https://www.facebook.com/104048535637213/

akukorku tv, Y-Junction, Sogakope-Kudzekope, Sogakope (2025)

22/08/2025

Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) Commends President John Dramani Mahama for Granting Amnesty to 998 Inmates

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra

The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) in Accra has extended its heartfelt commendations to President John Dramani Mahama for his wise and compassionate decision to grant amnesty to Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight (998) prisoners.

The UFO noted that the gesture is a demonstration of the government's commitment to the rehabilitation of the affected persons, being merciful to the people and also the total well-being of its citizens.

The amnesty is expected to have a positive impact on the general prison system, including decongesting the prisons and improving the living conditions of the remaining inmates, reducing government expenditure on the prisoners and allowing for more effective allocation of resources as well as providing an opportunity for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the released prisoners into the society.

A statement jointly issued by the President as well as the Executive Member and Co-Founder of the Organization, Mr. Samuel Adobah and Nana Sewiri II respectively, expressed the optimism that the beneficiaries of this amnesty have been transformed through their experiences and are now poised to contribute positively to their communities. ‘This act of mercy will not only bring relief to the individuals and their families but also foster a sense of hope and renewal’, the statement added.

The UFO also applauded President John Mahama's leadership and vision in promoting a more humane and just society, saying this initiative reflects the government's dedication to creating a better future for all citizens.

Mr. Adobah and Nana Sewiri II urged the families and friends of these inmates to welcome these individuals into their fold with open arms, provide them with the necessary support and also work towards eliminating stigmatization against them.

They emphasized that by doing so, Ghanaians can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that place values on redemption and second chances.

The statement also urged the government to continue exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the prison system in the country and also prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration programs for such released prisoners.

The Universal Friendship Organization (UFO) is a civil society organization focused on promoting peace, unity and international co-operation. It is involved in various activities like peace walks, educational initiatives and advocacy for sustainable development. The Organization is also known for its work in addressing conflict and promoting reconciliation particularly in regions experiencing unrest.

END

22/08/2025

BoG directs Banks to discontinue payment of FCY cash to Large Corporates that do not have supporting equivalent prior cash deposits

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has observed with concern the growing practice of foreign currency (FCY) cash withdrawals by Large Corporates that are not directly funded by prior FCY cash deposits. The BoG noted that the practice by such bulk oil distribution companies, mining companies and other similar actors within the space exerts avoidable pressure on the foreign exchange market and also undermines efforts to ensure stability.

Accordingly, with immediate effect, all banks are directed to discontinue the payment of FCY cash to Large Corporates unless such transactions are fully supported by equivalent FCY cash deposits lodged by the same institution.

Banks, the statement said, must also retain proper documentation to confirm the source of funds for every payout.

The statement issued by the Bank and signed by Ms. Aimee V. Quashie for the Secretary, gave the assurance that the Bank of Ghana remains committed to supporting the operations of Large Corporates, recognizing their critical role in sustaining petroleum supply, mineral exports and other essential sectors of Ghana’s economy.

She also disclosed that the Bank, in partnership with the Government, has put in place mechanisms to source and provide foreign exchange liquidity to meet legitimate import obligations of Large Corporates.

These measures, she explained are designed to safeguard market stability while ensuring that vital supply chains remain uninterrupted.

‘We expect all banks to comply strictly with this directive and to co-operate fully with the BoG in ensuring that available foreign exchange resources are applied efficiently and transparently’, the statement emphasized, adding that non-compliance would attract appropriate regulatory sanctions.

The statement requested all the relevant industry associations to bring this directive to the notice and attention of their members and accordingly ensure their adherence.

END

22/08/2025

Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) calls on Governor of BoG

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra

The leadership of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Samson Awingobit Asaki has paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama at the Bank Square in Accra.

The delegation was received by the Second Deputy Governor, Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu.

In a statement, Mr. Asaki Awingobit commended the Bank for its strong leadership in not only stabilising the cedi but also improving the macroeconomic outlook of the country. He also praised the Bank of Ghana’s policies under Dr. Asiama’s leadership and called for further support from the staff and all Ghanaians to address concerns that needed the Bank’s intervention to resolve.

The Governor assured the group that the Bank remained committed to supporting the entire business community of the country to enable them make the needed positive impact on the economic growth and development of the country.

END

20/08/2025

SOUTH TONGU MOURNS FALLEN HEROES OF HELICOPTER CRASH

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Sogakope

Residents and stakeholders of the South Tongu Municipality of the Volta Region have organized a candlelight vigil in honour of the eight (8) gallant Ghanaians who perished in the 6th August, 2025 Z-9 helicopter crash at Adansi-Akrofuom near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

The event which was jointly organized by the South Tongu Constituency office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as well as the offices of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area in collaboration with the chiefs and Local Council of Churches, was attended by a large number of residents and mourners from the five (5) traditional areas of the municipality.

The solemn event was characterized by pain and a visible introspection not only on the faces of the dignitaries present but also in the hearts of the many mourners gathered to honour the memories of the late gallant men.

The inter-faith vigil event was not without tributes from the leaders of the municipality who all described the death of the eight (8) Ghanaians as a pathetic national tragedy and a black day that should never happen to the country again.

In a tribute by the South Tongu Constituency Chairman of the governing NDC, Mr. Michael Tsikudo, he described the eight (8) fallen heroes as dedicated servants of the nation whose ideals the nation should champion and hold onto.

The Chiefs and Queen Mothers noted that the disrespect and disregard for authority and the rules and regulations of the country by some Ghanaians contributed largely to the painful death of these men. The Paramount Chief of the Vume Traditional Area and President of the Vume Traditional Council, Togbe Yaw Akonnor II, read the tribute on behalf of the Traditional authorities. While extending their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief asked the gods of the land to revenge if the death of these states men was not natural.

The Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor noted that the pain in the hearts of the MPs and indeed government and Ghanaians as a whole regarding the loss of these gallant men, was severe. According to him, the death of these noble Ghanaians should not be in vein, adding that the reset agenda of the country including the fight against illegal mining should continue to the memory of these lost souls.

Representing the Local Council of Churches was Rev. Robert Seddoh of the True Light Bible Church of Sogakope. According to him, even though everybody would die and leave this world, the way and manner the eight (8) gallant men died, was not only painful but also troubling.

The Moslem community was not left out. The Representative of the Chief Imam, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Alhassan noted that the Moslem community has been severely and equally hit by the death of not only the two (2) Moslems on board the helicopter but also the other six (6) personalities as well. He was hopeful that the Good Lord would grant the souls of these men the needed peace and His grace.

The South Tongu Constituency Communications Officer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Hillary Abletor also paid tribute to the fallen heroes on behalf of the party. He was hopeful that the death of these eight (8) men would unite Ghanaians to chart a new path towards the holistic development of the country.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo was equally in pain and tears during the most part of the event. She wondered what was going through the minds and hearts of these gallant men minutes before the crash, saying it is only God who could tell.

Preaching the sermon for the evening on the theme, ‘The Wasted Years’, Rev. John Adu Korby of the Central Harvest Church of Sogakope, noted that no one can escape what he described as the two (2) gates of life. According to him, one’s entry into the world through birth and the subsequent exit through death cannot be escaped by anyone. He urged everyone placed in any capacity with responsibilities to be committed, hardworking and focused to achieve results for the country. ‘You would be remembered by your work’, Rev. Korby stressed.

Rev. Korby urged Christians to be honest, faithful and committed to their work, saying the legacies they would leave behind would become lasting memories for those alive, including their families and friends.
Prayers were offered by both representatives of the Christian fraternity and the Muslim community. The Chiefs also poured libation not only for the souls of the departed to rest in perfect peace but also for the gods to strike anyone or group of persons behind the illegitimate death of the gallant men.

In attendance was the Grace Gospel Band of Sogakope which provided solemn music and songs at the event. The programme was also attended by a number of Assembly Members (AMs) led by the Presiding Member (PM) of the South Tongu District Assembly (STDA), Hon. Mensah Kwaku Kudze, the Constituency Vice Chairperson of the NDC, Hon. Gladys Abaya as well as the Chairman of the Local Council of Churches, Pastor Frank Antwi.

END

20/08/2025

FIDELITY BANK HOLDS MEDIA ENGAGEMENT FOR JOURNALISTS AT HO

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Ho

One of Ghana’s leading indigenous Banks, the Fidelity Bank has held a one-day media engagement session for some selected journalists and media practitioners from across the Volta Region at the regional capital of Ho. The Bank has been described as one of the country’s indigenous Ghanaian banks to have successfully pioneered agency banking in the country. It used the occasion to assure its customer base in the region and beyond of the Bank’s commitment and readiness to provide impactful banking services to the clients.

According to the Head, Brands and Corporate Communications of the Bank, Mr. Eric Frempong Amponsah, Fidelity Bank, over the years, has concentrated its media activities and attention mostly in Accra and to some extent in Kumasi. He explained that in 2014, there was a policy change in such a decision hence the Bank’s move to reach out to the media in the regions in order to effectively and efficiently partner with members of the fourth estate of the realm to elicit the right feedback from their customers who are also scattered across the sixteen (16) regions of the country.

Mr. Amponsah said following the inception of the new policy to extend the Bank’s media engagement to the regions, journalists and media practitioners in Takoradi in the Western Region, Cape Coast in the Central Region, Sunyani in Brong Ahafo Region as well as Koforidua in the Eastern Region, have so far been sensitized on the activities of the Bank, adding that the feedback has been encouraging and rewarding. ‘Human relation is key so we want to relate well and build partnerships with our media friends’, the Head, Brands and Corporate Communications added.

Mr. Amponsah rejected the age-old suggestion that Fidelity Bank is of Nigerian origin. According to him, the Bank is an indigenous Ghanaian financial institution with a customer base of more than 2.5 million people, most of whom are in the market space or base. The Bank has branches across the regions including offices in Ho and Hohoe in the Volta Region.

He disclosed that in 2024, the Bank launched its Smart Account product targeted at low income earners who for some reasons are unable to visit the banking halls for business transactions. Fidelity Bank, he said, is the only Bank that has the ‘Yellow Save’ product with MTN Ghana, aimed at encouraging people to save with the Bank. ‘We have also introduced the BOSEA loan facility which is digital on the country’s giant communication network, MTN.

Mr. Amponsah urged the media personnel in the region not to hesitate to reach out to the Bank with any feedback on their operations. He gave the assurance that the Bank would continue to impact the rural trader or businessman and woman whose contribution to the development of the economy cannot be over-emphasized.

The journalists and media practitioners at the forum used the opportunity to ask several questions which they had answers to satisfactorily. They also pledged their support towards ensuring that the Bank thrives further in the region so that its impact can be felt the more.

The Volta Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA), Mr. Lambert Atsivor, who is also a customer of the Bank, thanked the Management of the Bank for the opportunity created for the media to engage them. He described the meeting as welcoming and important and hoped that such engagements would continue in the coming years to further cement the bond of friendship and partnership between the media and the Bank in the region.

Mr. Frempong Amponsah was accompanied to the workshop by the Ho Branch Manager of the Bank, Ms. Stephanie Agbalenyo, a Corporate Communications Manager of the Bank, Ms. Sarah Ofori-Adjei as well as Ms. Alberta Naa Dedei Dorcas Armah of Global Alliance, Accra.

END

20/08/2025

Central Tongu DCE Replies His Critics, Describes Their Actions as Unfounded and Baseless

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Mafi Adidome

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Tongu in the Volta Region, Hon. Addison Dodzi Mornyuie, has described as baseless, unfounded and exceedingly misleading, some claims in the media space by elements in the district alleging that his office had acquired some pieces of furniture for the Assembly’s use at the cost of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc120,000.00). According to the DCE, those behind such unfortunate reports have simply refused to appraise themselves with the facts of the matter.

Responding to the issues in an interview with our news team at Mafi Adidome, Hon. Mornyuie explained that the procurement of such office chairs and conference hall seats was not only a necessary intervention to address long-standing inefficiencies within the Assembly’s operations but also a move to create an improved work environment for the staff of the District Assembly.

The DCE said when he assumed office as the head of the Assembly, there was an urgent need to equip the District Assembly Office with basic seats or furniture. The situation was so acute that staff were always compelled to use conference hall chairs in their offices for official purposes. In effect therefore, the hall could not serve its official purpose because of lack of furniture.

Mr. Mornyuie emphasized that it was against this background that the acquisition of such furniture was undertaken, aimed at providing dedicated seats for both the offices and the conference hall.

The DCE made it clear that the acquisition process followed due diligence and was not a unilateral decision. According to him, the procurement was carried out through the appropriate Management Committee structures, with the full involvement of the District Co-ordinating Director (DCD) as well as other relevant officers of the Assembly. ‘It was a collective decision, duly authorized and not at the personal discretion of the DCE’, he pointed out.

Hon. Addison Mornyuie gave the assurance that his administration does not only remain committed to transparency and the prudent use of the limited resources of the Assembly but also ensuring that the Assembly is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate to the people.

He cautioned the members of the general public particularly those fuelling such baseless reports on social media platforms against engaging themselves in such acts of misinformation and disinformation. According to the DCE, his doors are always opened for anyone to seek the appropriate clarification on any issue if in doubt before embarking on what he described as ‘such unfortunate maligning crusades’.

He also assured the good people of Central Tongu that his outfit is not unaware of the reset agenda of the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for which majority of Ghanaians voted for the party in the December, 2024 general elections. ‘We are not insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians; we are a people’s party and will therefore always have the interest of the people at heart’, Hon. Mornyuie emphasized.

END

18/08/2025

WADPN Calls on ECOWAS and National Governments to Protect the Most Marginalized

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra

The West Africa Drug Policy Network (WADPN) and its partners have called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and national governments particularly in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, to take decisive steps towards decriminalisation and protection of human rights. According to WADPN, the criminalisation of people who use drugs, s*x workers, and People With Diverse Sexual Orientations (PWDSO) across West Africa continues to deepen cycles of poverty, stigma, disease and violence as advocates also continue to raise awareness for these communities.

A statement issued by the Campaigns and Communications Officer of WADPN, Mr. Michael Kumordzi Tetteh, noted that in Ghana and Nigeria, punitive drug laws have contributed to prison overcrowding, HIV prevalence and the isolation of people from healthcare systems. It said, according to the West Africa Commission on Drugs (WACD), chaired by the late Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, drug use should be treated primarily as a public health issue, not a criminal one.

Decriminalisation, the statement indicated, does not encourage drug use; it redirects funding from punishment to harm reduction, rehabilitation and community care, adding that countries like Portugal and Uruguay have demonstrated that such policies lead to improved health outcomes and reduced crime rates.

Mr. Tetteh said Senegal stands alone in West Africa with a comprehensive and regulated framework for s*x work, adding that despite its limitations, this model has helped reduce HIV transmission, enabled access to health services and improved tracking of violence and abuse. According to him, by contrast, in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, s*x workers face arbitrary arrests, harassment, and limited legal recourse, often exacerbated by moralistic laws and a lack of public health infrastructure.

WADPN and its partners are therefore calling on national agencies to decriminalise s*x work, adopt rights-based regulatory approaches and recognise s*x workers as legitimate members of the society with the right to safety, health, and dignity.

WADPN, the Campaigns and Communications Officer noted that the PWDSO community across West Africa faces state-sanctioned discrimination. He explained that in Nigeria for instance, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act has led to increased violence, extortion by the police and a climate of fear. In his view, Ghana's recent anti-human rights bill and Burkina Faso's silence on legal protections, reflect the dangerous trend of targeting people for who they are.

Mr. Tetteh said these legal environments are in direct violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which guarantees dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination for all people. He said the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 275 affirms the need for protection of individuals from violence based on their real or perceived s*xual orientation or gender identity.

He stressed the need for ECOWAS to go beyond its current commitments to drug control and regional security. To this end, the regional body, he emphasized must, among other measures, adopt a regional human rights and health strategy for key populations, support member states in drug law reform and harm reduction scale-up, create mechanisms to monitor abuses against s*x workers and PWDSO and also hold governments accountable to international human rights treaties.

Mr. Tetteh observed that decriminalisation is not just a legal question; it is a question of life or death. He therefore urged ECOWAS and national governments to amend repressive laws, expand community-led health services, fund rights-based education and policing reforms and also include affected communities in decision-making.

‘As advocacy campaigns draw global attention to the struggles and resilience of marginalised groups, West Africa must not be left behind. Justice, health, and dignity for all cannot wait’, the statement concluded.

The WADPN is a coalition of West African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that have come together to support drug policy reform in West Africa by building the capacity of local CSOs to address the impact of drug markets on democracy, governance, human security, human rights and public health. The Network has membership and established chapters in all the sixteen (16) ECOWAS West African countries, including Mauritania.

The goal of the Network is to promote an evidence-based drug control response that seeks to promote and protect the human rights, health and well-being of people and communities who use drugs and are exposed to or living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and other blood-borne (drug-related) infectious diseases.

END

11/08/2025

TONGU CHIEFS' UNION EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA AND THE BEREAVED FAMILIES OF THE EIGHT FALLEN HEROES

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Sogakope

The Tongu Chiefs' Union (TCU) has expressed its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the President, the good people of Ghana as well as the bereaved families of the eight (8) gallant heroes who perished in last week's helicopter crash on Wednesday, 6th August, 2025 at Sikaman near Adansi Akrofuom in the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The Union noted that it is very sad, unfortunate, grieving and disheartening that the five (5) government officials including the two (2) serving cabinet Ministers of State as well as the three (3) Airforce Military officers had to lose their lives in such a gory manner.

A statement issued by the Union and signed by its President, Togbe Kadzi Zogah II, commended the government and the bereaved families for the collective efforts so far made to give a befitting and dignified burial to these gallant heroes who suddenly lost their lives in the line of their national duties to the state.

The Union extended its deepest sympathy to the grieving family members particularly the children, wives and parents of the crash victims who have been hardest hit by this national tragedy. 'We hope and pray that the state would give them all the needed emotional, psychological and mental support to sail through these trying moments of their life', the statement noted.

The Tongu Chiefs and Queen Mothers appealed to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama to redouble and intensify his efforts and that of his government at urgently ending the menace of illegal mining for which these eight (8) heroes had to have their lives truncated in such a bizarre and unfortunate circumstance. 'The painful loss of their lives should not be in vain; it should be a wake-up call to all of us as Ghanaians to unite against the 'galamsey' fight', the Union added.

The Union also commended the chiefs and residents of Sikaman and the Adansi Akrofuom communities for the immense support they offered to the security services and the rescue efforts to retrieve all the eight (8) bodies that perished in the helicopter crash.

The TCU expressed the optimism that the unity and collective grief that all Ghanaians including members of the political divide poured out in this national tragedy, should help the nation take a radical decision, devoid of politics, moving forward, to retool the Air Force to prevent this calamity from happening again. 'The retooling discussion should also include replacing the country's Presidential Jet which has aged over the years', the chiefs noted.

The Union called for an immediate end to all the conspiracy theories on the cause of the helicopter crash and instead await the outcome of the investigations launched into the incident including the retrieval of the black box which would greatly aid in identifying what went wrong in the whole incident. 'We should all remain calm and patient for the professionals to come out with their findings so we can move along with their recommendations as a nation', the statement concluded.

END

07/08/2025

THE NATIONAL QUEEN MOTHERS’ PLATFORM-GHANA CONSOLES THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA, H.E. JOHN MAHAMA AND BEREAVED FAMILIES OF THE GALLANT LOST SOULS

Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra

The National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)-Ghana has expressed its deepest condolences to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, government and the good people of Ghana for the loss of the lives of eight (8) gallant Ghanaians who perished in the Z-9 helicopter crash on Wednesday, 6th August 2025 near Sikaman in the Adansi-Akrofuom area in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The QMP-Ghana has also consoled the bereaved families of the officials involved in the crash, describing the incident not only as a black day for the country but also a great loss to the bereaved families and a developing nation like Ghana.

A statement issued by the Platform in Accra and jointly singed by its President and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region, Nana Amponsah Dokua III and Executive Secretary and Paramount Queen Mother of the Drobo Traditional Area in the Bono Region, Nana Yaa Ansua, described the death of the two serving cabinet ministers and the six (6) other government and state officials as tragic, painful and an irreparable loss to the human capital of the country.

On Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, the whole country woke up to the very sad tragic news of the loss of eight (8) distinguished Ghanaians including two (2) sitting government ministers.

The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Co-ordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, the NDC National Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, as well as a former Parliamentary Candidate for the Obuasi Constituency, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, perished alongside the Pilot and other Crew members of the helicopter namely Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Nana Amponsah Dokua III and Nana Yaa Ansua hoped that the Good Lord and Allah would grant the President, government and the family members the resilience and strength to sail through these trying and grieving moments of their lives.

The QMP-Ghana has welcomed the immediate investigations launched into the incident, hoping that the findings would guide the country to take a decisive decision, moving forward, in the interest of the country, devoid of politics. The platform also condemned the circulation of the charred and unsavory images of the deceased on social media platforms and called for an immediate end to these publications, noting that such actions contradict the cultural norms, values, customs and traditions of the Ghanaian people.

Nana Amponsah Dokua III and Nana Yaa Ansua appealed to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama to consider erecting a memorial monument for the eight (8) fallen heroes at Obuasi to remind all Ghanaians and the nation of the sacrifices of these gallant Ghanaians towards the ‘galamsey’ fight.

The QMP-Ghana also expressed the optimism that the illegal mining menace for which all these government and state officials have lost their lives in such a national tragedy, would be completely eradicated for the benefit of all Ghanaians. ‘The tragic loss of these heroes in the line of performing such a national duty against illegal mining, should not be in vein’, the statement concluded.

End

akukorku tv

22/08/2025

22/08/2025

22/08/2025

20/08/2025

20/08/2025

20/08/2025

18/08/2025

11/08/2025

07/08/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category