The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) is demanding a full-scale independent investigation into the alleged killing of suspected armed land guards at Bortianor, a suburb of Accra. Five people suspected to be land guards have been killed following an anti-robbery and land guard operation in the suburb. A statement issued on Sunday (11 June) by BPS said it doubts the police statement detailing account of the incident, hence the call for the probe. “The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has received with shock another police operation, this time at Bortianor, a suburb in the Greater Accra Region where five persons suspected to be armed robbers/land guards were killed in an alleged shootout with the police. “While the BPS is concerned about the activities of land guards and armed robbers, a subsequent press statement issued on June 10, 2023, by the police detailing accounts of events leading to the killing of five suspects has raised more questions than answers, casting doubt on the police’s modus operandi under such circumstances, procedures, and use of force.” “Consequently, the BPS calls for an immediate and independent investigation into the June 8,2023 incident at Bortianor. The trust and confidence of the public in law enforcement are essential, and it is paramount that any concerns regarding police actions are thoroughly examined by a neutral and objective body,” the BPS statement said. Below is the full statement: Background According to the police, the suspects have been terrorising residents and homeowners in Bortianor and nearby communities. A statement issued by the police on Saturday (10 June), said they are pursuing the remaining suspects some of whom have sustained gunshot injuries. “On 8 June 2023, the police conducted an operation targeting criminal elements involved in robbery and languard activities. These individuals had been terrorising residents and landowners in Bortianor and nearby communities.” “Upon spotting the approaching police team, the suspects opened fire from their hideout, prompting the police to return fire. As a result, five of the suspects were injured and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The remaining suspects fled the scene and are still on the run,” the statement said. The police have, however, appealed to residents in the area to report any individual with gunshot wounds who may be seeking medical treatments. Credit: Asaase Radio

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama says his administration has no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. According to Mr. Mahama, NDC has been in power before, thus its record on how it has handled the mandate of Ghanaians are there for all to see. Addressing the European chapters of the party in Amsterdam following a three-day NDC Europe Conference, he said "We do not claim perfection, but we in the NDC can never be like the NPP. We simply cannot be and are not as reckless and contemptuous of the people of Ghana as the NPP has been. We have never been and will not be as wasteful, ostentatious, and as imprudent as the NPP has been" Flagbearer John Mahama committed to operating a lean government which he says will not only be lesser than that of the NPP but also a team which will get jobs done more efficiently. "Nothing in our historical record compares to the level of economic mismanagement that the NPP has superintended" He added that the NDC believes in substantive offerings, carefully considered, and curated to stand the test of time while comprehensively resolving some of the most complex problems. "We have no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. We know we are going against an incumbent government that has proven that it is prepared to shed the blood of its citizens to hang on to power, as they amply showed at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 elections" "And then there is an Electoral Commission whose neutrality in this electoral contest is questionable. Our work is therefore cut out for us. We must get off our marks immediately and convince Ghanaians that we are prepared to govern in addition to our superior record to that of the NPP" "The first step towards doing that is proving that we can manage our internal affairs, which is why this European Conference is significant. It offers a platform for sharing unique insights into better organisational strategies and innovative approaches to mobilising the people of Ghana for a resounding victory in 2024" The Flagebearer further hinted that the NDC profoundly value contributions of the NDC European chapters in Amsterdam towards the running of the party. "The party also acknowledges your concerns about participation in elections and governance" "Of particular concern to you have been the constitutional impediments to persons holding dual citizenship and their occupation of some government positions in Ghana. Only a few weeks ago, we suffered what we consider grave injustice when our Member of Parliament for Assin North was thrown out of Parliament by the Supreme Court on grounds we find entirely unsatisfactory" Mr. Mahama charged the party and its functionaries to step harder on the pedal and work towards an emphatic victory in 2024. "Victory will not come easy and there must be a deliberate effort to tackle the biases of the Electoral Commission and the actions of the ruling party. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of the nationwide Green Ghana Day celebration, the Bui Power Authority with some of its key stakeholders commemorated the day with a tree-planting exercise at the Bui Generating Station. The event which took place on the morning of Friday, 9th June, 2023, saw in attendance staff from BPA, members of the Ghana Armed Forces (Airforce, Army, & Navy), Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service. Also present were the BPA Green Academy (students from the BPA school), staff of BPA hospital and the PAP (Project Affected Persons) Contractors. In a speech read on behalf of the CEO of BPA, Hon. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, the Director, Estates, Mr. Maxwell Wumbilla Salifu, stressed that the importance of forest reserves to all forms of life on our planet cannot be underestimated. He further stated that, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are enjoined in Target 15.2 to “promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally." He continued that, BPA was committed to relentlessly establishing forests cover through our flagship ‘Forest Resource Enhancement Program (FREP)’ to implementing climate mitigating actions through tree planting within all BPA’s operational areas among others with the needed resources to achieve our desired objectives. He indicated that, the FREP initiative commenced in 2012 on a pilot scheme and has over the years received a tremendous boost with an expansion from a coverage area of 423.67 acres as of 2021 to 1,423.67 in 2023 under his Leadership. On bushfire management, he paid special tribute to Ghana National Fire Service deployed to Bui and PAPs Contractors in complementing the OHSE Team’s efforts to achieve this. The Deputy Director of OHS&E, Mr. Chrisentus B. Kuunifaa, indicated that, the forests are serving as the “lungs of the earth that support our very existence and survival on this planet" He therefore underscored the critical role Forest play in BPA business continuity and operational excellence, in line with the theme for the 2023 Green Ghana Day; “OUR FORESTS, OUR HEALTH”. He catalogued some of the benefits of the established Forests which included provision of clean air, carbon capture, food, medicine, water (hydrological cycle), and supports life of all forms and wellbeing. On his part, the Director of the Power Operations Department, Mr. Samuel Nimako Boateng reiterated that Energy was key to our human development such as providing basic needs, increasing productivity and improving effective health care delivery. He stated that, being conscious of the imminence of the threats of climate change and global warming, BPA will continue to position itself to contributing zero carbon emissions its operations. Credit: Bui Power Authority

Medeama sc have been crowned Ghana Premier League champions for the first time in their history. Medeama sc, who beat Tamale City on Sunday to seal an historic title triumph in Tarkwa after their final league match with relegated Tamale City. Medeama sc won the match 3:0 with Jonathan Sowah scoring a brace for Medeama sc, and the win mark Medeama sc historic day, as they lifted the trophy to wild cheers from their traveling and home fans across the globe. Medeama sc accumulated 60 points to be crowned champions of Ghana’s top football league. They will represent Ghana in CAF Champions League. Credit: Emmanuel Odoom

Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, has shed a light perspective on the phenomenon that often compels men to have extra relationships alongside their wives. In a video shared on the official Twitter handle of Joy News on June 08, 2023, the finance minister, in a speech, emphasized that the systems in Ghana often compel men especially to have side partners aside from their wedded wives. “The issue in Ghana for marriages is that somehow, the system compels you to have a girlfriend. And it’s a very difficult thing. So, what do you do? When the whole society is moving in that direction?” he asked. The finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, however, proposed that defining one's spouse as a boyfriend or girlfriend could potentially resolve the perceived social challenge. "Now if you are able to define your wife as your girlfriend, you’ve solved the problem" “It looks like just a statement, but I think it’s the heart of fidelity and a good society. So, let's make our spouses our boyfriends and girlfriends and we will have solved Ghana’s problem,” he added to the amusement of the audience. Credit: Ghanaweb

Popular Ghanaian Actor, Kofi Adu known by many as Agya Koo has revealed that no contract was given to him by ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as speculated. According to him, he is daring anyone to crosscheck all any bank in the country to verify whether any money has been transferred into his account. Speaking on an Accra-based television channel, he said "I dare everyone to crosscheck all banks across Ghana to verify whether any money has been transferred to my accounts" "I went to the jubilee house to carry the money on my head head?" "NPP will not give you money to chop. Those who claim that I used NPP money to complete my mansion is just out of place. The NPP people will even laugh at that." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo on Friday 'lost his cool' at the University of Ghana, Legon after a Chief failed to rise to his feet as the national anthem was being played. The said chief was part of the dignitaries invited to grace the Green Ghana 2023 day celebrations. In a a video making waves on social media, President Akufo-Addo was captured ordering the Greater Accra Regional, Henry Quartey to move to towards the Chief and have a talk. President Akufo-Addo was also captured using hand gesture to register his displeasure at the act of the said Chief. Watch the video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government's Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its FlagbearerJohn Dramani Mahama should forget about winning the 2024 Presidential elections. According to Mr. Boakye-Danquah, any candidate chosen by NPP as its next Flagbearer will beat John Mahama come December 7, 2024. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, he said "The NPP has done well since 2017 now. The NDC and John Mahama should even forget about the 2024 general election" "Any candidate chosen by the NPP will beat Mahama" Responding to a comment made by a member of the NDC communication team, Kweku Boahen, on the issue of the by-election in Assin North, Mr Palgrave said, the strategy used by NPP at Kumawu by-election would be used to beat the NDC on June 27, 2023. He charged the NDC to learn from the NPP when it comes to issues of elections. He was confident that the NPP will win the Assin North by-election. Mr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has however, made his intentions to contest in the parliamentary primaries in Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region for the party. He added that he is waiting for the leadership of the party to announce the opening for picking of Parliamentary nomination forms. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that some nine persons have been shot dead in a gun battle with police at Tuba Hills, a suburb of Kasoa, a community in the Central Region. According to sources, three others have sustained various degrees of injuries. Narrating the incident to Thinknewsonline.com, an eyewitness (Name withheld) said "We are labourers and have been working at Tuba Hills for some time now. But for some time now anytime we come to work, some men claiming to be landguards always come at us demanding for money" "They claim to be landguards and thus we have to pay digging fees before they allow us to work. Anytime we disagree, they man-handle us" The eyewitness added that a report was officially made to the police of which some officers were deployed to the location. He stressed that while at work, the said landguards again approached them demanding for digging fee. He noted that when he and colleagues refused to comply, it triggered the anger of landguards. "After we refused to pay, their leader pulled out a gun, gave a number of warning shots till the bullets got wasted. He refilled the gun and threatened to shoot us if we fail to pay the digging fee." "It was at this point that the heavily armed police officers came out of their hiding zones. It turned into a gun battle but the police succeeded in killing nine, injuring three" It is emerging that the injured were sent to the hospital with police escorts while the remains of the other 9 have been deposited at the morgue. Police in the area declined to speak only saying, they received the directive from the Headquarters. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina Constituency, Lawyer Francis Xavier Kojo Sosu has expressed worry over the slow pace of the Akufo-Addo administration's year of road promises. According to the MP, the year of roads agenda has not been witnessed in his Constituency. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "Roads in Madina link goods and persons to various parts of the capital and country, and contribute meaningfully to national development" The MP who doubles as a lawyer also hinted that the Oyarifa, Danfa-Kweiman-Ayimensah Roads connect goods and persons to the Eastern Region of Ghana. He noted the it povides alternate route to individuals, motorists and tourists who wish to travel for business, tourism, relaxation, and other purposes. Explaining further, he said "It will be recalled that the Government in the 2021 and 2022 Budget Statements declared the Year of Roads and Second Year of Roads, allocating GHc952,587,681 and GHc1,735,272,000 respectively" He mentioned the inspite of these, Madina is yet to witness its fair share of developmental projects. "From the much-touted One District One Factory (1D1F) to Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ Programme), to 1 District 1 Warehouse, and Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Project (IPEP), Madina is yet to see real and meaningful development under this Administration" He stressed that improved road infrastructure would increase attractiveness of Madina, stimulate economic activities, attract new investments and businesses, which would lead to increased employment opportunities for people leaving in there. "Many businesses would locate to Madina and new ones would emerge when our roads get the needed facelift. This would also open inaccessible sites for development and ensure overall development of Madina" "While the importance of road infrastructure is limited to Madina Constituency, as the Member of Parliament, it has become necessary for me to raise these concerns so central government through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and Department of Urban and Feeder Roads can take urgent actions and necessary measures to fix Madina Roads" The MP added that if Central government, which controls the public purse and all funds available for roads and drainages really wish to build Ghana and for that matter municipalities like La-Nkwantanang-Madina, its measuring rod would be ensuring rising standards of living for the population, increased investments in factories and basic infrastructure such as road network and drains in a well-coordinated and properly planned use of land and other natural resources. Lawyer Sosu stressed that it is indeed deeply sad and disappointing for him first as a Ghanaian, and secondly as representative of the people adding, he berated the poor nature and state of roads and infrastructure projects in Madina. Touching on doubled population presents increased pressure on infrastructure, the MP said "According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census, the population of Madina was 111,926, with 54,271 males and 57,655 females" He, however stated that the recent Population and Housing Census recorded by the Ghana Statistical Service shows a population of 244,676 comprising 120,846 males and 123,830 females, representing an increase of 119%. This, he mentioned, has resulted in increased pressure on available infrastructure. "Over the years, the population of Madina has more than doubled, meanwhile available infrastructure remains the same. Thus, there is the need for expansion of social amenities such as electricity, water, and drainage systems to provide the necessary support for the expanded numbers" Highlighting on Madina facing stalled infrastructure projects, the MP explained that in recent years, roads and drainage projects in Madina have stalled despite being awarded on contracts. He further added that roads from Teiman to Kponkpo through burger town, Teiman to Abokobi, Teiman to Oyarifa in the Teiman electoral area, the Ayi-Mensah, Kweiman, Danfa, Adoteiman and Otinibi road are in complete tartars. "Tatana North and South area roads and Nkwantanang East and West community roads and substantial part of Adentan New Site roads have all stalled" Similarly, drainage projects ranging from 0.08kilometres of outfall drains to 13kilometres of 0.6metres concrete u-drains are all yet to be constructed. An urgent question filed to the Minister of Roads and Highways as well as tour of his Constituency during the recent recess further revealed that contractors who have been awarded contracts are not on site for most of these roads and drainage projects in Madina. "Indeed, all efforts to get these Contractors on site including demonstration for roads which I led to put pressure on the government to get the roads fixed have all proved futile" "The recent torrential downpours have exacerbated the issue, causing further inconvenience and displeasure for residents of Madina, leading to the death  two persons recently, and most persons trapped in their homes after a rainstorm" The MP noted that, all across the world, roads make a crucial contribution to economic development and growth and bring important social benefits. He explained that they are of vital importance in order to make a nation and society grow and develop. Layer Francis Sosu poited out that the absence of road projects at Madina highlights the extent of transformation and development the people have witnessed since the inception of this Administration. "Madina Constituency is therefore calling on H.E. the President and his Representatives, the Minister for Roads and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), to fulfil their pledge and mandate to the people by fixing the Roads, Drainages and other Development projects in Madina. Madina deserves its own fair share of development" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has joined the Diplomatic Corps of Ghana to mark the 2023 Green Ghana Day with a tree planting exercise at the Seismic Centre Achimota as he called on all and sundry to find very significant and practical way of contributing to the global efforts of halting climate change. He was proud to mention that Ghana as a respected member of the international community is a lead country when it comes to global efforts on halting climate change particularly, nature based climate action. The Minister stressed that the Green Ghana Day, plays a crucial role in all efforts efforts being made to combat climate change. He said "It is on this Day that we awaken the consciousness of the Ghanaian people about the importance of trees in our lives. It is on this Day that we strive to inculcate in our people, particularly students and the youth, the culture of tree planting." "It is on this Day that we scale up national awareness on forest protection and preservation. And it is, also, on this Day, that we demonstrate to the world, in a more significant and practical way, our commitment to implementing nature-based solutions to halt climate change" he continued. He assured that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Forestry Commission will continue to provide support for the nurturing of trees planted. While they do so, he entreated each and every Ghanaian to take responsibility for nurturing trees in homes, offices and communities, till they reach maturity. The Lands Minister made an appeal to Ghanaians saying "If we put our collective efforts together, we can deliver a safe, healthy, cooler, and greener planet. Therefore, wherever you may find yourself today, kindly take a moment out of your schedule and plant a tree in support of this noble undertaking" In his statement, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Maher Kheir, applauded the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for what he described as a priceless initiative which reflects a futuristic vision of a Green Ghana and to protect Ghana's rich landscape and vegetation. He added that as a united force driven by a shared commitment to protect forests which indeed are the lifeline of the planet, it is only through a collective effort that all leaders of world can assure a healthier future for the current generation and those yet to come. The Ambassador sent out a plea saying "we cannot afford to ignore the link between our forest and our health, we must take immediate action to reverse the tides of deforestation and protect our natural heritage" We must promote reforestation and prioritize restoration programmes. He further pledged the continuous support of the Diplomatic Press Corp towards the Green Ghana Day saying "Let us pledge to plant trees, protect our exiting forests and educate others about the importance of this noble issue" Mr. John Allotey, the CEO of the Forestry Commission appreciated the efforts of the Diplomatic mission in Ghana for their support over the years and hoped that the long standing relationship will continue. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister incharge for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines has called on all mining stakeholders to uphold good mining practices to help preserve and restore Ghana's vegetative cover. Speaking at a durbar on Green Ghana Day, Friday, 9th June, 2023 in Western Region, Hon. Duker indicated that, responsible mining practices contributes immensely towards government's aggressive afforestation agenda; Green Ghana Day. " I call on all legal concessionaires to embrace all the good mining practices and initiate progressive reclamation activities at all times", he admonished. The third edition of the Green Ghana project themed ‘Our forest, our health’, the Deputy Minister noted, re-echoes the numerous significance derived from trees for human existence and survival, hence, the collective responsibility to plant, monitor and protect into maturity. Hon. Duker said, deforestation and forest degradation continues to be a threat to sustainable forest management and forest resources that are being depleted at an alarming rate therefore the need to plant trees. He disclosed that, Western Region is expected to plant 150,000 trees as part of the 10 million and uged on all in Tarkwa to help plant in excess the 10,000 target. Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area addressing the gathering applauded government for the brilliant initiative to plant trees to improve the environment. "This should not just end with planting of trees, go ahead and take care of the trees planted". The Green Ghana Project was instituted by the Government in 2021 as part of an aggressive national afforestation programme to restore the country’s lost forest cover and contribute to global fight against climate change. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith