Boat owners and commuters of the Volta Lake at Kwahu Adawso have been sensitised on the need to adhere to safety practices to ensure safe travels on the Volta Lake during the upcoming Easter festivities. The exercise was carried out by Ecozoil Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC). The event, attended by boat owners, the chief of Kwahu Adawso, the District Chief Executive (DCE), presiding and assembly members, chief fishermen and residents of Kwahu Adawso and nearby communities, was held at the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) station at Kwahu Adawso for the Kwahu South (Adawso) and Kwahu Afram Plains (Ekye-Amanfrom) communities. The training exercise is in anticipation of the upcoming Easter activities and formed part of Ecozoil’s monthly sensitization and training exercise for users of the Volta Lake under the Volta Lake Transport Safety Project (VLTSP). It was aimed at sensitising the residents of Kwahu Adawso and Ekye on the importance of wearing life jackets and why they should adhere to safety practices when using water as a means of transportation. The General Manager of Ecozoil, Abitha Odame-Nyanteh, wished Ghanaians a happy Easter in advance and entreated all to stay safe during the festive season. She advised all to make safety a priority as they cruise on the Volta Lake during the Easter season. Boat owners were also advised to refrain from overloading and to maintain their boats frequently in a bid to prevent avoidable accidents. The DCE for Kwahu Afram Plains South- Evans Ntiri Kyei, in his address, promised to support Ecozoil to ensure “no life jacket, no boarding of boats” in his district. He advised boat owners to take the maintenance of their boats seriously and reiterated that the Assembly will ensure only water worthy boats operated on the Lake. He was optimistic that the assembly will continue to work hand in hand with Ecozoil to enforce the wearing of life jackets to prevent drowning. On his part, a representative of the Chief of Kwahu Adawso, Nana Kwesi Kuarh, thanked Ecozoil for its continuous support to the community by providing employment and donating life jackets for commuters. He pledged to work together with Ecozoil in ensuring lives are not lost especially during this festive season. The National Coordinator of the VLTSP, Yaa Oforiwaa, demonstrated how life jackets are worn properly and how to perform CPR during a rescue mission. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah says he will pamper people to engage in illegalities in the country. The Regional Minister made these remarks while responding to the snubbing on some women who are said to be caterers on government's school feeding programme in the Ashanti Region. "I was in a meeting when I heard noise, so I sent someone to go check and I was told, it was the women on government's school feeding programme" He also described the demonstration by the women as unlawful adding that they did not inform the police before embarking on it. "They have never been to my office to petition me with any of their problem" "What they did, I don't like it. I am not here to pamper people to do illegalities" He told Journalists that although he feels the pain of the women, their approach was totally unacceptable. The Minister further revealed that the women have since apologized for their actions. Background It will be recalled that the Ashanti Regional Minister snubbed some women who stormed his office to demand their monies following their involvement in government's school feeding programme. The reaction of the Minister raised lots of concern on social media. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

B5 Plus Limited, manufacturer, and trader of iron and steel, touted as one of the biggest in the West Africa sub-region has been disconnected from the national grid for failing to pay a balance of GH¢19.5 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The company had an outstanding debt of about GH¢42 million but managed to settle more than half, but that was not satisfactory for ECG, which is chasing all customers to recoup over GH¢5.7 billion owed it. According to the national task force of ECG, they were assured that the balance owed to the company would be settled this week. However the steel company defaulted on its promise and when the task force arrived at the headquarters of the company in Tema, they were prevented from accessing the substation and so the disconnection was done from the source, and the feeders were taken away. Citi News sources indicated that managers of B5 Plus have threatened to connect directly to GRIDCo despite not having permission from the Ministry of Energy to do so. “Any attempt by the company to connect directly to GRIDCo without settling its bills to ECG and getting the right authorization will have dire legal repercussions on their business,” the external communications manager of ECG, Laila Abubakari, stated. The power distributor says it’s racing against time to settle power producers’ huge sums of arrears due to debt owed by ECG customers. So far, numerous companies have been disconnected from the national grid, while many others have redeemed their indebtedness to avoid disconnection. The disconnection exercise is part of a nationwide activity led by the managing director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Samuel Dubik Mahama. All ECG offices have been shut to allow all managers and other staff to embark on the one-month revenue mobilization, which is expected to end on April 20. Credit: Citinewsroom

Actress cum businesswoman, Tracey Boakye, has announced her new baby’s American citizenship online. About a month ago on March 5th, 2023, Tracey Boakye, gave birth to a baby boy in the United States, which saw an outpour of congratulations from friends, colleagues, and fans.However, in a latest development, Tracey Boakye has taken to Instagram to share a snapshot of her baby’s American passport. She shared the photo and tagged his Instagram handle, ‘Akwasi Badu Ntiamoah’, which currently has almost 30,000 followers. Excited fans have since been reposting the picture of the passport and the baby on their instastories. Tracey’s newborn baby is her second son and third child. What the US government says about Citizenship by birth The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions. Also, a child born to two U.S. citizen parents abroad automatically acquires citizenship at birth, so long as either parent had a residence in the United States or its possessions sometime before the child's birth. There is no specific length of physical presence required. Credit: Ghanaweb

The Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, (UPSA) has condemned in no uncertain terms the altercation that occurred at its hostel which has gone viral on social media. A video surfaced on the internet where a female senior student is seen with a cane angrily flogging another young female student for peddling falsehoods about her. She accused the young female student of spreading rumours that she sleeps with lecturers for marks. She is heard asking the student “where do you know me”, while other students looked on. There’s a similar video also going round where a junior student seated on a bed stretched her hands to receive some lashes from a senior female student. Responding to the altercation, the management of UPSA in a statement on Wednesday, April 5 signed by its registrar, Dr. Koryoe Anim-Wright, said the behaviour exhibited by the students in the video goes against its code. “The attention of the Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, has been drawn to a video making the rounds on some social media platforms about an altercation at the hostel. The behaviour exhibited in the video goes against our Code and does a disservice to the majority of UPSA students who uphold the values of respect and professionalism for which UPSA is known,” UPSA said in its statement. The university emphasised that it has set up a committee to investigate the matter adding that students involved in the act will be penalised for bringing shame upon the university. UPSA noted that “an investigation committee has been set up by the University. Our preliminary investigation has revealed that the culprit is in a special non-tertiary programme in preparation for an external professional examination. Upon completion of the investigation, all responsible persons will face the full rigour of sanctions. The University’s Code of Conduct, to which all our students subscribe, remains the document that drives student behaviour and conduct at UPSA. Students who violate the Code face disciplinary proceedings” Credit: Citinewsroom

A total of 60 aspirants including two women have been vetted to contest in the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Northern Region. However, three aspirants including one Professor Bawah Abdul Fatawu who filed to contest in Tamale South, and two other women have been disqualified by the vetting committee. Initially, three incumbent Members of Parliament were going unopposed because no one filed to contest them at the close of nomination. Following the disqualification of the aspirant for the Tamale South constituency, the incumbent, Haruna Iddrisu will go unopposed, bringing the number of incumbents going unopposed to four. The incumbers going unopposed included Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini of Tamale North, Murtala Mohammed of Tamale Central, and Daniel Nsala for Kpandai. This means 53 candidates will be battling for some 14 seats in the upcoming primaries in the Northern Region. The Chairman of the five-member vetting committee Godwin Ako Gunn, explains the reasons for the disqualification. “The three disqualified people couldn’t meet the criteria to contest and without mentioning names, it varies from person to person. Basically, out of the three, I’ll say none qualify because of the four years requirement to serve the party.” He stated that qualified aspirants can begin their campaigns. However, incumbent MPs have been asked to put on hold their campaigns due to parliamentary proceedings. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has retrieved GH¢1.7 million out of GH¢3.4 million debts owed by Printex. This action is part of a larger effort by the GWCL to collect money owed by clients. Dr. Clifford Braimah, the GWCL’s Managing Director, speaking to journalists said, “There was a new tariff in September 2022 and Printex was re-categorised because they have two product lines. One line is for printing the fabric and the second one is for the drinks–frutale and kalypo. And the unit rate went higher, so they were disputing why we put them on a higher rate instead of a lower rate. For us, we are looking at balancing and making sure that we are able to generate revenue for our operations. We have agreed to them paying 50%, which they have done”. In a related development, GWCL also recovered GH¢38,000 from Kata Company Limited out of the GH¢220,000 debt the alcoholic beverage business owes it. This forms part of an ongoing revenue mobilisation exercise by the GWCL to retrieve monies owed by customers, specifically, industries in the Nungua District. The Managing Director of GWCL, Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah said customers need to cooperate with the team as they undertake this important exercise in an effort to collect and mobilise the much-needed revenue to improve water supply services in the country. “Some of the customers are tough and will give all the reasons they shouldn’t pay. Customers should try and cooperate with us,” he appealed. GWCL also disconnected water supply of a beverage factory known as U-Fresh Company Limited at Spintex in Accra over non-payment of bills worth GH¢163000. This move forms part of an ongoing revenue mobilisation exercise by the GWCL to retrieve monies owed by customers specifically industries in the Nungua District. The Managing Director of the GWCL, Ing. Dr.Clifford Braimah spoke to Journalists. Credit:Citinewsroom

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia believes it is possible for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to break the eight (8) with him as its Flagbearer. This comes following his quest to lead the NPP to the 2024 Presidential elections. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com , Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia wrote "It is possible". The post has generated lots of missed reactions on social media. Below is a screenshot: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has sent a strong warning to Digital Transport Operators to cease the collection of 'Digital Transport Fee' and 'Booking Fee'. According to DVLA, it has observed reactions and concerns towards implementation of the Digital Transport Guidelines hence the call for it to be ceased. In a communique signed by the Chief Executive, DVLA, Kwasi Agyeman Busia, he said "The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has observed reactions and concerns towards implementation of the Digital Transport Guidelines, particularly with respect to fees charged by Digital Transport Operators and given various descriptions such as "Digital Transport Fee" "Booking Fee" among others" "All Digital Transport Operators are to immediately cease collecting such fees." The Authority says it will hold consultations with the Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders in the industry to ensure that any introductions are done with stakeholder input. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

GLICO Life, a subsidiary of the GLICO Group Limited has paid a claim of GHC15,000 to the family of the slain military officer, Imoro Sheriff, who met his untimely at Ashaiman, a community in the Greater Accra Region. According to GLICO Life, late Imoro Sheriff was a policyholder under its GLICO Education Endowment Plan. The bereaved family of the slain soldier were invited to Burma Camp, 154 Armour Recce Regiment where they received the claim. Speaking on behalf of GLICO Life, Chief Sales Officer, John Ekar Smart said "Imoro Sheriff's death is a great loss to our country, and we are saddened by the news. However, we are proud to have fulfilled our commitment to his family by paying the claims in view of his demise" Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that although the sum assured the slain military man was GH 11,842.21, GLICO Life, in the spirit of empathy, increased the value to GHC 15,000.00. He added that the payment was not just about fulfilling its obligation as a company, but it is also a reaffirmation of its commitment to the general public, particularly the military community. Mr. Smart said "We are proud to have served Imoro and his family, and will continue to strive to provide excellent service to our policyholders and their families" Commander, 15 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ben Gah praised GLICO Life for the presentation. He charged the general public including Military Officers to sign onto insurance policies in case of any future eventualities. The bereaved family thanked the Military High Command and GLICO Life for the gesture. GLICO Life is the first of six subsidiaries under the GLICO Group Limited. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In recent years, political vigilantism has become an increasingly concerning issue in Ghana. Vigilantism refers to the use of violence, threats, and intimidation by political party supporters, often organized into groups, to achieve political objectives or intimidate opponents. Political vigilantism involves the use of violence, intimidation, or the threat of violence by political party supporters to advance political interests. It often involves the creation of groups of supporters who act as enforcers or protectors for their political party. These groups may be armed or unarmed and may use a variety of tactics, including physical violence, property destruction, and verbal harassment. There are several factors that have contributed to the rise of political vigilantism in Ghana. One factor is the high stakes of politics in Ghana, where political power is seen as a route to economic opportunity and personal advancement. Additionally, the lack of job opportunities and economic inequality may drive some young people to join these groups as a way of gaining power and status. The culture of impunity and lack of accountability for political violence in Ghana has also contributed to the growth of political vigilantism. Political vigilantism is illegal under Ghanaian law. The use of violence or threats of violence to achieve political goals is a violation of the law and those responsible should be held accountable. However, the enforcement of the law can be challenging due to political interference, corruption, and weak law enforcement institutions. This lack of accountability has allowed these groups to continue operating with impunity. Political parties with vigilante groups should immediately disband these groups and publicly denounce political violence. They should take proactive measures to educate their supporters about the importance of peaceful political participation and the consequences of political violence. Political parties must also be willing to work together across party lines to address this issue and promote a culture of nonviolence in Ghanaian politics. Ghana should not continue to harbor political vigilantes and their groups. These groups are a threat to democracy and the rule of law, and their activities undermine the stability and peace of the country. Political parties and leaders must take responsibility for disbanding these groups and ensuring that their supporters abide by the law. Ghanaian citizens also have a role to play in reporting any instances of political violence or intimidation to the appropriate authorities. It is worth mentioning that, political vigilantism is a threat to democracy, peace, and stability in Ghana. It is important for all Ghanaians, including political leaders, civil society, and citizens, to work together to address this issue and promote a culture of nonviolence in politics. The government must ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that those responsible for political violence are held accountable. Only then can Ghana move forward as a peaceful and democratic nation. To tackle the issue of political vigilantism in Ghana, it is essential to address its root causes. The high stakes of politics in Ghana need to be reduced, with more emphasis placed on policy and development rather than individual gain. Job creation and economic growth should be prioritized to provide alternatives to joining vigilante groups. Political leaders must also lead by example by condemning political violence and promoting peaceful political participation. Furthermore, the enforcement of the law must be strengthened to hold those responsible for political violence accountable. Political interference in the judicial system must be eliminated to ensure that the law is applied fairly and impartially. Additionally, law enforcement institutions should be adequately resourced and trained to investigate and prosecute cases of political violence. Education is also a critical component in addressing political vigilantism. The importance of nonviolence in politics should be taught in schools and through public awareness campaigns. Citizens should be encouraged to report any instances of political violence or intimidation. Credit: Edmund Jacob Hoffman, Immediate Past President, AYPA, St. Andrews Anglican Church, Abossey Okai. DISCLAIMER: The views, comments, opinions, contributions and statements made by the author on this platform do not represent the views or policy of Think News Online.

In furtherance of its quest to create employment through responsible and sustainable small-scale mining, the government continues to establish the Community Mining Scheme in various communities in the country. The latest community to benefit from the environmental-friendly, modernized and mercury-free mining module is Afransie in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality in the Western Region. On Wednesday, 05 April 2023, the commissioning train made a stop in the community when Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources was joined by the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwadwo Okyere Darko Mensah and some traditional rulers to launch the Wassa-Afransie Community Mining Scheme. In his remarks at the beautiful ceremony held to commission the project, he reminded the residents and workers that the Community Mining Scheme guidelines and safety measures must be strictly followed. The responsible Mining measures, according to the Deputy Minister, includes reclamation of lands and complete avoidance of mercury in the process of mining. To prevent the Miners from going against the rules, Hon. Mireku Duker, on behalf of government presented a mercury-free machine to the operators to assist in the discovery and processing of gold. “You must mine within the dictates of the licenses issued by the Minerals Commission. It shouldn’t be the usual galamsey. Since this place is an alluvial concession, you must put in place measures for reclamation of every portion of land you’ll dig. Reclamation is a priority that must traditionally followed" “Government has recognized that the mercury is poisonous and harmful to the environment so we have mercury-free machines that will help you mine the gold. The mercury-free machine will help you discover 90% of gold in the ore compare to the mercury chemical that has an efficiency rate of 40%”, he said. The Deputy Minister said these measures forms part of the quest by the government to sanitize the small-scale mining sector. Whiles denying reports of government seeking to collapse the small-scale mining sector, Hon. Duker restated that the policies and measure are meant to increase revenue and employment in the small-scale mining sector. He charged all persons engaged in illegal mining popularly known as galamsey to abandon it since its destructive and a threat to the country’s forest reserves and water bodies. He noted that the Community Mining Scheme will create sustainable and profitable jobs for the inhabitants and also charged them to protect the waterbodies in the area. The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah said gold is a top revenue earner for the government and that the government is determined to develop the sector further. He added that many cities and countries around the world were built on revenue from gold mining and that the community could benefit from the concession if they act in accordance with the law. In view of this, Hon. Okyere Darko Mensah said the CMS is a further proof of the commitment of the Akufo-Addo administration to the mining sector. The Wassa-Afransie Community Mining Scheme has become the 18th launched since its inception in 2021. It is expected to create 7,000 direct jobs and 3000 indirect job opportunities. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith