisan comment made by the High Commissioner.

According to the Minority, turning a blind eye on the issue will mean that Akufo-Addo endorses such comments which have been described as “bigotry.”

Show him the exit

The Minority in a statement said: “While Ayisi Boateng’s apparent suicidal mission in the face of overwhelming condemnation by decent minded Ghanaians has made him the ‘Chemical Ali’ of Ghana’s Diplomatic Service, the Minority in Parliament like most Ghanaians believe the ball is now squarely in the court of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to show this dangerous envoy the exit.”

The Minority further described Mr. Ayisi’s comments as “suicidal,” disgraceful and must be sacked immediately.

“It is generally understood that anything short of giving the disgraced High Commissioner to South Africa the sack by President Akufo-Addo can only mean that the President endorses his deplorable statements and perhaps explains Ayisi Boateng’s continuous show of rare spiteful bravado.”

The Minority in the statement also vowed to use every means possible to have their demands met.

“We will not relent in demanding action on this matter. We have considered our options under the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, and can indicate our readiness to trigger further processes if Government inertia continues,” the statement added.

–

By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie & Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ayisi Boateng apologizes for partisan comments appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Comments like that put the country on the verge of “rot”, he asserted on the Citi Breakfast Show.

[contextly_sidebar id=”qPzSitbqxMyPOgWYeVhlgkm1t7ufRA0s”]Mr. Asante stated that, “no Ghanaian is more Ghanaian than another. We are all Ghanaians… all that the High Commissioner is saying is that, with all due respect, it doesn’t make sense. He is there for all Ghanaians.”

The diplomat, while addressing members of the Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network  (TESCON) in the Ashanti Region over the weekend, said his first priority is to members of the party, and that if he had his own way, members of TESCON will be prioritized for various jobs.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WOwRPmSAZ1zF4NFSXGfccfB4EnzotbRS”]Mr. Boateng said he considers NPP members as more Ghanaian than others.

“…this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I’m here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian, take it or leave it,” he said.

Ayisi Boateng can change

Although Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments have been met with outrage and calls for his sacking, the retired diplomat said there was still room for reform for the embattled South African High Commissioner.

“If I am in charge, I will move him from South Africa and perhaps send him to another place and warn him. If he doesn’t change, I will get rid of him.”

Training for envoys

Stopping short of calling this a second chance for the embattled envoy, he suggested that, Mr. Ayisi Boateng may have also lacked the required training leading to his comments.

“When I was appointed an envoy, I was then a schoolmaster in Achimota School, and I was sent to Turkey to learn. Ten of us were selected and we were all given that sort of training… since then, we are supposed to train them, but I don’t think we do, so part of the fault is the government or those who send them.”

“That is why I say he may not know so we should send him to another place and hopefully, he would learn. If we change all the High Commissioners and representatives for faux pas, we won’t have any… He deserves to learn. He has made his faux pas. He can go somewhere else for a time, and we will watch him and if he is sensible, he will learn.”

No remorse

Despite the widespread condemnation, there has been no remorse from Mr. Ayisi Boateng, who insisted that there was nothing wrong with putting his party people first.

Speaking on Kumasi-based Abusua FM on Tuesday, he said: “I didn’t speak evil at all… When you have a large family but you first make your wife and children eat first before others, what is wrong with that? I am not divisive. E.T Mensah is my senior colleague, when he came to South Africa, find out what I did for him. I have not said anything bad, I stand by my words.”

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ayisi Boateng’s partisan comment ‘senseless’ – K.B. Asante appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He made these remarks at a ceremony over the weekend to welcome fresh members of the tertiary wing of the NPP, Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON) at the Kumasi Technical University.

… this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I’m here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian, take it or leave it.”

“Indeed I’m not boasting, but I’ve started meeting the NPP groups. Every weekend I meet some group members and I tell you if I had my way, every job opportunity that will come will go to a TESCON member before any other person. And I know my colleague appointees also have the same feeling except that because of IMF we cannot do anything now.

Some Citi FM listeners vented their spleen on the Citi Breakfast Show, and described the comments as distasteful.

Some also took offense to the undertone of partisanship and cronyism in the High Commissioner’s comments.

“The only problem I have is giving the opportunity to someone who does not qualify to work in the name of parties. If that is the way to go, then I am disappointed in what honorable Ayisi Boateng said,” one listener stated.

But a lot more scorn of Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments was noted on social media.

 Some also called him a disgrace and described him as incompetent to head the South African Mission.

Comparisons were made to the former deputy Agriculture Minister, William Quaitoo, who resigned from his portfolio after making ethnocentric comments.

No remorse

The outrage notwithstanding, Mr. Ayisi Boateng has defended his comments and said he found nothing wrong with his pledge to put NPP members before other Ghanaians.

“When you have a large family but you first make you’re your wife and children eat first before others…What is wrong with that? I am not divisive,” he said.

The Minority spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has already called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately terminate his appointment as High Commissioner, since his comment is divisive and reprehensible.

But Mr. Ayisi Boateng has said he is unperturbed. Whilst attempting to deny making the statement, he said he stands by it.

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post He’s a disgrace, sack him quick – Ghanaians bash Ayisi Boateng appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Sky sources understand Liverpool wanted the 19-year-old to join them immediately but Lille insisted the player return to the French club on loan for another season.

Origi, who played for Belgium at the World Cup in Brazil, has scored six goals in 35 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid were all linked with the player but he has opted to join Belgium team-mate Simon Mignolet at Anfield and become Brendan Rodgers’ sixth summer signing.

Origi told the club’s website: “I am very, very happy and delighted a club as big as Liverpool showed interest in me. I’m very excited.

“I know it’s a club with a great history, great fans and a lot of great players. For me, Liverpool is one of the greatest clubs in the world and I’m very excited to be part of this great history.

“I am very proud to sign for the club. I’ll give everything for the club, like I did when I was small and did for Lille.

“I’m hoping we can achieve great things together.”

Origi is Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer, following Southampton trio Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren, and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can to Anfield.

And while he will not be part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans for the coming campaign the striker cannot wait to be able to make an impression.

“The fact we have a young team and can grow is the most exciting part,” he added. “With the coach we have he’s a great manager who can handle a young team.

“He’s said a lot of good things about Liverpool and told me it’s the perfect club for me. He was only positive and it was great to be able to talk with him about Liverpool.

“We also have experienced players. I think we can go very far – we have a lot of quality in the group.

“This year I’ll have a chance to play at European level, so in the Europa League or Champions League.

“It’s important for me to gain a place in the team, improve and be ready for the season after that.”

–

Source: Sky Sports

The post Liverpool sign Divock Origi and striker returns to Lille on loan appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.