News coming in indicates that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA), Alhaji Mohammed Ababio Quaye, has resigned from his post. According to him, his resignation comes due to ill health. In a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, the MCE explained that the illness has made it impossible for him to discharge his duties. He also noted that the state of his illness required extended medical treatment likewise some period of rest. The MCE, further added that it will in the best interest of the municipality that someone would serve the municipality in his stead. He stressed that it has been a great honour to serve the government and good people of Ayawaso Central Constituency. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government's Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has called for peace between both members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament. According to Mr. Boakye-Danquah, MPs from both sides should parlay respectively. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Mr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah said "What just happened on the floor of Parliament yesterday?" "Did my brother and friend Murtala Mohammed accuse Minister Ursula?" "Did Minister Ursula rebut angrily to Murtala’s accusations by expressing acts with wife, daughter and mother of Murtala?" "Wow wow wow wow wow wow… Restraint on both sides of the house. Let's parlay respectively" The call from Palgrave Boakye-Danquah who doubles as an Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for Abuakwa North Constituency on the ticket of the NPP comes following a heated exchange of words between two Members of Parliament (MPs). Background It will be recalled that the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, on Wednesday clashed with her fellow MP for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad on the floor of the house over some unprintable words on the Human Sexual Right and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (LGBTQ+), 2021. The heated exchanges occurred during the second reading of the bill on the floor of Parliament. It is emerging that the house had unanimously adopted the report on the bill which championed by the Asante Akim North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi. The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, turned to the MPs, and allowed them to share their thoughts on the bill. Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful veered off the discussion to condemn some utterances from her colleague, Honourable Murtala Muhammed. Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful allegedly that she heard Murtala Muhammed whispering at the back saying she was a practitioner of same sex. Although, Murtala did not speak into the microphone and, therefore, could not be regarded as an official statement, the Ablekuma West MP said, she heard it. In her reply she also allegedly tagged Murtala Muhammed as mad. Both MPs later withdrew their unsavoury comments and apologised to eachother. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President of the Association of Women Accountants, Ghana (AWAG), Patience Mawushie Dzikunoo together with six (6) other executive members paid a courtesy call on management of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at its headofficein Accra. The visit, according to the President was to introduce the new executives and to familiarize the team with the scope and functions of EOCO. It was further to identify the areas of collaboration and ways in which AWAG could support EOCO in the fight against economic and organised crime in Ghana. On her part, Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah welcomed the delegation and congratulated them on their appointment. She noted that she had served in several capacities with the current President and therefore had no doubt that the Association was in great hands. COP. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah noted that EOCO already works closely with some of the institutions where some of the executives worked professionally. Some of them included the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Health, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Controller and Accountant Generals’ Department (CAGD) and KPMG. This association would therefore build closer collaboration between these institutions. Following a presentation on the objects, functions and activities of EOCO, there was an active discourse between the executives and the management of EOCO on matters arising and for the delegation to seek further clarification. The team, impressed by the functions and activities of EOCO, enquired about the sources of funding for the Office. The Executive Director mentioned that the Office is funded by the Government of Ghana and also enjoys support from both foreign and local partners. She concluded that it is her hope that the relationship between AWAG and EOCO continues even as they execute their various mandates to build a better Ghana in the financial and economic space. AWAG is an association of Chartered Female Accountants formed in 1994 with membership from recognized accounting bodies in Ghana, including ICA Ghana, ACCA and CPA. They aim to attract more females into the accountancy profession and promote continuing education, intellectual growth and professional knowledge for their members. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Executive Director of EOCO and her team paid a working visit to the ICPC in Abuja, Nigeria. During the visit, ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye and his Management team welcomed the delegation. In his opening remarks, Prof Owasanoye said ICPC is a self-accounting entity. Through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation it can send inspectors at any time to inspect books. He also said the Agency has a Proceeds of Crime Department established as a result of proceeds of Crime Management Act passed in 2022 and to operationalise this, every asset has a file. He mentioned that asset management framework revolves around physical protection of assets and that ICPC uses Government Valuer to value assets, rents or leases assets. He also noted that ICPC has Asset Disposal Guidelines to guide how they dispose of assets. On corruption prevention, Prof. Owasanoye said they have the national values curriculum mainstreamed across all schools. He stated that ICPC rewards integrity across the public services every year at a ceremony hosted by the President at the Presidential Villa. According to him, ICPC conducts a system study of government agencies to areas prone to corruption and risk assessment of MMDAs and develops an integrity plan for them. He further added that ICPC issues an Ethics and Integrity Compliance Stability Scorecard after assessment, which is published. It also undertakes the Nigeria Corruption Index of the country’s experience of corruption in their daily lives. Prof Bolaji in his concluding remarks said the affinity between Ghana and Nigeria makes the visit extremely important. On her part, Executive Director of EOCO, Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah thanked GIZ for sponsoring the trip. She added that, the purpose of the visit was to build on the existing relationship the two countries have enjoyed over the years. She added that EOCO is always looking forward to engaging in mutually beneficial relationships that would improve the productivity and outcome of investigations and prosecution of serious economic crimes. She then concluded that both countries must continue to work together to help reduce the prevalence of these crimes in the sub region. The Executive Director and her team were later given a tour of the ICPC facility. Credit: EOCO

Evangelist Mama Pat, aka Nana Agradaa has publicly divorced her husband after finding out that he’s having a secret affair with a Ghanaian-born US-based woman named Aunty Mercy. As confirmed by Nana Agradaa in a video, Aunty Mercy was once the leader of her Aboozigi Women’s Fellowship Movement. In the circulating divorce video, Nana Agradaa accused her husband of secretly engaging in an extramarital affair with Aunty Mercy for a year now. She also lamented over how Aunty Mercy and some women in her Aboozigi Women’s Fellowship Movement influenced her marriage by controlling her husband like a TV remote. Pained and betrayed Nana Agradaa who has walked out of her marriage described her husband as an evil man whose heart and soul are full of bitterness. Aunty Mercy wasn’t also spared, Nana Agradaa left her to the mercy of God for destroying her marriage. Watch the video below: Credit: GHPage

Builsa South Member of Parliament Dr Clement Apaak has expressed concerns that schools are likely to shut down if the Food Suppliers under the Free Senior High School Programme are not paid their arrears by the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) by the end of this week. He stated that failure to pay the arrears will mean that the suppliers will no longer be in a position to supply food to the schools. Dr Apaak who is also a ranking member of the parliamentary select committee on Education asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure that the arrears owed the suppliers are paid to enable them to stay in business. “I truly don’t understand what the problem is, we have been told that even with the IMF programme critical sectors like education and health and indeed social intervention programmes are protected, so if that is the case why has the government failed to release money so that the Buffer Stock Food suppliers will be paid? “From what I know, the amount owed them is not even in excess of GHS300 million. So what has the government been doing with the money that Parliament has been approving year in and year out to finance the Free SHS policy? “The President ought to step up to the plate and do the needful so that we don’t have schools closed down by the end of this week if nothing is done. If nothing is done by the end of this week, mark my words, schools will be closed down because the suppliers are no longer in a position to supply food,” Dr Apaak said on Ghana Tonight on TV3 Tuesday, July 4. Food Suppliers who have been picketing at the NAFCO have said that they are owed two years' arrears. A spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association Koku Amedume said that this situation is putting pressure on them because they took loans from banks to enable them to meet the supply needs of the Buffer Stock. Speaking on the Ghana Tonight Show with Alfred Ocansey on TV3 Tuesday, July 4, Amedume indicated that the suppliers who spent the night at the premises of the NAFCO as part of the demonstration are more comfortable sleeping at the premises of NAFCO than sleeping in their homes because of the pressure on them. He also said they are worried about the interest being accrued on the loans they took because of the nonpayment by NAFCO. “The pressure on us at home is massive. Most of these people go to contract loans from banks with huge interests with the sole aim of supporting their business and engaging in this supply business. “Buffer stock had taken supplies from them for two years, for two years we have not been paid,” he said. Credit: 3news.com

Special Assistant to the Depuy Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, Gomashie Wisdom has charged Traditional leaders and residents of the Buem Traditional Area in the Jasikan district of the Oti Region of Ghana to leverage on iron ore resources to develop the constituency. He made these remarks while speaking at the second anniversary of the instalment of Nana Edje Tete Kpase-Brantuo VII as the Chief of Jasikan & Adontenhene of the Buem Traditional Area. Mr. Gomashie Wisdom he said "Mr Chairman, at this juncture, I would love to draw into the controversies surrounding the discovery of iron ore in the Oti Region. The statements are my personal opinion as a trained Mining Engineer and should not be associated with anyone. The statement revealed that mining in Ghana dates back Pre-Colonial era and has remained a vital backbone of the Ghanaian economy and currently accounts for an average of 5% of its GDP, 40% of total merchandise exports and is a critical foreign exchange earner for Ghana. He also revealed that gold accounts for some 90% of Ghana's total mineral exports. "Mr Chairman, the cities of Tarkwa, Obuasi and Prestea may not be like those of Johannesburg in South Africa and Perth in Australia, among others highly developed through mining proceeds. However, the exploitation of gold in Tarkwa and Obuasi has helped build their local economies till today" Mr. Gomashie noted that, Buem, and, by extension, Oti region is blessed with mineral resources of which Iron Ore deposit stands out. He stated that Ghana boasts of over 6 billion tonnes of iron ore deposits at Sheini, Opong Manso, Pudo, Akpafu block and Akokrowa. "As of the beginning of this year, my data indicated that the Akpafu block, which includes Baglo Kute and Jasikan Bodada, holds about 1.2 billion tonnes" "In contrast, the Akokrowa block, which spans Kwamekrom, and Krachi-Nkwanta, holds some 3.2 billion tonnes. Mr Chairman, developed countries such as the USA, China among others at their peak of development, did so through steel production and believes that Ghana is at the crossroads to produce its own iron rods and steel products to foster economic development and growth" He noted that the multi-billion dollar industry is crucial to the government, hence, the establishment of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) by an act of Parliament (Act 988) in 2019 to help steer affairs. He further stressed that eight (8) companies have already been been granted prospecting licenses and working hard to access the economicallyviability of the potentials in the region. "The above statistics indicate that Buem and Oti Region is well positioned to become the hub of iron and steel development in Ghana and, by extension, the West-Africa sub-region where upstream (from Mining) through to downstream (Smelting Plants) will be established in the area. I am particularly aware of some statements made by some revered Leaders in our communities against the exploitation of the deposit; I must say that they are concerned about the environment; they get worried seeing how galamsey has destroyed our water bodies and forest reserves through irresponsible actions" The Special Assistant to the Depuy Lands and Natural Resources Minister hinted that he was confident that by bringing together all relevant stakeholders to the table and working hand-in-gloves with regulatory agencies and others, proper mining practices will be adhered to, which will help provide sustainable livelihoods and protect the environment. "Mining propels socio-economic development. Today, Goldfields Ghana Limited is almost done with a US$16 million Stadium for Tarkwa, Newmont currently constructing Ahafo-Kenyasi roads and a whole lot in mining communities" "I humbly call on Bueman to as soon as possible start sending their children to read Mining related courses (i.e. Mining, Geological, Mechanical); set up avenues to start training interested youth in the various Operating Skills, set up a vibrant Panel of Technical Indigenes (compile best practices, feed into engagements back home" "Start lobbying the University of Mines and Technology to host a satellite campus in the Oti Region to train Mining Professionals in the area and other neighbouring countries" "When Mining starts today, all banks will troop to Jasikan, Private Hospitals, and Catering Companies. Many jobs will be created, hence the need to prepare our people" "Once our people and non-indigenes working here become resourced, it will propel Jasikan’s development. Therefore, there is a need to translate this share of the world’s natural resources into sustainable development in Buem" The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker donated GHc10,000.00 and assured Nananom of his unflinching support. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The father of the late Ketasco NSMQ star, James Lutterodt, who died on Monday, has spoken about his relentless efforts to save his son’s life. According to his family, James succumbed to a brief illness Monday morning at a specialized hospital in Tema. His father, Philip Dogbeda Lutterodt, says he noticed something was wrong with his son when he came home on vacation in April 2023. In an exclusive interview with Citi News, Philip said, “As a father, it hasn’t been easy. I noticed something was wrong with him when he came on vacation in April [2023]. I promptly started attending to his health concerns, and we conducted numerous tests to determine the cause of his illness until he passed away yesterday morning.” Mr. Lutterodt also mentioned that James had shared certain information about incidents at the University of Ghana, but they have decided to withhold those details for the time being. Despite their loss, the family expressed gratitude to God for everything. A close family friend, Boaz Ayitah, told Citi News that James had plans to study abroad after receiving admission offers from several international universities before his untimely demise. When Citi News visited the Lutterodt family in Ashaiman, we found only a few people preparing the house to receive visitors. James Lutterodt gained national and international recognition as a member of the NSMQ team representing Keta Senior High Technical School in 2021. Their outstanding performance was lauded by many for challenging the perennial winners. The family strongly denied the authenticity of videos circulating on social media, purporting to feature James vomiting blood, stating that nothing of that nature occurred. Instead, they confirmed to Citi News that “he experienced difficulty breathing.” Since news of his passing broke, social media has been flooded with condolences and tributes, recalling James’s remarkable achievements during the NSMQ over the past two years. The National Science and Maths Quiz has released a statement expressing their deep sorrow upon hearing the tragic news. Credit: Citinewsroom

President Akufo-Addo says the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) has not only be modernised but rather befits the status of a final resting place of the man (Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah) who led Ghana to Independence in 1957. President Akufo-Addo made these remarks at the commissioning of the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo said “It is gratifying to note that it has not only been renovated but it has been completely modernised to befit the status of the final resting place of the man who led us to independence in 1957 and became Ghana’s first president, the celebrated Kwame Nkrumah.” The redeveloped and modernised facility does not only serve as the final resting place for late Head of State and his wife but also holds an immense historical significance. "It is in line to make the park one of the top tourist destinations in West Africa. As the outstanding pan-Africanist of this generation, the burial site of Dr Nkrumah must be appropriate to a status in exceptional contribution to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism.” In his honour, the edifice was redeveloped on the former British colonial Polo Grounds, the exact location, where the late former Head of State stood and declared Ghana's Independence. The redeveloped edifice is said to have cost approximately $3.5 million. The edifice was originally constructed by late Former President, Jerry John Rawlings in 1990. Two years later, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum (then) was opened to the public and tourists. The modernised Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has facilities which includes a receptive facility which now houses a presidential library, providing visitors with access to an extensive collection of historical materials and documents related to Dr Nkrumah’s life as well as legacy. The over $3 million edifice also has a gift shop, restaurant, toilet facilities, upgraded car park, road and drainage network. It further has a Museum Expansion with an increased gallery space and state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities. Taking her turn, daughter of Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Madam Samia Nkrumah thanked President Akufo-Addo and government for redeveloping the edifice in honour of her late father. "I am happy we are beginning today to take this very seriously with the new museum of Kwame Nkrumah's achievements for Ghana and Africa" "I am happy also that we have a library and by the way, we were consented in the Kwame Nkrumah Presidential library. It was our suggestion and I am grateful, everyone bought into it" Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal noted that the KNMP will not only attract tourists but also help boost Ghana's economy likewise culture, tourism and arts. He charged management of the facility to keep the edifice in good shape. Some dignitaries who graced the occasion included; King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (Ga Mantse), Madam Barbara Oteng-Gyasi ( Chairperson of the Minerals Commission), Asamoah Gyan (Ex Black Stars captain) among others. The edifice was commissioned by President Akufo-Addo and assisted by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former England midfielder, Steven Gerrard, has been appointed as the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. Gerrard was confirmed on Monday as the new manager of the Saudi Pro League club. The club confirmed the appointment in a post on its official Twitter handle, @Ettifaq_EN. The post reads: “Where legends are found, We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach.” Another Twitter post by the club stated that Gerrard is no stranger to silverware, adding that he is a legend who “brings a glorious history and exciting future to Ettifaq.” The new manager was seen putting pen on paper with the club’s president, Khalid Al Dabal. Gerrard started his managerial career as a Youth coach at his former club side, Liverpool FC. He later went on to win the Scottish Premier League for Rangers; his first trophy as a manager. The Liverpool legend also had a stint at Aston Villa before he was sacked, after securing only two wins in the club’s first 12 league matches. The 43-year-old will hope to make the best of his time in the Saudi Pro League. Gerrard’s new club side will face competition for domestic and continental titles from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Ittihad teammates; Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and new arrival, Jota. Credit: Thinknewsonline.com

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Master James Lutterodt, a member of KETA SHS' history-making National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) squad has been reported dead. The unfortunate incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of July 2. Sources say, Late James died following food poisoning. It will be recalled that late James together with his colleagues pulled a surprise at a NSMQ contest which won the admiration of many. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

BET Award-winning artist, Sarkodie’s recent diss track against Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson has been removed from two of the biggest music platforms in Ghana. Yvonne Nelson recently released her memoir which details how Sarkodie abandoned her after getting her pregnant. Yvonne Nelson’s book titled “#IAmNotYvonneNelson” sparked online conversations due to its shocking revelations and references to various individuals. Simply put, the discussion surrounding Yvonne Nelson’s book continues to unfold considering the ad-hoc damage control from the camp of rapper Sarkodie with the “Try Me” song. Y’all know that Yvonne Nelson in her infamous memoir cited how the Tema-based rapper impregnated her in 2013 which resulted in a pregnancy. In Chapter 8 of the memoir, she recounts her decision to terminate the pregnancy because the rapper did not accept responsibility, explaining that later she found out the rapper had another girlfriend who was studying at a university abroad hence his rejection. However, opinions have been divided following Sarkodie’s defense as the majority of Ghanaians on social media have chastised Yvonne Nelson for being at fault in her past dealing with Sarkodie which resulted in abortion. Well, in reaction Sarkodie dropped a diss song titled; “Try Me” to explain his side of the story. But his song received a lot of backlash after it was released. It has since been removed from Apple music and Spotify. Credit: Ghana Celebrities