Category: Political News

Protesters Rally Against SSNIT Hotel Sale, Ablakwa Leads Petition to Presidency

In a bold display of dissent, concerned citizens gathered in Accra yesterday to protest the controversial sale of a 60% stake in six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Organized under the banner of ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’, the demonstration saw a coalition of activists, workers, and political figures voicing their opposition to what they perceive as an abuse of power and a threat to state assets.

Among the prominent figures leading the charge was Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and a vocal critic of the hotel sale. Ablakwa, who also serves as a convener of the protest, has been at the forefront of efforts to halt the transaction, citing concerns of impropriety and potential corruption.

The sale, which involves transferring majority ownership to Rock City Group, a company allegedly linked to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, has sparked outrage and raised questions about conflicts of interest within the government. Ablakwa, along with other demonstrators, sees this as a clear case of state assets being exploited for personal gain by public officials.

Addressing the media during the protest, Ablakwa emphasized the urgency of their demands, particularly calling on President Akufo-Addo to intervene and halt the sale. “We insist that President Akufo-Addo must immediately stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels,” he declared. “We are going to insist that they back out.”

Ablakwa further stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state assets, arguing that profitable entities like the SSNIT hotels should not be sold off to private interests. The protest garnered support from various quarters, including the Trades Union Congress, whose Public Relations Officer, Naa Ayele Ardayfio Sekyere, voiced solidarity with the cause.

“This is a national call,” Sekyere affirmed. “We must all be interested because I don’t want to work for over 40 years and go on retirement as a pauper.”

The demonstration culminated in the submission of a formal petition to the Presidency, with Ablakwa leading the delegation. Deputy Chief of Staff Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman received the petition on behalf of the government, assuring the protesters that their concerns would be duly addressed.

Reflecting on the significance of the protest, Ablakwa expressed satisfaction with the turnout and vowed to maintain pressure on the government until concrete action is taken. “Our intervention was timely,” he remarked. “We caught them right on time.”

The ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ movement has injected fresh energy into the ongoing debate surrounding the management of state assets and the accountability of public officials. As calls for transparency grow louder, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach to privatization and ensure that the interests of the public are safeguarded.

In the coming days, the nation will keenly await the response of President Akufo-Addo and his administration, as they grapple with the demands of a populace determined to protect its collective interests and uphold the principles of accountability and integrity in governance.

Overview

Hundreds of demonstrators, led by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, gathered at the Labadi Beach Hotel for the “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration. The objective was to pressure the government to immediately halt the sale of a 60 percent stake in four prominent hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong.

Demands and Objective

Ablakwa submitted a formal petition to the government, demanding an immediate halt to the sale process. The petition called upon President Akufo-Addo to stop the sale of SSNIT hotels, emphasizing that state assets, especially profitable ones, should not be sold without the consent of all Ghanaians. The protest aimed to express disgust and pressure the government to cease the proposed sale, which was perceived as an abuse of power and potentially damaging transaction.

Confrontation and Petition Submission

The demonstration, which commenced at the Labadi Beach Hotel, concluded near the Jubilee House, the seat of government. However, the protesters’ attempt to cross the agreed finishing point resulted in a confrontation with the police, leading to the use of tear gas and pepper spray, resulting in injuries. Despite this, Ablakwa managed to present a copy of the petition to a representative from the Jubilee House amidst heavy security. The hotels in question included the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.

Widespread Support

The protest garnered widespread support from various segments of society, including civil society organizations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups, all united in their stance against what they perceived as an unethical and potentially damaging transaction.

For more details, you can refer to the full news story provided earlier for a comprehensive understanding of the demonstration

June 18, 2024
MP Joycelyn Tetteh Clears Medical Bills, Donates to Mothers and Children at Anfoega Catholic Hospital on World Mother’s Day

To mark World Mother’s Day, the Honorable Member of Parliament for North Dayi Constituency, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, extended her generosity to Anfoega Catholic Hospital. She took the opportunity to clear all medical bills for mothers and children in the hospital’s wards.

In an effort to improve maternal mental health, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh donated diapers, soaps, toiletries, soft drinks, and half pieces of cloth to all the mothers in the wards, alleviating their concerns about caring for their children.

Recognizing the transportation needs of these mothers and children, she also provided them with tokens for their journeys back to their respective communities.

Not content with just assisting the patients, Hon. Joycelyn also sought to bring smiles to the faces of the health workers at the hospital. She provided them with motivation, encouraging them to continue delivering excellent healthcare services to the residents of North Dayi Constituency.

The clients, their relatives, and the hospital staff expressed profound gratitude to Hon. MP Joycelyn for her consistent support and timely intervention.

In her brief address, Hon. Joycelyn advised young mothers to consider family planning as a means to space the ages of their children, ensuring both their mental and physical health. She also expressed appreciation to the hospital staff for their dedicated care within the constituency.

May 12, 2024
MP Joycelyn Tetteh Donates GHC 59,000 for Learning Resource Center at Vakpo SHS

At the climax of the Student Representative Council (SRC) Week Celebrations at Vakpo Senior High School’s Assembly Hall, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, the diligent and empowerment-oriented Member of Parliament for North Dayi Constituency, made a significant cash donation. A sum of Fifty-Nine Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 59,000.00) was contributed to the school’s management to establish a Learning Resource Center.

This Learning Resource Center is set to be equipped with 10 HP Elite Computers, air conditioners, and other necessary materials. Its establishment aims to provide students with access to essential resources to aid in their training and preparation for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In her address, Hon. Joycelyn cautioned the students against lifestyles that hinder learning and emphasized the importance of serious learning for academic success. She called on both students and staff to devote themselves to learning and teaching, respectively.

The student leadership and the headmaster expressed their gratitude to Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh for her support, investment, and unwavering commitment to improving education in the area. They promised to utilize the funds judiciously to ensure the realization of the Learning Resource Center’s vision.

Hon. Joycelyn underscored the educational policies of the JM NDC, expressing her confidence that these policies would significantly enhance education in the school. She also criticized the current government, accusing the Nana Addo Bawumia administration of neglecting the education sector and burdening parents with hidden costs despite claiming to provide “Free Education.”

The enthusiastic applause from the students demonstrated the trust and confidence they have in Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh and H.E John Dramani Mahama. Their resounding chorus, “Hon. Joycelyn, Our Votes Belong To You and Mahama,” echoed through the hall.

May 12, 2024
Just In: Abronye Granted Bail; Case Adjourned to 9th March

Abronye Granted Bail

Abronye

The Bono Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe, has been granted GHS 100000 bail by the Accra Circuit Court .

He was granted bail on Wednesday February 16. The case has been adjourned to March 9. Abronye DC was detained on Tuesday by the Accra Regional Command, after he honoured their invitation over the said allegations.

He was subsequently charged with the publication of false news and Offensive Conduct conducive to the breach of Peace. Abronye DC’s claims

SEE ALSO: Th Despair State of NABCO Trainees Over Their Unpaid Allowances Is having Adverse Mental Health On Them: Government Must Pay Them Now

Mr. Baffoe is alleged to have said that Mr. Mahama had met with Al-Qaeda militants to engage them on how to topple the governing party. He claimed that Mr. Mahama approached the group in a bid to help him become president again.

The NPP communicator made these assertions Hot 93.9 FM in Accra, while responding to the arrest of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor.

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February 16, 2022
Ignorance Or Total Stupidity- Deputy Central Youth Organiser Questions
The Young ambitious Politician and the Deputy Central Regional Youth Organiser of Operation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken to his Facebook page to question the current government on the reasons for the withdrawal of military men from the Speaker of Parliament.

“Is this Ignorance or total Stupidity?” He quizzes. According to Bright Botchway, our democracy is in shambles, looking at what was happening. He further pointed out that withdrawing the military men from the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rt. Alban Bagbin security details the act itself was unprofessional even to the extent of making the letter publish for public consumption is questionable.
“The formal way the clerk of Parliament used to request for military men, the same administrative way can be used under quite without any unnecessary tension in the country ” he hinted. However, Bright said, even the useless EC Chair, Jean Adukwei Mensah has soldiers carrying her handbag. This is just an open secret.

“What kind of Precedent are we settling as a country?”Hence, from day one Bright Botchway knew the Ghana Armed Forces as a body that command respect in the country and the whole world and things that will subject them to public ridicule shouldn’t be allowed to exhibit as if they are under duress to impress any political heads.

The Deputy Central Regional Youth Organiser of Operation made reference to other countries like United Kingdom, United States of America with Joe Biden Boris Johnson leading will by now make all security heads resign from duty voluntarily.

“We must enable good things from western world and love Ghana not a particular head of state ” He finalised.
January 17, 2022
Th Despair State of NABCO Trainees Over Their Unpaid Allowances Is having Adverse Mental Health On Them: Government Must Pay Them Now

Open Letter To:The Chief Of Staff.Labour And Employment Minister.

MENTAL HEALTH Authority CEO.The Security Agencies.

The scripture says “a hand that does not work should not eat” also, “a lazy hand brings poverty”, reasons despite the economic state of the country, everyone is trying hard to find something doing in order to survive and live.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of NABCO TRAINEES since their last stipend was paid somewhere in August,2021.It is almost five 5 solid months now that NABCO TRAINEES received anything allowance, and when you happen to know and meet any of them, you will understand their state of DESPAIR and HOPELESSNESS.

All NABCO TRAINEES went into and passed through the festive seasons without even coins in their pockets, most institutions too don’t regard them hence little annual food stuffs and coins they give to their staff, they were exempted, example is Cocobod , and others .

Relationships have ended because young men have nothing to offer financially to their potential wives, many are not willing to lend them monies again since they have borrowed from all available sources and now left with daily insults from their families, lenders and friends .

Those who are fortunate with rich family background and political links left the NABCO to secure for themselves jobs and personal businesses, but the rest are in dire need of their allowances to settle debtors .

*I am appealing to the government and the afforementioned institutions to help work on them before the rate of suicides ,homicides and many social vices take over our country.*

No man can work productively with unstable state of mind , fear, panic and anxiety. Please, have mercy on them and pay them so they can as well have some lucid intervals before they suffer another months of that again. NABCO TRAINEES are dying slowly psychologically and physically, and government should not take it lightly.

MENTAL HEALTH, TOTAL HEALTH.Long live GHANA. Bismark Kwabla Kpobi

Senior Registered MENTAL Nurse.Mental Health Advocate.Concerned Citizen. bismarkkwablakpobi@gmail.com02090015240540824809

January 17, 2022
The Agyekwa Budget Is here to Increase the Sufferings of Ghanaians- Selorm Dramani #Justice4Ghana Campaigner

A Member of “Justice 4 Ghana” and the President of Unemployed Graduates Network, Mr. Selorm Dramani says Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta never thought through the 2021 Budget.

Making emphasis on a meeting which was held at UPSA, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta made a Statement that the Public Sector Payroll is Full and rather the Ghanaian youths should engage I Entrepreneurship.

According to Selorm in an interview said “….. Especially when he (Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta) moved from a private sector to the Juicy Public Sector with his family and friends. “The 2020 Budget (Obaatanpa Budget) ended up mess less and a Carlos manner. It wasn’t Obaatanpa but rather incentive, irresponsible, irresponded and a mess less carlos manner by it implementation” He pointed.

“…… Meaning the Obaatanpa Budget killed us or put a freeze to our live so they culled out the 2021 Budget which is the ‘Agyekwa Budget’ to revive us. We have done a deep research on the Agyekwa Budget which is going yo further increase the suffering of Ghanaians, increase the economic hardships and worsen our lives …….” Selorm said.

watch full video

January 16, 2022
Ghana Is A 3rd World Country- Selorm Dramani (video)

The President of the Unemployed Graduates Network, Mr. Selorm Dramani has made clear emphasis on Ghana being a “Shit” hole.

In an Interview on NiceTime TV with Adjoa Asor, Mr. Selorm said, Ghana is a 3rd World country. He further explained that, the country is in a shit hole which our leaders have to accept the fact to extricate Ghanaians from that shit hole.

“……. Ghana is a shit hole from our leaders down.. We need to accept that we are in a shit hole and extricate ourselves from the shit hole ….. that is the Majesty and Glory of Democray” Selorm Said.

According to Selorm “The Senior Chief Advisor to the President said without any scintilla of Shame that the administration of H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was not going to be doing the infrastructure. The World Bank as part of recommendation for the Youth unemployment in this country is that Ghana should look into areas of construction which will absorb some youth to gain employment ” Selorm hinted.

The President of Unemployed Graduates Network said this as a reference to the high unemployment in the country.

Watch full video here

https://youtu.be/CiYxGoit6X4

January 16, 2022
NPP Searching For Charges to Prosecute Alban Bagbin, A Sign of Desperation

5/1/22
BY: GODWIN AKO GUNN

It remains a pride to enter public service and retire with no blemish. It becomes even better when people who worked against you rise in honor of your achievements and say in their hearts, we tried everything but you stood tall.

Being a speaker at a time when you didn’t have the majority, nor the norminee of the president, takes something more than political backing of the minority. It takes personal character, achievements and people’s trust over the years to do it.

I have heard members of parliament on both sides singing his praise, father ooo father. This can only come with hard work and perseverance.

May I use this opportunity to humbly ask our members of parliament to guard their lives with all diligence. You are our pride and the only check on the free spending and looting NPP government.

The NPP government will do everything possible to reduce our numbers by foul means.May we at the constituency level, also have the wisdom to protect what we have as we pray for more in the days ahead.

Comrades, I laughed out loud when I heard the Attorney General has bought a new broom to reach out to every corner of the offices and ministries the RT Hon Alban Bagbin ever worked since independence to prosecute him along with some members of parliament.

Hon, the Prince of this world comes against you, but he has nothing in you. I love what 2022 brings along. Our elders say when the mouse becomes desperate and destructive, it falls into oil. I see Nana getting there this year.

I thought Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo sent his Nephew Gabby to JM. I thought Nana Addo sent for Hon Haruna Iddrisu to appeal to him and other leaders of the party!!!

Thank God the line was drawn straight and clear to him !!! When persuasion fails, prosecution must be applied. Hahahahhahaaaa !!!

I love the unity, strength and cooperation from the minority side in parliament. I will salute you any day for the tenacity you have shown and I know bigger things are ahead of us. Let me humbly appeal to those who also make negative headlines with the least opportunity to attack our MPs, even when they are told it is a misleading story. That is not the spirit of comradeship.

But for the advisers of the president, I weep for you. This is the time to wear a wisdom cap not an arrogant one. At this time where your ministers in parliament are going up and down locally and internationally, you shouldn’t be flexing muscle.

I love the heart warming warning from my general secretary on the 40th anniversary of the 31st Dec revolution. Whenever impunity becomes law, resistance becomes a duty. What a tone for ALUTA CONTINUA!!! To the oppressor, i say sorry, your days are numbered. To the oppressed, I say better days ahead.

Kun Fa Yakun

January 8, 2022
2022 Budget Demonstration: Fixthecountry Protest Today

Thousands of Ghanaians on Friday, November 26 participated in the much-publicised #FixTheCountry protest.

The demonstrators are demanding among other things a new budget and steps to address the many challenges facing the ordinary Ghanaian.

Clad in red and black, the protestors wielded placards with varying inscriptions including ‘#FixOurE-levyNow’, ‘A new 2022 budget now’ and ‘If Ghana was your personal property, would you run it like this?’, and several others.

The protest is to pile pressure on the government to address Ghana’s numerous challenges, including youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, E- levy and high cost of living.

November 26, 2021
Your name fit best in Guiness book of Records for Borrowing – Minority Leader tells Ofori Atta.

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta will be credited in the Guiness Book of Records as the Finance Minister who borrowed more money to manage the economy than any of his predecessors.

Mr Ken Ofori Atta was in Parliament on Wednesday to present before the representatives of the people, the financial estimates of the year 2022.

He noted among others that the government have decided to abolish tolls on all public roads. The government has however introduced new E-levy on electronic transcations including Mobile Money and Banking.

While offering his comments after the presentation, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu said the Financial Minister will be remembered as the Minister who borrowed more in the fourth republic.

“I think you should be credited in the Guiness Book of Records as the Minister who borrowed more money than any of your predecessors…,” he said.

November 17, 2021
2022 Budget ‘No public sector worker was laid off when COVID-19 struck’ – Ken Ofori Atta

The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, has revealed that the Government has not laid off any public sector worker when the country was struck with the Covid-19 pandemic.

He made the revelation in Parliament on Wednesday November 17, 2021 when he was reading the Budget and financial estimates for the 2022.

A research conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank on May 26 and June 17 2020 revealed that during the lockdown in 2020, businesses were negatively impacted.

According to their report, some “770,000 workers representing some 25.7% of the total workforce had their wages reduced and about 42,000 employees were laid off” during the partial lockdown.

However, the Minister stated that none of the public sector workers was affected.

“Under the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme Business Support Scheme (CAPBuSS), Ghana Enterprises Agency provided 302,001 successful applicants across various sectors and regions with loans amounting to GHȼ523.11 million.

“Mr. Speaker, we also ensured payment of our obligations to contractors and provided payroll support to some State-owned Enterprises to guarantee jobs.

“Thankfully, our President led and acted, decisively and intelligently and his leadership paved the way for many other countries in Africa and beyond.”

November 17, 2021
I DON’T THINK ABOUT POLITICAL LIFE ALONE BUT MY SALVATION.

I DON’T THINK ABOUT POLITICAL LIFE ALONE BUT MY SALVATION IS ALSO IN MY HEART EACH AND EVERYDAY

The MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT* for KOMENDA, EDINA, EGUAFO ABREM (KEEA) HON.SAMUEL ATTA MILLS
Has donated electrical bulbs for his people to brighten the street and every corner in his municipal.

In an interview, when he was asked why he decided to do that for his people? he said” it’s not only about political life that we think off, we think of our salvation, many people are suffering but am doing my best to help, I know that one day we will be called upon to give an account to whatever we are doing on Earth, there is nothing wrong in helping people, am doing most of the donation out of my own pocket without common fund you will never know who you help today, maybe that person will be your angle one day”

SEE ALSO: H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Must Take the blame for Wasteful and Worthless Presidential Tour of the Central Region

He added that” what I have realised is, the government does not have enough work or job for all graduate and students coming out from the various tertiary and SHS schools, the payroll is felled up, so if you are sitting down now waiting for the government to help you, I think you need to look for another way out to help yourself.

There is enough job for everybody, it’s not only buying and selling but agriculture and tourism are also all ways out to get money and fend for yourself and relatives, most of the people who come to my office to seek for job and means to eat, their appearance and the kind of phones they use says that they are not serious in life and not in need of any help.

Story by Mavis Davor || Shop@Torsaa

October 28, 2021
Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Advocate for Health Care in her Constituency

Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Advocate for Health Care in her Constituency

Member of Parliament for the Agona East Constituency in the Central Region, Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr has reiterated her pledge to ensure that her constituents get access to quality health care.

The MP who was a former deputy Cemtral Regional Minister indicated this at an event to unveil a medical van to her constituents Wednesday at Agona Faahwia.She said the van was expected to provide residents in deprived areas within the constituency access to health care.

SEE ALSO: H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Must Take the blame for Wasteful and Worthless Presidential Tour of the Central Region

According to her, the living conditions of the elderly in society are a reflection of how society cares for them hence it is incumbent on all to care for the aged in their families and communities at large. She said the van was expected to provide residents in deprived areas within the constituency access to health care.

Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr-Mrs Writes:

I prayed, Smiled, and shouted…

The Maame Pokuah Health Scheme (MPHS) is still moving from Village to Village providing Health care and medication. I am glad the Scheme is being supported by all especially GOD. I gladly smiled when this young lady who was very sick could be treated,advice, and discharged two hours after the Health TEAM put all their expertise to play

Thank you my MPHS TEAM….Thank GOD for everything as always

AWESOME GOD waoooo …My GOD is good always

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October 27, 2021
Establish a State Farms to Feed The Country

Open Letter To: The President and Minister of Agriculture

One would have thought that a country that depends hugely on importation of its basic necessities for survival as in food stuffs( rice, sugar, maize, poultry ,milks etc) will be combing every corner to address the issues permanently, but alas, some powerful people are making dollars out of the situations hence must be left to enjoy to the detriment of the nation GHANA.

Former president Dr Kwame Nkrumah used to establish state farms across the country, of which, my district, Central Tongu (Adidome) had not less than five (5) of those farms eg Gbedemah Farms, Amen Farms, Russians Poultry and Rice Farms ,Ameworlor Korfe Farms etc. But today , none of those farms are working though one could see their residues there as evidence with the vast lands.

Today, the Planting and Rearing for Food and Jobs initiative has offices across the country but without state farms to operate. It is just there and their cars being used to conveying caskets for big men and women in the districts whiles we are short of food stuffs. We are not thinking critically as a nation to find solutions but rather creating only avenues we can use to create and loot the state to share for our generational wealths.

We have huge numbers of prisoners across the country that can be used to farm in these state farms when established . What is needed is means of transport system to be conveying them to the farms to work to feed Ghana.Products from the Farms will as well be used to feed them without government necessarily allocating feeding budgets to the prisons.Today, we having over 1 million youth who are struggling to join the various security services ,yet only less than 5000 can be picked annually if I am right.

The big question is why can’t the government recruits them into the security services and then use them to farm to feed the country? This is using a stone to killing two birds,thus, Reducing graduates unemployment, maximising food security and minimising huge cost of food importations. Rural Enterprise Support program being sponsored by World Bank have been trying to help youth in agribusiness,but unfortunately the packages don’t go to the selected qualified candidates who passed through their training programs.

I was part of over 43 qualified and selected individuals in my district whose packages came in 2018 June but we were shortchanged by politicians for their businesses.* How sad it is, like by now those 43 selected youth are doing greatly in Poultry and Piggery farms in the district. NB: That was only my district, same fate might have been suffered by other qualified and selected youth in other districts.

So you see, most of our leaders not helping the growth of the country at all through youth developmental policies and projects.There must be strict rules and guidelines put in place to ensuring that when these state farms are established , managers and directors of the various farms won’t shortchange the nation by stealing and recording less than actually produced.

I am guided by misfortunes from how state fertilisers are being channeled to individuals farms ,also selling many for wealth. The government must be serious to swiftly deal with recalcitrant appointees and employees who will sabotage the farms by looting the logistics meant for the farms and individual farmers.

Adidome Agriculture Farm Institute just like others, has many sophiscated farming tools yet can’t boast of just two acre plots of farms , yet the machines will be left to rot , how sad.Ghana can develop when we appoint common sense people into governments than greedy people with many certificates.

Let us rise and build the country for the future.We must do away with get rich quick mentality through dubious means. Africa Ghana can develop when our leaders put the continent and the nation first.

God bless us all

Bismark Kwabla Kpobi

Concerned Development.

bismarkkwablakpobi@gmail.com

October 27, 2021