Remains of Hatayspor and Former Black Stars winger, Christian Atsu has arrived in Ghana. His remains was met by Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia among other high-powered personalities at the the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). It will be recalled that the late footballer was part of the over 44,000 persons who lost their lives after an earthquake struck in Turkey. The 7.8 magnitude of earthquake occured two weeks ago. It is emerging that while some players and other persons have been removed from the rubbles, others are still stuck. Watch the live video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) with support from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the GIZ Governance for Inclusive Development Programme co-founded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) embarked on a sensitisation drive on Prohibited Cyber Activities and its related matters in the Ashanti Region. The programme targeted some selected Senior High Schools in the region. The first phase of the programme was from 23rd- 27th January and the second phase started on 13th -18th February, 2023 Some of the schools that benefitted are: Opoku Ware Senior High School, St. Hubert Senior High School, Kumasi Senior High Technical School, Islamic Senior High School, Adventist Senior High School, Asanteman Senior High School, Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School, Kumasi Girls Senior High School, Prempeh College, Osei Tutu Senior High School, Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School and Dwamena Akenten Senior High School. The other beneficiary schools were: KNUST Senior High School, St. Louis Senior High School, Ejisuman Senior High School Juaben Senior High School, Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School, Simms Senior High School, Kofi Agyei Senior High School, Kumasi High Senior High School, Kumasi Anglican Senior High School, T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Serwaa Nyarko Girls Senior High School and Kumasi Academy Senior High School. The objects of the programme was to create awareness on the mandate of EOCO, Prohibited Cyber Activity and the negative effects these activities have on individuals (perpetrators and victims), families, businesses and the country as a whole. The programme also highlighted some dangers that are associated with the use of the cyber space. The Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Mrs. Faustina Lartey in her presentation mentioned, a number of cybercrimes but notable among them are Romance and Dating Scam, Mobile Money Fraud, Scholarship scam, Hacking, Advance fee fraud (419) and examination results scam. While explaining the various types of cyber-crimes to the students she mentioned that, persons who engage in advance fee fraud could spend up to twenty-five years’ imprisonment when convicted. In addition, she emphasized the fact 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 Faustina Lartey, advised students who engage in hacking, to put a stop to it with immediate effect. She encouraged them to stay in school long enough, study hard, pass their exam and apply for a course in ethical hacking and its related courses rather becoming black hackers. She concluded her delivery by stating that it is important 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. Further she encouraged all persons present to report perpetrators of cyber-crimes to EOCO and other law enforcement agencies. She noted that, EOCO does not reveal the identity of complainants to criminals and assured all persons present that their identities would be protected. Also imbedded in the presentation was a special message for all students from COP Maama Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah EOCO’s Executive Director encouraging students to take their studies serious and desist from engaging in cybercrimes. In all, the Public affairs team interacted with about fifty-five thousand student and staff. Present on the sensitization drive were representatives of the GIZ, NCA and a team from Cyber Security Authority. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration says it has confirmed the death of Hatayspor and Former Black Stars winger, Christian Atsu. The release comes following the recovery of the remains of late Christian Atsu. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "The Ghana Embassy in Turkey which conveyed the sad news, indicates that the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday 18th February, 2023. The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the remains was recovered. Government of Ghana says it extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu its deepest condolences. The Embassy added that it is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Turkey to have the remains transported to Ghana for burial. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed. The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle. Atsu had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay. "There are no words to describe our sadness," tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor. In the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued "with injuries", but a day later that position changed. His agent Nana Sechere, who has been in Hatay, confirmed the news on Saturday on Twitter, writing: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu's body was recovered this morning. "My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support." Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February. He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. Atsu was later named player of the tournament. He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and had several loan spells at clubs including Everton and Bournemouth. An initial loan spell at Newcastle in 2016, in which he helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, was made permanent in 2017. "We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes," Newcastle said in a tweet. "A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters." Everton said they were "deeply saddened" by the news, while Chelsea said they were "devastated". The earthquake and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria are known to have killed more than 40,000 people. Credit: BBC

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates the the passport of Hatayspor and Former Black Stars winger, Christian Atsu has been found under the rubbles in Turkey. According to sources, the search and rescue team are still trying their best to connect with the player. The superhero Christian Atsu is a stuanch Hataysorsor player in Turkey and he scored the only goal before the day of the tragic incidence. The earthquake hit Turkey on 6th Feburary 2023 which saw a lot of people lose their lives. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

Concerns have been expressed by the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Ghana) on the ongoing disturbances in Bawku and its impact on local and national security. WANEP-Ghana says, although authorities are making attempts to resolve the situation in Bawku, the new killings in the area necessitate even more intense interventions. It added that the continued fighting in Bawku may have additional ramifications on peace and security as extremists and terrorists may be able to enter Ghana through Bawku if there is persistent violence, miscommunication, distrust, and lack of cooperation between the security, the factions, and the people. "Catalysing this could be the availability of small arms in the afflicted areas made possible by the sustained violence in the conflict which can exacerbate the violence and increase the risk of armed (also criminal) attacks, making it difficult to achieve stability and peace in Bawku and across the border with Burkina Faso.” “This is plausible because under such a circumstance, and with the influx of displaced persons from Burkina Faso, in-country and cross-border ethnic mobilizations for violence can occur.” This was contained in a WANEP-Ghana news situation tracking report to evaluate the possible risks of the disturbances being recorded in Bawku. The Network claims that the skirmishes may lead to extreme cross-border violence between Burkina Faso and Ghana’s northern borders. Not only that, but additional effects also include migration, strain on infrastructure and social services, agriculture, and other socioeconomic repercussions. Bawku has recorded substantial instances of violence, and clashes between residents and the security deployed to the town in recent weeks. The town has been unstable for decades now following chieftaincy disputes between the Mamprusis and Kusasis leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of properties. The military was recently accused of killing ten residents which prompted 25 divisional chiefs in the area to petition the overlord of Bawku and the government. Tothis end, WANEP-Ghana in its report made the following six recommendations:1. First, WANEP-Ghana appeals to the people of Bawku, especially people involved in the sporadic gun violence and acts synonymous with criminality, and their accomplices, to re-think the negative impacts of their actions on the ordinary people of Bawku and on themselves and cease the violence. Similarly, we call on the leadership of the Bawku conflict to further assess the varied generational effect of this recurrent gun violence and discourage their members, particularly the youth from being deceived by anyone to engage in violence. 2. The Upper East Regional Security Council (UERSEC), the Bawku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), and the National and Regional Peace Councils as well as the specific security deployments should intensify the collaboration among them and engage with all relevant traditional and religious representatives, ethnic leaders, youth, women groups and other critical stakeholders of the conflict in discussions to determine pathways towards de-escalating the tensions and sustaining stability in Bawku. Those pathways should include sustained alternative dispute and reconciliatory processes. 3.The REGSEC and MUSEC should increase the presence of security especially to unmanned border routes and communities to prevent any security infiltration, curtail gunfires, and protect lives and properties. 4. WANEP Ghana calls for a joint team comprising the National Peace Council (NPC), the National Chief Imam or his office and the National House of Chiefs to embark on some days’ working visit to the factions to persuade the factions to mitigate the violence and explore lawful avenues that are still available to them to addressing their grievances. In this approach, WANEP believes that the Nayiri, the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, has an important role to play in resolving the impasse and the Chief Imam should prevail on him to sustain his peaceful influence on the conflict. WANEP Ghana and other notable civil society peacebuilding organisations are available to provide the much-needed technical and other forms of assistance in that regard. 5. WANEP-Ghana strongly advises that any support to Bawku especially by shadow, and third parties, should be towards influencing peaceful processes and bringing life back to Bawku but not for political gains that intermittently make Bawku a ghost town. 6. Lastly, WANEP-Ghana calls on the Kusasis to return to the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (BIEPC) because the BIEPC remains one concrete local cohesion-building structure for peace efforts in the area. Credit: Citinewsroom

Aggrieved Staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended the partial withdrawal of services in all its five operational areas. The strike was to demand Osmani Aludiba Ayuba, Managing Director of NEDCo, to voluntarily resign or be removed from office by the Board of Directors The angry NEDCo staff accused the Managing Director of failing to improve the company’s financial situation. “Our finances from 2019 to date has been worse. In fact, our cash flow is terribly bad to the extent that we are unable to pay our third parties (contractors). In Bolgatanga, our contractors went on strike because of work they have done for NEDCo. From January-December 2022, we are not able to pay and so that is how bad the situation is.” They also accused the Managing Director of incompetence saying it has resulted in the company losing revenue. The National Labour Commission (NLC) on Friday summoned the agitating staff for a meeting after a complaint by the Ministry of Energy. In a letter, the staff union asked all its members to resume work effective Friday, February 17, 2023, in compliance with the NLC directive. Below is the full statement by NEDCo UPDATE ON VRA/NEDCo STAFF GROUPS RESOLUTION FOR THE REMOVAL OF MR OSMANI ALUDIBA AYUBA AS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, NEDCO The Staff Groups Leadership of VRA/NEDCo wish to bring to you an update on the Resolution passed by staff in all five (5) Operational Areas in NEDCo at emergency meetings held from January 06, 2023, to January 10, 2023, calling on Mr. Osmani Aludiba Ayuba, the Managing Director, NEDCo to voluntarily resign or be removed from office by the NEDCo Board of Directors on or before the end of January 2023. At an emergency meeting held by Staff in all five (5) Operational Areas including head office on February 16, 2023, Staff affirmed the earlier resolution for the removal of Mr. Osmani Aludiba Ayuba as Managing Director of NEDCo and also voted massively for the escalation of the industrial action. Staff Group Leadership was served later in the evening with a summons to appear before the National Labour Commission on Monday, February 20, 2023, in Accra. The commission also directed that we stay all ongoing industrial action and/or any intended action and appear as scheduled. In view of this latest development, Leadership directs that we suspend the partial withdrawal of services and resume all services effective Friday, February 17, 2023, in compliance with the NLC directive. Leadership will update Staff on the next line of action after the meeting at the National Labour Commission on Monday. Credit: Citinewsroom

Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew has made a cash donation to former Black Satellites coach, Sellas Tetteh. Sellas Tetteh who led Ghana to win the 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup, revealed that the country is yet to pay the promised $4000 bonus after his World Cup achievement. His revelation led to some individuals and organizations making donations to him to cushion him while recovers from sickness. Andre Dede Ayew who was the captain of Sellas Tetteh’s U-20 World Cup-winning team has also madesome financial donation to his former coach. Credit: gbconline.com

Personnel of the Bui Fire Station in the Bono Region embarked on a two (2) day basic firefighting and prevention training for the Staff of the Bui Power Authority (BPA). The training program which began on Wednesday 15th February and ended on Thursday 16th February, 2023, saw about 200 Staff Members of the Authority benefiting from how to identify fire hazards at the workplace. They were also trained on how to effectively use portable fire extinguisher to douse fire at its incipient stage. The OIC of the Station, ADO II Abraham Otoo superintended the training and did a marvelous delivery to the admiration of the trainee Staff. Below are some pictures: Credit: PRO, Fire Service, Bono Region

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that a level 200 Industrial Arts student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology died tragically after falling from the fourth floor of his hostel. The student attempted to move from one balcony of the Ultimate Hostel to the next. Voice of KNUST, one of the university’s social media networks took to its handle to announce the sad news. The report states that he was unsuccessful in his attempt and has since been declared dead. An eyewitness, @MenzArchie on Twitter tweeted "The dearly departed student was smoking with several buddies when a hostel floor member reported them to security, who came to knock. When attempting to run to another balcony, his hand slipped, causing him to fall" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Peter Tenganabang Nanfuri has passed on. He died aged 80. Nanfuri served as the IGP from October 1, 1996, to January 21, 2001. He was the Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area with the title Naa Ansoleh Ganaa II. Nanfuri was born at Jirapa in the Upper West Region. Nanfuri studied at the University of Ghana, Legon where he obtained a B.A. degree in Political Science and a law degree. He worked in various capacities within the Ghana Police Service and was once the Director of the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) in 1986. In 1996, he was appointed as the Inspector General of Police. Towards the end of his service as IGP, he came under severe pressure due to the serial murder of some women in Ghana. He was replaced as IGP by former President John Kufuor.On July 23, 2005, Peter Nanfuri was enskinned as the 4th Paramount chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area. He was publicly presented in his new capacity at the Naa Yelpoe Park at Jirapa on April 28, 2007. Credit: Pulse GH

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker has noted that the return of the Ankobra River and other waterbodies to their pure status is a reflection of the strides made by government’s fight against illegal mining. According to him, the progress made in the turbidity level of the waterbodies is indicative of the fact that the anti-galamsey fight is yielding results. Speaking after a tour of the Ankobra River which is fast regaining its authentic and clean status on Thursday, 16th February 2023 , Hon. Mireku Duker commended the various stakeholders for their respective roles in the fight against illegal mining. Whiles commending the various agencies and Ghanaians for their efforts, Hon. Mireku Duker maintained that government will not take its foot off pedal and will press on with the measures that have resulted in the gains made so far. He noted that the training of river wardens to compliment the Operation Halt II taskforce is another laudable initiative by government that has contributed significantly to the liberation of waterbodies from galamsey operations. He urged all individuals especially Chiefs, DCE and the general public to join forces with government in its bid to protect the waterbodies. He reiterated government’s aversion to calls for it to ban small-scale mining and expressed that government through the Community Mining Scheme and other innovations will transform the small-scale mining sector. “We should take full responsibility of protecting Ghana’s riverbodies. We have roles to play including MMDCEs and we must all commit to protecting our waterbodies. “There are suggestions for government to close down small-scale mining activities but we are aware of the number of job opportunities created in the small-scale mining sector. The Bonsa River has been destroyed." The DCE for Ellembelle District, Kwasi Bonzo said the people of Ellembelle will not sit down aloof and watch others destroy their livelihoods. Hon. Dorcas Amoah, DCE for Nzema East commended the government for the Community Mining scheme in the area, revealing that many lives have been impacted positively by the innovative mining scheme Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith