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A token spot fine, results in “magical” Compliance with COVID-19 protocols
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A token spot fine of buying a packet of marker as punishment, has resulted in total compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the Koforidua Taxi Station.
Recalcitrant drivers and passengers who refuse to wear their nose masks at the Koforidua Taxi Branch Number One station are made to buy a packet of marker for use by the whole station . this serves as punishment to those who breach the safety protocols.
It has been working “magic” for the members of the taxi union.
A Driver who also refuses to ensure that a passenger in the taxi wears his or her nose masks, would buy additional packets of the marker.
The order instituted by the Chairman of the Station, Mr George Nana Kwodwo Boateng also known as cooli cooli, was to ensure that both drivers and passengers at the station wore the nose masks to avoid the contraction of COVID-19 .
In an exclusive interview with “The Spectator,” Mr Boateng stated that, there was the need to enforce such orders since some drivers had become recalcitrant in observing the COVID-19 protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
He noted that the virus was real but, there was still the need to observe all protocols including wearing of the nose masks to prevent the spread.
“Wearing of the nose mask is compulsory in this country and for that reason the disciplinary team wants to ensure that all drivers and passengers comply with the directive.
“If you are a driver and you refuse to wear it,you should get ready to buy a packet of marker. Even if you the driver wear but you fail to ensure your passengers wear theirs, you will have to again buy packet of marker for each passenger who does not wear it.”
He revealed that the order coupled with sanctions had made a lot of the drivers to be very careful and vigilant in ensuring that they and their passengers wore the masks to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Most recalcitrant drivers at this taxi station are changing because of the this order,” he said, adding that drivers who failed to comply would have to leave the station to go and work somewhere else.
The Chairman of the Taxi Rank observed that there were some ladies who also came to the station in their lipstick and refused to wear the nose masks for fear it would clean their lipstick and make up.
“If we do not force them to obey the protocols and someone tests positive here, people will start stigmatising us and would not even want to patronise our services. By that we may lose our job,” he said.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
