Kumawood actress Vivian Jill has responded to claims that most actresses are currently engaging in prostitution due to the seeming collapse of the movie industry. Earlier in a viral video, actor, and film producer, Kwame Borga, alleged that over 70% of Kumawood actresses have ventured into ‘hookup’, a modern-day term used to describe prostitution. His claims touched the nerves of some actors and even attracted a lawsuit from Mercy Asiedu and her husband, Nana Agyeman Badu I. Miracle Films CEO, Mr. Samuel Nyamekye, also threatened to sue the filmmaker in an earlier interview on Hello FM. In an interview with the station’s Dave Hammer, Vivian Jill expressed her displeasure after her views were sought. Refuting the ‘hookup’ claims, the popular actress stressed that aside from acting, she runs a number of businesses including selling charcoal. “Some of us have been tagged in a certain light so if you raise some accusations against us, it serves as a confirmation. You know that I work like a beast. Not too long ago, I started loading charcoal to Tema. “Asides from acting, some of us have things to do. Even this morning, I have gone to do some work rounds before coming here. “I don’t do hookups. I haven’t even heard of it until recently. In our time, you can’t even date someone you don’t know, how much more being invited by a stranger? You can’t say some things and expect us to keep quiet over it,” she emphasized. Credit: Ghana Weekend

Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has described the inhumane story coming out of the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASCO), Tamale as nothing short of a sordid. According to Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, it is heartbreaking and saddening that Ghana at this stage, has some of its Senior High School children being compelled to sleep in toilets. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "It is heartbreaking and saddening that at this stage in the life of Ghana, after 66 years of Independence, some of our Senior High School children are being compelled to sleep in toilets because of the destruction of school facilities as well as the inability to rapidly replace/repair dilapidated structures. "The inhumane story coming out of the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASCO), Tamale, is nothing short of, sordid" He added that under the Administration of Late President Atta-Mills as Finance Minister, he tirelessly worked to efficiently deploy the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND), and other resources to conscientiously provide a deluge of boarding facilities for existing schools, and also constructed new schools with such facilities. "In as much as we desire to provide our children with free education, we must conscientiously also ensure that our children acquire education in dignity" Below is a copy of his release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service on Monday April 17, 2023, engaged the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) to discuss recent developments on the political front. The NPP was represented by Justin Kodua Frimpong ESQ, General Secretary and Henry Nana Boakye ESQ, National Organizer. Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman; Mr. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary; and Sammy Gyamfi, also represented the NDC. In a brief introductory address, Mr. George Akufo Dampare, Inspector General of Police, revealed that the meeting was to officially brief both parties on some petitions that were recently received by the Police which demanded amongst others, the arrest of some notable politicians on alleged statements made by such individuals that according to the petitioners, threaten the peace and security of the country. He assured both parties of the determination of the Police to serve as impartial referees in enforcing law and order. The Police also briefed both parties on some initiatives it has implemented under the Police Transformation Agenda to guarantee a secure environment for all elections. Paramount amongst such interventions was the constitution of a Permanent National Elections Security Taskforce Secretariat (NEST) to supervise and coordinate all elections-related security issues. Another major initiative outlined by the Police was the establishment of a Legal Unit to probe all politically related incidents and determine any breach of legality and whether arrests and prosecutions can be made. The Police indicated that the legal unit scrutinises every politically controversial statement to ascertain if it meets the criminal threshold of the law before effecting an arrest. The police further noted that statements of Former President John Mahama, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, and Hon. Bryan Acheampong had all failed the criminal threshold test. However, the statements by the Suame NDC Youth organiser were patently criminal and breached the laws of the Republic hence his arrest and prosecution. The Police subsequently briefed both parties on its investigations into some election-related incidents in constituencies such as Odododiodio, Ablekuma Central, Savelugu, Techiman South, Banda, Awutu Senya, Asawase and Manso Adubia during the 2020 general elections and the internal elections of both parties in 2022. The Inspector General of Police thanked both parties for honoring the invitation and pleaded with them to support the Police in its efforts to enforce law and order; and refrain from the habit of inciting the public against the Police. Below are some pictures: Credit: Henry Nana Boakye

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery (MP) has declared Saturday, April 22 as a statutory holiday. According to the Minister, the statutory holiday falls in line with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr by the Muslim community. The Minister added that Monday, April 24 has also been declaredas an additional statutory holiday. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "However, in view of the fact that 22nd April, 2023falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has by the Executive Instrument (E.I) in accordance to Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601) declared Monday, 24th April 2023as an additional public holiday" The Minister further entreated the public to treat the two days as such and observed throughout the country. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that one person has been reported dead following an accident which occurred at Sokoban, a community in the Ashanti Region. According to sources, three other persons have been injured as a result of the accident. The accident was between an articulated truck and three cars. The articulated truck was said to have run over the three cars. Assembly man of the area says the number of deaths could have risen if not being a holiday. He appealed to the contractor to speed up with work on the road. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Education Service says it has interdicted the Headmaster of Fijai Senior High School, Kenneth Agbomadze with immediate effect. The interdiction comes following an alleged collection of illegal fees in the school. In a release signed by Head, Public Relations Unit, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, she said "Mr. Agbomadze is to handover the administration of the school to the Western Regional Director of Education" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah has sent a strong warning to persons in possession(s) of some alleged Ninty-five (95) stolen vehicles to report/return them or face the wrath of her outfit. According to Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, her outfit will do everything possible to retrieve the alleged stolen vehicles. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "Pursuant to Section 33 of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) Act, 2010 (Act 804), it is announced for the information of the general public that the under listed vehicles have been frozen by the Executive Director of EOCO and confirmed by the High Court" The release also added that persons with such vehicles are expected to report the said vehicles and all necessary documents to EOCO not later than May 3. COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah stressed that her outfit will take steps to have the vehicles confiscated in accordance with the law. "10th July Dealership: Eddyport Ventures, 14, 14 First Street Awoshie Accra, Ghana, Greater Accra, Accra Metropolitan +233243370700 - FORD - EXPLORER - 1FMSK8DH5MGB91666" "10th July Dealership: PMB, Accra 0233901284 - Mercedes- S560 - WDDUG8GB4LA516773" "10th July Dealership: Mercedes- Maybach- WDDUX8GB0LA509609" "Adjacent to Bond Millennium: Tema, Greater Accra, Tema Ghana - Mercedes- Maybach- WDDUG8DBXKA480560" "Adjacent to Bond Millennium: AUDI - Q8 - WA1FVAF14MD014493" "Adjacent to Bond Millennium: Land Rover - Range Rover- SALWR2RV2JA195615" "Adjacent to Bond Millennium: Kaneshie Avenue near Baptist Church HNO 34 Greater Accra Metropolitan Accra GH - Mercedes- GLE - 4JGFB5KE0LA097494" Below is a list of the 95 allegedly stolen vehicles: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority (BPA), Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi led a team from BPA to the Ministry of the Interior to sign a Fire Protection Service Agreement between Bui Power Authority and the Ministry of the Interior on behalf of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the Ministry of the Interior, Accra on April 13, 2023. The Fire Protection Service Agreement is for the establishment of a Fire Station at the Bui Generating Station as part of measures to protect lives and properties within the Bui enclave. After signing the agreement, the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose P. Dery, commended the CEO of BPA, Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi for his foresight and proactiveness in ensuring that a Fire Station is established at the Bui Generating Station to safeguard lives and the investments such as the Bui Hydro-electric Plant, Solar PV Systems, Estates, among others. The Minister for the Interior, whilst assuring BPA of the Ministry’s support, tasked the Chief Fire Officer, Julius Kuunuor to ensure his personnel deployed to the Bui Fire Service exhibit high professional standards in the discharge of their duties. The CEO of BPA. Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to the Minister for the Interior and Chief Fire Officer, CFO Julius Kuunuor for the deployment of a dual-purpose Fire Tender (FS 753) and sixteen (16) personnel which comprised two (2) Officers with fourteen (14) other Ranks deployed at the Bui Fire Station. Additionally, he indicated that the deployment of the Fire Tender and sixteen (16) personnel have undoubtedly enhanced the Fire Emergency Preparedness and Response at the BGS. He further stated that two (2) new heavy-duty multipurpose tenders have been procured and arrangements are being made to conduct a Factory Acceptance Test on them by a Team from BPA and the GNFS before they are delivered in July this year. Also present at the signing of the agreement were, the Technical Advisor to the Minister for the Interior, Mr. Baba Bawumia, the Director of Legal GNFS, DCFO Kwasi Baffour Awuah, and from BPA, the Deputy Director for Occupational Health and Safety, Mr. Chrisentus B. Kuunifaa, Snr Manager Legal & Board Secretary, Mr. Franklin Nana Addai, Senior Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia, and Corporate Affairs Officer, Ms. Adriana Appiah-Nkansah. Below are some pictures: Credit: Bui Power Authority

Kumawood All Stars on Sunday thrilled patrons with stunning performances at 2023 Passion Night Concert held at the National Theatre, Accra The All Stars comprising of Kofi Adjorlolo, Christiana Awuni, Dr. Like, Mr. Beautiful, Okomfo Kolege among others did not only perform but depicted Christ's journey on the cross. Despite the late start, the All Stars defied all odds and gave out their best. It was indeed a night of comedy, drama and entertainment. Organisers say they were happy to see the patrons enjoy the show. The Kumawood All Stars explained that they did not only perform but used the play to remind patrons of the need to learn how to forgive, pray for enemies and also build a relationship with God. The patrons on the hand could not hide their joy as they laughed, got entertained and networked with others. The 2023 Passion Night concert was powered by Think Media Expert in collaboration with Adom TV, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group Limited. Below are some videos: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Ghanaian Reggae Dancehall Recording Artist and Creative Director, Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo known by many as Epixodemusic, Highlife Legend, Pat Thomas, and Gospel Musicians, Francis Amo and Perez Muzik on Sunday thrills patrons at the 2023 Passion Night concert with good and soothing music. The performers took to the stage in unique styles and delivered as promised. Despite the late start, the Gospel Musician, Perez Muzik was not weighed down by the few Night but rather, drew thew them closer to God through music. Celebrated Ghanaian Gospel Musician, Francis Amo was on a different level as he sang beautifully charging the atmosphere. He underscored the need for patron to build that connection with the resurrection of Christ through music. Ghanaian Highlife Musician, Pat Thomas jumped on stage and got the patrons up on their feet dancing. Looking as strong and young as ever, Pat Thomas connected beautifully with the patrons as they cheered him on during his performance. Taking his turn, Reggae Dancehall Recording Artist and Creative Director, Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo known by many as Epixode swept patrons of their feet at the National Theatre. His performance was remarkable. The 2023 night of comedy, drama and music was well received by patrons. The journey of Christ to the Cross was portrayed when the Kumawood Stars took the stage. The patrons laughed, had fun and also had the opportunity to network. The event is powered by Think Media Expert in collaboration with Adom TV, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group Limited. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu says prioritising the prevention, early detection and management of Diabetes in Ghana is crucial in reducing its morbidity and mortality. According to the Health Minister, this requires a collective action and commitment from various stakeholders. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Friday at the launch of affordable access to Diabetes Care and the signing of an MoU between the Health Ministry and Sanofi, he said "There is a high financial burden on persons living with Diabetes. Although the direct cost of care is covered by NHIA, extra costs in terms of care giving, time and nutritional support are borne by the patient, his/her family and/or providers through out-of-pocket payments m. The Minister added that due to the chronic nature of diabetes, the cost of care tends to be lifelong, further driving families and communities into poverty. Mr. Agyeman-Manu stressed that Diabetes is a significant public health challenge that requires all to come on board. "Multi-sectoral action including partnership between governments, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and the private sector is encouraged" The Health Minister noted that the Sanofi/Ministry of Health Affordable Access to Diabetes Care Programme is a timely intervention necessary to enhance the management of diabetes in Ghana. He, further explained that persons diagnosed with the disease have a greater chance of having access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality care for better outcomes. "Globally, an estimated 422 million people live with diabetes, majority of them in low-and-middle income countries and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year" "Studies conducted in Ghanaestimate the prevalence of dabetes to be between 2.6% - 9%. The Ghana Health Service records an average of 200,000 cases of diabetes reporting to health facilities annually" The Minister mentioned that if care is not taken, diabetes will become one of the leading causes of death by 2030. Consultant Diabetologist and Endocrinologist, Ghana, Dr. Yacoba Atiase noted that Ghana must do well to prevent diabetes at all cost. "In 2000, there were only 151 million people living with Diabetes. In 2009, the number rose from 151million to 285milliion" "By 2013, the number again rose to 382million people living with Diabetes. In 2017, the number rose to 425 people. A storm that is potentially destroying people" "In 2023, we have 537million people living with Diabetes representing one in ten adults" She stressed that one out of every ten adults is suffering from diabetes. "There are more people in the group we categorise as pre-diabetes. These people are getting ready to be diabetic" "319million people with impaired fastening glucose which represents one in every six adults whiles 541million people having impaired glucose tolerance which also represents one in every nine adults" She revealed that 6.7million deaths are being attributed to diabetes every year which also representing one death every second. She also hinted that 50% of persons living on earth do not know that they have contracted diabetes. "In Ghana, our numbers may be higher than the 50%. 15 years ago, we did a study in a village called Kpone behind Tema and that study revealed that 75% of the people did not know that they had diabetes" She added that these scary numbers are not limited to one geographical location. "In 2021, Africa had 24million people with diabetes but in 2030, the number will jump to 33million" She stressed that by 2045, about 55million people living in Africa will be diagnosed with diabetes. Handling of Diabetes "Diabetes is behaving like an epidemic or more like a pandemic, so why are we not treating it like an epidemic? There is evidence to show the less we invested in diabetes care, the higher our morbi- mortality" "Thankfully we have all lived during an epidemic, what should be done during a pandemic? Everyone must be educated, everyone knew about the signs and symptoms of Covid and how to prevent it" "Today we must ensure every Ghanaian Knows about Diabetes. Our people must be educated" "Education of health care staff. I remember in 2020, we were all taught again how to wear PPEs and manage patients and it was continuous bombardment of medical education till we had zoom fatigue" "Our healthcare workers must receive continuous diabetes education till patients receive comprehensive diabetes care wherever they find themselves in this country" "Access to healthcare- in 2020 if I remember, communities had access to Covid care and had an area for management. Yes, covid was infectious and patients had to be isolated; the point I am trying to make is that we must ensure that no matter where patients find themselves in Ghana, they  receive optimum care" "Hon minister, I implore and plead with you as we talk about diabetes that the renovation of the National Diabetes Management & Research Center that was started 2 years ago be expedited and completed" Executive Vice President, General Medicines, Sanofi, Olivier Charmeil said “Our ambition to deliver better care and improve the quality-of-life of those living with diabetes knows no borders" "We see this as a shared responsibility with healthcare systems, and we are committed to fully playing our part. In this context, we are proud to work closely with the Ministry of Health in Ghana and look forward to taking the learnings from this alliance forward in other countries" "More broadly, we continue to examine various healthcare access models to determine which approaches best meet specific local needs and opportunities.” He revealed that 7 million people lose their lives as a result of diabetes adding that the disease when dealt with will help prevent more deaths. The Management of Sanofi says it is strengthening its long-standing commitment to access to diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries and underserved communities worldwide through a series of innovative partnerships with healthcare authorities in countries where comprehensive care has not previously been widely available. The company on Friday, signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health of Ghana, a milestone marked at ceremonies held simultaneously in Accra and Paris. Under the MoU, the healthcare authorities in Ghana will be able to purchase affordable high-quality Sanofi analogue insulin products. Moreover, the proposed partnership provides for the deployment of diabetes management solutions in four Ghanaian diabetes centers where 500 healthcare professionals will benefit from a targeted medical training program. In addition, Sanofi will co-develop a digital solution to help physicians, nurses, pharmacists and community healthcare workers to better support more than 5,000 people living with diabetes in Ghana. As well as disease awareness, screening, and training for healthcare professionals, this MoU will provide patient support initiatives and measures designed to help strengthen the Ghanaian health system. Diabetes care will also be made more accessible to patients in remote areas through regional centers. The joint approach in Ghana, which Sanofi intends to mirror elsewhere over time, comes as people in Africa are expected to experience the highest increase in diabetes globally. The number of people on the continent suffering from the disease is forecasted by the International Diabetes Federation to rise by 129% from 24m to 55m by 2045. Under-diagnosis is also widespread with an estimated 54% of people living with undiagnosed diabetes. IDF estimates suggest 329,200 adults in Ghana have diabetes, the majority being Type 2 while an estimated 2,551 children and adolescents (0-19 years) are living with Type 1 diabetes. In May 2022, World Health Organization (WHO) Member States supported the creation of the first global targets for diabetes, as part of recommendations to strengthen and monitor diabetes responses within national NCD (noncommunicable disease) programs. To help achieve these global targets for diabetes, the WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) agreed to develop and implement a joint integrative project in two African countries. The two countries chosen are Ghana and Uganda with Ghana selected because of its fight against NCDs. The potential partnership in Ghana aligns with the affordable access pillar of Sanofi’s approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The CSR strategy is one of three major elements of the company’s multi-tiered approach to social impact. This also includes Sanofi Global Health, a non-profit unit aiming to increase access to healthcare in the lowest income countries, and Foundation S, the Sanofi collective dedicated to philanthropy. About Sanofi Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company, driven by a purpose where it chases the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Its team, across some 100 countries, are dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has clarified that there will not be any second Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) for Pension Funds as purported. The Finance Minister made the clarification while addressing some Ghanaian Journalists in Washington DC, United States on Thursday. He said "Really, no! There is nothing like that. I think maybe, it was a misunderstanding but if you look at it, in line with the 22nd December's MoU, that we signed with Organised Labour Associations, Pension Funds were exempted" "That has not changed, therefore, it is not correct to say that we are planning a second round of DDEP with Pension Funds" "What we are doing is, working with them on how they can further help government to reduce the debt service and ensure that we maintain the debt sustainability which was in the MoU Agreement and so those discussions are continuing" "You know that we still have some bills to work with and the Domestic Dollar Bonds that we are still working on" External Creditors Touching on conversations with External Creditors, the Minister said "Our discussions with the fund and development partners have been marked by a clear understanding of the need to restore macroeconomic and financial stability to Ghana and promote our economic recovery as quickly as possible" "We have highlighted the importance of revenue mobilisation, expenditure control and implementation of decisive reforms to kick start our growth" "Encouragingly, there is broad alignment of the International community that our policy orientation is not really proactive but also well-anchored" The Minister noted that the IMF has been convinced to support Ghana's overall ambitions. "We are advancing our discussions with our International Bondholders and other External Commercial Creditors" "Our Domestic Debt Holders have made significant sacrifices towards helping to reduce Ghana's debt services and needs and we are encouraging our Commercial and Foreign Holders to also step up and contribute to the effort in the spirit of burden sharing" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith