Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has defied a heavy downpour on Friday to canvass support and votes for NPP's Parliamentary Aspirant, Charles Opoku ahead of Assin North by-election. In a video sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Dr. Bawumia was captured walking on a wet AstroTurf park with the Assin North NPP Parliamentary Aspirant and some party bigwigs. Dr. Bawumia also exchanged pleasantries with some young footballers and urged them to entertain the crowd with good football. The much-awaited Assin North Parliamentary by-election is scheduled for June 27. NPP's Charles Opoku will come face to face against NDC's, James Gyakye Quayson. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Elizabeth K.T Sackey, has cut the sod for the construction of a multi-purpose abattoir in Accra to serve as a major hub for the preparation of animals for public consumption. The facility, to be completed in 12 months, consists of an offloading bay, a veterinary, changing rooms, a store, washrooms, freezing bays, a slaughtering and slamming area, cattle lairage, an animal drinking pond as well as a kraal to house the animals until they were examined by a veterinary officer before slaughtering among others. Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, the Mayor of Accra who was accompanied by the Metro Coordinating Director of AMA, Mr. Douglas N.K Annoful and some other staff of the Assembly said the slaughterhouse when completed would guarantee the production of wholesome meat and public health. She added that the Assembly had a series of stakeholder engagements prior to the sod-cutting ceremony to ensure the facility to be constructed would be fit for purpose. She was optimistic about the prospect of job creation for the people of Jamestown and Accra. ” We are very serious about this work because our children and siblings in this neighbourhood will get jobs to do… They will all get work to do to improve their economic lives,” she said. She was hopeful that the facility when completed would position and restore the area to its original status as a major meat hub in the metropolis and beyond. Ngleshie Sei Wulomo, Nii Ayite Konko V who was elated about the project expressed appreciation to the Mayor for the idea to revive the slaughterhouse and pledged support towards the project. Present at the event were, members of the Butchers Association for London Market, representatives from the Ngleshie-Alata Traditional Council and Ga Traditional Council among others. Credit: 3news.com

The President of the Association of Bullion Operators Ghana (ABOG), Alhaji Iddi Sumaila has said that banks in Ghana are expected to start using armoured bullion vans for cash-in-transit from July 1. He however reveals that some of the banks are yet to finalize the agreement with the ABOG to that effect. “By 1st of July we will see banks using armored vehicles/bullion vans. However, other banks have not finalized the agreement with us,” he told Johnnie Hughes on the Sunrise show on 3FM Friday June 23 regarding the robbery attack on a bullion van at Ablekuma in Accra on Thursday, June 22, killing a Police officer in the process. He further revealed that “We have about 150 bullion vans in the country. Most banks have signed contracts with us to deploy to them. It goes through a process for the banks to get it and that takes time.” It is recalled that the central bank in 2021 issued a directive for all financial institutions to procure the protective sophisticated vans failure to which the Bank of Ghana said it would not admit any substandard or soft-skinned Cash in Transit (CIT) vehicles into any of it’s premises nationwide. This deadline was however extended to July 1, 2023 just after the James Town robbery attack on a Bullion Van in which a police officer was killed and another by- stander was hit with a stray bullet. The series of robbery attacks on officers accompanying sub-standard vehicles for cash transfers forced the Inspector General of Police to issue threats not to escort any vehicle without the necessary protection for police officers. Regarding the attacks at Ablekuma, the police issued a stern warning to the robbers behind the killing of the officer. In front of a bullion van on security duties, the officer was shot multiple times at close range. The sad incident followed an attempted robbery at the Star Oil Filling Station at Ablekuma Fan Milk, a suburb of Accra. Four in number, the robbers are said to have followed the bullion van, which went to refill at the fuel station, where the shootout occurred. “The police are on a manhunt to arrest a gang of four robbers who attacked a bullion van at Ablekuma Fanmilk, a suburb of Accra and shot the police escort who has unfortunately passed on,” a statement from the police said. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of our deceased colleague in particular and all personnel of the Police Service in general. “We wish to assure the public that we will surely get the robbers arrested to face justice.” Credit: 3news.com

The Atwimanso Community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region came to a standstill on Thursday, 22nd June 2023 as hundreds of residents from the community and nearby towns thronged the town with great excitement and enthusiasm to welcome a responsible and sustainable mining innovation that is set to create 2000 direct jobs for residents of the community. It was an atmosphere of utter exhilaration as the Chiefs, District Chief Executive (DCE), MP for the area and residents, joined the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker (MP) and some Officials from the Ministry as well as the Minerals Commission to perform the official launching of the Atwimanso Community Mining Scheme. Addressing a gathering of Chiefs and enthusiastic residents at the launch, Hon. Mireku Duker rejected claims from certain quarters that CMS has not enjoyed the full embracement of the Ghanaian public. He emphasized that the CMS which is a community-centred mining module that promotes local participation in responsible harnessing of Ghana’s mineral resources has so far been a success as Ghanaians, particularly those in mining communities have taken keen interest in it. Whiles commending the large scale mining companies that accepted to cede parts of its concession for the Atwimanso Community Mining Scheme, Hon. Mireku Duker reiterated government’s decision not to ban small-scale mining operations in the country, pointing out that contributions from small-scale mining has contributed to Ghana regaining its position as Africa’s biggest gold producer. The sector, he indicated “has been established to have employed One Million people directly”. Laying emphasis on the Key role the CMS plays in advancing the socio-economic development of Ghanaians, Hon. Duker said “the initiative is one of the surest ways for government to actualize its goal of raising local champions in the mining industry”. The Deputy Minister urged management of the Atwimanso CMS to adhere strictly to the laws governing the establishment of the CMS and warned that government, through the Minerals Commission will not hesitate to withdraw the operational license and prosecute officials and staff who are found to have acted in contravention of the law. He emphasized that the Atwimanso CMS is the only official scheme being launched in the Community and warned them against operating CMS that has not been sanctioned by the Ministry. He announced that government will continue to set up more Community Mining Schemes at areas which are suitable for Small Scale Mining. The Member of Parliament for Amansie South who also doubles as the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Yaw Frimpong commended the Sector Minister, the Ministry and the traditional authorities in the area on the establishment of the CMS in the community. Hon. Yaw Frimpong also used the opportunity to preach against illegal mining (galamsey), urging his constituents to stand up and fight the menace. The DCE of the area, Mr. Clement Opoku Gyamfi warned the residents against taking advantage of the CMS to undertake illegal mining activities. He was also grateful to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for heeding their call for the established of CMS in the area. Story by: Think News Online

Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority, Hon. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi has commissioned an office block for the Banda Health Directorate in the Banda district. The newly built office block fully funded by the Authority was a request made by the Banda Health Directorate over a year ago. The office block will promote quality health care delivery and make the operations of the health directorate in the district more efficient. Hon. Dzamesi, in his speech emphasized the need for a good maintenance culture for the edifice and the Authority’s readiness to assist when called upon. The colourful event was graced by Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP, Banda), Hon. Emmanuel Akone (DCE, Banda), Hon. Mary Konneh (Fmr. DCE Banda), the Bono Regional Director of Health Services. Others include Dr. Kofi Amo-Kodied, the Banda District Health Director, Simon Adams, Gyasehene of Banda Traditional Council, Nana Yaw Sienyunor, Regent of the Banda Traditional Council, Okogyeabour Bankoadi, Kabrono Traditional Authority led by the Gyasehene, Nana Abdulai Wahao and some Directors and staff from the Bui Power Authority. The ceremony was held on June 21. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Assin North Constituency is now the centre of attention in the world of politics in Ghana because of the ensuing parliamentary by-election in the constituency. Bigwigs in the two leading political parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have trooped to Assin North canvassing for votes. Reports indicate that the two parties are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to win the Assin North seat which was declared vacant after the NDC candidate, James Gyakye Quayson, was ousted from parliament following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Ghana that he was not qualified to contest in the 2020 election. While the NPP government is doing its part to ensure that its candidate, Charles Opoku, wins the election, which is scheduled for June 29, 2023, by continuing the stalled projects in the constituency, the candidate himself is not sitting aloof. According to a news report by Okay FM, Charles Opoku is now paying for the renewal of the National Health Insurance Cards (NHIS) as well as the registration of new users. The report added that Opoku is also paying off electricity tariff arrears owed by residents he visits.“ Charles Opoku is registering the constituents to the National Health Insurance Scheme. Aside from that his campaign team is moving from house to house and if you owe electricity tariffs, they will pay it for you,” the UTV Central Regional correspondent, Ibrahim Dadzie, said in Twi. It is not clear whether the actions of the NPP candidate, if are true, amount to vote Source: ghanaweb

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is confident of victory in the upcoming Assin North Parliamentary by-election. According to the party, it has done its homework and thus ready to claim the seat. As part of measures of securing victory in the Assin North Parliamentary by-election, it is emerging that the NDC has allegedly began distributing branded motorbikes, wellington boots and cutlass to voters. Sources say the move is to canvass support and votes for its candidate James Gyakye Quayson. Mr. James Gyakye Quayson will be logging horn with NPP's Charles Opoku on June 27. The winner will be crowned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Police Officer (yet-to-be-identified) has met his untimely death after some unknown armed men shot and killed him at Ablekuma Fanmilk, a suburb of Accra. In a CCTV footage sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the gun who were on two motorbikes, crossed the bullion van which had made a stop at a fuel station. In the video, the robbers shot the police officer multiple times before the robbery. It is unclear the current condition of the bullion van driver and staff. The robbers after the attack, got onto their motorbikes and sped off. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Sarkcess Music Boss, Michael Owusu Addo known in showbiz as Sarkodie has taken to his social media handle to eulogise his late lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo. According to the Rapper, his late lawyer could have atleast brought to his attention that she was not well. In a post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Sarkodie wrote "With so many memories, moving past this will be quite difficult. one of the few persons with whom I am frank. Mama Cee! You ought to have at least told me you weren't feeling well, but knowing you, I know you don't want us to feel sorry for you" He also posted "I knew you were meant to be a part of this trip the moment we first met" "It almost felt like you were stalking me because you knew everything about me. After being shifted, I thought, "Now that's my lawyer!" The rapper revealed that since their first encounter, he and his late lawyer had never been apart. "You left exactly how you wanted (STRONG) a classic Mama C. We will all find this to be incredibly difficult, but I suppose that comes with showing love" "I sent a WhatsApp message asking "Mama C Na mentee wonka oo" but after several hours of seeing two ticks, I felt something was wrong and they broke the news to me" "It was unusual that I hadn't heard from you in these few days because knowing my Mama Cee she would be the first person to text me worried and tease me "We shall attempt to be strong since it is what you would want for all of us, Mama C" "Let's be strong. Condolences to the family and friends, especially the kids" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Reports say a Ugandan man identified as Herbert Baitwababo breathed a sigh of relief after a court ordered for his return to a WhatsApp group. This was after the WhatsApp admin ejected him from the group for asking questions in relation to how finances of the group were being handled. The court had ordered for his return to the WhatsApp group after he ran into trouble with the group admin because he questioned how the funds raised in the group were being used. The court said his ejection from the WhatsApp group was against his freedom of association. The Ugandan court therefore ordered the WhatsApp admin to re-add him. Herbert had sued the WhatsApp admin for ejecting him from the online forum. The agitated Ugandan Herbert Baitwababo moved to court to sue the admins of the 'Buyanja My Roots' WhatsApp group for removing him from the group after he raised questions on the audit. A report published by livenowafrica stated that the case was heard in Kampala. The report said the acting Senior Grade One Magistrate at Makindye Magistrate's Court, Mr Igga Adiru, issued an order to reinstate Herbert. The court ruling directed the group administrator, Allan Asinguza, to add back Mr Herbert Baitwababo as a member of the WhatsApp group. The order also included a permanent injunction, prohibiting the respondent and his agents from infringing on the applicant's right of association. Mr Baitwababo's application highlighted that the WhatsApp group was initially created by Mr Asinguza for people from Buyanja Sub-county, with the purpose of social contributions towards charity works, condolences, and support for calamity victims. The group members decided to form an association, requiring a subscription fee of Shs30,000, which Mr Baitwababo duly paid to become a registered member. All communication and matters related to the association were conducted through the WhatsApp group. However, on May 16, 2023, Mr Baitwababo sent a letter to Mr Asinguza, requesting documentation regarding the group's management, an audit report, and accountability for the collected funds since its formation in 2017. In response to the letter, Mr Asinguza ejected Mr Baitwababo from the WhatsApp group on May 17, disregarding his right to association and causing unjust enrichment. Seeking protection and justice, Mr Baitwababo asked the court to order Mr Asinguza to reinstate him in the group permanently and to prevent further ejections. The court ruling aims to rectify the unjust actions taken against Mr Baitwababo, ensuring his right to association is respected and safeguarded. Credit: Graphiconline.com

Celebrated Ghanaian Musician, Kofi Kinaata has called on the Ghanaian Music Industry and music lovers to pay more attention to Artists with talent and not fame. According to him, not paying attention to Artists with talent and pushing their agenda will cost Ghana a lot in the future. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, he said "We have to stop paying attention to musicians who are famous but rather on Artists with talent" Kofi Kinaata cited Abochi, 'Bestie' hit maker as one of Ghana's talent who deserves attention and push. "Have you heard of the Artiste called Abochi? That guy got it. He got the voice, plays instruments. That is talent. He is not out there yet because he has not got that push" "If we are pay attention to Abochi and even support his art with GHc0.15p, he will make it in the mainstream music" "If we don't focus these talents, there will come a time where Ghana will not have musicians" "The music industry is not fair" he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Veteran Ghanaian Actor, Kofi Adu known by many as Agya Koo has canvassed for New Patriotic Party (NPP), Charles Opoku ahead of the Assin North Constituency by-election. The Veteran Actor took a tour in some markets in the Assin North Constituency. In a video sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Agya Koo was spotted wearing a Charles Opoku brand lacoste. The Actor interacted with the market women and called on then to throw their support behind the NPP candidate. Agya Koo over the years has been campaigning for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He recently came under heavy criticism as some scores of Ghanaians claimed his new mansion was funded by the NPP government. Agya Koo however denied the allegations daring anyone to show proof. The Assin North by-election is scheduled for June 27. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith