MTN Nigeria’s N780 billion fine may be slashed again - Reps

The N780 billion MTN fine may further be slashed, a member, House of Representatives, has said.

The Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on ICT, Ahmed Garba Bichi, said in Abuja, yesterday, at the sideline of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), that the legislators were still “consulting” with the executive on how to go about collecting the fine.

He said that though the MTN would pay the fine, “but it may not be the whole thing.”

Bichi said that the ongoing consultation between the committee set up by the House and officials from the ministry of communications on how the payment should be made, was progressing and report would soon be submitted.

“The committee members are going to speak with the company, MTN, as soon they finish their consultations”, he said.

Head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars Avram Grant is waiting anxiously to see if Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan will be fit for the friendly against Guinea in Paris and the AFCON qualifier against Mauritius.

The Ghana captain is feared to have suffered a bad injury as he was substituted just after 10 minutes while in action for Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League on Saturday afternoon.

Details of the injury is yet to emerge as SIPG medical team is diagnosing the extent of damage done to the 30-year-old striker.

SIPG manager Sven Goran Eriksson was forced to apply an alteration to his side early in the game as the former Sunderland striker could not continue the game at the Workers Stadium against Beijing Guoan.

Avram Grant is expected to name his squad for the friendly against Guinea in the coming days but will only do so with the full details of the fitness of his skipper.

The team that will be named for the friendly will proceed to play in the AFCON qualifier against Mauritius on the 6th of June.

Nigerian Artiste, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D'banj says he will not renew his endorsement deal with Ciroc at the expiration of the present contract.

The artiste, who made the announcement on his instagram page, however, did not give more details for his decision.

"D'banj has decided not to renew his @cirocnigeria endorsement," it read.

He showed a video of himself swaying to his new song while chilling in his pool with his cute dog.

D'banj was announced as a brand ambassador for Ciroc Nigeria in February, 2015 alongside Banky W.

The artiste thereafter took to his social media page to confirm to fans that he really did make the decision.

D'banj's announcement reads: "iambangalee#BreakingNews: D'Banj has decided not to renew his @cirocnigeria endorsement."

Fans had, however, backed the artiste up, encouraging him to start a brand of alcohol for himself, saying "we think he'll name it Koko."

Ciroc is a brand of eau-de-vie vodka made in France and distributed by British based multinational alcohol beverage maker, Diageo. (NAN)

Researchers in China introduce Jia Jia, the 'robot goddess

Robots have come a long way since the days of cartoon character George Jetson’s “Rosie,” who served as housekeeper and maid and referred to her keeper as “Mr. J.”  

Last week, researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China, located in Hefei, introduced the world to Jia Jia, a lifelike female robot that dazzled.

Related: Man's homemade robot looks a lot like Scarlett Johansson

The team said it took three years to design and complete Jia Jia, who boasts a flexible plastic face, long brown hair, arms that move and eyes that roll naturally.

Chen Xiaoping, who served as the team’s director, said that during her design, particular attention was paid to Jia Jia’s eyes, as well as ensuring that her speech was in sync with her lip movements, according to The Independent.

“Hello everyone, I’m Jia Jia,” said the robot, as she greeted the crowd, “welcome.”

The robot, wearing a gold dress, referred to Chen as her “Lord” and advised members of the media to keep back when taking photos so that her face wouldn’t appear too fat.

Related: Most Americans think robots will take our jobs within 50 years

According to Xinhua, Chen said plans are in the works to upgrade Jia Jia with artificial intelligence mechanisms that will allow her to recognize facial expressions, among other things. Chen told the news outlet that he hopes to transform her into a “robot goddess.”

Jia Jia will be featured at the Shanghai International Technology Fair on April 21

I want to become like Michael Jackson - Bukom Banku

Bukom Banku, the controversial Ghanaian boxer says he is not done with bleaching yet, as his aim is to look like Michael Jackson.

Bukom Banku in an interview with Kafui Dey on GhOne TV expressed no regret for bleaching his skin. He added that he would continue to bleach for as long as he desires.

In his own words, the boxer said: “I will continue to bleach my skin and look like Michael Jackson. I like Michael Jackson so I will continue bleaching till I’m fair like him. People haven’t seen anything yet. It is my own skin and I will bleach the way I like”

Bukom in his interview revealed that he likes president Mahama and he is ready to help in his 2016 campaign to win the presidency as they all hail from the North and he considers him a father figure.

The controversial boxer disclosed that he spends close to GH?320 weekly on his bleaching cosmetics weekly.

News of the boxer bleaching caused a public debate when photos of his alleged skin bleaching hit the internet. In rebuttal to his critics, Bukom Banku has decided to switch his ‘fashion sense’ to wearing skimpy shorts to expose his nude shanks.

Bukom Banku, known in private life as Braimah Kamoko is a professional boxer who plays other multiple roles as a musician and an actor.

Why Russia is pulling its troops out

In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced, in a surprise move, that he was pulling the majority of Russian troops out of Syria. He said the aims of the six-month deployment had largely been achieved.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visits Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visits Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.
The Russian forces -- and particularly Russian air power -- played a decisive role in propping up Assad at a time when he appeared in jeopardy. Putin telephoned Assad himself to let him know about the withdrawal.
Assad's position appears more secure now than it did in September, when the Russian deployment began and officials said that the terrorist group ISIS and other Assad opponents were its targets.
But Russia may have paid a price for its involvement.
On October 31 -- in an incident that may or may not be related specifically to Syria -- a Russian passenger plane exploded over Egypt's Sinai peninsula, killing all 224 people aboard. Investigators believe a bomb was smuggled on board. ISIS claimed responsibility and posted what it claimed was a photo of the bomb.
And on November 24, Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that had been flying over Syria, claiming the plane had strayed into Turkish airspace and ignored warnings to change course. A pilot was killed.
Russia denied that the plane had violated Turkish airspace. But the US said it had verified Turkey's claim.

In Syria the blood continues to flow, civilians continue to die and the tears keep falling.

This week, a hospital was bombed. Doctors were killed, the building was reduced to rubble, and nearby Syrians were left -- in the middle of a war -- with little access to medical care.
Displaced Syrian children living in a camp near the Turkish border.
Displaced Syrian children living in a camp near the Turkish border.
Syria, a jewel of a country on the eastern end of the Mediterranean, remains convulsed by war, eating itself from within. It is smaller than 17 of the 50 American states, yet it commands the attention of diplomats the world over.
The tide of refugees from the country is threatening to overwhelm the European Union and crush its treasured system of open borders between most member countries.
And after more than five years of civil war, President Bashar al-Assad -- propped up in part by Russian air support -- still clings to power. His enemies remain implacable, and a negotiated solution seems hard to envision.
A truce negotiated in February among some of the groups fighting in Syria now "hangs by a thread," a U.N. official said this week -- and that is putting it generously. It appears to be collapsing.

Iranian refugee who set himself on fire dies in Australia

Pushed to breaking point after suffering three years of detention on Nauru island, a young Iranian migrant protested by setting himself on fire on Wednesday. The distressing scene was filmed by several other migrants. After being airlifted to Australia, he died in a hospital in Brisbane. 

Hundreds of migrants, including around 40 children, are currently being held in a detention centre on Nauru. Most of them end up on the island after trying to reach Australia. However, under a controversial agreement in place between the Australian government and Nauru, migrants caught trying to make their way to Australia are often transferred directly to a detention centre in this tiny island state.

Following the visit of a team from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the camp, 23-year-old Omid set himself on fire.

One of the videos currently making the rounds on social media networks shows the man lashing out at the UNHCR team as it left the camp.

French politicians are decrying the violence

French politicians are decrying the violence that erupted at the edges of anti-labor reform protests in Paris and other French cities.

French Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said 214 people have been arrested nationwide and 78 police officers suffered injuries during clashes on Thursday.


In all, 961 people have been arrested during protests in the last few months, Cazeneuve said in a speech Friday in the eastern city of Strasbourg.

Paris police overnight evicted anti-reform demonstrators from the "Nuit Debout" ("Night Rising") group from their encampment in the city's Place de la Republique.

French protests are routinely marred by clashes as masked rioters smash shops or pelt riot police with projectiles. But Thursday night's clashes were particularly violent. Paris police said they were challenged by about 100 "particularly virulent" demonstrators while trying to clear Place de la Republique early Thursday.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said while she supports the right to protest, "violence is unacceptable."

Cristiano Ronaldo will "decide on the day" whether he fit enough to play in Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City, says Guillem Balague.

After a 0-0 draw at the Etihad on Tuesday, which Ronaldo missed with a thigh injury, the forward is in a race against time to be fit for Wednesday night's crucial return leg at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo - who will sit out Saturday's league game against Real Sociedad - would be a huge miss for Real having scored 16 goals in 10 Champions League games this season, and Balague says the fact the 31-year-old has chosen to take treatment away from the club is indicative of the "medical crisis" at Real.

Nigeria: Enyeama Rated Europe's 6th Best Goal Keeper

Former Super Eagles captain and Lille OSC goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has been rated the sixth best goalkeeper in Europe for the 2015/16 season by the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper is the only African on the top 10 list, making him the best on the continent.

Shatta Wale to face off with Flavour at ‘Ghana meets Naija

Self-acclaimed dancehall king, Shatta Wale will square up with Nigerian artiste Flavour in this year’s edition of ‘Ghana Meets Naija’.

Pappy Kojo, E.L, and Mr. Eazi will all line-up for Ghana while Flavour will be joined by Olamide and Harry Song to represent the oil producing West African nation.

In its 6th edition, Ghana meets Naija has become the most anticipated event on the Ghanaian entertainment calendar.

It is the only event that provides the opportunity for artistes in Ghana and Nigeria to show who is who in the music industry among the two rival nations.

This year’s event will held at the Accra International Conference Center on Saturday 21 May.

Ghana Meets Naija is powered by Empire Entertainment and sponsored by Tigo.

7 Listed Banks Record Huge Losses On GSE

Seven out of 11 financial stocks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) have registered negative returns thus losing millions of Ghana cedis in value since the beginning of the year.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), parent bank of Ecobank Ghana was the biggest loser on the Accra Bourse as at Friday April 15, 2016 with a year-to-date of -33.30 percent and a market capitalization of GH¢4.3 billion.  GCB Bank followed suit with an annual return of -7.70 percent and a market capitalization of GH¢927.50 million.

The two companies are currently trading at 18 pesewas and GHc3.6 pesewas per share respectively on the GSE.

Ecobank Ghana, CAL, HFC, Stanchart and Trust Bank Gambia all recorded negative returns at the end of trading on Friday April 15, 2016.

Their annual returns stood at -2.30 percent, -3.0 percent, -5.60 percent, -1.20 percent and -5.40 percent respectively.

Due to this, their market capitalizations have gone down.

Enterprise Ghana Limited which over the years has been one of the outstanding stocks on the Ghana Stock Exchange and UT Bank are the only two financial stocks that have registered gains since the year began.

They have recorded 2.10 and 10.0 percent year-to-date gain respectively. Their market capitalization stood at GHc326.51 million  and GHc50.19 million respectively while they are trading at about GHc2.45 and 11 pesewas  on the GSE.  

Analysts attribute UT’s recent positive return to a restructuring programme that the bank is undertaking to clean its books from high impairment and bring it to profitability.

SocieteGenerale and SIC Insurance were the two firms that recorded no change in value at the end of April 15, 2016.

The situation appears to be similar in the consumer sector where Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and PZ Cussons have all registered losses in value.

The GSE Financial Sector Index as at Friday April 15, 2016 stood at -7.02 percent in cedi term.

The GSE recorded a negative return in both US dollar and the Ghana cedi for investors for the first quarter of this year.

While the Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index (GSE CI) recorded -4.15 percent return in cedi term for the first three months of 2016, it registered a -5.64 percent return in dollar term despite a relative stability in the local currency.  

Beside the Nigerian Stock Exchange which recorded -10.9 percent return for investors in the first quarter, all other stock exchanges in Africa did better than the Accra Bourse.

The market capitalization of the 36 listed firms on the main market stood at GH¢54. 7 billion at the end of March 31, 2016 compared with GH¢57.11 billion at the end of December 31, 2015.  

SIC, BOPP and HORDs listed on the SME market were the best performing stocks during the first three months of 2016. They ended the period trading at 18 pesewas, GH¢3.13 and 10 pesewas respectively

The worst performing stocks were Aluworks, Cocoa Processing Company and Starwin Ghana.

Prince found dead at recording studio age 57

The singer Prince has died at his recording studio, age 57.  

Entertainment website TMZ said his body was discovered at his compound in Chanhassen, Minnesota this morning. A spokesperson confirmed his death to The Independent. "The news is devastatingly true," they said. 


READ MORE
Tributes flood in for Prince who has passed away aged 57
Carver County Chief Deputy Jason Kamerud told Fox 9 that they responded to a medical call at 9.43 am. The cause of death is not yet clear. 

The iconic singer, real name Prince Rogers Nelson, was hospitalised after his jet made an emergency landing on Friday morning. 

A spokesperson later said he was suffering from the flu prior to the performance and that the plane landed at Moline so he could receive treatment there. Prince later flew on and returned home. 

Stephen Appiah to open official Vodafone unity match

Primeval Media in conjunction with Stephen Appiah, former captain of the Black Stars, will  this  Friday organize a Press Soiree at the Multi Purpose Court of the Accra Sports Stadium, aimed at interacting with various stakeholders in the football fraternity, members of the sporting media and corporate world.
 A statement from the Communications Directorate of Primeval Media, said the event would also be used to formally announce the head line sponsors; Vodafone Ghana Limited.
According to the statement, the event which, has now be christened “Vodafone Unity Match” would create a platform for the media to interact with organizers, other stakeholders as part of efforts to build an exciting moments for the match.
It said, the headline sponsors, would also be presented with an opportunity to tell the world through the media, about their association with the event

Agya Koo still remains unbeatable - Manager

A Film Producer and Manager of Ace Actor Agya Koo, Ernest Atta Aboagye has taken a swipe against comments that Agya Koo did not resurrect Ghana movie industry from its abyss.

A Kumasi Based Film Director Jackson K. Bentum last week shared some facts about the origination and ownership of the Ghana Movie Industry since Alexander Kofi Adu known as Agya Koo is gaining credit as a resurgence of Ghana Movies.

Mr. Bentum, who won best script writer in 2012 Kumawood awards, was emphatic that the movie industry is a collective idea so any individual who claim credit for resurrecting the film industry is a big lie.

But reacting to the comment on Ashh fm E-zone in Kumasi, Ernest Atta Aboagye said his client remains unbeatable in the Ghanaian local movie industry.

According to him, no one can talk about the revival of the Ghana movie industry without giving credits to Agya Koo.

Atta Aboagye told Nana Amoako host of the show that, Agya Koo’s achievement in the movie industry is unarguable.

“The truth is one, no one can say for a fact that Agya Koo’s is not a’’ resurrector’’ of the Ghana Movie Industry. If you talk of industry players who deserve credit in the industry there is no way you can mention without my client’s name’’

Atta Aboagye insisted that he doesn’t sight with Jackson Bentum’s comment, though he is entitled to his opinion.

He said the absence of Agya Koo in the movie has bitterly affected the industry, the film industry is not booming anymore for that matter majority of the producers have invested in other business.

Exports From Ghana To EU To Stop If…

Ghana’s delay in signing a substantive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) has got exporters worried as a 20.5 percent tariff increment looms. 

Government has until October 1, this year to sign unto the agreement even though its intentions are unclear, sending mix signals to exporters who fear higher taxes would be slapped on their produce making it less competitive. 

Some of the producers and exporters who have expressed worry include; agro processing companies such as Golden Exotics, HPW Fresh and Dry, Blue Skies, Barry Callebaut and other cocoa processing companies producing for the EU market. 

Also, canned tuna exporters such as Pioneer Food Carney will be affected. 

Reports are already stating that the tuna export company has cut down on its investments to prevent excess production if the tariff in increased. 

The parent company of the firm is said to have always invested between $4 million and $5 million every year to expand the company but the figure is already indicating a drop. According to the General Manager of the company, Mr. Nichol Elizabeth , the future of the company looked uncertain as industry watchers are left to wonder on government’s decision. 

He stated that since the company exports about 95 percent of its products to the EU region, it would be the hardest hit, affecting the over 2,000 workers employed by the company. He expressed fears that Ghana may risk a ban as the EU parliament moves closely to rise in August, a situation that would make it difficult for ECOWAS or Ghana to get their ban withdrawn. 

Interim Agreement in 2007 It would be recalled that in December 2007, Ghana initialed an interim EPA to avoid a similar tariff action after the preferential trade agreement enjoyed under a previous treaty , named the Cotonou Accord expired in the year 2000. 

Since 2000, African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) had been working with the EU Commission to sign a non-preferential bilateral trade treaty in which either side would offer both tariffs and concession, but in a regime that favours the ACP countries more.

ECOWAS member states including Ghana have been working since 2000 to sign the pact as a sub-region with the EU. 

Trade volume between EU and Ghana Trade volume between the EU and Ghana as at 2013 was estimated at 11.2 billion euros from 1.9 billion euros in 2000. Currently, the EU is Ghana’s biggest trading partner as trade volumes is further estimated to surge. 

Trade analysts and financial experts have expressed worry over government’s lack of clear direction on the matter as income from EU is crucial for Ghana’s investment and economic expansion. Introduction of the EPA ECOWAS as regional bloc deliberated over the issue to sign on to the EPA to benefit the sub-region as a whole. 

As the regional bloc still deliberated, Cote d’Ivoire signed a substantive agreement with the EU in 2007 to secure its exports to benefit from ‘duty-free’ and ‘quota-free’ on some items such as agricultural and food items. Under the EPA, some commodities have been selected for duty-taken off the zero tariff regime.

The consequences are that if a country of origin does not have an agreement, the EU under its market access regulation which conforms to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, will ‘slap’ higher tariffs on the country. 

The WTO rules do not allow developed economies to grant preferential market access to countries not categorized as ‘least developed’. 

Ghana was unable to qualify as it was elevated to join a league of lower middle income countries.

Fan Pays $90,000 For A Kiss With Hitmaker Ricky Martin

A female Ricky Martin fan paid an eyewatering $90,000 for a kiss with the hitmaker.

Ana Paola Diniz placed the highest bid at an auction to raise money for AIDS charities and planted the kiss on her idol at the amfAR Inspiration Gala in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday. 

The 44-year-old singer passionately embraced the dog breeder, who owns a pet resort, at the event and did not hold back as they locked lips following the whopping bid. 

Busy To Sponsor 7th Oil, Gas And Power Summit

Ghana’s leading internet service provider, Busy, which recently launched its 4G LTE mobile service, has been named as the official 4G Wifi sponsor for the 7th Oil, Gas and Power Summit which opens in Accra on Wednesday, 20th and ends on Thursday 21st April, 2016.

The Oil, Gas & Power Summit and Exhibition is viewed by industry players as the only event committed to driving Ghana’s oil, gas and power potential forward. It is the official meeting of the Government, decision makers of the oil, gas and power sector of Ghana and where energy policies are discussed and developed. The event has a strong local as well as international attendance for strategic networking and partnerships.

According to the Chief Executive Of

ficer of Busy, Mr Praveen Sadalage, “Busy is poised to leverage the opportunity offered by the summit to delight the participating organisations with our wireless routers and MiFis at different data bundle prices”. 

He said Busy will showcase its Business Ultra, a product that guarantees unlimited Internet access solutions for mid to large businesses. “Business Ultra is the ideal solution for businesses with multiple users of bandwidth-heavy applications such as video streaming, video chatting and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) downloading”, he stated. 

“Currently, Busy’s 4G data services extends from Kasoa to Prampram in the Greater Accra Region and to Ayi Mensa, near Aburi.”, Mr. Sadalage revealed.

The Ghana Oil, Gas & Power Summit is the most reputable oil, gas and power event in Ghana bringing together the Government, international and regional experts, key decision makers, contractors and service providers under one roof

Never been approached to be brand ambassador of Incredible India: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says that he has never been approached to be Brand Ambassador for the 'Incredible India' campaign contrary to media reports that his name might be put on hold after the Panama Papers leak.