Director of Public Affairs of the Volta Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Effia Tenge has exited the service. Her resignation comes after rising through the ranks and holding various positions in the Ghana Police Service for 18 years. In a report sighted by GhanaWeb on StarrFM, Effia Tenge expressed her appreciation to all and sundry who supported her throughout the 18 years she spent serving in the Ghana Police Service. Supt. Effia Tenge is well-known and admired by many for her exceptional work ethic during her service as the Accra Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service and then proceeded to the Volta Region to hold the position of Public Relations Officer. She has a Master of Arts degree in Public Relations from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Accra, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration from the Methodist University College, Accra as well as a Diploma in Communication Studies from Ghana Institute of Journalism. Effia Tenge also holds she holds an M.A. in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC), Accra. Until her appointment as the Greater Accra Public Affairs Director, DSP Effia Tenge used to head the Media Monitoring Desk (National Police Headquarters) where she supervised and analyzed media contents on police reportage. Read her statement below: Good morning all, hope we are all fine. Please this is to inform you that I have formally exited the Ghana Police Service after 18 years of active service. Permit me to use this medium to thank you all, l mean every one of you, for your immeasurable support during my appointment as Public Affairs Officer of this noble profession. We will definitely meet again hopefully in a different working environment. Once again thank you very much. Have a blessed Day. SS/KPE Source: www.ghanaweb.com

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says due to the maintenance works being carried out by the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) at Atuabo, there will be a power generation shortfall in some parts of the country. In this regard, the ECG has released please a load management schedule which took effect from Thursday, 30th March and is expected to end on Friday 7th April 2023. The ECG says the load schedules will start at 6.00pm and end at 11.00pm each day. Please find attached the timetable: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Western Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it has revoked an award given to Okobeng Mining Company Limited Award over illegal mining practices which is negatively affecting public health. According to the Ghana Health Service, it took such action following numerous complaints with copious evidence. In a release signed by the Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah, he said "However following the award presented to you on 28/03/2023, we have received numerous complaints with copious evidence against you and the operations of your company, Okobeng Mining Company Limited" This, he added, includes environmental degradation which has significant implications for health. Below is a copy of the press release Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is set to issue a power outage timetable to its customers on March 31 following the shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (GPP). According to a joint release issued by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the shutdown will leave some customers with minimal interruption of power supply. In the joint communique, it said "The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wish to inform the public that due to the maintenance works being carried out by the Ghana National Gas Company (GNPC) at the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (GPP), gas supply for power generation has been affected" The release added that consequently, there will be approximately 150 megawatts of power generation shortfall. The statement further added that this will reduce total power supply for distribution by ECG until Friday 7th April, 2023. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that popular Ghanaian Tiktoker, Ahoufe has been reported dead. According to sources, the late Tiktoker was battling an undisclosed sickness for some time. Ahoufe went viral on social media following some videos of his looks and comic nature. More to follow...... Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojo Bonsu says he has the qualities to lead the party into the 2024 general elections. He made these known while addressing Journalists after his vetting at the NDC's headquarters in Accra on Wednesday. Speaking to Journalists, he said "A Presidential qualities and I have it. I think I have gone round the questions they asked about my tenure as Mayor in Kumasi. About my social democratic tenures and also about how I want to governor the country" Touching on what he will fo for the country when voted as President, Kojo Bonsu said "I will brand Ghana. I will look at peace, democracy, national security, economic stability and oneness in Ghana. Those are tye majorly things I will look at as a leader" Approval of Ministerial Nominees Touching on the approval Ministerial nominees "This is not where I want to come and share my views on these issues but I believe we have to look at it and make it an internal issue so that we can discuss and find a remedy to that. I am not somebody who likes talking publicly on internal matters" Kejetia Market Fire Touching on the fire which gutted parts of the Kejetia Market, the Presidential Hopeful charged market women from cooking in the markets. He also disclosed that as a former Mayor of Kumasi, he had a structure which he had wanted to put in place. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A member of the John Dramani Mahama Campaign Team, Dr. Peter Otukonor has described the much-awaited May 13 as an endorsement party and not a day set for NDC Presidential Primaries. Mr. Otukonor made these known after picking number one for John Mahama ahead of the NDC Presidential Primaries slated for May 13. Addressing Journalists at the NDC headquarters in Accra, he said "We have justcemented what people have said. We don't see this as an election, we are going for an endorsement party for that matter, any position would have been ok" He also thanked the Muslim community in the country for their prayers for Candidate John Dramani Mahama. He commended Ernest Kwaku Kobeah for stepping down to support Candidate John Mahama. Dr. Otukonor added that he was also expecting the other candidates to have done same by stepping down and allowing John Mahama to go unopposed. On his part, Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan, a member of the Dr. Kwabena Duffuor Campaign Team also thanked the Vetting Committee for their patience and co-operation. He was also confident that Dr. Kwabena Duffuor will be elected by the delegates to lead the NDC in the 2024 elections. He stressed that Candidate Mahama was not a threat as stated by some party faithful. Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan secured number 3 for Dr. Kwabena Duffuor after a ballot. Bismark Tetteh, Aide to Presidential Hopeful, Kojo Bonsu expressed disappointment in Ernest Kwaku Kobeah for stepping down and throwing his support behind Candidate Mahama. He believed that his Candidate, Kojo Bonsu was not only marketable but the best bet to lead the NDC to the 2024 general elections. He appealed to the three aspirants to do away with politics of insults in order to keep the good image of the party. Mr. Tetteh also secured the number 2 slot for his Candidate Kojo Bonsu after a ballot. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Executive Director of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah has hinted that the fight against corruption in Ghana can be successful only when the various institutions team up to tackle the menace holistically. She made these known at a symposium organised by the Internal Audit Agency as it marked its 20th Anniversary in Accra. Speaking on the theme 'Relevance of preventing corruption in Ghana through Institutional collaboration role of the Internal Auditor', she said "In this regard, there is the need for reforms of the respective legal and regulatory frameworks of these institutions to render corruption unattractive and a dangerous venture to undertake" She added that several collaborative initiatives should be undertaken by the institutions in the areas of training, information sharing and joint operations. COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah stressed that there should be effective anti-corruption programmes, financial crimes, and Asset Recovery initiatives to swiftly recover proceeds of corrupt activities and severe punishment for those embroiled in it. "Taking financial resources away from criminals is the main tool to sustainably fight organized corrupt activities" "In all the recommendations above, the lead role of the Internal Audit Agency in the fight against corruption cannot be over-emphasized. The Agency needs to roll out stringent policies and regulations to promote financial discipline in every sphere of public and private life" She noted that the Agency needs to institute mechanisms to monitor, evaluate procurement and other contractual projects which often become a prominent source of corruption. "Accountability mechanisms should be in place from the phases of awarding contracts, planning, procurement, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all projects" "A robust control system, comprising effective internal control, risk management and audit, remain fundamental to better governance, safeguarding taxpayers’ money and preserving public trust" The Executive Director noted that she is confident that the IAA will continue to effectively lead the collaboration with other state Institutions to roll out concrete and sustainable mechanisms to mitigate and curtail the menace of corruption in both private and public sphere of our nation. Corruption perception On corruption perception, Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah said "Research finding published in 2019 by Transparency International in partnership with Afrobarometer and captured in the Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), indicates that, in thirty-four (34) African countries, more than half of all citizens think that corruption is getting worse in their country and that their governments are doing a bad job at tackling corruption" "The GCB also found that more than one in four people who accessed public services, such as health care and education, paid a bribe. This equates to approximately 130 million citizens in 35 countries surveyed" She noted that the GCB reveals how corruption is hitting the most vulnerable people the hardest. Causes of corruption On causes of corruption, the EOCO Boss explained that a survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in 2016 ranked; greed and selfishness, getting rich quick attitude, low salaries and income levels, lack of ethics or morals, lack of punitive and deterrent sanctions, lack of clear rules and laws, abuse of power in the public sector, excessive bureaucracy and socio-cultural demands as the major causes of corruption in Ghana Effects of corruption Touching on diminished state capacity as an effect of corruption, Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah said "Corruption undermines political power. For example, to the extent that bribery, trading in influence and state capture are widespread, political systems become incapable of addressing social problems whose resolution would threaten vested interests" Undermining the Sustainable Development Goals She said "Corruption hampers the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are comprehensive and their vulnerability to being undermined by corruption is unsurprising. It is entirely conceivable that "a better and more sustainable future for all" often runs counter to the interests of a few and can be derailed through many forms of corruption. Under conditions of diminished State capacity, nations fail to eradicate poverty, address hunger, secure good healthcare and high-quality education for their citizens" Organised crime and nefarious activities She said "Nefarious elements in society thrive as proceeds can be laundered, funding disguised, and judicial officials and politicians corrupted through bribes (including gifts, favours and other benefits)" She explained that levels of violence, illegal drugs, prostitution, sexual slavery, kidnapping, and intimidation rise accordingly. "The causal arrow goes in both directions. Not only does organized crime cause corruption, but opportunities for corruption left open by a weak, negligent, or incapable State can also lead to organized crime" Ghana’s legal framework in the fight against corruption The EOCO Boss stressed that all post-independence leaders in Ghana have had to deal with corruption as a national problem. "The Constitution of Ghana (1992) also mandates the State to take steps to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power. This Constitutional imperative is concisely captured by Article 35(8) under the Directive Principles of State Policy" "In furtherance of the above, there is a call for comprehensive and collaborative counter measures from institutions clothed with requisite legal mandate to mitigate and combat corruption in the country" Role of the internal auditor in preventing corruption As part of reforms under Ghana’s Public Financial Management Programme, the EOCO Boss mentioned that proposals were made for the establishment of a Central Internal Audit Agency to enhance efficiency, accountability and transparency in the management of resources in the Public Sector. She noted that the Internal Audit Agency was consequently established by the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658) to co-ordinate, facilitate and provide quality assurance for internal audit activities within Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Taking his turn, Deputy Commissioner, CHRAJ, Richard A. Quayson noted that there is a global consensus that corruption remains one of tye most malicious human engineering. He added that corruption undermines good governance and the rule of law, erodes public confidence in the merit-rewards system, fosters public sector incompetence and ineptitude. "It also debases public morality, promotes and sustains inefficient service delivery, perpetuates poverty and ultimately underdevelopment" CHRAJ Approach The Deputy Commissioner noted that his outfit's approach to fight corruption has been to work in cooperation with all stakeholders to lay a strong foundation that can sustain the effort to prevent and combat it at all levels. He mentioned that NACAP will help build a public capacity to condemn and fight corruption and make it a high-risk low-gain activity. Other speakers challenges the Internal Audit Agency to leave no stone unturned in order to help fight corruption in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ernest Kwaku Kobeah has told Journalists that his decision to step down from the Presidential race was not as a result of intimidation from the party’s Vetting Committee. He made these known while speaking to Journalists at the NDC headquarters in Accra on Wednesday. Speaking to Journalists, he said "No way, they are all my fathers, we chat, joke and laugh. They didn't intimidate anybody" "I give my support to JM and it is a good decision for our lovely party to move forward" "You have your rights to make your decisions, isn't it and I made my decision to support the old boy and that is the best decision for the party and myself" Responding to fulfilling the obligations of the Vetting Committee, he revealed that he fulfilled all the requirements. Responding to his citizenship, he said "There were no questions. Who gave you that information? I am a Ghanaian citizen and I have got an indefinite stay in UK." "I will do whatever a son will go for a father" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ernest Kwaku Kobeah has stepped down from the party's Presidential race. He made his resignation known after addressing some Journalists at the NDC headquarters in Accra on Wednesday. The cause of his resignation is yet to be known. More to follow... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Nasir according to information has arrived in Ghana ahead of his match with Ghanaian socialite and nudist Shugatiti. Shaugatiti during an interview revealed that despite the fact that she has slept with so many men, she has never experienced any orgasm. King Nasir upon coming across the interview volunteered to make Shugatiti reach orgasm to prove to her that there are people who can make her reach her limit so she stops bragging online. This resulted in a social media banter with fans of both Shugatiti and King Nasir voting on who would win should they meet in an ‘atopa’ match. King Nasir took it a notch higher and started soliciting funds to make this a reality where everything was going to be streamed live and people were going to pay in other for them to watch the match talked about match. Well, seems backdoor talks have progressed and King Nasir has arrived in Ghana for final talks and possibly the way forward for this atopa match. We are still gathering more information about this and would share updates as and when it comes up. Credit: GHPage

The proponent of the anti-LGBTQ Bill and Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency, Samuel Nartey George has slammed US Vice President, Kamala Harris for her comments charging the Government of Ghana to drop the anti-LGBTQ bill and uphold the rights of homosexuals. The Ningo-Prampram lawmaker said Kamala Harris and her government’s record on human rights are too dented for her to be giving Ghana lectures on defending the rights of citizens. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Nartey George said “Kamala Harris is the last place or person to go for lectures on human rights. If you want to learn morality, you don’t go to a brothel. Kamala Harris and her government’s record on human rights is appalling, and it is not one that Ghanaians will want to learn from.” Mr. Nartey George also slammed President Akufo-Addo for defying the position of his government and shying away from telling Kamala Harris in the face the position of the country on homosexuality. "For the president to run away from his own government’s position on the Bill is unbelievable and worrying but let me assure you that we are not going to be cowed by the undemocratic comments of the American Vice President. The American people should be coming to Ghana to learn a few things from our Parliament when it comes to issues of lawmaking because we will be in a good position to help them”. Kamala Harris during a joint press conference with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House underscored the need to widen and respect the right of the LGBTQ community. President Akufo-Addo during the conference disclosed that his government had intervened to modify the current anti-LGBTQ Bill which has since attracted wide condemnation including from the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin who described the comments of the American Veep as undemocratic. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin earlier took a dig at Kamala Harris over her remarks on Ghana’s LGBTQ bill. "As the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris did yesterday, these things should not be tolerated, that is undemocratic. What is democracy? That someone should have to dictate to me what is good and what is bad? Unheard of, because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging? Come on, we have more than enough. God has created more than enough for every person, the Bill will be passed,” Bagbin added. Credit: Citinewsroom