The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and support from GIZ Governance for Inclusive Development Programme co-funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, (FCDO) has sensitised some Senior High Schools students in the Eastern Region on prohibited cyber activities and related matters. The five days’ sensitisation programme which targeted some selected Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region started on the 15th May, 2023 and ended on 19th May, 2023. The objectives of the programme was to create awareness on the mandate of EOCO, Prohibited Cyber Activities and the rippling effects these activities have on individuals (perpetrators and victims), families, businesses and the country as a whole. The programme benefitted over Twenty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and twelve (29,512) students made up of 14,316 male students and 15,196 female students. The beneficiary schools included Akuse Methodist Senior High School, Akro Senior High, Manyakrobo Senior High, Ghana Senior High, and New Jaubeng Senior High School. Others were Oti Boateng Senior High School, Larteh Presby Senior High School, Mampong Presby Senior High School, Adonteng Senior High School, Okuapemman Senior High School and Nifa Senior High School. Also, Yilokrobo Senior High School, Suhum Senior High School, Abuakwah State College, Nsawam Senior High School, St. Martin Senior High School benefitted from the programme. In an introductory remark, the Eastern Regional Director, Mr. Justice Agbemava stated the purpose of the visit and gave a brief overview of the spate of cybercrime activities in the country and their negative effects on the nation and the individuals who are involved. He also added that despite various efforts being implemented by the Office to curb this menace, statistics still reveal that Ghana is increasingly becoming a hub for cybercrime activities hence the need for EOCO to reach as many young people as they can to spread awareness of this menace. Head of Public Affairs, EOCO, Faustina Lartey in her presentation, stressed on how the use of the internet has made the world a global village. She stated that despite the many positive things that the internet can be used for, some recalcitrant persons have resorted to using it for unexplainable negativities such as cybercrime. She mentioned, Romance and Dating Scam, Mobile Money Fraud, Scholarship Scam, Hacking, Advance Fee Fraud (419), Examination Results Scam, Spam, Phishing and Identity Theft among others. While explaining these various types of cybercrimes to the students, she mentioned that persons engaged in advance fee fraud could spend up to twenty-five years’ imprisonment when convicted. In addition, she emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse and that children who engage in these crimes could end up in the Juvenile Correctional Centre. Mrs. Lartey encouraged students who are engaged in hacking, that as a matter of urgency, should desist from it. She advised them to concentrate on their studies to pass their exams and apply for a course in “Ethical Hacking” and its related courses rather than becoming black hackers. She stated that, it is important that Ghanaians work hard to maintain a positive global image of the country in order to appeal to foreign investors and make it a more attractive tourist destination. She further encouraged all persons present, to report perpetrators of cybercrimes to EOCO and other law enforcement agencies stressing on the protection of privacy and safety of complainants. Also imbedded in the presentation was a special message for all students from the Executive Director – EOCO, Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah encouraging students to take their studies seriously and desist from engaging in criminal activities which could end up truncating their educational ambitions. Heads and teachers  of the beneficiary schools numbering about 167 were elated and encouraged the team to make routine visits to remind students of the need to desist from engaging in such criminal activities and also pledged to share the information with family and friends who were not privileged to benefit from the programme. Present at the programme were a team from GIZ. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has become the latest Strategic Partner to join the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC). It is emerging that Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey will represent the University on the CWEIC Global Advisory Council. CWEIC, a commercial, not-for-profit membership organisation with an official mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government is set to facilitate trade and investment throughout the 56 Commonwealth member nations. CWEIC can boast of a vast network of more than 130 Strategic Partners, which include Commonwealth governments, businesses, multilateral institutions, and academia. CWEIC has built a reputation as a trusted intermediary, providing invaluable connections between business and government, as well as between Strategic Partners looking to collaborate with one another. Following a visit to Ghana by CWEIC Deputy Chair, Lord Swire, UPSA decided to join CWEIC network to foster new strategic alliances and international collaboration. Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Amartey said “UPSA is very pleased to be a member of CWEIC" "As a progressive university that wants its graduates to become the most targeted by top employers and its faculty, the leading resource for the transfer of knowledge to industry, this strategic partnership will afford us the opportunity to forge symbiotic relationships that will create opportunities for our students and faculty while enriching our offerings.” On his part, Lord Swire said “CWEIC is delighted to welcome the University of Professional Studies as the latest Strategic Partner" "We are excited to assist UPSA in achieving its objectives and establishing fresh partnerships" "The remarkable expansion of the University serves as evidence of Professor Amartey’s dedication to and belief in the significance of delivering specialised education for the development of professional services.” The partnership is expected to provide UPSA with enhanced opportunities for  global partnerships and collaboration for research,  talent development and capacity building for faculty, and ultimately, add immense value to teaching and learning. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Matale, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Oikotree, was the keynote speaker at the relaunch of the ZacTax Campaign in Africa, held on 20 May, at the Mannah Conference Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event offered faith-rooted African perspectives on just taxation and reparations; and shared concrete proposals to advance corporate and wealth taxation as well as social and ecological reparations. “Taxation is a tool for enacting the conversion of Zacchaeus in our financial systems which till now funnels resources to the most powerful and wealthy,” said Athena Peralta, programme executive for economic and ecological justice at the World Council of Churches. “It is the most effective way to raise resources to respond to today’s polycrises – not least climate change – which disproportionately hurt the poor and vulnerable.” “The point is: the Earth belongs to God, and we are simply stewards. We believe that economic policies should foster sustainability,” said Mandla Mbongeni Hadebe, of the Economic Justice Network of FOCCISA. “Hundreds of millions of dollars are lost each year by mining companies’ avoidance and evasion in sub-Saharan Africa,” Hadebe said. “As churches, we must make it our duty to follow the money and know detailed information about mining contracts, including their true costs and benefits. Through the ZacTax campaign I hope we will be able to do this.” “Tax policies are not gender-neutral—they are biased toward men. In Africa, most of the women work in the informal economy, but they pay taxes in a lot of ways, mostly in consumption taxes,” said Riska Leandre Koopman of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice. “Our resources need to start working for us. We need to ensure that tax is addressing inequality issues, including gender,” said Francis Kairu of the Tax Justice Network - Africa. “If tax justice will work in our century, it must do one thing: it must address the mismatch of power between developing and developed countries.” African nations lost between US $597-1.4 trillion in illicit financial flows – nearly equivalent to the entire continent’s current GDP – in the last three decades. “Just imagine if the government can counter these illicit financial flows and channel them into other areas,” said M. Ganief Hendricks, a member of the South African Parliament. “These are global challenges and need global solutions. We are in this together. It is time to ask the faith movement to come in and amplify the voices [calling for fair global tax rules and a United Nations tax convention],” said Silje Ander of Norwegian ChurchAid. The ZacTax Campaign is a part of the New International Financial and Economic Architecture advocacy platform sponsored by the World Council of Churches, Council for World Mission, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, and World Methodist Council. The All Africa Conference of Churches co-organised the relaunch event and now promotes the ZacTax the campaign in the African region. Credit: www.oikoumene.org

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says it has grabbed forty-nine foreigners engaged in human trafficking and cybercrime activities in Accra. According to EOCO, the arrest was made in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service. In a communique signed by Head, Public Affairs, Faustina Lartey, she said "The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service have arrested forty-nine (49) Nigerian nationals in Accra on Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023" "The suspects were made up of forty-seven (47) males and two (2) females with their ages ranging from 18 – 34 years" She noted that in all, seventy (70) laptop computers, two (2) saloon cars, fifty-one (51) mobile phones, nine (9) internet modems and other gadgets were recovered from their hideout during the operation. Following the arrest and subsequent screening of the suspects, it came to light that forty-five (45) of the individuals were victims of human trafficking whilst four (4) were the traffickers. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the rescued victims have been sent back to Nigeria to reunite with their families with support from the Nigerian High Commission. She also mentioned that the four (4) traffickers namely; Godstine Omoruyi, Junior Nosa Omoruyi, Marvelous Omoruyi and Evbuomwan Idowu have been arraigned before the court. Their arrest followed intelligence obtained by the Office to the effect that some young Nigerians had been trafficked into the country. The said victims were lured into the country with the promise of securing them jobs but were subsequently forced to engage in cyber-crime activities upon their arrival in the country. The traffickers also resorted to various forms of physical torture and abuse to coerce their victims into subjection. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A taxi driver (name withheld) has escaped death after his car was smashed by a speeding train on the Alajo railway on Thursday. According to sources, the taxi driver allegedly attempted to cross the line on hearing the train approaching. It is emerging that the driver of the taxi unhurt but traumatized. Thinknewsonline.com has also gathered that the train was from Tema heading towards Accra. Some eye witnesses say the train had some minor damage with no passenger inured. The train driver was said to have stopped to assess the situation but later left and continued his journey. The taxi was however left mangled. Some passengers have been sent to the hospital for treatment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI) has committed suicide after using his school fees and that of his roommate for online betting and lost. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Samuel Adegoke, a National Diploma II student of Electrical Electronic Engineering, reportedly took a chemical substance, suspected to be a snipper, on Monday when his colleagues were preparing for the first-semester examination. It is reported that the deceased lost his school fees and that of his friend on online betting on Friday after the school had warned that no student would be allowed to write the examination without completing the registration. To avoid embarrassment, the young man allegedly took sniper just a few minutes to the exam on Monday, May 22. He was rushed to the school’s clinic for first aid and then referred to a specialist hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Abiala confirmed the development, saying: “It was detected at the specialist hospital that the late student drank snipper. “His father told the school that his son had used his school fees to gamble last session but, he had to rescue him by making another payment.” Abiala added that the deceased who is notorious for gambling with his school fees did not leave any suicide note behind. “We have a policy here that any student that does not pay school fees will not write exam" “He realised that he and his friend would not write the exam, that was why he committed suicide. “We sent for his parents and briefed them. His father told us that his late son did the same thing last session and he had to send money to him to pay the fees. “He said if he had known about the latest one, he would have paid for it. “But when we asked the father to take possession of the corpse, he rejected it and said he could not take his son’s corpse back home. “He asked us to bury him. The school paid part of the burial expenses, and had to pay the fee for the other student whose fee was used to gamble to avoid another calamity. We didn’t want him to also commit suicide. “We were surprised that he did not leave any suicide note behind. We did not see any note. We went to his house and checked for a note, but there was no note other than the bottle of the snipper he drank.” "Many young people consider online gambling as a fast source of income and sometimes take high risks in the hope of winning more money. When they lose, then some of them become depressed and suicidal" Credit: Pulse GH

People should “avoid contact” with a famous beluga whale to avoid accidentally injuring or killing it, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has said. The whale, nicknamed Hvaldimir, shot to international fame in 2019 after it was spotted wearing a specially made harness with mounts for a camera, leading experts to believe the whale may have been trained by the Russian military. Since 2019, it has “been traveling along the Norwegian coast” with a few stops along the way, according to the directorate, which added that Hvaldimir “tends to stay at farms where it has been able to catch fish, grazing on surplus feed.” Hvaldimir is known to follow boats and play with those on board. The whale, which is a protected species in Norway, now lives in inner Oslofjord, the directorate said. This “means that it has arrived in a very densely populated area, and the risk that the whale may be injured due to human contact has become significantly greater,” it added. In a statement on Wednesday, Fisheries Director Frank Bakke-Jensen said that “so far there have only been minor incidents where the whale has suffered minor injuries, primarily from contact with boats.” But he urged people to keep their distance, “even though the whale is tame and used to being around people.” “We especially encourage people in boats to keep a good distance to avoid the whale being injured or, in the worst case, killed by boat traffic,” said Bakke-Jensen. Given the dangers, Bakke-Jensen was asked whether the whale should be placed in captivity. “We have always communicated that the whale in question is a free-living animal and we see no reason to capture it and put it behind barriers,” he said. However, now that the whale is “in a more vulnerable area and access to food may be limited, we will consider different measures,” added Bakke-Jensen. “But it is too early to say anything concrete about that yet.” The Directorate of Fisheries will monitor the whale’s movements in the hope that it turns around when it reaches the end of the Oslofjord. In 2019, experts told CNN that Hvaldimir was a trained animal, and evidence suggested that it had come from Russia. Jorgen Ree Wiig, a marine biologist at Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries, told CNN that the harness appeared “specially made” and had “mounts for GoPro cameras on each side of it.” And the harness clips read “Equipment St. Petersburg,” contributing to a theory that the whale came from Murmansk, Russia, and was trained by the Russian navy. The navy has “been known to train belugas to conduct military operations before,” Wiig said, “like guarding naval bases, helping divers, finding lost equipment.” Credit: CNN

Pantang Hospital, once envisioned by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as a Pan-African mental health village, is currently facing an alarming surge in illegal activities, lawlessness, and insecurity within its premises. The 344-acre health facility, which encompasses nursing and midwifery training institutions, basic schools, and other state facilities, has become a breeding ground for criminals, social misfits, and squatters. Reports indicate that on a daily basis, hordes of individuals engage in acts of violence, theft, destruction of property, and even prostitution, right under the noses of law enforcement authorities. These activities pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of staff, patients, students, and other visitors to the hospital. The management of Pantang Hospital, in collaboration with the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA), is taking decisive action to restore order and rid the premises of illegal structures and criminals. Efforts are underway to clear the land and ensure the safety of the hospital community. The construction of Pantang Hospital, initiated by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was intended to provide specialized mental healthcare services in Ghana and beyond. However, following Nkrumah's overthrow, the facility was left unfinished and neglected, making it vulnerable to encroachment and occupation by squatters. A recent monitoring exercise conducted by the Daily Graphic revealed that squatters had completely taken over the hospital's entrance, erecting makeshift wooden structures as homes and shops. This dire situation at the entrance reflects the sense of hopelessness that has permeated the entire facility. Despite the presence of a police post in front of the hospital, incidents of theft and unruly behavior persist. Valuable items such as water meters, computers, air conditioning units, and medical equipment have been stolen. Furthermore, personal belongings of staff and students have been frequently targeted by robbers. Surrounding the hospital, areas that serve as hideouts for prostitutes, weed sales, and mechanic shops contribute to a general sense of unease and jeopardize the safety of the health center. Dr. Frank Baning, the Medical Director of Pantang Hospital, expressed deep concern about the prevailing insecurity and its impact on healthcare delivery. He stressed the urgent need to address the presence of illegal structures and the associated security risks. The hospital has commenced collaborative efforts with LaNMMA to formulate strategies for the eviction of squatters and the removal of their structures from the premises. Jennifer Dede Adjabeng, the Chief Executive of LaNMMA, affirmed the joint commitment of the municipal assembly and Pantang Hospital to restore sanity to the facility and its environs. While certain parts of the premises have already been cleared, the frontage remains occupied due to an ongoing legal dispute over land ownership. The assembly is actively engaging with the claimants and the hospital management to find a resolution and create a safe environment. The plight of Pantang Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the need for decisive action and investment in healthcare infrastructure. The hospital's restoration and protection will not only enhance the provision of mental health services but also safeguard the well-being of patients, staff, and the surrounding community. It is imperative that swift measures be taken to reclaim the facility from criminal elements and ensure a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all. Story by: Ewura Ama

Management of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has called on the general public to debunk claims that it has advertised any recruitment offer online. According to EOCO, it does and will not engage any third parties in its recruitment process. A release signed by Head/Public Affairs, Faustina Lartey read "The Management of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) wishes to inform the general public that the Office has not advertised any recruitment offer online" "The Economic and Organised Crime Office has not put out any advertisement for recruitment and further states that it does not and will not engage any third parties in its recruitment process" Madam Lartey also noted that the general public is therefore cautioned against any such EOCO recruitment advertisement which is fake and being circulated online. EOCO added that it shall not be responsible or liable in any way for claims, losses or liabilities. "We therefore advise the general public not to heed to, or pay monies to any individual or group of persons with the view of facilitating recruitment into the Office" "EOCO is on the heels of the perpetrators of such fake advertisements and person(s) found culpable of peddling such falsehood will be arrested and prosecuted" The Economic and Organised Crime Office stressed that the general public is hereby duly warned. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that some teachers at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Senior High School (HOTCASS) in Accra have embarked on a sit-down strike over poor infrastructure. According to the teachers, the poor nature of the school and lack of infrastructure has made teaching and learning not effective. It is emerging that eight classrooms in the school have no ceilings. Further information reveals that there are cracks on the school building which leaves rain water to sit in the classrooms anytime there is a downpour. Due to the devastating issue, the teachers say they fear the building might collapse one day. Teaching and learning has however, come to a halt at the school. The news team also noted that there are broken windows, dilapidated desks among others. Headmaster of HOTCASS, Essien Hubert Godfrey Kwabena said "Those classrooms that are affected are not used especially when it rains. Responding to the sit-down strike by some teachers, he said "For strikes, I am not aware of it" The Headmaster stressed that teachers report to their various classrooms despite the scary situation at hand. "Every teacher goes to class despite the situation but when it rains or is about to rain and is cloudy there, they move down so we do not have to go to that place when it raining" He noted that the problem becomes more serious when it is windy saying the roof tries to come down. He hinted that the school has written officially to the Ghana Education Service (GES) as part of its complains. "We hope that by the end of the semester, we will get some good news" "I am also hereby calling on philanthropists to come to our aid and help the school. HOTCASS was founded in 1940 and is one of the oldest senior high schools in Ghana which has churned out great personalities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated the Jean-Mensa-led Electoral Commission (EC) for successfully conducting the by-election in Kumawu on Tuesday, May 23. The President in a statement said “I congratulate further the NPP, NDC and the two independent candidates for their contribution to this positive outcome. I congratulate, also, the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission for maintaining its tradition of organizing the best elections in the 4th Republic.” During the byelections, the NPP’s Ernest Yaw Anim polled 15,264 votes to defeat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Kwesi Amankwah, and the two other Independent Candidates. Kwesi Amankwah managed 3,723 votes while Kwaku Duah (1) had 2,478 votes with the other Kwaku Duah had 62 votes. President Akufo-Addo also congratulated him. He said “I congratulate Ernest Yaw Anim, the NPP parliamentary candidate, for his 71% emphatic victory in the by-election. He, and the national, regional, constituency and polling station executives and party workers of the NPP are to be strongly commended for their outstanding work, which has brought about this excellent result, recording one of the highest turnouts in a by-election in the history of the 4th Republic. “I am confident that he will make an effective representative of the people of Kumawu in Parliament. The elephant continues to be on the march.” Below is his full post… I congratulate warmly the people of Kumawu on conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent by-election, on 23rd May 2023, to elect their new Member of Parliament, which has given another big boost to Ghanaian democracy. I congratulate further the NPP, NDC and the two independent candidates for their contribution to this positive outcome. I congratulate, also, the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission for maintaining its tradition of organizing the best elections in the 4th Republic. Finally, I congratulate Ernest Yaw Anim, the NPP parliamentary candidate, for his 71% emphatic victory in the by-election. He, and the national, regional, constituency and polling station executives and party workers of the NPP are to be strongly commended for their outstanding work, which has brought about this excellent result, recording one of the highest turnouts in a by-election in the history of the 4th Republic. I am confident that he will make an effective representative of the people of Kumawu in Parliament. The elephant continues to be on the march. God bless Ernest Yaw Anim, the people of Kumawu and Ghanaian democracy, and may God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong. Credit: 3news.com

Ghanaian and Kenyan Actress, Model, Video vixen, Pamela Odame Watara says the pain of losing her three moths old baby boy after birth was the reason behind her social media absence. According to her, the unfortunate demise got to her so deeply hence her silence. The social media personality also noted that after nearly two years of silence, she is back to reclaim her spot in the world of showbiz. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith