A quick catch up on today’s top stories…
1) ‘Trotro’ drivers to embark on national strike on Nov. 9 over fuel price hike
Ghana’s commercial transport operators have served notice they will park their vehicles on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, to push for a drastic reduction of the taxes on petroleum products.
A spokesperson for the Committed Drivers Association, Mr. Yaw Barimah, served this notice in an interview. According to him, this was the decision taken by the leadership of transport operators, namely Ghana Private Roads Transport Union, Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Ghana Committed Drivers Association and Concerned Drivers Association at a meeting on Tuesday.
2) Road Department announce closure of roads
The Ministry of Roads and Highways acting through the Department of Urban Roads has announced the closure of roads around Ridge in Accra.
The closure, which will be in November, is to allow utility providers to relocate utility lines to pave way for the reconstruction of some roads at the ridge enclave. “The general public and motorists are kindly entreated to follow the traffic management signs that will be placed at vantage points on these roads. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the Roads Ministry said in a statement.
3) Pfizer says antiviral pill cuts risk of severe COVID-19 by 89%
A trial of Pfizer Inc’s experimental antiviral pill for COVID-19 was stopped early after the drug was shown to cut by 89% the chances of hospitalization or death for adults at risk of developing severe disease, the company said on Friday.
The results appear to surpass those seen with Merck & Co Inc’s pill, molnupiravir, which was shown last month to halve the likelihood of dying or being hospitalized for COVID-19 patients also at high risk of serious illness. Full trial data is not yet available from either company. Pfizer shares surged 11% to $48.55, while those of Merck fell 8.5% to $82.80. Shares of vaccine makers also took a hit, with Moderna Inc, Pfizer’s German partner BioNTech SE and Novavax all down nearly 7%.
4) Singer Lionel Richie signs deal with Universal Music Publishing
Music star Lionel Richie has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the company said on Thursday.
The deal includes some of the biggest hits the Grammy Award winner has written during his solo career, including fan favourites “Hello”, “Dancing on the Ceiling”, “Lady” and “All Night Long” among others. “Having partnered with Universal Music as recording artist for almost my entire career, joining the UMPG family as a songwriter feels like coming home,” Richie, 72, said in a statement.
5) Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi rejects England call-up as Ghana stays on radar
England coach, Gareth Southgate has confirmed Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi rejected England’s call-up to play for the U21s after he failed to hand him a senior call-up despite his impressive display for his club.
The Three Lions boss confirmed the FA wanted to select Hudson-Odoi for Under 21 duty, but the Chelsea forward who has three senior caps does not want to be considered for Lee Carsley’s squad. ‘I had a good chat with Callum before last month’s get-together because it is difficult if you are a young player,’ said Southgate. Hudson-Odoi is being chased by Ghana.
