The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuamen in the Western Region, George Mireku Duker has joined some constituents to embark on a massive clean-up exercise in some key areas in the Constituency. The exercise which was held on Holy Saturday attracted traders and some enthusiastic volunteers to join in the exercise. Speaking after the exercise, Mr. Mireku Duker said “On Saturday, March 30, 2024, I initiated a series of impactful activities with my constituents aiming to enhance the well-being of our community” “The day commenced with a vigorous clean-op exercise, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment” The MP added that together with enthusiastic volunteers, they tackled key areas, beautifying the neighborhood as well as fostering a sense of collective responsibility among residents. After hours of massive clean-up exercise, some street lights were fixed along the principal streets of Tarkwa. The MP noted that the fixing of streetlights will improve on visibility for the safety of constituents. About a hundred pieces of clothes were donated to some market women who ply their trade at the New Atuabo market. The move by the Tarkwa-Nsuamen MP forms part of the 2024 Easter celebrations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Girls not Brides Ghana Partnership, a coalition of over 100 child rights organizations in all 16 regions of Ghana have condemned Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuuno Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII's marriage to a 12-year-old girl, calling for his arrest and dissolution of marriage immediately The coalition through its National Chairperson, Hajia Fati Seidu Tambro has also called on Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit under the Ghana Police Service and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure adherence to the UN Convention on the Right of the Child 1989 and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 1999 and Ghanaian domestic laws on the promotion of the rights of children. In a press release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Hajia Fati Seidu Tambro said "Anecdotally, on 30th March 2024 most citizens of Ghana were disappointed of a worrying and disturbing incident where news broke that Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII Married a 12-year-old young girl as a spiritual wife at a grand ceremony in conformity to their traditional rite. GNB Ghana Partnership finds this tradition as a breach of the fundamental human right of the child" She added that Ghana as a country has pledged to the international communities to protect its citizens through the ratification of international conventions and protocols to protect women and girls against violence. "Article (4) of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women(DEVAW)(1993) states that no state should invoke any custom ,tradition or religious consideration ‘in the perpetration of violence against women .Article (2) of the AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights Women also enjoins state to eliminate cultural and traditional conduct that reinforce the belief that discriminate against women including stereotyped gender roles" She also disclosed that Ghana has domesticated these international laws in its laws and prohibit all customary practices which dehumanize or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of persons in Article 26(2) of the 1992 Constitution. "Although the people of Nungua are conforming to their tradition and customs it must be practice according to the provision of the constitution. The constitution provides in Article 26(4) that no child shall be deprived by any other person of medical treatment, education for religious reasons or traditional beliefs. And states the definition of a child to mean any person below the age eighteen years" "Child Marriage is a violation of human rights that robs young girls of their childhood and prospects, and we must work together to stop the said spiritual marriage of the 63-year Wulomo of Nungua to the 12-year-old" "According to UNFPA-UNICEF Global report in 2020, Ghana is home to 2 million Child brides representing 19% of all young women married before their 18th birthday, although child marriage has declined over the last three decade, from 34% in 1993. However, to be able to meet the ambitious goal of ending the practice by 2030, as set out in the Sustainability Development Goal, the traditional marriage between the Wulomo of Nungua should be dissolved with immediate effect." "We therefore call on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other relevant stakeholders to act according to the constitution to save the 12-year-old child from this inhumane customary law of the Nungua traditional Area." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A year after she announced her resignation from the multimedia group limited, South-Africa-born presenter and actress, Mapitso Sebidi has said she is leaving Ghana. The versatile host announced she is returning to her home country after seven years of working in the Ghanaian media and entertainment space. Maps, as she is widely known, begun her TV journey in Ghana as a reporter with the multimedia group and evolved into an all-round personality. She also built her craft in radio and TV production in her time with the kokomlemle-based media organization, and hosted news and other lifestyle programmes on JOYNEWS and JOY PRIME. In a Facebook post announcing her departure from Ghana, Maps noted “it is time to write a new story and the next chapter is titled BEGINNING AGAIN.” She added “I don’t know where it will take me, but I stand firm with the reminder that endings can be beautiful too.” Maps has variously shared fond experiences of her time in Ghana, both on and off the TV screens and carries along with her, back to her roots in South Africa, lots of memories. “To every one who has played a role in my Ghanaian adventure—friends turned family, former colleagues, virtual friends, and fans—I am eternally grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the bonds forged,” she wrote. She also spared sometime to appreciate her mother who gave her blessing for her 2017 adventure into Ghana and all the other decisions she has made in her life and career since then. Her post concludes “as I always say, the sun will shine and we will try again.” “Cheers to new beginnings and endless possibilities. Goodbye Ghana, you have been far too good to me.” During her time in Ghana, Maps featured in drama series like "Dede," "Eno," and "Madam" on Akwaaba Magic, and worked with some of the industry’s finest actors and directors. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

MTN Ghana is pleased to inform its stakeholders that as earlier announced by MTN Group on December 6, 2023, Stephen Blewett has assumed the role of CEO of Scancom Ltd (MTN Ghana) effective April 1, 2024. This follows the departure of Selorm Adadevoh to MTN Group as the Chief Commercial Officer after serving as CEO of MTN Ghana for close to 6 years. Prior to his appointment as the CEO for MTN Ghana, Stephen served as the MTN Group Operations Executive for Markets, with oversight over eight (8) countries in West and Central Africa and as a Non – Executive Director for Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Benin, and Congo. He previously held the positions of Group Chief Operations Officer for Digicel, a telecoms operator in Jamaica and Chief Executive Officer for MTN in Benin and Cameroon. Stephen joins MTN Ghana with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce focused on Finance, Economics, Business Administration and Marketing from the University of KwaZulu, Natal. MTN Ghana welcomes to Stephen Blewett to Ghana and wishes him success in his new role. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association, has thrown his hat into the ring for the NPP primary in the Ejisu Constituency of the Ashanti Region, just as the by-election looms closer. Despite facing a ban from all football-related activities due to his involvement in a bribery scandal captured in the Number 12 documentary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Nyantakyi is vying for a political position in his hometown. The NPP primary, slated for April 13, aims to select a candidate for the upcoming by-election, prompted by the demise of former deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, on March 7, 2024. With roots in Ejisu through his mother, Nyantakyi is eyeing the seat left vacant by the late Honourable John Kumah, positioning himself as a contender for leadership. Although the full roster of candidates remains undisclosed, Nyantakyi stands out as a prominent figure within the NPP, garnering support from party members as a potential nominee for the constituency. Transitioning from the sports arena to the political landscape, Nyantakyi's bid for the Ejisu primary represents a significant stride in his political ambitions, with the prospect of assuming a leadership role if successful in the by-election. Having presided over the Ghana Football Association from 2005 to 2018, Nyantakyi's venture into local politics marks a new phase in his public career, potentially culminating in leading the Ejisu Constituency in the run-up to the December 2024 general election. Credit: Modern Ghana

The family of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has announced the passing of his second wife, Hajia Ramatu Sharubutu, in the early hours of Wednesday, March 27, 2024. In a radio interview with a Accra-based radio station, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, the Chief Imam’s spokesperson, shared that while the Chief Imam is deeply saddened by his wife's death, he is finding strength in his faith and is being supported by his family and friends. "He (Chief Imam) lost his second spouse, Hajia Ramatu Sharubutu in the early hours of this morning Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Chief Imam humanly speaking is devastated but he is keeping his faith. He is psychologically stable and very strong in spirit, and receiving visitors and sympathisers who are coming around to sympathise with him.", he stated. The spokesperson also mentioned that a Janazah prayer and burial will be held at 2 pm for the late Hajia Ramatu, following Islamic customs, at the Chief Imam’s residence. Sympathisers are requested to arrive at 1 pm to join in the prayer and show their support to the grieving family during this difficult time. Credit: Graphiconline

Ghanaian Musician, Kuami Eugene has thanked God for saving his life after his involvement in a gory accident some weeks ago. The Musician took to his X account, formerly Twitter to make the tweet. In his tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com he tweeted "I want to say thank you to God, My family, staff of UGMC and all of you for your prayers, your positive thoughts and your acts of kindness." "The support and love that I received have been breathtaking and beyond my expectations. #ladiesandgentlemen 🕊️" It will be recalled that the Musician was involved in a gory accident weeks ago on the Dzowulu highway. It took the courage of Managing Editor of Modern Ghana, Ajarfor Abugri to rescue the Artist. Although his car was badly damaged, Kuami Eugene managed to escape death. The fatal accident left Kuami Eugene sustaining various injuries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The African Think Tank is a community-focused initiativefor Africans and friends of Africa. Its mission is to foster a sense of belonging and facilitate the professional, entrepreneurial, and economic transformation of the African diaspora through innovative programs that drive positive change and sustainable development for all. The African Think Tank envisions an interconnected global community of Africans and friends of Africa rooted in trust, unity, collaboration, and impact. MANDATE The African Think Tank provides lots of initiatives, programs, and opportunities. One of the most successful and popular opportunities are our monthly networking mixers. The African Think Tank hosts monthly in-person networking events for Africans within the diaspora in the following cities: Dallas, Houston, DMV Region, Atlanta, and Charlotte for Africans and friends of Africa. During these events, we provide a space to network, showcase local African vendors, facilitate focus group discussions, and host keynote speakers and panel style discussions. BASIC INFORMATION Weekly Commitment: 6-8 hours per week (Flexible scheduling within hours of organization's operation) Supervisor: The intern will report to the Manager of Operations, while largely supporting the Regional Directors. POSITION SUMMARY An Intern for The African Think Tank will aid in all aspects of The African Think Tank's organizational administrative needs. The Intern will assist in activities related to volunteer management, fundraising and grant writing, community engagement, data entry and reporting, calendar management and direct service and advocacy for the organization, while also providing some support that the regional level. The Intern will also have the opportunity to participate in their chapter's steering committee meetings to learn more about the operations of the organization for the upcoming month. They will attend the monthly events and help delegate responsibilities to the steering committee. EXPECTATIONS All Interns are expected to conduct themselves according to the standards expected of all volunteers, staff and affiliates. All Interns will be required to pass required background checks. ESSENTIAL TASKS An ideal intern for The African Think Tank: Supports and manages the organization's initiatives in collaboration with the Regional Directory and Steering Committee Fosters and manages relationships with organizations, networks, vendor, and community members to advance community relations and equity-based initiatives Provides community, partners, and staff with support through information and resource referrals Assists in the coordination of monthly events in collaboration with the Regional Director and Steering Committee Educates a variety of stakeholders about The African Think Tank's vision and mission and serves as an advocate for the organization. Supports meetings and activities of the Steering Committee and the work of research groups Monitors and assists with data collection to inform colleagues, community, and partners across the organization, ensuring compliance and best practices in data management and reporting Assists in the development of public awareness campaigns, documents, and materials Provides administrative support as needed to the Regional Director and/or Steering Committee Provides support to other department priorities, as needed, e.g., strategic plan, annual budget, special initiatives, fundraising etc. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other organization members and staff ESSENTIAL ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A passion for service The ability to collaborate with others Experience working with diverse stakeholders who possess different perspectives The skills to work well with personnel at different levels of responsibility Must have excellent networking and interpersonal abilities Basic computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Effective communication and organizational skills Ability to provide excellent customer service in all interactions Ability to speak with others (virtually, one-on-one, group discussions, etc.) Excellent leadership, team building, interpersonal and time management skills Access to reliable internet service ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Our ideal intern is currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university. Ideally, we would like for our interns to reside in or near the areas listed below, but are willing to consider applicants that reside anywhere on the globe and can work remotely. Dallas, TX Houston, TX D.C./Maryland/Virginia Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC COMPENSATION The African Think Tank is willing to offer stipends to its interns based on organizational achievements and milestones. The African Think Tank will also offer academic credit to our interns. ADDITIONAL NOTES Anyone who is able to complete the activities stated above and meets the minimum qualifications is encouraged to apply, regardless of country of origin. While we are an organization that focuses on the African diaspora, you do not need to be African in order to apply. The African Think Tank will accept applications from Africans as well as individuals who are friends of Africa. All CVS should be channeled via Info@theafricanthinktank.com The African Think Tank can also be reached on all social media platforms. Story: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been ranked eighth (8th) out of Top 20 Influential Creators on Favikon LinkedIn-Ghana 2024 ranking. According to Favikon, the ranking and recognition comes following the authenticity of these influential creators with their followers and the leverage social media platforms has propelled them to the forefront of online influence. The Twenty (20) are said to possess a unique ability to shape opinions, trends, and behaviors, making a significant impact on society at large. The name of the organization in charge is Favikon. Favikon is an AI-powered influencer platform that is revolutionizing marketing. Trusted by 10K+ brands, it offers precise influencer discovery, management, and insights across 600+ industries, ensuring maximum ROI. "Our creator marketing software was crafted by a team of brilliant minds - and you might be surprised to learn that some of them are also content creators! Can you spot them? Keep your eyes peeled." Who is this software for? Favikon is designed for businesses, brands, agencies, and content creators who seek to leverage influencer marketing effectively. Interested persons can sign up via; https://lnkd.in/d-U7_VhQ Some of the nineteen persons include; Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of MTN Ghana. Mr. Adadevoh topped the Ghana ranking with a score of 72.2 out of a score of 100. Media and Communications Professional, Emma Morrison grabbed the 18th position. She managed to score 46.1 out of a 100. Mr. Daniel McKorley, took to the 12th position recording a score of 49.7 out of 100. He is a Business Leader and currently the Executive Chairman of McDan Group of Companies. Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai secured the 2nd position with an impressive score of 70.8 out of 100. She is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vodafone Ghana now Telecel. Founder of Milk and Honey Tv, Anita M. V. Erskine was not left out as she booked a seat at the 13th position. She scored 48.2 out of 100. The 10th position was grabbed by Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku. She scored 51 out of 100. The 69th position went to none other than Samuel Kwabena Ansong, a Digital Marketing and Communications Professional. He gathered 13.6 out of 100. Jannice Tagoe, a Brand Development Consultant and Advocate for Women managed to grab the 4th position. She scored 65.9 out of 100. To sign up on Favikon, click https://www.favikon.com/?fpr=ansong16 for more details. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has sacked Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah from his role as the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with immediate effect as of Wednesday, March 27. Also the GRA Board has been dissolved without providing a specific reason. However, it is anticipated that a new Board will be constituted by President Akufo-Addo in the near future. Julie Essiam has been appointed as the replacement for Rev. Dr. Owusu-Ansah, reports from citinewsroom.com indicated. Pressure for Dr. Ammishaddai’s removal has been mounting, with several groups contending that he has exceeded the legal age limit for public officers to remain in office. In December 2023, the Concerned Citizens of Ghana threatened protests over Dr. Ammishaddai’s continued tenure, as well as that of his deputy, Ms. Julie Essiam. This comes after the Minority in Parliament, led by Ningo Prampram MP Sam George, has also demanded his dismissal. Mr. George labeled Rev. Ammishaddai as persona non grata due to his extended tenure beyond the mandated 60 years, suggesting that he lacked a valid contract with the state. He also cautioned companies against engaging with Dr. Ammishaddai, asserting that he lacked the authority to commit the state to any contractual obligations. Credit: Adomfmonline

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to make history as it prepares to receive Ms. Julie Essiam as Ghana’s First Female Commissioner General. The move comes following Ms. Essiam's several decades of experience, passion and commitment to ensuring a sustainable transformation at GRA. Ms. Julie Essiam is an accomplished Banking Executive with a professional passion for sustainable transformation and development work; whether it is developing and transforming businesses, developing talent or transforming communities. Madam Julie Essiam currently occupies the position of Commissioner responsible for the Support Services Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Prior to her appointment, she was the Group Executive at the Ecobank Group with branches covering 40 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world. Ms. Essiam is driven with a passion for transforming communities, and as the initiator of several and impactful community based programs. Ms. Julie Essiam is a firm believer in investing in the next generation and therefore has dedicated the last fifteen years of her professional life working with the youth in monitoring and supporting them shape their thinking around their respective life journeys. She is also the concept originator and founder of Africans4Africa (A4A) initiation; a private sector led development organization that calls for a collaborative effort across the leadership of Africa to contribute to the successful achievement of an impactful transformation of the continent towards a thriving and prosperous Africa. She was a member of Ecobank Group Executive Committee, and has been on the boards of Ecobank Zambia, the Ecobank Foundation and three board committees of the Ecobank Group-Finance and Audit, Risk and HR. Ms. Julie Essiam was also the immediate past Board Member of the Global fund and the President of the Private Sector delegation of the Global fund. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says its attention has been drawn to a decision by the Chief Justice of Ghana to list the case of Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor v. the Speaker of Parliament and Attorney-General (SUIT NO: J1/12/2024) for hearing on Wednesday, 27th March, 2024. According to the NDC, it is intrigued by the listing of the Dafeamekpor case for hearing, ahead of the case of Richard Dela Sky v. the Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General. In a release signed by its General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey, he said "It is interesting to note, that Richard Dela Sky filed his writ of summons in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, on the 5th of March 2024. This was almost two (2) clear weeks before Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor filed his writ of summons on 18th March, 2024 challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by the President" The statement added that given the recent political deadlock that these two legal suits have created between the Executive arm and the Legislative arm of government, one would have expected that the date of filing of the cases would have informed the timing of their hearing by the apex Court. "Yet, for some strange reasons, the case of Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor which was last in time to be filed, has been hurriedly listed for hearing tomorrow, while that of Richard Dela Sky which predated the Dafeamekpor case by two weeks, has not been listed for hearing at all" "This is in spite of the fact that, no application for abridgment of time, has been filed by any of the parties in the Dafeamekpor case" "It’s quite apparent, that this is a ploy by the Chief Justice to fast-track the determination of the suit filed by Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor, while the determination of the Richard Dela Sky suit is deliberately and unduly delayed, to enable the President shelve the crucial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill that has been passed by Parliament" "Even more bizarre is the fact that, the case filed by some NDC Members of Parliament, challenging the constitutionality of the passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Bill, as far back as 2022, has not been listed for hearing by the Supreme Court till date" He added that the arbitrary exercise of administrative discretion by the Chief Justice, particularly in the scheduling of cases in the Supreme Court, goes to fortify the high perception of bias on the part of the judiciary. "Such judicial manipulations go to confirm the growing public perception that the current Chief Justice, is a pliant accomplice and abettor of the misrule of the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government" "While the Constitution of Ghana vests discretionary powers in the Chief Justice in the discharge of her administrative duties over the judiciary, it is important that such discretionary powers are not exercised arbitrarily, capriciously and whimsically" "Judicial independence must mean exactly that. At no point should the Judiciary act in a manner that lends itself to the grounded belief that it is willing to aid an overbearing executive in a standoff with the legislature" Mr. Kwetey stressed that the Chief Justice must appreciate that justice emanates from the people and that the judiciary exists to serve the overall interest of the state and not the interest of any particular political party or government. "As such, fairness and balance must at all times shine through their work. The listing of this particular case filed much later than the Sky case does not reflect these vital prerequisites" "We have come too far in our constitutional journey to allow such glaring manipulation to pass without protest. Such behavior as constantly exhibited by the Chief Justice against entities opposed to the NPP has gone on for too long" "This does not only undermine public confidence in the judiciary but it also makes mockery of our democratic arrangements" "There can be no earthly justification for listing the Defeamekpor case ahead of the Richard Sky case and we demand an immediate rectification of this travesty. As the political tradition that birthed the fourth republican democracy and constitution, we are extremely concerned about this biased handling of cases by the Chief Justice, which appears to be fueling the everfestering perception of judicial bias in the country" "These acts of judicial arbitrariness tilted in favour of the ruling Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, do not engender public confidence and trust in our justice delivery system. And this should give every well-meaning Ghanaian legitimate cause for concern" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith