The 500 were sent to the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates [UAE] by fake recruitment agencies for non existing jobs.

[contextly_sidebar id=”zCSOMn5ENqiDxVHz8NmAu92FNqXt2wYn”]Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, however said government is collaborating with authorities in the UAE to repatriate them.

The Minister further indicated that government is working closely with the security agencies to arrest owners and managers of the fake recruitment agencies that only end up exploiting the desperate job seekers.

“As we speak 500 young Ghanaians have been left stranded in Dubai and do not know what to do. The security agencies are tracking  down these recruitment agencies as well as travel and tour companies who are doing this to these young people. These agencies manage to secure only tourism visas for these young people which expires after three months. They charge them between 8,000 and 15,000 cedis to secure them these visas.’’

‘Ban on labour export still in force’

Mustapha Hamid also reiterated that the ban on the export of labour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still in force, adding that government will do all it can to enforce the ban.

‘’Let me emphasize that the ban on the exportation of labour to the Gulf is still in force and the security agencies will not hesitate to apply it..’’

There have been several reported cases of abuse and maltreatment of Ghanaians who usually take up jobs as maids and nannies not only in the UAE, but other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Over 800 Ghanaians in Saudi Arabia return home

In 2017, about 800 Ghanaian migrants living in Saudi Arabia illegally turned themselves in at Ghana’s mission there to be deported.

This followed a three-month amnesty granted illegal residents by the Saudi government to leave or be sanctioned.

Over 500 Ghanaians to be repatriated from Saudi Arabia

The Ghana Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2017 appealed to Ghanaians living in Saudi Arabia without residency and work permits to take advantage of a package by the Embassy to return them to Ghana.

Ghana’s mission at the time said over 500 people applied voluntarily to be repatriated.

This was because Saudi Arabia announced a 90-day amnesty for persons living in that country illegally who wished to return to their countries of origin as part of the Kingdom’s “A Nation Without Illegal Expatriates” campaign.

Reversing illegal migration’

President Nana Akufo-Addo has vowed to reverse the trend of illegal migration by Ghanaians, by building a sound economy with opportunities for all.

In an address at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, the President stated that it was inappropriate for any Ghanaian to go through the life threatening ordeal of an immigrant.

“There have always been adventurous Ghanaians who would go out and try their luck in other parts of the world but the periods of economic collapse turned our country into places of wholesale emigration,” the President noted.

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By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post 500 Ghanaians stranded in Dubai- Gov’t appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

CBP is not releasing the travelers’ names because none was criminally charged.

During outbound inspection operations Sunday, CBP officers seized $100,111 from a man destined to Accra, Ghana, who initially claimed that he possessed $2,000.  CBP officers discovered $10,000 in each of 10 bank envelopes in the man’s backpack.

Earlier Sunday, CBP officers seized $20,031 from a man who arrived from Ghana who initially reported that he possessed $10,000.  During an inspection, CBP officers discovered an additional $10,000 wrapped in a t-shirt in the man’s carry-on bag, plus another $31 in loose pocket currency.

On Saturday, CBP officers seized $23,826 from a man bound for Ghana after a currency detector dog alerted to his carry-on bag.  The man initially reported that he possessed $5,000.  A baggage exam revealed $23,826 in a suit jacket and a camera bag.

Travelers may carry as much currency as they wish in and out of the United States.  Federal law requires that travelers must report all U.S. and foreign monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or greater on a U.S. Treasury Department financial form.  None of the currency is taxed.

“Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to be completely honest when reporting all their currency during an inspection with a CBP officer, or be prepared to face severe consequences,” said Daniel Mattina, CBP Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington Dulles.

“The best way for travelers to hold onto their currency is to fully comply with our nation’s currency reporting laws.”

Following each currency seizure, CBP officers provided a humanitarian monetary release of $1,111 to the man who departed the U.S. on Sunday, $826 to the man who departed on Saturday, and $831 to the man who arrived to the U.S. on Sunday.  CBP released all three men to continue to travel.

“CBP officers not only ensure that inbound travelers and cargo comply with U.S. laws and regulations, but they also conduct outbound examinations to safeguard the revenue of the U.S.  These inspections protect against unreported exportations of bulk U.S. currency, which often can be proceeds from alleged illicit activity,” said Casey Owen Durst, Director, CBP’s Field Operations Director in Baltimore “These significant currency seizures are a direct reflection of our continuing commitment to enforcing federal currency reporting requirements.”

Travelers are encouraged to visit CBP’s Travel section to learn more about the CBP admissions process and rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

CBP’s Office of Field Operations

Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S.  In screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens, CBP uses a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, and to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong.

On a typical day, CBP seizes $289,609 in undeclared or illicit currency along the nation’s borders.

CBP’s border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations.  Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

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Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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The Minister’s comments follow the Speaker of Parliament’s directive to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee last week, to investigate cases of alleged dehumanizing treatment meted out to Ghanaians at some embassies.

[contextly_sidebar id=”AY9ApsDpYyZv6wULOfg03wzJ7A2TOQFR”]In an interview with Citi News, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway said most of the foreign missions engaged so far by the Ministry, have been responsive to the complaints from Ghanaians.

“We have been engaging with these embassies and informing them of the problems that Ghanaians are faced with when they come for visas and it has been very fruitful. We have had meetings with the UK High Commission, we have had meetings with the US Embassy, we have had meetings with the Chinese Embassy.”

Poor treatment of Ghanaians must stop – Ablakwa 

The Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had expressed concerns about the plight of many Ghanaians at a number of embassies, noting the “dehumanizing treatment sometimes meted out to many applicants virtually on a daily basis.”

Mr. Ablakwa, noted that the situation could affect diplomatic relations in Ghana if not checked.

Making a statement on the floor of Parliament, the North Tongu MP said: “the blot I speak of is the shabby and dehumanizing treatment sometimes meted out to many Ghanaian applicants virtually on a daily basis.”

Investigate ‘ill-treatment’ of Ghanaians at Embassies – Speaker orders

The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, then directed the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament to immediately investigate claims that Ghanaians are being maltreated at some foreign missions in the country.

“Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs shall meet and deliberate on this matter through investigation and interrogation; and armed with a letter from the Speaker’s Office, they shall visit relevant embassies and places, analyse the problem, where necessary with the cooperation of Embassy staff, and our own foreign office, but independent of it, and report back to the House,” the Speaker said.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Frank Annor Dompreh, had earlier said that his Committee was aware of the situation, and would team up with the Foreign Affairs Ministry on how best to deal with this worrying trend.

“It has become so important and poignant that we take some important decisions and make some attempts to resolve this concern once and for all,” he said.

Mr. Annor Dompreh indicated the need for a thorough investigation, saying “there are some of these embassies that are doing a very good job and they need to be supported and encouraged.”

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

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Speaking at the Bolgatanga Central Mosque in the Upper East Region as part of a working visit,  the Vice President said Nana Akufo Addo had already started fulfilling some of the promises he made to Ghanaians.

[contextly_sidebar id=”GdkyEjUnXamgVjxm4oj1cmzEuC6pdjVF”]“Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is a man of his words. He is a man who keeps his promise. He is the man who has sympathy for the suffering of the Ghanaian man, and when he said if given the opportunity he will establish the Zongo Development Fund to help the people in the Zongos, he has actually done exactly that.”

“He has allocated GHC 219 million to help the Zongo Development Fund, and this will be given this year and the passage of the Zongo Development Fund law this year will make sure that every year funds are allocated in the budget for this fund, and we will see a lot of development in the Zongos. He promised that he will bring free Senior High School education so that none of our kids will be left behind and by the grace of God we will start the free SHS by September this year.”

Pray for us to succeed

The Vice President also appealed to the Muslim community to use the Ramadan period to pray for President Nana Addo and the New Patriotic Party(NPP) to succeed.

Dr. Bawumia said the NPP government will need the support and intervention of Allah through their prayers to execute their campaign promises .

Dr. Bawumia also expressed appreciation to the Muslim community in the Upper East Region for their unflinching support during the 2016 general elections.

According to him, the support of the Muslim community and Ghanaians in general cannot be underestimated.

“We came here to the Bolgatanga central mosque to break our fast, pray and fundamentally to thank our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, Fathers and Mothers who helped us so much to elect President Nana Addo and the NPP.  We are also extending the same thanks to Ghanaians and religious groups.”

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By: Marian Ansah & Fred Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo won’t disappoint Ghanaians – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Saudi Arabia, in March 2017, announced a 90-day amnesty for persons living in that country illegally who wished to return to their countries of origin as part of the Kingdom’s “A Nation Without Illegal Expatriates” campaign.

Although the amnesty will expire on June 25, 2017, it seems most Ghanaians in Saudi Arabia are bent on staying in the country.

“Since the beginning of the General Amnesty two months ago, the Ghana Embassy in Riyadh and the Ghana Consulate in Jeddah have processed more than five hundred emergency travel documents (Travelers Certificates) for Ghanaians who have violated their residency and work permits, enabling them to take advantage of the General Amnesty to leave the Kingdom,” a statement from the Embassy said.

[contextly_sidebar id=”FtocgBSZvtDdlKjAIzK16TcnKNVAq1N3″]According to the Embassy, it is “still processing these emergency travel documents for Ghanaians who wish to leave at a highly subsidized cost of SR50 (Saudi Riyals) instead of SR200” and that anyone who fails to take advantage of the package will have themselves to blame.

“Any Ghanaian illegal resident who fails to take advantage of this General Amnesty program should be ready to face any penalty or consequences thereof as a result of their actions or inactions. Both the Embassy and the Consulate should not be blamed for any unforeseen occurrences after the expiration of the General Amnesty program given that the Mission does not have any more resources to troubleshoot self-inflicted consular problems,” the statement signed by acting Head of Mission at the Embassy, Marcel Domayele added.

Abuses and maltreatment

There have been several reported cases of abuses and maltreatment of Ghanaians who usually take up jobs as maids and nannies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Several female Ghanaians were rescued in Kuwait by the Ghanaian Embassy in 2015.

According to the Embassy, it is regrettable to note that both Ghanaian agents and their foreign counterparts mislead prospective Ghanaian workers by promising them non-existent juicy offers which turn out to be a hell for most of these workers.

“The Ghana Embassy is currently overwhelmed with cases of Ghanaian domestic workers (house maids) who have fallen victims of such unfortunate pranks and misrepresentation of these agents. And it is against this background that the Embassy in the strongest possible terms warns the youth of Ghana to desist from making any plans of traveling to the GCC states to work as unskilled workers. We urge the young people of Ghana to seek information from the Embassy about any shoddy contracts even before embarking on their travel to these countries,” the statement added.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Over 500 Ghanaians to be repatriated from Saudi Arabia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Communication from Ghana’s Mission in South Africa said the 18 were rescued after one of them sent a distress call to the mission. A group of South Africans called Namelodi Concerned Residents, are accusing non-South Africans of taking over their jobs and leaving them jobless.

[contextly_sidebar id=”MvzMO59EIWM4QwtPP75C3Ybktw84Slmg”]A few of the Ghanaians are reported to have sustained various degrees of injury.

Following the renewed xenophobic attacks, over one hundred and forty suspects have been arrested after clashes with migrants, left some of the migrants, including Ghanaians injured.

The High Commission says the 18 Ghanaians rescued are now safe.

Narrating to Citi News how the attacks began, a reporter based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Larenzo Themba, said “what was supposed to be a peaceful march against illegal immigrants nearly turned out to be quite chaotic where the Police were forced to try and calm situations under the disguise of anti immigrants; but the situation is quite peaceful now and we haven’t seen any sort of violence taking place.”

She said the attacks started when “a protest being staged by concerned residents was hijacked by a group of youth mainly from other townships, and started to really cause chaos, intimidating foreign nationals and looting a shop.”

Ghanaians in SA paranoid over xenophobic attacks

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, had told Parliament a week ago that, Ghanaians in South Africa were paranoid over xenophobic attacks in some parts of that country.

“In Mamelodi, a suburb in Pretoria, there is general fear and apprehension within the various foreign communities including that of Ghana following a decision by a local to organize an anti-foreigner march today to protest at what he referred to as South African nationals being tired of enslavement and being deprived of job opportunities in their own country,” she added.

She told Parliament on Friday that her outfit has adopted stringent measures to ensure the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa.

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

The post 18 Ghanaians rescued from xenophobic attacks in South Africa appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday approved the deployment of the troops to join the ECOWAS standby force, ready to oust Yahya Jammeh if the need arises.

Mr. Jammeh has refused to step down despite losing an election and conceding defeat earlier.

[contextly_sidebar id=”qmwP0atOUl1H3VKu5fB6JUl0QoBXw5ZT”]Speaking to Citi News’ Franklin Badu Jnr, Ghana’s Minister-nominee for Defense, Dominic Nitiwul, said the combat operations involve the protection of the over 50,000 Ghanaians in the Gambia.

“All those things have been put in the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces as they are there; the combat operations, the mission operations and tactical operations have all been taken into consideration. The average number of Ghanaians there is around 50,000 and all have been taken into consideration,” he noted.

Background

Mr. Jammeh had said there were irregularities in the election held on December  1 2016, and that some of his supporters were turned away from polling stations.

He also complained about some errors made by the Electoral Commission.

The Commission accepted that, some of the results it initially published contained errors, but said Mr. Barrow had still won. Mr Jammeh has said he will stay in office until new elections are held.

Several efforts by ECOWAS and the AU to have Mr. Jammeh step down have proved futile.

Barrow to be inaugurated in Senegal

Meanwhile, President-elect, Adama Barrow, has announced that his inauguration will take place at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

“I would like to inform you that the Inauguration Ceremony is going to take place at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal,” he announced on Twitter.

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

The post We’ll evacuate Ghanaians in Gambia if necessary – Nitiwul appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

There has been reported cases of  post-election violence allegedly being perpetrated by supporters of the NPP.

There have been reports of NPP supporters arbitrarily taking over public installations across the country, reminiscent of scenes in the aftermath of the 2008 polls won by the NDC, which witnessed some of the triumphant party’s supporters take over the running of public toilets, toll booths and community centres.

Also in Kumasi, some NPP supporters stormed some public toilets seizing the keys to the facilities and assaulting some persons in the process.

The most recent disturbances were on Monday morning when some NPP youth illegally took over the Tema Motorway toll booth.

Speaking at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) thanksgiving service held at the Accra Sports Staduim, Nana Addo condemned these acts, saying “ I do recognize that there have been some instances of misconduct and altercation that should not have happened. Such behaviour is unbecoming of us.”

He further called on Ghanaians to act with kindness and forgive each other.

“I call on all Ghanaians to act with kindness, generosity and magnanimity towards one another, and to forgive anybody who has wronged or hurt you.”

Nana Addo also extended his gratitude to Ghanaians whose hard work ensured the party’s victory.

He believes the commitment by various stakeholders including party supporters and the media, inspired the party to forge ahead.

Let’s focus on the task ahead – Nana Addo 

Nana Addo was however quick to remind the teeming supporters of the daunting task ahead, saying “even as we praise God for his immense kindness and grace towards our county, we also know we have a lot of work ahead of us. It is a task that we can and will perform with your support and with your hard work, and with your increasing prayers and blessings of the Almighty God.”

“Let us then renew our faith and strength and be ready for the work ahead. I have no doubt at all that we shall succeed. This is the appointed time and I have no doubt at all that the battle is still the Lord’s,” he added.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Let’s forgive each other – Nana Addo urges Ghanaians appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Nana Addo stated that he (John Mahama) “can’t do the job, he’s struggling.”

Nana Addo made the remarks at a rally in the Okai Koi Central constituency today (October 29).

According to Nana Addo, “The people saying that the Volta Region is their World Bank should stand aside, everyone in Ghana is looking for change. One thing that all Ghanaians know is that John Mahama cannot do the job, he’s struggling. They will say a lot of things against me but I am not bothered.”

Nana Addo also said that he won’t make promises that he knows cannot be fulfilled.

“I won’t promise anything that I know I can’t deliver, I won’t lie to Ghanaians. Their Green books shows roads that they say they have constructed but those roads are in a very bad shape. When you vote for me, I will do all the things I have promised.”

Nana Akufo-Addo started his campaign tour of Accra today and is scheduled to go to Okai Koi Central, Okai Koi South and Ablekuma South constituencies.

He also met with the Chief Imam earlier today before addressing the supporters.

His campaign train has so far been to the Western, Volta, Ashanti, and the Greater Accra Regions.

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Jeffrey Owuraku Sarpong/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Mahama is struggling – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The former racing driver is making such good progress he might be allowed home by the end of next month.

But he will still need round the clock nursing care as he battles to overcome life-threatening injuries he sustained in a horrific skiing accident.

It is understood that while Schumacher remains paralysed he is able to answer questions from his wife and children Gina-Maria, 17, and son Mick, 15, by fluttering his eyes.

Doctors at the clinic in Switzerland hope to have Michael sitting upright in an advanced electronic wheelchair that he can control via his mouth within a few weeks.

According to reports in Croatian media, doctors Darko Chudy and Vedran Deletis, who have developed a revolutionary microchip implanting technique, may plan to use it to help him.

It is believed the microchip may be able to help him to walk and talk again after his extended period in a coma.

Four months ago it was reported that his devoted wife Corinna had invested heavily in transforming parts of their mansion home in Gland into a medical centre.

A new building with no outside steps has been constructed on the grounds of the mansion:.

It is thought that this will be used as the long-term care home for Michael.

Some experts say that such home-care for a coma patient is unwise. But with an accumulated wealth estimated to be well over half-a-billion pounds, Schumacher’s family is well placed to provide the limitless care that will be needed in the coming years.

This will include physiotherapists, to massage his atrophying joints, doctors, nutritionists, nurses and neurological experts.

Her husband woke up from his medically induced coma last month after smashing his head on rocks while skiing on December 29 in the French Alps.

At the weekend Corinna penned a tribute to fans stating: “The German Grand Prix gives me the perfect opportunity to cordially thank you all for the good wishes and positive energies you keep sending to Michael. I have to say your sympathies blew us all away.

“It is good to know that together we made it through the hardest time.

“Now we are facing a phase which will presumably take a long time.”

The reports in a Swiss newspaper come as poignant get well messages from stars were disclosed.

Motor racing icon Niki Lauda wrote: “Michael, everyday I follow the news on your progress and every day I am close to you. I hope I will be able to talk to you very, very soon.”

Footballer Lukas Podolski said: “Please get well soon. Only the best, my friend.”

And German tennis hero Boris Becker added: “Let us all pray for Michael for a full and speedy recovery !!!”

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Source: Mirror

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