Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for the frontal role it continues to play in the implementation of various policies and initiatives by the Ministry. Speaking during a courtesy call on the Chief Of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah on Tuesday, Mr. Jinapor touted the collaboration between the Ministry and GAF in various areas including illegal mining, land guard situations and implementation of the government’s flagship afforestation program, Green Ghana Project. He expressed the heartfelt appreciation of the Ministry to the Armed Forces for always availing itself to the Ministry to execute projects that serves the country. Disclosing the purpose of his visit, the Minister informed the CDS that the Ministry in consultation with relevant stakeholders have agreed to hold the 2024 commemorative tree planting with a target of 10 million trees for the 4th edition of the Green Ghana Project at Burma Camp which is the base of the Ghana Armed Forces. The commemorative tree planting ceremony will be performed by the President, H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to officially kick off the nationwide tree planting exercise. With this year’s edition slated for the headquarters of the GAF, Hon. Jinapor thought it right to initiate early engagement with the CDS and also court his support. With the Ministry targeting 10 million trees for the fourth edition of the program on June 7, 2024, Hon. Samuel Jinapor appealed to the CDS to once again collaborate with the Ministry to ensure its effectiveness by providing logistical support. He also leverage on the meeting to officially congratulate Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah on his appointment as CDS. The CDS, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah commended the Lands Minister and officials of the Ministry for making efforts to congratulate him on his elevation to the apex of Ghana’s military leadership. He assured that the relationship and collaboration between his outfit and the Ministry will be strengthened under his watch. On the Green Ghana Project, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah welcomed the responsibility and honour as host of the commemorative tree planting ceremony and promised of its success. On the issue of logistics, he stated that the Army will make available every resources needed for the successful implementation of the project. The Green Ghana Project which is in its fourth year is the flagship forestry project of the government. This is year, the ministry is aiming to plan over 10million trees on June 7, 2024. Story by: ThinkNewsRoom

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that a Military helicopter with 14 passengers on board crashes at Bonsukrom in Agona Nkwanta. The cause of the crash is under investigation. It is however unconfirmed whether any casualties were recorded. More soon..... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian musician Captain Planet of 4×4 fame has reacted to his colleague artiste, Kuami Eugene’s accident which has dominated conversations in the public domain. In his reaction, he asked members of the public to pray fervently for the ailing artiste as he receives treatment at the hospital to expedite his recovery process. He stated that no plans of the devil against the life of Eugene shall come to pass if the accident was not of natural cause but had something to do with somebody orchestrating to mess up his life. The musician wished Eugene a speedy recovery and to come back as soon as possible to continue doing exploits to entertain his fanbase and the nation at large. “Speedy recovery, @KuamiEugene. Keep him in your prayers. He was involved in a near-fatal car accident on the N1. The devil is a liar,” he wrote on his X page, sighted by GhanaWeb. About Kuami Eugene’s accident Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene was involved in a motor accident at the Achimota Overhead, close to the Achimota Forest. He rammed his vehicle into the back of a tipper truck at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024. A reporter at the scene arranged for a vehicle to transport him and another passenger to the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC). He also called the Achimota Police to the scene. Speaking to the media, the journalist said, “I was behind them, so I stopped and rushed to rescue them; that was when I realized it was Kuame Eugene. He had a broken wrist and a deep cut on his right hand.” He also explained that the tipper truck was in motion but moving slowly when the musician crashed into it. He believes the accident occurred because the N1 highway was extremely dark due to poor lighting, while the tipper truck also lacked a tail light, thereby worsening visibility. Meanwhile, Kuami Eugene’s management, Lynx Entertainment, has notified the public that the musician is alive and receiving treatment at the hospital. Credit: Ghanaweb

In a surprising turn of events, Folorunsho Alakija, the country’s wealthiest woman, is reportedly going through a marital crisis after more than three decades of marriage to her husband, Modupe Alakija. The couple, who have been a prominent fixture in Nigerian society, has decided to part ways. According to The Will newspaper, the former social matriarch, now a gospel minister, has officially separated from her marriage. Sources close to the situation reveal that frequent arguments between the couple led to their decision to live separately. Modupe Alakija, once a constant presence at their highbrow Ikoyi home in Lagos, is now alleged to no longer spend nights there. The strain in their marriage has prompted Folorunsho Alakija to demand complete privacy, while her spouse seeks alternative housing in the Ikoyi neighborhood. The reasons behind this marital conflict remain undisclosed, but insiders speculate that their prominence in Nigerian society may have influenced their united front until now. Folorunsho Alakija, the creator of FAMFA Oil Limited, has not only established herself as a wealthy businesswoman but also as a philanthropist and minister. This recent turmoil coincides with rumors about her health, particularly her vision problems. As the nation watches, the end of a 30-year marriage marks a significant chapter in the lives of these influential figures. We wish them both strength and healing during this challenging time. Credit: MyNigeria

Peace FM journalist, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has weighed in on the issue of the National Cathedral of Ghana project, stating that its current state was a collective shame and embarrassment to the nation. He is also clear that the idea was not well thought through relative to funding and that issues relating to alleged secrecy and other controversies that have dogged it were unnecessary. Sefa Kayi, however, emphasized in his interview with Accra-based Asempa FM (March 18), that he supports in principle, the idea of the state building and owning such an edifice because elsewhere they exist and are a source of national pride. “The Cathedral, obviously, wasn’t well thought through. To men, the idea of a state cathedral was a wonderful idea but the way and manner it was pursued is what we have reaped. “If the state had such a property, it would have been great but the division, the politics, the furore. The fact that don’t see the head and tail of the project, whether it was private or public funds, it has became very messy,” he lamented. “Even members of the ruling party are unclear about the project because of the divisive narrative around it. That is why the hole is there, it is a shame for us all. The fights, the secrecy and the many issues make it embarrassing,” he added. The project was started by the government as part of a promise President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made to God. It has since stalled over lack of funding. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, has been one of the most vocal lawmakers demanding accountability over the use of public resources for the cathedral project. He has pointed out through social media publications, issues regarding corporate governance breaches, financial impropriety as well as identity fraud on the part of the secretary of the project’s Board of Trustees. Credit: Ghanaweb

Entertainment entrepreneur now turned politician Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu has criticised the Ghana Trade Fair Company for the demolition of the Fantasy Dome on Saturday, March 16. Speaking in an interview on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on Monday, the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei Central said the demolition is an insensitive act to investors in the creative industry. He explained that the Trade Fair Company could have handled the situation in a better way considering the fact that there are not enough event centres for the creative arts space. “It is very insensitive to the diasporans and investors in the creative industry. There is lack of venues and venues has been one of the biggest issues and so for a government that made promises to that effect and could not deliver it in eight years, I felt that they were going to manage the issues and ensure that investors are not dealt a lone deal in the industry. “Leslie does not deserve this; he has been a long-term investor in the industry. I know the level of investment he puts in the creative industry. It could have been handled in a much better way,” he stated on March 18. Baba Sadiq further lamented that such acts by government makes investors shy away from investing in the creative sector. “Already the industry is down with investment, the industry is lacking venues, the industry is down from some of the regulations that are taking money away due to lack of sponsorships and when there are few individuals who believe in the industry, this is the treatment that they are given,” he noted. According to Sadiq, Leslie Quaynor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fantasy Dome is one the huge forces contributing to the improvement of the creative sector. He said Mr. Quaynor has been the brain behind some of the major musical events which has generated revenue to some talents and created employment whether direct or indirect. Background to the demolition of Fantasy Dome On Saturday, March 16 some unknown men with protection and support from some National Security officials razed down the Fantasy Dome. Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Leslie Quaynor  alleged that the demolition was carried out under the instructions of the Ghana Trade Fair Company for failing to relocate after its tenancy expired on December 31 last year. Mr. Quaynor said despite securing a court injunction to restrain the demolition, the Trade Fair Company ignored the court injunction and proceeded with the demolition. Credit: 3news

One of the sponsors of the anti-gay bill, Samuel Nartey George has described the Attorney-General’s advice to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo not to take any action on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 pending a Supreme Court decision on two separate applications for an interlocutory injunction against the bill, as shameful and disgraceful. He also says it shows that the president’s promises are mere rhetoric. “Dear @NAkufoAddo, this is not just shameful and disgraceful but speaks to the facts that when it comes to your words and promises, they are mere fluff and flowery English. Once again, you prove to the Ghanaian people that you are not to be trusted,” he wrote on X. Parliament unanimously passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill) on Wednesday, February 28. The bill, if assented to, prescribes between three and five years imprisonment to persons found guilty of willful promotion, funding, and advocating for LGBTQ+ activities prohibited under the act. Also, persons who publicly identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, an ally or pansexual face between two months and three years of imprisonment. The president later indicated his inability of assenting to the bill until after the Supreme Court has finished hearing the suit filed against the bill. Later the Attorney -General in a letter dated March 18 addressed to Parliament and signed by the executive secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, it was indicated that the Attorney-General wrote to the President stating, amongst other things, that “he has been duly served with both applications”. He, therefore, advised the President “not to take any step in relation to the Bill until the matters raised by the suits are determined by the Supreme Court”. “This Office is aware of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction, both filed on 7th March 2024, in the Supreme Court in Dr. Amanda Odoi v. The Speaker of Parliament and The Attorney-General (J1/13/2023) and Richard Sky v. The Parliament of Ghana and The Attorney-General (11/9/2024), respectively, to restrain you and Parliament from transmitting the Bill to the President and, also, to restrain the President from signifying his assent to the Bill, pending the final determination of the matter,” the statement added. Credit: 3news

Christopher Adu Boahen, son of renowned historian and former presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Prof. Albert Adu Boahen has been murdered by robbers at his home in East Legon, a suburb of Accra. Asaase radio reported on March 18 that the late Christopher Adu Boahen was attacked by the robbers who broke into his house, ransacked his home and killed him in the process. According to reports, a Facebook post by his 1995 year group at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where Christopher studied electrical engineering, announced that some “wicked persons” had taken his life. “Sad to announce the untimely passing of our classmate, Christopher. Wicked persons entered his home, ransacked the place, and robbed him of his life. His home, at East Legon, has been barricaded by the police and declared a crime scene. “May the soul of our brother find rest in the Lord. Bad news for a Monday morning but let’s keep our spirits up and look forward to a great week,” said the post announcing the death of Christopher Adu Boahen. The late Christopher Adu Boahen was the son of the NPP’s presidential candidate in 1992, Professor Albert Adu Boahen in the first elections held in Ghana after the country’s return to democracy under the Fourth Republic. Christopher Adu Boahen was a brother of Charles Adu Boahen, who served both as a deputy minister for finance and then as minister of state at the Ministry of Finance in the Akufo-Addo government. Charles Adu Boahen resigned from government in November 2022. Credit: Asaase Radio

Ghana U20 defender, Aaron Essel is confident of the Black Satellites' chances ahead of their game against Senegal in the semi-final at the African Games. The Bechem United star played a role as Ghana reached the semis of the competition and will be looking forward to starting in the game against the Young Teranga Lions. Despite being the host, Senegal came into the competition with a high reputation, having dominated African football in the last 18 months. "I have been in almost all male national teams and I think it's because of my confidence and the hard work I put in when given the opportunity. Even if I get a Black Stars call-up I believe I will have the confidence to play," Essel said at the pre-match presser. "We respect every opponent and I have lots of trust in my teammates that irrespective of the opponent, we will emerge victorious," he added. The winner of the match will face the victor from the other semi-final between Uganda and Congo. Credit: 3news

Gospel Musician, Sonnie Badu has disclosed that some Bishops and about 78% of American Gospel Musicians belong to the LGBTQI+ community. He made these revelations while speaking on an Accra-based radio station. He said “In America, about 78% of gospel musicians that we play their songs on our airwaves and in our churches are into LGBTQ activities. If you get to know them, you won’t play their songs again. Even some bishops that we follow and listen to are involved in LGBTQI activities,” The renowned Gospel Musician also revealed that one of the gospel musicians even warned him not to interfere in such affairs. “One of the gospel musicians even warned me to mind my business when I see the things they are involved in because they know I am straight,” he added. Mr. Sonnie Badu further expressed worry over the effect of LGBTQI+ agenda. “This LGBTQ+ agenda is not just in Ghana, it’s everywhere in the world, it’s frightening, it’s in many countries, in their books, schools, cartoons, commercials etc. “Personally, in my house, my children don’t watch cartoons again. These innocent cartoons are now subtly sending messages to our children. It’s disturbing as a parent,” he noted. The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana has currently been passed awaiting Presidential assent. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

His Excellency, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria has died in Abuja, Nigeria. The Commission made the announcement via an official statement. It is emerging that his body has been flown to Ghana for burial in accordance with Islamic funeral practice. The Commission has opened a Book of Condolence in his memory. “In memory of His Excellency Alhaji Rashid Bawa, a Book of Condolence will be available for signing at the Chancery in Abuja on the following dates and times: Wednesday, 20th March 2024 to Friday, 22nd March 2024, from 11 am to 4 pm; Monday, 25th March 2024 to Wednesday”, it noted and called on all to join in paying respects and honouring the legacy of the departed High Commissioner. Rashid Bawa in December last year was elected as the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Akan Constituency of the Oti Region. His unexpected death on Thursday March 14 would necessitate another parliamentary primaries to elect a candidate for the Party in the Akan Constituency. Exactly a week before the unexpected death of Rashid Bawa last Thursday, the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Akan Constituency, the Party’s candidate for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, John Kumah was as well reported dead, also on a Thursday, precisely on March 7. Both deaths are said to be due to short illnesses. Rashid Bawa once served as Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and had was  the Member of Parliament for  the Akan Constituency from 7 January 2001 to 6 January 2005 as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, messages of condolence from across the world have started pouring in after the death of Rashid Bawa was confirmed. The Government of Nigeria, in a statement signed by Francisca Omayuli, Spokesperson at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, with a deep sense of sadness extends its condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana over the demise of H.E. Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, on Thursday, 14th March 2024, in Abuja after a brief illness. “The late High Commissioner was a fine diplomat who contributed immensely to furthering the longstanding and strategic relations between Nigeria and Ghana. “His diplomatic prowess and genuine commitment to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two sister countries, throughout his tenure as Ghana’s principal representative in Nigeria, will forever be appreciated. He will be greatly missed. “May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant the bereaved family, the government, and the good people of Ghana the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Credit: The Publisher Online

Dr. Julius Abuku, the Medical Superintendent of the Agona Swedru Municipal Government Hospital, has denied knowledge of allegations by some people that the hospital caused the death of a 54-year-old woman. Dr. Abuku said the hospital did no wrong to direct security personnel and nurses to turn away patients who were brought in for admission since fumigation had been done in all rooms of the facility at the time. In a media interview to debunk the allegation, Dr. Abuku said the hospital management gave a week-long public notice for its planned fumigation exercise, and all standardised existing protocols were duly observed by extending letters to nearby hospitals in the municipality about the work. The Medical Superintendent explained that Mr. Nawarf Awudu sent his sick mother to the hospital on Saturday, March 9, and allegedly accused the authorities of refusing to admit her because of the fumigation. The man was said to have rushed his mother to the Swedru Alhmadiyya Hospital afterwards, but she, unfortunately, died on admission there. Dr. Abuku said the management had been carrying out fumigation exercises occasionally, as in any government hospital, per the mission and vision of the facility. “It would be unwise on health grounds to admit patients when rooms were fumigated because it could be hazardous for the patients. Even those already on admission were discharged for their safety,” he said. He said it was unfortunate that the facility where the woman was sent could not stabilise her, even though she was admitted on time. Dr. Abuku entreated the public, especially people living in and around Agona Swedru, to exercise restraint by condemning the hospital’s management since it was there to save lives and must do all in its power to ensure the realisation of that mandate. The medical superintendent expressed his sympathy to the bereaved family for the loss of their relative due to circumstances beyond the control of the hospital. Credit: GNA