How To Manage Voters’ Expectations After Elections In Africa

Victor Yao Nyakey
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How To Manage Voters’ Expectations After Elections In Africa

Elections in Africa often come with high hopes and expectations from the electorate. However, the period following elections can be fraught with challenges as newly elected leaders strive to meet the promises made during their campaigns. Managing voters’ expectations effectively is essential to ensure political stability and continued public trust in the democratic process.

Here are some strategies that can help in managing these expectations:

1. Transparent Communication

One of the most effective ways to manage expectations is through transparent communication. Elected officials should regularly update the public on their progress, challenges, and any changes to their plans. This transparency helps build trust and keeps voters informed about what is being done to address their concerns.

2. Setting Realistic Goals

During campaigns, politicians often make ambitious promises to win votes. After the elections, leaders need to set realistic and achievable goals. By clearly outlining what can be accomplished within a given timeframe, leaders can manage expectations and avoid disappointment.

3. Engaging with the Community

Engaging with the community through town hall meetings, social media, and other platforms allows leaders to listen to the concerns of their constituents and address them directly. This engagement fosters a sense of inclusion and ensures that voters feel heard and valued.

4. Delivering Tangible Results

While communication and engagement are important, delivering tangible results is crucial. Leaders should prioritize key projects and policies that can have a visible impact on the community. Quick wins in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education can help build confidence in the new administration.

5. Addressing Grievances Promptly

Post-election periods can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction and grievances among voters. Leaders need to address these grievances promptly and fairly. Establishing mechanisms for conflict resolution and providing avenues for voters to express their concerns can help mitigate tensions.

6. Building Strong Institutions

Strong and independent institutions are vital for managing expectations and ensuring accountability. Leaders should work towards strengthening institutions such as the judiciary, electoral bodies, and anti-corruption agencies. These institutions play a key role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions.

7. Promoting Inclusivity

Inclusivity is essential for managing expectations in diverse societies. Leaders should promote policies that ensure equal representation and opportunities for all groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. This inclusivity helps build a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of disenfranchisement.

Conclusion

Managing voters’ expectations after elections is a complex but essential task for leaders in Africa. By prioritizing transparent communication, setting realistic goals, engaging with the community, delivering tangible results, addressing grievances, building strong institutions, and promoting inclusivity, leaders can foster trust and stability in the post-election period. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to the strengthening of democracy and the overall development of the continent.

With additional information from CV News, Edinah Nyakey, Dominic Prince Amenyenu, Hilarious Godsway Adifli, Samuel Goka, Eric Boadu, Gbadey A. K. Emmanuel Dr. Albert Hagan, and Dr. Amos Oppong.

Kofi Bentil Slams False Labeling of Electric Bus Female Driver as Kayayei

News Ghana
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Kofi Bentil Slams False Labeling of Electric Bus Female Driver as Kayayei

Legal practitioner and Vice President of IMANI, Kofi Bentil, has condemned the false labeling of a female driver of the newly commissioned government electric bus as a “Kayayei” (head porter).

On Wednesday, November 27, reports surfaced suggesting that a woman, trained as a Kayayei, had driven Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia through the city in one of the newly launched electric buses. The event was widely reported to have been part of a special programme aimed at equipping Kayayei with driving skills, thereby enhancing their employability and improving their livelihoods.

The footage of the driver navigating the electric bus with Dr. Bawumia on board was initially interpreted as a success story of the programme, which many believed was designed to empower marginalized women. However, it has since been clarified that the driver was not a Kayayei but a professional driver with the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) service, having been employed in the role since 2019.

Reacting to the misrepresentation, Kofi Bentil expressed his disappointment, stating, “Learn not to attach lies to big issues. The truth is no match for lies. A small lie over a driver can overshadow the whole electric buses achievement. Learn the lesson. We move.”

Bentil’s comments highlight the potential impact of misinformation on the perception of government initiatives, especially those aimed at empowering marginalized communities.

Women and Youth Complete Election Observation Training in Ashanti Region

News Ghana
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Women and Youth Complete Election Observation Training in Ashanti Region

A group of 35 women and youth, selected from constituencies identified as election-related violence hotspots in the Ashanti Region, have successfully completed a three-day election observation training in Kumasi.

The initiative was organized by the Women, Youth Peace, and Security Institute (WYPSI) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to monitor the electoral process, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the upcoming general election.

Funded by the Government of Sweden, the training is part of a broader effort to empower women and youth in areas such as conflict resolution, social cohesion, and fostering peaceful dialogue at both the community and national levels. The participants were trained to promote vigilance and fairness, with a focus on ensuring the credibility and peace of the election process.

Addressing the participants during the training, Air Commodore David Akrong, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasized the critical role they will play in the upcoming election. He explained that the training was designed to enhance their ability to monitor the election process while also underscoring the importance of impartiality and preventing electoral violence.

“Election observers play a vital role in detecting and preventing electoral fraud such as ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and vote-buying,” Air Cdre Akrong said. “By reporting irregularities and inconsistencies, you will help ensure the integrity of the electoral process. It is essential that the information you collect is based on facts, and that any reports you make are free from personal biases or interpretations,” he added.

This training in the Ashanti Region is part of a larger initiative to train 100 election observers across four regions, including Greater Accra, Northern, and Volta, to support a free, fair, and transparent election process.

Ashanti Regional Focal Point for Women in Law and Development in Africa, Madam Aba Oppong, encouraged participants to make the most of the training and to effectively play their roles ahead of the election.

FTC Launches Broad Antitrust Probe into Microsoft’s Licensing and Cloud Businesses

News Ghana
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FTC Launches Broad Antitrust Probe into Microsoft’s Licensing and Cloud Businesses

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a comprehensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its software licensing practices and cloud computing services, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The probe, which was approved by FTC Chair Lina Khan ahead of her expected departure in January, comes at a time of political uncertainty. The election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president raises questions about whether his administration will adopt a more lenient approach toward big businesses, leaving the future of the investigation unclear.

The FTC is investigating allegations that Microsoft may be abusing its dominant position in productivity software by imposing restrictive licensing terms. These terms are said to prevent customers from transferring their data from Microsoft’s Azure cloud service to competing platforms. Sources also revealed that the FTC is examining Microsoft’s practices concerning its cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) products.

Competitors of Microsoft, including Amazon and Google, have raised concerns about the company’s licensing policies, which they argue lock customers into using its Azure cloud service. NetChoice, a lobbying group representing major online companies, criticized Microsoft for its integration of AI tools into products like Office and Outlook, warning that the company’s dominance in both productivity and operating systems software amplifies the impact of its licensing decisions.

In addition to the U.S. investigation, Google filed a complaint with the European Commission in September, alleging that Microsoft imposes a 400% markup on customers who want to run Windows Server on rival cloud services and provides them with delayed and limited security updates.

As part of its investigation, the FTC has requested a wide range of detailed information from Microsoft, according to reports. The agency has already initiated probes into Microsoft and OpenAI concerning competition within the AI sector and is scrutinizing Microsoft’s $650-million deal with the AI startup Inflection AI.

Microsoft has largely avoided scrutiny from U.S. antitrust regulators in recent years, even as competitors like Facebook owner Meta Platforms, Apple, Amazon, and Google have faced allegations of maintaining monopolistic practices. Google is currently fighting two lawsuits, one of which accuses the company of unfairly limiting competition among online search engines.

In a related development, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified at Google’s trial, accusing the search giant of using exclusive agreements with publishers to control the content necessary for training AI models.

The fate of this investigation may depend on the direction of the incoming Trump administration, which could potentially ease regulations on Big Tech companies. However, experts note that even if the administration changes, ongoing investigations are unlikely to be abandoned, though enforcement priorities may shift.

Microsoft has benefited from past Trump administration policies, most notably when the Pentagon awarded the company a $10-billion cloud computing contract in 2019, a deal that had been widely expected to go to Amazon. Amazon later accused Trump of exerting undue pressure on military officials to steer the contract away from Amazon Web Services.

Apology Regarding Published Article: “Prof. Samuel Bonsu Fingered in Alleged Sham Scholarship Arrangement”

News Ghana
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Apology Regarding Published Article: “Prof. Samuel Bonsu Fingered in Alleged Sham Scholarship Arrangement”

To Our Esteemed Readers,

We, at News Ghana, take full responsibility for the publication of the article titled “Prof. Samuel Bonsu Fingered in Alleged Sham Scholarship Arrangement,” authored by Marvin Kojo Duah, which was published on our platform.

After careful review, we acknowledge that the content of the article was not adequately substantiated with credible and verifiable sources, and that the tone of the reporting may have contributed to the spread of unverified claims and potential reputational harm to Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

While we recognize the importance of investigative journalism in holding individuals accountable, we also understand that proper diligence and adherence to professional ethics must always guide the publication of such sensitive matters. In this instance, we did not sufficiently balance the need for fairness, accuracy, and respect for the individuals involved.

We deeply regret any distress or confusion caused by the publication. News Ghana is committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, and we pledge to take necessary steps to ensure that our editorial processes are more rigorous, and that all future reports are based on verified and balanced information.

We apologize to Prof. Samuel Bonsu, GIMPA, and all individuals mentioned in the article. We also extend our sincere apologies to our readers and all those who were affected by the publication. We are committed to learning from this incident and ensuring that such mistakes do not happen again.

We have also taken down the article and will provide further clarification to address any outstanding concerns.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
Editorial & Publishing Team
News Ghana

‘A Little Taste’ Offers Glimpse into Bonny’s Evolving Artistry

Osafo Daniel
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‘A Little Taste’ Offers Glimpse into Bonny’s Evolving Artistry

Rising Nigerian singer/songwriter Bonny  with the release of her much-anticipated single, A Little Taste. Rooted in her signature blend of rap and pop, this track promises to be a game-changer, marking the next step in her journey as an artist.

Bonny’s artistry shines with authenticity and raw emotion, a rare combination that has already captivated early fans. Her unique ability to merge genres creates an unfiltered connection with listeners, making her music not just a sonic experience but a heartfelt conversation.

“I wanted A Little Taste to feel like an open diary—a glimpse into my thoughts and experiences,” says Bonny. “It’s about yearning, discovery, and the moments that leave you wanting more.”

Bonny A Little Taste X
Bonny A Little Taste

In A Little Taste, Bonny fuses rhythmic rap verses with melodic pop hooks, crafting a sound that is both fresh and emotionally resonant. The song explores themes of longing and curiosity, capturing the essence of human connection. The compelling production complements Bonny’s powerful yet vulnerable vocals, creating a track that lingers in the minds of listeners.

With just one previous release, Bonny has already demonstrated a knack for storytelling and innovation. Her dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new soundscapes sets her apart in today’s music scene. A Little Taste is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to captivate audiences with relatable themes and a distinctive style.

Bonny invites fans and new listeners alike to dive into A Little Taste, available now on all major streaming platforms. The track is not just a song—it’s an introduction to an artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable, bold, and unapologetically herself.

Kay Bryn Solidifies Afrobeat Crown with Latest 11-Track Album

Osafo Daniel
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Kay Bryn Solidifies Afrobeat Crown with Latest 11-Track Album

Ghanaian UK-based musician Kay Bryn has officially released his much-anticipated debut album, Far From Original, an 11-track masterpiece showcasing his unique fusion of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and highlife sounds. The album, available on all major streaming platforms, cements Kay Bryn’s position as a rising force in Ghana’s vibrant music scene and beyond.

Far From Original opens with the captivating track “Casanova”, produced by PP Blaq, and closes on a heartfelt note with “Daada Doodo”. Each song on the album offers listeners a fresh perspective, blending infectious rhythms and emotive storytelling. Tracks like “The Hustle” and “Chop Life” explore the dualities of life—balancing the grind for success with the need to savor life’s victories.

Kay Bryn collaborated with some of the most innovative producers in the industry to bring his vision to life. The tracklist includes:

  1. Casanova – Produced by PP Blaq
  2. Fresh Boy – Produced by PP Blaq
  3. The Hustle – Produced by Swit
  4. Maria – Produced by Ace Pizzi
  5. Far From Original – Produced by PP Blaq
  6. Pack & Go – Produced by Vampire Beat
  7. Awurade – Produced by Swit
  8. Chop Life – Produced by Vampire Beat
  9. Leg Work – Produced by Da Osina
  10. Seduction – Produced by PP Blaq
  11. Daada Doodo – Produced by PP Blaq

Kay Bryn’s sound is a testament to his diverse musical influences, combining the essence of traditional Ghanaian highlife with the contemporary edge of hip-hop and Afrobeat. His heartfelt lyrics, vibrant beats, and innovative production promise to captivate audiences both locally and internationally.

Watch visuals for Leg Work off the new album below:

About Kay Bryn
Currently based in the UK, Kay Bryn is a burgeoning artist whose distinctive voice is making waves in Ghana’s evolving music landscape. With Far From Original, he not only showcases his artistic versatility but also redefines the boundaries of Afrobeat and highlife. This debut album is just the beginning of what promises to be an enduring musical legacy.

Data Protection and Privacy in Elections: The Ghanaian Context

techfocus24
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Data Protection and Privacy in Elections: The Ghanaian Context

By: Emmanuel K. Gadasu

Elections are about more than voting, and the entire election cycle is increasingly data dependent. Voter registration, voter authentication, voting and results transmission all involve the the collection of at least some personal data. Political parties depend on data to drive their campaigns, from deciding where to hold rallies, which campaign messages to focus on in which area, and how to target supporters, undecided voters and non-supporters, including with ads on social media. Data exploitation during the election cycle, therefore, risks undermining fundamental democratic processes. – Privacy International

Ghana’s democratic engagement is increasingly being influenced by digital technology- from local assembly elections, constituency elections, flagbearership campaigning to elections, and election results transmission. These multi-technologies rely on collecting, storing, and analysing personal information to operate. These technolgoies raise novel issues and challenges for all electoral stakeholders on how to protect our data from exploitation.

In today’s digital age, data protection and privacy have become increasingly significant in various aspects of society, including the electoral process. In Ghana, where democratic elections are a cornerstone of governance, the importance of safeguarding personal data cannot be overstated. As the country continues to embrace digital technologies in electoral processes, from voter registration to electronic transmission of results, the need to ensure data protection and privacy has become more pressing than ever.

This article delves into the critical aspects of data protection and privacy in the context of elections in Ghana. It explores the legal frameworks, challenges, and best practices that should guide stakeholders in ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process is upheld while safeguarding the personal data of voters and other participants.

The Importance of Data Protection and Privacy in Elections

Protecting Voter Information

One of the most critical aspects of data protection in elections is the safeguarding of voter information. The voter register, which contains sensitive personal information such as names, dates of birth, addresses, and biometric data, is a primary target for data breaches. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for identity theft, voter suppression, or other malicious activities.

Ensuring Electoral Integrity

Data protection and privacy are also essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Unauthorized access to electoral data could lead to manipulation of voter rolls, tampering with election results, or undermining the public’s trust in the electoral system. By ensuring that data is securely handled and protected, election management bodies can maintain the credibility of the elections.

Upholding Democratic Principles

Privacy is a fundamental human right, and its protection is crucial in a democratic society. In the context of elections, protecting the privacy of voters ensures that they can participate in the electoral process without fear of surveillance or coercion. This, in turn, promotes free and fair elections, which are the bedrock of democracy.

Legal Framework for Data Protection in Ghana

The Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843)

Ghana’s primary legal framework for data protection is the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). This law provides comprehensive guidelines on the collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of personal data. It establishes the Data Protection Commission, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act.

Under the Data Protection Act, any entity that collects or processes personal data must ensure that the data is:

  • Processed lawfully and fairly.
  • Obtained only for specific, lawful purposes.
  • Adequate, relevant, and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which it is processed.
  • Accurate and kept up to date.
  • Retained only for as long as necessary.
  • Protected against unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or damage.

In the context of elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, political parties, and any other stakeholders involved in handling voter data must comply with these provisions to ensure that voters’ personal data is protected.

The Electoral Commission’s Role

The Electoral Commission of Ghana plays a central role in managing voter data. As the body responsible for overseeing elections, the EC is tasked with ensuring that voter information is collected, stored, and processed in a manner that complies with the Data Protection Act. This includes securing the voter register, ensuring the integrity of biometric data, and safeguarding the transmission of election results.

International Standards and Best Practices

Ghana is also a signatory to various international treaties and conventions that emphasize the importance of data protection and privacy, including the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and ECOWAS Directive on Cybercrime. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, although not directly ratified, Ghana may incorporate principles from other international agreements into its domestic data protection laws. These international frameworks provide additional guidelines and best practices that can be adapted to the Ghanaian context to enhance data protection in elections.

Challenges in Ensuring Data Protection and Privacy in Ghanaian Elections

Limited Awareness and Education

One of the significant challenges in ensuring data protection and privacy in Ghanaian elections is the limited awareness and education on these issues among the public and electoral stakeholders. Many voters are unaware of their rights concerning data protection, and some electoral officials may lack the necessary training to handle personal data securely.

Technological Vulnerabilities

As Ghana continues to adopt digital technologies in its electoral processes, new vulnerabilities emerge. These include the risk of cyberattacks on election infrastructure, unauthorized access to electronic voting systems, and the potential for data breaches during the electronic transmission of results. The lack of robust cybersecurity measures can compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

Inadequate Regulatory Enforcement

Although Ghana has a comprehensive legal framework for data protection, enforcement remains a challenge. The Data Protection Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Data Protection Act, often faces resource constraints that limit its ability to enforce the law effectively. This can lead to lapses in data protection practices, particularly during the election period.

Political Manipulation and Misinformation

In the digital age, the manipulation of data and the spread of misinformation have become significant concerns in elections. Personal data can be used to micro-target voters with misleading information, potentially influencing their voting behavior. The misuse of data for political gain undermines the fairness of elections and poses a significant threat to democracy.

Best Practices for Data Protection and Privacy in Elections

Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

To enhance data protection and privacy in Ghanaian elections, there is a need to strengthen the existing legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes providing the Data Protection Commission with the necessary resources to enforce the law effectively and updating the Data Protection Act to address emerging threats in the digital age.

Enhancing Public Awareness and Education

Public awareness and education are crucial in promoting data protection and privacy in elections. Voters need to be informed about their rights regarding personal data and the measures they can take to protect their information. Electoral stakeholders, including the EC and political parties, should also be trained on best practices for handling personal data.

Implementing Robust Cybersecurity Measures

With the increasing reliance on digital technologies in elections, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential. This includes securing election infrastructure, such as voter registration databases and electronic voting systems, against cyberattacks. The EC should also establish protocols for detecting and responding to data breaches swiftly.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are key to building trust in the electoral process. The EC should be transparent about how voter data is collected, stored, and used. This includes providing clear information to voters about how their data will be handled and ensuring that any data breaches are promptly reported and addressed.

Collaborating with International Partners

Ghana can benefit from collaborating with international partners to enhance data protection and privacy in elections. This includes learning from the experiences of other countries, adopting international best practices, and participating in global initiatives aimed at improving electoral integrity.

Encouraging Ethical Use of Data by Political Parties

Political parties play a crucial role in elections, and their use of voter data must be ethical and transparent. Political parties should be encouraged to adopt data protection policies that comply with the law and respect voters’ privacy. This includes refraining from using personal data for manipulative or deceptive purposes.

Conclusion

Data protection and privacy are integral to the integrity and fairness of elections in Ghana. As the country continues to embrace digital technologies in its electoral processes, the need to safeguard personal data has become increasingly important. By strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing public awareness, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and promoting transparency, Ghana can ensure that its elections remain free, fair, and secure.

Protecting voter data is not just a legal obligation; it is a fundamental aspect of upholding democracy and ensuring that every Ghanaian can participate in the electoral process without fear of their privacy being compromised. As the country moves towards the 2024 elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to prioritize data protection and privacy, thereby safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.

Author: Emmanuel K. Gadasu – Data Privacy Consultant (CEH, CDPS, CIPM, BSc IT, MSc IT and Law, LLB*) | Member, IIPGH. For comments, contact author via  [email protected]  or Mobile: +233-243913077

Hassan Ayariga Tours Eastern Region with Street, Community Connect Campaign

Prosper Kay
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Hassan Ayariga Tours Eastern Region with Street, Community Connect Campaign

The Flagbearer and Presidential candidate for All Peoples Congress (APC) Dr Hassan Abudulai Ayariga has began his Nationwide constituency-based campaign tour of Eastern Region from 24th to 25th, marking the beginning of his engagement with constituents.

This tour aims to connect with those who have decided not to vote in this coming election, grassroots supporters, listen to their concerns, and share the party’s vision and policies for the future.

Dr Hassan Ayariga campaign team tourched down at Kitase, Aburi, Mamfe, Koforidua and finally made a stop at Konongo where he was met by a hot chase by youth who strongly believe the NPP and NDC has failed them and looking for a third force and the only hope is Dr Hassan Ayariga.

The APC’s Flagbearer Dr Hassan Ayariga took took time to address the first time voters, undecided of his reasons to become the president to solve Ghana’s problem with his vision and policies

Music Maestro, Kojo Antwi has lost his mother

Prosper Kay
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Music Maestro, Kojo Antwi has lost his mother

Music Maestro, Kojo Antwi has lost his mother.
Madam Mary Adwoa Nyamaa passed away on 13th November, 2024 at Mpraeso General Hospital in the Eastern Region.
Kojo Antwi in a statement said “the good mother who inspired Mr Music Man Kojo Antwi’s great song Bre bre Anowaa is gone”.
Read below the full statement:
Call to Glory
The good mother who inspired Mr Music Man Kojo Antwi’s great song Bre bre Anowaa is gone.
It is with sadness that Mr Music Man The Maestro Kojo Antwi and his siblings and their families announce to the general public, the media, music, culture and tourism fraternity and all lovers, friends and fans worldwide, the passing of their beloved mother Madam Mary Adwoa Nyamaa on 13th November, 2024 at Mpraeso General Hospital.
A fortieth day gathering will be announced for all friends and sympathizers to attend and grant comfort and a shoulder to lean on to the family.
May the soul of Mr Music Man Kojo Antwi’s beloved mother Madam Mary Adwoa Nyamaa rest in Peace.
Bre bre Anowaa!
Further details would be announced soon.
By Kweku Antwi-Otoo|3news.com|Ghana

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