Ghana's Finance Ministry has urged President Akufo-Addo not to sign the controversial anti-LGBT bill passed by parliament last week. It warns the country could lose a total of $3.8bn (£3bn) in World Bank funding over the next five to six years. The bill prescribes three years in jail for identifying as LGBT+ and five years for promoting LGBT+ activities. Ghana is suffering a major economic crisis and last year had a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). There are concerns that any shortfall in funding from the World Bank and other donors could derail the economic recovery. In a highly unusual move, the warning from the finance ministry was leaked to several media, including the BBC. It recommends that President Nana Akufo-Addo defer signing the bill until the Supreme Court rules on whether it aligns with the constitution. Human rights groups went to court even before it was passed by parliament but it is unlikely to be heard by the Supreme Court for some time. Ghana's president has seven days after receiving the bill to decide whether to sign it into law and if he doesn't, 14 days to give reasons. Although the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill was passed by parliament last Thursday, it has not yet been sent to the president for his assent. Mr Akufo-Addo is reported to be holding meetings with key ministries and donors to assess the impact of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill. The US, UK and human rights groups have already condemned the bill, which was backed by both of Ghana's two main political parties. Last year, the World Bank announced it would freeze new loans to Uganda in response to the introduction anti-LGBT legislation which is even tougher than that passed in Ghana. An IMF spokesperson said it couldn't comment on a bill that hadn't been signed into law but noted that "diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces". This year alone, Ghana could lose about $850m (£670m) in support, which officials say will negatively impact an already struggling economy, reduce the country's foreign reserves, and affect exchange rate stability. Credit: BBC

A country that has no principles, produces nothing, but is engaged in politics 24×7. Its President has become a poodle or a yoyo in people's hands. We are all calling 'AKOKO, ALOLO' Proverbs 22:7: The rich will rule over the poor, and servant's will lend to their own masters. The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves to their lenders !!! A little sleep, a little slumber, and we have a cup in hand. Are we not hypocrites as a nation? Part-time christians fighting a full-time devil !!! We call ourselves Christians/Muslims, but given the little opportunity as Ministers, Head of Department, CEOs, etc., we milk Ghana, milk our companies and institutions dry !!! Why won't someone threaten us against the signing of a bill that we all support in principle!!! Oh, how sad that poverty has brought us to our knees!!! This is where we are. If we are not comfortable, let's work hard, fight corruption, fight waste, and break the yoke around our necks. In all these, Bawumia is silent. How safe are we if in an unfortunate event that Bawumia leads this nation? So far, he remains the only person who hasnt spoken on this matter, and it's being alleged that Hon. Afenyo Markins is taking financial support for his activities from Bawumia’s office. I listened to Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, and I was even more worried. Did I hear him say the Peace Council has no position on the LGBTQ+ bill? REALLY?!!!. A group led by pastors, imams, etc? No wonder some revered people of God who we thought had Ghana at heart are on the campaign trail of the NPP!!! The church and the mosque may be sick now without us knowing!!! Let no one tell me again that we are a Christian or a Muslim nation. We are a disgraced, corrupt, poor, and hypocritical nation with no principles. As parents, we can only pray that our children do not fall in the hands of devilish people in school or at play. A lot depends on us and not our motherland. Ghana has been rendered hopeless. The Fnance Ministry has collatorised every fund and is now being asked to collatoralise our ANUS (gay rites) so that the LGBTQ communities can raise support and loans for us. Can any Arabian country be told this? They have really made their God proud. We are just but thieves!!! We must emancipate ourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our own minds. After the wanton dissipation of our public funds, we can't sign a bill against LGBTQ without useless excuses. sika bi ara, nso mu di!!! Did we think of our children when we were going for loans to hire private jets to bathe in the sky, and to bring Adjoa Sarfo to come and vote for E-levy, and others hiring jets to celebrate their birthdays, etc? I am sad, but i can only pray for better days ahead. Credit: Godwin Ako Gunn, President, Kun fa Yakun Movement NB: Views expressed are solely that of the writer. Thinknewsonline.com cannot be hld liable for any malicius utterances.

Headmistress of Ebenezer Presby Basic School in Kyebi, Abuakwa South Municipality, a suburb of the Eastern Region, Madam Irene Odonko has lauded the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for an initiative that has helped the school improve its BECE performance in maths, creative art, and English. She noted that before the inception of the project, most of the students were not proficient in numeracy. According to her, the project involves not only teachers and students but also parents, encouraging them to contribute their input on how they would like to see their wards' education transformed through the COMPASS project. She made these comments when JICA country leadership visited to assess the project, which is nearing successful completion this month. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has supported the Ghana Education Service with educational projects aimed at enhancing teaching and learning outcomes through its Community Participation for Sustainable for All (COMPASS) initiative since 2020. The project aims to improve learning outcomes in numeracy at the basic level through collaboration between communities and public schools in the country. It is expected to conclude this month, March 2024. She urged parents to prioritize their wards' education, emphasizing that it is the most valuable asset they can provide while alive. Programme Coordinator at the Ghana Education Service, Godfrey Dzeke added that, parents should have interest in their wards education by providing them with some learning materials to aid them in their learning. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that popular Nollywood Veteran Actor, Mr. Ibu is dead. The actor whose real name was John Okafor passed away at the age of 62. According to multiple reports from sources close to him, the veteran comedian passed away at Evercare hospital, Nigeria. May he rest in peace. Story by: Thinknewsonline

Chief Representative, JICA Ghana, Momoko SUZUKI says the continuous partnership between JICA Ghana and Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC) and by extension with the Office of Head of Service likewise Government of Ghana, has strengthened the technical capacity of staff of the center to deliver and manage high level and quality training in the areas of Ethical Leadership, Quality Productivity and Public Service Delivery Improvements over the years. According to her, JICA Ghana's goal is to make CSTC, the preferred institution for civil service training and a “Center of Excellence” not only in Ghana but also in the sub-region. Speaking at a Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC) media engagement in Accra, Momoko SUZUKI said "JICA has enjoyed a good working relationship with CSTC since our first Technical Cooperation project was initiated about one and half decades ago" She disclosed that through the flourishing relationship, JICA has extended several support to the Centre, through its Technical Cooperation projects and Grant Aid schemes. "Not only have we focused on the training capacity of the Center, but we have also supported immensely the physical infrastructure and logistical capacity of the Centre as you would witness today during this engagement. Indeed, our collaboration has grown from strength to strength" "One of JICA’s global agenda, is to strengthen good governance and institutions to secure human security. At the heart of institutional strengthening, is developing the humans resource capacity and improving administrative practices and systems" "JICA therefore continues to make Human Resource Development its utmost priority and would continue to partner the Government of Ghana to accelerate the development of its Human Resource in other to serve its people and to achieve economic growth" On her part, Principal, Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC), Dora Dei-Tumi said "The Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC), under the auspices of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service (OHCS) was established in 1953 to provide training for lower and middle level personnel in the Civil and Public Services" She added that CSTC provides training to approximately 5,000 Civil Servants every year. Madam Dei-Tumi also noted that the training received very positive feedback for its practicality and interactivity. "The challenge arose during the COVID-19 Pandemic in terms of training delivery. It was a challenge to grapple with and that was when we had to look up to how we would reconsider and reconfigure our training because we could not rely a 100% on in-person training" "That was a challenge and we informed our husbands, JICA that we needed to continue to discharge our mandate but we were not in the position to do what was expected so we needed their support to develop our online programmes and that was where they came in handy" "Our husbands listened to us and we have had JICA develop our capacity on how to work on online training programmes" She revealed that through the partnership, CSTS currently has a number of online programmes which have been developed following the interventions from JICA Ghana. JICA Expert, Masashi Yamanaka said "There are ongoing efforts to develop courses for practicing Kaizen in the public sector. In February 2024, twelve officers from CSTC, along with JICA teams, visited the Kaizen Excellence Centre and the other institutions in Ethiopia to observe the practical application of Kaizen in Africa" "Also in the offering is the opportunity to collaborate with other sister institutions within the sub-region through JICA's Third Country Training Programme (TCTP)" He stressed that the programme, CSTC would host and delivery training to Civil Service Officers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. "The training modules would focus on Kaizen leadership for Continuous Service Delivery Improvement and project is currently awaiting approval" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Health in partnership with World Child Cancer (WCC) have held an annual stakeholders meeting in Accra. The aim of the meeting was to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the World Child Cancer. It was also evaluate the organisation's performance relative to its set targets. Addressing the media, Country Coordinator, Ghana at World Child Cancer, Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu said "The project is called Amgen project and the focus is to improve treatment of childhood cancer with focus. The treatment of childhood cancer is very difficult and expensive so last year there was a call for application of which World Child Cancer came on board and had their funding from Amgen" She explained that it was a 5 year project and as part of it sought to train healthcare professionals on early warning signs and symptoms. "We also train radiologist because they play an important role and most often they are not paid. " "This training will help improve healthcare officers on early signs and symptoms" "We provide scholarship support for our children who are survivors of cancer." "Procurement of equipment to support children with cancer" "World Child Cancer is the leading International charity organization and it has been in Ghana since 2010" "The focus is to improve access to treatment for children in lower and middle-incomes areas. We train healthcare officers on how to pick up cases very early. When the healthcare personnel are paid" On his part, Director,Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno said "Ladies and Gentlemen, the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as cancers, poses a significant challenge to Ghana, extending beyond the health sector to impact the economy". "According to the World Health Organization, cancer stands as a prominent cause of death among children and adolescents globally" "Presently, there are approximately 12,000 diagnosed cases of childhood cancers worldwide, with an anticipated annual increase of 1,200 new cases in Ghana. Early detection is crucial for the successful treatment of many childhood cancers, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis" "Together, we can refine our strategies and approaches to better address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we embark on this journey together, let us keep in mind the ultimate goal to create a sustainable and impactful change in the landscape of child cancer care in Ghana" "The success of our endeavors hinges on the collaborative spirit of all stakeholders involved. Your expertise, dedication, and passion are essential components of the formula for success" Sharing his thoughts, Outgoing Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said "We are grateful to World Child Cancer for complementing our efforts in improving treatment and care for children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana" "We are personally proud of the progress with implementation of the National Policy on NCDS" "To further strengthen our commitment towards the prevention and treatment of cancers, we are experiencing increasing investments in cancer care and human resource development. With support from some of our development partners, the country has seen investments in the area of pathology, radiotherapy, imaging, pediatric,oncology and medical oncology among others." "This is a great opportunity for WCC to bring stakeholders up to speed on the general roadmap of the various projects they are implementing in Ghana and to address any roadblocks" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted responsibility for the current economic challenges confronting the country. According to him, executive powers are ultimately vested in the hands of the president, thereby any occurrences under a government should be placed on the President. Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the accountability for challenges rests squarely with the president, he said in his address to Parliament on the State of the Nation Address(SONA) on Tuesday, February 27. “Under the Constitution, the executive power of the state is vested in the President of the Republic. He or she is the executive. There’s no ambiguity about where the buck stops when it comes to responsibility for what happens in government. It stops with the President,” he said. While acknowledging the importance of advice from officials and ministers, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed that the President holds the executive power, with the cabinet and ministers acting in an advisory capacity. “Of course, a member of the government might turn an idea generated by the President or an official into a huge success, and the honours will be claimed or shared when public perception is favourable,” President Akufo-Addo remarked. “But ultimately, the President is responsible and therefore takes the credit or the blame for whatever happens in his or her government.” This follows the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer and Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia recent assertion of being a mere assistant to the President in the governance. Dr. Bawumia clarified that the Economic Management Team (EMT), under his leadership, lacks decision-making powers and serves solely in an advisory capacity to the cabinet. The SONA, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, serves as a means for the President to provide an overview of the nation’s current state at the beginning of each session of Parliament. Credit: The Ghana Report

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has declared that the country is turning a corner, having overcome its challenges and preparing for the future. In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, the President expressed confidence that, despite past difficulties, Ghana is now on the path to recovery. “Mr. Speaker, we stumbled, but we are rising again. We were bruised, but we are healing. We have recovered our footing. We have dusted ourselves off, and now we face tomorrow with confidence. Every day we pray and hope that adversity may spare our families, our communities and our dear nation.” “But should we be confronted by misfortune; we must face it like people with a proud history who fight and do not flee. Yenim ko; yen nim adwane. That is the Ghanaian spirit. That is our armour and our shield. This is our ethos,” he stated. The President as part of his speech also revealed that the government will soon introduce a Performance Tracker, a tool aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the execution of infrastructure projects across the country. According to him, the tracker will be launched in March this year. He said the tracker will help address longstanding concerns about the accuracy and reliability of project presentations, particularly the use of artist’s impressions to depict outcomes. Speaking about the initiative, the President emphasized the need to uphold standards and deliver tangible results to the people. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that Ghanaians will not feel the absence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia after the end of their tenure. He said this in Parliament after the President ended his presentation on the State of the Nation Tuesday, on February 27, 2024. Akufo-Addo, among several takeaways, promised to ensure credible elections, find ways to improve the Free Senior High School policy and complete the Kumasi Airport by May. He also disclosed that GH¢5.8 billion has been paid to the bondholders, saying, “For the last leg of the domestic debt exchange on September 5, 2023, a week ago last Tuesday, on February 20, 2024, the second coupon of GH¢5.8 billion was paid to domestic bondholders. “This is the largest coupon paid in a day in Ghana’s history. On the external debt side, we have achieved a significant milestone by reaching an agreement with our bilateral creditors and I will use this occasion to thank the Republic of China and France, co-chairs of the official creditors committee for their positive roles in this achievement.” Dr. Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament, stated that the president cannot take the blame alone and thus, he has failed together with the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who doubles as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party. Dr. Forson described the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration as a failed government, highlighting the unemployment situation in the country. “Mr. Speaker, the state of our nation is hopeless. No wonder that ordinary Ghanaians including professionals are leaving our shores in droves, in search of greener pastures. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am scandalized, I am shocked to the marrow to notice that our president following the recent ministerial reshuffle has increased the size of his government. Mr. Speaker, today we have a Minister of Finance International and Minister of Finance domestic.” “Mr. Speaker, 1 dollar is today GH¢13. Mr. Speaker, under President Mahama, 1 dollar was 3 cedis, 80 pesewas. Mr. Speaker, a vote for Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia is a vote for President Akufo-Addo. Mr. Speaker, to conclude on the matter, Ghanaians voted for the President and appealed to the vice president to support him to succeed. Mr. Speaker, the president cannot fail alone. The President will have to fail together with the Vice-President so Mr. President, you have failed with your Vice President. Mr. Speaker, to conclude, Ghanaians will not miss Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia. We know you are going, and we can only wish you bye-bye.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that it has received a formal communication from its Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, regarding the nomination of his Running Mate in accordance with Article 45 of the NDC Constitution. This is contained in a press release dated February 27 and signed by the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey. “In response to this communication, the party is pleased to announce that a meeting of the Council of Elders will convene at 11:00 hrs on Thursday, March 07, 2024, to deliberate on this significant matter. Subsequently, the National Executive Committee will gather at 14:00 hrs on the same day to further consider the nomination,” the release revealed. “The NDC is confident that the Running Mate will bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to our campaign. The selection will undoubtedly complement the vision of our esteemed leader, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, as we collectively strive to “Build the Ghana We Want together,” the NDC stated. The party expressed its “sincere gratitude to our supporters for their steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment. Together, let us join hands and embark on this journey towards a brighter future for Ghana. Long live the NDC, long live Ghana! “ Credit: 3news

President Akufo-Addo has announced that his administration will soon present a Legislative Instrument before Parliament to prohibit the export of bauxite in its raw state. The President said this forms part of the country’s effort to intensify its industrialization drive. “Mr. Speaker, to spur our industrialisation, we are implementing the Four Project Agenda of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), with Projects 1 and 2 having, already, taken off, and last month, we signed an agreement for the implementation of Project. We will lay before this august House, at this First Meeting of this Session of Parliament, a Legislative Instrument to prohibit the export of bauxite in its raw state,” President Akufo-Addo said while delivering his last but one State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the 8th Parliament on February 27. He added that, “We are, also, in the concluding phase of discussions for the establishment of a four hundred and fifty million US dollar (US$450 million) refinery to refine the manganese we produce.” Credit: 3news

President Akufo-Addo has stated his vision to initiate a policy to revive the declining nature of Ghana football. In his ‘State of the Nation Address’ presented at the Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, he acknowledged the decline in the state of the game, particularly the Black Stars’ inability to secure a victory in the recent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “It is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong.” The president outlined a visionary Presidential Policy on Football that focuses on scouting, grooming, and developing talent at the grassroots level, starting from the district level. “Mr Speaker, I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong,” he stated. “It is time to return to scouting, grooming and developing talent at the district grassroots level under a Presidential Policy on Football that I intend to unveil. The school sports department of the Ministry of Education will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration and synergy with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to build district, regional and national juvenile teams for both boys and girls.” Akufo-Addo added that the policy draws inspiration from successful past initiatives, notably Ben Koufie’s five-year development plan under the NPP administration of President JA Kufuor. “It was under this plan that talents such as Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah, Derrick Boateng and later, Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah, were discovered and nurtured. The results became evident to us and the world. It takes time, dedication and patience. We cannot harvest where we have not planted and irrigated. I have no doubt at all that the Black Stars will rise and make us proud again,” he emphasised. The Black Stars’ recent performance at AFCON 2023, failing to secure a single win and exiting the group stage for the second consecutive time, prompted the Ghana Football Association to dissolve the technical team led by Chris Hughton. The association is currently in search of a replacement to steer the national team in a new direction. Simultaneously, a group of concerned Ghanaians, under the banner of the #SaveGhanaFootball demonstration, recently presented a petition to Parliament seeking reforms in Ghanaian football. Credit: 3news