News
DRIP: Attorney General uncovers financial irregularities
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that investigations into the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) have uncovered acts of financial misconduct involving the contractors, JA Plant Pool.
Dr. Ayine explained that his office received a preliminary investigation report, which he reviewed and directed investigators to conduct further work on.
He said the final report confirmed irregularities in both payment and tax obligations.
According to him, JA Plant Pool was overpaid by two million dollars.
He noted that although the official contract sum was 176 million dollars, payment records showed that 178 million dollars had been made to the company.
He stated that a formal demand had been issued for the refund of the extra two million dollars.
The Attorney General further disclosed that 190 pieces of equipment imported under the project were cleared without the payment of taxes after being wrongly classified as tax-exempt.
He said investigators, after analysing the Harmonised System (HS) codes used by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), found that 38.7 million cedis in taxes had been evaded.
Dr. Ayine said the GRA had been asked to take steps to recover the unpaid taxes, since it is the institution legally responsible for enforcing tax laws.
He added that the figure provided by investigators represented their assessment, noting that the GRA might confirm or adjust the amount after its own review.
The Attorney General assured that his office would continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure accountability and the recovery of all public funds lost through the project.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
