The Electricity Company of Ghana Revenue Mobilization Taskforce team was held hostage for about 30 minutes after they disconnected the Ghana Post Company over GH¢89,000 debt. The task force was at the premises to conduct its ongoing revenue mobilization exercise on Tuesday when the staff prevented the task force from leaving the Accra main office. The disconnection exercise is in its second week of the month-long national exercise aimed at retrieving GH¢5.7 billion on their books. Kemmat Hotel located at Ada also in the Greater Accra region was also disconnected over GH¢228,000 in debt for six accounts (meters). According to the manager of external communications at ECG, Laila Abubakari, the hotel is notorious for illegal reconnection anytime they are disconnected. The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization coughed out about GH¢150,000 to settle its indebtedness to prevent the team from disconnecting the ministry. Credit: Citinewsroom

Three blocks at the police barracks at Osu in Accra have been disconnected over an illegal connection (connected power directly without a meter) by the national revenue mobilization taskforce of the Electricity Company of Ghana. The task force discovered the illegality on Tuesday on its usual rounds to recover monies owed by customers. The task force, aside from chasing people who owe ECG debts, uses the opportunity to check for illegal connections. "Since it’s an illegal connection, we have the first right to disconnect before we deal with issues.” The manager in charge of external communications, Laila Abubakari told Citi News. The disconnection is part of a national exercise to collect monies owed to ECG by customers and to also ascertain the condition of all meters. “The Ghana police would have to come to ECG where a bill will be generated for them covering a period of 12 months,” she added. She said power will be restored when they pay the surcharged amount. “The administration block also owes, but due to security implications, we’ve spared that facility while we discuss further the amount involved. We consider the police accommodation facilities (blocks) a general facility hence the disconnection”. Meanwhile, the ECG Revenue Mobilization Taskforce was held hostage for about 30 minutes after they disconnected the Ghana Post Company over GH¢89,000 debt. The task force was at the premises to conduct its ongoing revenue mobilization exercise on Tuesday when the staff prevented the task force from leaving the Accra main office. The disconnection exercise is in its second week of the month-long national exercise aimed at retrieving GH¢5.7 billion on their books. Credit: Citinewsroom

Visiting United States Vice President Kamala Harris has hailed the positive impact of Ghana’s drone medical delivery service. Speaking at a public lecture in Accra on Tuesday on a wide range of issues, Vice President Harris singled out Ghana’s innovative medical drone delivery for praise, highlighting the enormous positives and impact it is making on delivery of emergency medical supplies. The US Vice President noted that the drone medical delivery service has “reduced the delivery of emergency time for blood supplies”. She also acknowledged its effectiveness, adding that “in Ghana, this service has delivered more than 9 million vaccines including those for Covid-19”. The Zipline Medical Drone Delivery Service was introduced in 2017, and spearheaded by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who at the time, spoke passionately about the positive impact it will bring on Ghana’s health delivery system. However, his critics vehemently fought against the idea, with leading officials of the opposition NDC encouraging rural communities to reject the drone service because the drones were meant to take their naked pictures in their open bathrooms. With about six active centres and two more set to open, Ghana’s medical drone delivery service is the largest in the world. The drones deliver critical medical supplies such as blood within minutes to rural areas which are difficult to access by road. The US Vice President noted that the USA has only started using drones for medical supply delivery through Zipline. Credit: 3news.com

Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ernest Kwaku Kobeah has debunked claims that he is not well-known in the party. He made these known while speaking to Journalists after his vetting at the NDC's headquarters in Accra. Addressing Journalists on Tuesday, Mr. Kobeah said "I am well known in the NDC party. When I went down there, my fathers welcomed and congratulated me" He also added that the Electoral Committee of the party gave him a warm reception when he made his intentions to contest the Presidential Primaries. "You know our people, they were nice to me. Like father and son relationship" He stressed that when voted as Flagbearer, he will not only secure victory for the party in 2024 but help build a better Ghana. When asked about his major contribution to the NDC party, Presidential Hopeful, Ernest Kwaku Kobeah declined to speak on the matter adding it was a family issue. Ernest Kwaku Kobeah is one of the four candidates contesting the NDC Flagbearership race. He is confident that he will be elected to lead the party to victory come December 2024. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A member of the Dr. Kwabena Duffuor Campaign Team, Honourable Fritz Baffour has described the vetting process held between the Electoral Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Presidential Hopeful, Dr. Kwabena Duffour as a serious approach hence the need for a funfair from party supporters. He made these known why addressing Journalists after his Candidate, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor had completed his vetting process. Addressing Journalists, he said "Ours was a low key appearance which was supposed to be devoid of crowd. When we came to file the nomination, we were followed by the grassroots and Dr. Duffuor is a man of the grassroots" "The Members of Parliament whom I respect and used to be my colleagues have their opinions" "I think we did not orchestrate anything. We came with lots of the grassroots during the filing because that was more of a fun fair" He added that he was confident his candidate will be cleared by the Electoral Committee of the NDC. "They asked about what he can do for the country and he responded" Dr. Kwabena Duffuor is one of the four aspirants contesting the Flagbearership race for the NDC ahead of the 2024 Presidential Elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has held another national engagement forum with textiles wholesalers and retailers on the implementation of the Textiles Tax Stamps Policy. This engagement followed an earlier one with Importers which was held on 27th May, 2022 at the African Regent Hotel, Airport-Accra and forms part of the preparations towards the launch and implementation of the policy before the close of the year. According to the sector Minister, Alan Kyerematen, the aim of the engagement was to “sensitize and educate the public, particularly dealers in the industry on the introduction/implementation of the textiles tax stamps as part of the Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of the textiles industry as well as developing the sector to harness the significant gains the sector stands to offer”. The minister revealed that the local demand for African prints is about 120 million yards per annum, of which the local supply is just about 35% (42million yards), with the remaining 65% imported. Hon Kyerematen recalled that the local textiles industry used to be very vibrant in the last three decades, but that the influx of pirated designs and gross infringements on trademarks of local textile manufacturers have been identified as two of the key areas which have adversely affected the textiles Industry in Ghana. Towards addressing the situation, the Minister said in 2018 the Ministry of Trade and Industry under the Industrial Transformation Agenda of Government announced Six Policy Measures aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenges and also strengthening the textiles sector which can create millions of well-paid jobs for Ghanaians. They include; introduction and implementation of textiles tax stamps, import management systems, introduction of Designated Entry Corridors (Tema Port and Aflao Border for textile imports), provision of Incentive Packages for local manufacturers to make them competitive. The others are attract Foreign textile manufacturers to set up or relocate their plants in Ghana; and reconstitute the Task Force to embark on effective market monitoring and surveillance. The Minister was of the firm belief that these policy measures will lead to the development of the local textile firms to reduce the import of pirated textiles by promoting local manufacturing. He assured the stakeholders that with the introduction of the measures, importation is still allowed since the country does not currently have the local manufacturing capacity to meet the total national demand of over 120 million yards per annum. He was hopeful that the policies were going to help streamline the imports of textiles and further ensure that all the players involved in the textiles industry benefit. The roll-out of the textiles tax stamps has been scheduled for November 1, 2022 and the implementation modalities shall include having textiles stamps affixed on all textile prints traded in Ghana. Participants used the opportunity to ask questions related to the discussions, from the team from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority-Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Intellectual Property Office and Ghana Standards Authority who responded accordingly. Credit: Trades and Industry Ministry

National Women's Organiser  of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Hanna Bissiw says Candidate John Dramani Mahama when voted into office in January 2025 will change the name of the seat of government from 'Jul) bi' house (which means house of thieves) back to the Flagstaff house. According to her, the NDC party will do everything possible to ensure Candidate John Dramani Mahama wins the Presidential Primaries and the 2024 general elections. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com after the vetting of Candidate Mahama by the NDC Electoral Committee, she said "I and my women and the NDC are going into the 2024 to defend our victory. We will do everything to ensure President John Mahama wins the 2024 elections and change the name of the seat of government from 'Jul) bi' house back to the Flagstaff house" "We will not sit and allow them rob us again like they did in 2020" She added that Ghana has a Presidency but the seat is empty. Dr. Bissiw also mentioned that she is disappointed in the Akufo-Addo administration over the mismanagement of funds. "The country has a Presidency but there is no President. The seat is empty" Dr. Bissiw expressed disappointment in the Akufo-Addo administration over the excessive borrowing adding that such behaviour from the ruling party has sent Ghana to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The National Women's Organiser was confident that Candidate Mahama will be elected by the delegates come May 13. She further appealed to followers of the four Presidential Hopeful to do away with politics of insults. Dr. Bissiw charged the various Presidential Hopeful  to make good use of platforms they get as they prepare to contest the Primaries on May 13. She believes a united NDC with Candidate Mahama will not only secure the 2024 Presidential election but save Ghana from the mess it finds itself. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Seat of Ghana’s Presidency, the Jubilee House, was last night lit with the national colours of both Ghana and the United States of America signifying the bond of friendship that exists between the two countries. The beautiful light colour display is a show of goodwill from Ghana to the US, especially when Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Ghana to begin a three-day official visit to the country, touted as the Gateway to Africa. This has got many Ghanaians talking about the significance of the beautiful scenery and why this time. The stunning lights had garnered some commentary on social media with some making apprehensive comments about whether this is a paid stunt. Others are upbeat about the gesture and see it as a global tourist attraction and think this will further enhance the bond of friendship between the two countries. To add more to this gesture, on March 7, 2022, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa and the Al Wasl in Dubai, lighted up Ghana’s colours following President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s visit to that Country on March 7, 2022, ahead of Ghana’s delegation to the Dubai EXPO 2020. In viral posts shared by various media platforms and social media users, the beautiful buildings projected Ghana’s colours in Dubai to the admiration of the world. The projection of national colours enhances diplomatic relations between countries and that is what Ghana intends to achieve with the US. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff arrived in Accra on Sunday to begin a week-long journey from Ghana, then to Tanzania and finally to Zambia. The visit to Ghana, among others announced by Vice President Harris, is to reinforce the economic partnership between Africa and the US, as well as address the climate crisis and supply chains and work together on international rules and norms. In particular, the US Vice President’s trip is focused on increasing investments in Africa and facilitating economic growth and opportunities in areas such as economic empowerment of women and girls, digital inclusion, youth entrepreneurship and support for increased Food security and climate change. Vice President Harris expressed excitement about Ghana’s future as well as Africa and the impact on the rest of the world, including the US. With the median age of Africa being 19 years, Vice President Harris said she sees growth of opportunities, innovation of possibilities and a great opportunity not only for Africa but the rest of the world. By the Year 2050, it is expected that one in four people on earth would be African. Most Ghanaians who are delighted with the visit of the second most important person in the US are expecting to see some commitments from the US to facilitate Ghana-IMF $3 billion bailout, as well as job creation, particularly for the youth. Vice President Harris is expected to meet with President Akufo-Addo to discuss bilateral relations and address the Presidential Press Corps on matters relating to investments and international cooperation between the two countries. Source: Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu Constituency, Philip Basoah is dead. The cause of his death is yet to be known. More to follow soon. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Coordinator for the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), Dr. Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor, has disclosed that her outfit will in June, 2023 host a Mining Corporate Social Responsibility Exposition to afford mining companies the opportunity to showcase their CSR and decades of investment in mining communities and by extension Ghana. She further detailed that the Mining Expo will be a two-day event which will bring together stakeholders and players in the industry to present to government and nation their current developmental projects and future plans for their catchment communities. This came to light when Dr. Carol Serwaa Donkor paid a courtesy call on Kibi Goldfields Limited, on Monday, 27th March, 2023 to get their buy-in on collaborating in the creation of local but viable and sustainable businesses within the operational communities of the company. She was optimistic that this partnership and creation of local businesses will help mitigate the absence of goodwill "give Ghanaians a prove of your relevance else they may never notice the true difference between you and an illegal miners" she asserted. She assured the team, that when this ideas are accepted, a good assessment of the community will be done to ensure that the businesses being set up are born out of the actual needs the people in the community. The Cordinator by this extended a formal invitation to the management of Kibi Goldfields Limited to come on board the Expo and make known their good works during their period of operation. Dr. Donkor also made a passionate appeal for a collaborative and collective approach in reclaiming and rehabilitation of degraded lands within the mining districts in areas outside of the mining concessions. The Managing Director of Kibi Goldfields Limited, Mr. Kofi Dafo Dartey, warmly welcomed the ideas and proposals of NAELP and assured her of his outfits readiness to partner the agency on any project that will help tell the success and impactful stories of the Kibi Goldfields Limited in more profound manner. Madam Mariama Amidu, the Health and Safety Manager of the company gave an update of the companies Corporate Social Responsibility projects since 2018 in their operational communities, naming  Boreholes, shops, health centers and hostels as examples of projects they have embarked on. To this effect, Madam Mariama noted that the organisation has set up a Livelihood Empowerment Fund with a liaison committee that vets and selects which projects should be sponsored for the community by the fund. The team however made an appeal to government to aid them flash out some illegal miners who have surfaced with metal detectors and mining around their concession. They were of the view that these illegal miners are foreigners from Niger, Guinea and other neighbouring countries Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines has encouraged licensed quarry operators in the country to collaborate with their respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as Traditional authorities to tackle the menace of encroachment on their concessions. According to Hon. Mireku Duker, effective coordination between the three parties is needed to forestall the illegal activity. Addressing the Media during a working visit on some quarry sites in the Shai Osudoku Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Mireku Duker raised the argument that since the granting of licensing for the erection of structures are done by the MMDAs, it is imperative that the companies work with them to ensure areas designated for quarrying activities are protected and not offered to the public for other activities. He noted that through such collaborations, structures and buildings sited in quarry sites without authorization could be demolished as they are illegal. The Deputy Minister also assured the companies that the government will also avail itself to facilitate the smooth operation of their activities He espoused government holds a responsibility to protect companies who through their legitimate activities provide employment opportunities for Ghanaians and that as long as the ministry is satisfied with the operations of the companies, it will make personnel and resources available to address their issues. Honorable Mireku Duker also admonished the quarry operators to form a recognized body that will set their prices. He justified that if all the companies unite under one umbrella and announce specific prices for the stones, the public will adhere to such dire directive but when there are different organizations with competing and price variation, the public will have the option of going for the price that suits their budget and demand. Hon. Duker promised that government through the Ministry will be ready to coordinate such meetings. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ecozoil Ltd, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) has organised a training and sensitisation exercise at Azizanya in the Ada-East District, Greater Accra Region. This programme was a collaboration between Ecozoil and the traditional authorities, municipal assembly and community leaders. It was aimed at sensitising the residents of Azizanya on the importance of wearing life jackets following the recent boat accident which claimed 5 lives. The training exercises formed part of Ecozoil’s monthly sensitisation and training exercise they offer to users of the Volta Lake under the Volta Lake Transport Safety Project (VLTSP) and also a response to the recent boat accident on the lake at Azizanya. The event was attended by boat owners, the chief of Azizanya, deputy coordinating director of the Ada East District, the chief fisherman, residents of Azizanya and nearby communities who frequently engage in water-based activities. As part of the exercise, Ecozoil distributed 100 life jackets to boat operators and members of the community. The exercise was conducted by workers of Ecozoil and trained waters savers. About 1000 personnel received training in Basic Water Survival and Rescue Training by the Ghana Navy under the VLTSP. The training covered areas including the importance of wearing life jackets while on water; proper use and maintenance of life jackets; basic boat safety rules and regulations. Additionally, the trainees were taken through how to respond to emergencies on water. The initiative by Ecozoil Ltd., was well received by the Azizanya community, with many residents expressing their gratitude for the education provided. For his part, the Chief of Azizanya, Nene Nartey Narh Azango III, pledged to work together with Ecozoil Ltd., to continue promoting safety on the Volta Lake. The Deputy Coordinating Director of the Ada-East District Assembly, Bernard Barnor Brock, entreated boat owners to adhere to safety practices and commended Ecozoil for their effort towards promoting safety on the Volta Lake. He reiterated that the assembly will continue to work hand in hand with Ecozoil to enforce the wearing of life jackets to prevent drowning incidents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith