The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has swept away 3 awards at the just ended Government Public Relations Officer's Review Summit and Awards Ceremony 2022, held at the GNAT hall on Thursday, 16th February, 2023. Out of a total of 10 Categories of Awards, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources took home the Overall Best Government PRO of the year 2022 for the second time in a row which went out to the PRO of the Ministry, Mr. Abraham Otabil, Best PROs PR Assistant of the Year for an Assistant PROs of the Ministry, Madam Michelle Fafa Agbenorto and Best Bonsu PR Unit of the Year 2022, going out to the entire Ministry. Nomniees to these awards were drawn from the Ministries of Roads and Highways, Communication and Digitisation, Trade and Industry, Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Lands and Natural Resources, Food and Agriculture and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Mr. Otabil and Madam Fafa took home their awards for their hardwork and dedication to duty as PROs of the Lands Ministry during the year under review and also having the highest number of entries of reports on the Bonsu platform, a digitised report entry platform for government PROs, as well as inputs on performance assessment by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale. In his words of appreciation, Mr. Abraham Otabil extended his profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the wisdom and strength to discharge his duties, to his Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor and the Ministry for giving his unit the enabling environment to operate, to the organisers of the programme, the Information Services Department and the Ministry of Information, for funding such excellent awards ceremony. He also thanked the Head of Public Relations Coordinating Division ( PRCD), Mrs. Ethel Cudjoe Amissah and her staff for all the efforts to make the government PR machinery a better one. The programme which was organised by the Information Services Department under the auspices of the Ministry of Information, was to assess the work of PROs in the various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government and also to take stock of the year 2022. The review meeting which was in three sessions saw presentations from the Minister for Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, The Chief Information Officer at the Information Services Department, Mr. David Owusu Amoah, The Head of Department, Department of Communication at the University of Ghana, Dr. Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, The CEO of PopOut, Mr. Maximus Ametorgoh, The Head of PRCD, Mrs. Ethel Codjoe Amissah and a Presentation from the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has urged the Nungua Traditional Council and all stakeholders involved in the impasse over the Ramsar site to exercise restraint as his outfit seeks to find an amicable solution to the issue. Addressing the Chiefs and Elders of the Nungua Traditional Council on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, the Lands Minister called for a cease fire from all the parties and assured that the Ministry is working assiduously to find quick solution the matter. He assured that the Ministry is working to ensure that a mutually-satisfying resolution will be reached. He also appealed to the council to keep faith in the Ministry and give the government its full support as it mediates the various issues relative to the Ramsar site. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor explained that the Akufo-Addo administration is on a path to regularize all state lands and that in a matter of weeks, the challenge pertaining to the Sakumono Ramsar site will be amicably solved. According to him, the core area marked as the Ramsar site has international and environmental significance and for that matter will continue to serve the purpose for which it was earmarked. He, however, warned that whiles discussions are ongoing to bring finality to the matter, nobody should be seen to be undertaking any form of activities on any part of the lands. He indicated that a taskforce from the Greater Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has been tasked with the responsibility of protecting the area and that a taskforce will be commissioned to shield the place from all kinds of encroachment. Hon. Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister bemoaned the encroachment of government lands in the region and vowed that initiate measures to protect the lands. He explained that there are security concerns and that his outfit will work with the Ministry of Lands to ensure that peace prevails. The Paramount Chief of Nungua Traditional Area, King Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, commended the timely intervention of government and praised the Ministry for being candid and forthright with the council. He said the council is deeply concerned with encroachment of the lands and will work with the state to address the challenges. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Musicians, Akwaboah, Sarkodie, Piesie Esther, Okyeame Kwame among others on Val’s Day thrilled patrons of #ShadesOfLove concert to good music and performance. The Shades of Love concert which was held at the La Palm Royal Beach some amazing Ghanaian youths having fun and networking. Despite the late start, Gospel Musician, Piesie Esther set the tone as she served the patrons with some powerful songs to commence the show. Hilife musician, Kwasi Pee did not disappoint as he charged the atmosphere with some of his popular songs. Man of the night, Akwaboah took to the stage and brought the heavens down. Noted for his romantic songs, Akwaboah got the ladies singing one of his favourite 'I need someone to call my own. As if that was not enough, Rap Doctor, Okyeame Kwame jumped unto the stage and proved why he was still relevant regardless his number of years in the music business. 'Friday night' hitmaker, Lasmid swept the patrons off their feet with some good performance. 'E-choke' hitmaker, Sefa brought on a different vibe when she got into the stage. The young female artist was overwhelmed as the patrons took over from her to sing her song. Top of it all was when the President of Sarkcess Music and former employer of Akwaboah, Sarkodie got unto the stage to perform. Sarkodie described Akwaboah as a legend adding that he ought to be celebrated. Sarkodie said "It is a blessing and an honour and we have a legend of our time and that is Akwaboah" The Sarkcess Music boss also disclosed that he will be working with Akwaboah on the part two version of his favourite album 'Mary'. Sarkodie switched the beautiful love night to a different gear as he did a live band performance with the 'Country side' song. Some patrons lauded Akwaboah and the other musicians for their splendid performances. They also praised the organisers for putting together the show. The shades of love concert was powered by Think Media Expert. Below are some videos: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former First Lady, Lordina Mahama has taken to her Facebook page celebrate her husband, John Dramani Mahama on the occasion of Valentine's Day. The Former First Lady described her husband as a man who always makes her happy and with whom she shares the most beautiful of moments. #Lots of Love, my dear John. Thank you, for your attention to me, your time and how you have always provided that reassurance of your love" "When you have a husband with a good heart and who cherishes a great family, you build with him a friendship that makes loving him exciting" "Happy Valentine’s Day my love John Dramani Mahama #valentinesday2023 #loveisintheair" Below is a screenshot of the post: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former President, John Dramani Mahama has celebrated his wife, Lordina Mahama in a post on social media as he marks Valentine’s Day. In a Facebook post, the leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) shared a number of lovely pictures capturing some of the best moments with his lifetime companion. The post comes with a caption that sees John Dramani Mahama renewing his continuous love for his wife. "Thank you Lordina. Lots of my love and great friendship always. Happy Valentine,” the former president said. People all over the world are celebrating the 2023 Valentine’s Day today, February 14. The annual celebration is marked through the show of love and care to loved ones through various means. In Ghana, the day is also largely marked as Chocolate Day to promote the consumption of chocolate. See Facebook post below: Credit: Modern Ghana

Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo has clapped back at Gabby Otcher-Darko saying, he is a nobody in the Akufo-Addo government. The Former Chief Justice made these remarks while responding to a jab from Gabby Otchere-Darko over her involvement in the picketing of pensioner bondholders at the Ministry of Finance. Addressing Journalists, she said "I don't have time for him. Gabby Otchere-Darko is a nobody in government" She added that Gabby Otchere-Darko can call her paranoid of which she does not care. "He cannot decide for me what I should do. People like that are not important to me and my life. Gabby Otchere-Darko is a disturbance" "I will not trade words with pin-brained" The Former Chief Justice called on the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to listen to pleads of the pensioners and exempt them. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer  (CEO) of Ghana Grid Company  (GRIDCO), ING. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi has expressed worry over the activities of illegal miners popularly known as galamseyers on its lines. The CEO made these remarks while addressing Journalists in Accra on Monday. ING Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi said "Galamsey, I don't know whether the gold has started to form around the base of our towers. It has become a problem for us where galamseyers consciously dig under our lines" He added that activities of the galamseyers compelled GRIDCO relocate its tower at an additional cost. "The one that was there was working do well. Our linesmen working came to tell us that a tower is collapsing or some of the steel benders have been removed by the galamseyers" "These infrastructures are there for our collective use so we have to protect them. Occasionally, as a power system, we normally have some challenges. Normally when you see the lines, you don't see the fire on them but they are extremely dangerous. We need to stay off the right off way" "Occasionally we have transformer faults but we are making a conscious effort to put in a system so that if even we have a challenge with one transformer, customers would not experience it" We are a developing country with limited resources and few people paying tax, we need to mobilise additional resources to move ourselves into that regime. Old legacy lines "We have to make a conscious effort to reconstruct them. They have over-lived their usefulness" "We going through yhe motions call the PFM for us to reconstruct the Western corridor libes which was built in the 1960s" Employment of women The CEO disclosed that measures are been put in place to employ more women into the profession. He was optimisic that employing women will help bridge the all-male dominated working environment. "What men can do, women can also do it and even better. We are noted to saying linesmen in the line of our job but once we employ women, we can also say lineswomen" Debt value owed by ECG and NEDCO The CEO said "From my last count, I think it is about GHc2.7billion. That is what ECG and NEDCO owe GRIDCO" Power supply to neighbours "The national grid has some quantum of energy that has to be distributed. Whatever we send out is in excess of whatever we require" He stressed that Ghana’s energy penetration is about 85% to 86% adding that "there are other places who do not have, it is extremely expensive to connect them to the grid" The CEO noted that without the grid, there will be no light in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has called for an increase use of radio for peace and conflict prevention. The Information Minister made these remarks on the occasion of World Radio Day today. Addressing Journalists in Accra, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah said "Radio has the unique ability to reach people in every corner of the world and has proven to be a valuable tool in conflict prevention and peace building whether through education or information dissemination, or providing a platform for the marginalised communities to share their stories" Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah added that radio has the potential to bring people together and foster a culture of peace if used appropriately. "In recognition of World Radio Day, organisers and communities worldwide are coming together to celebrate the power of radioand its contribution to peace and conflict prevention" "Here in Ghana, we celebrate what radio has gone for our democracy and elections over the years" "Today with the growth of media especially radio, you can sit in your home and hear minute by minute account of how the elections are proceeding and how results are trickling in" The Information Minister stressed that radio has also been a major tool for accountability for public education, and for countering misinformation. This year's celebrations was on the theme radio and peace. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has called on the Akufo-Addo government and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to employ the services of a private rescue team to search and rescue, Hatayspor winger, Christian Atsu. According to him, the private rescue team when hired will paid much attention to its task and help save the life of the footballer. In a post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Sammy Gyamfi said "Maybe, in view of Christian Atsu’s contributions to Ghana Black Stars, a private rescue team could have been hired by both the GFA and the Akufo-Add led government to look for him or probably rescue him.😢😢" He added that he believes the current search and rescue team are not paying much attention to tye rescueof the footballer. "One of the saddest aspects of Christian Atsu’s case is that, the Turkish officials who everyone is relying on, have also lost their families" "They won't leave their families and look for our countryman. We have heard some of these narrations from some of the Turkish officials" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

South African rapper born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes but professionally known as AKA has been shot and killed ahead of his 35th birthday party which was scheduled to come off this night. The sad incident is reported to have happened in front of YUGO nightclub located in Stamford Hill in Durban (South Africa) where he was set to perform this night as part of his 35th birthday celebration. It is alleged that AKA was standing outside the nightclub when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting. Two unknown cars are believed to have opened fire just before 10 pm. At the moment, details about the award-winning rapper’s death are scanty as his killers hurriedly fled the scene immediately after shooting him multiple times in the chest. AKA Shot And Killed The police in Durban have confirmed rapper Kiernon ‘AKA’ Forbes was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on Florida Road on Friday night. Another person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard was also wounded, while another unidentified person, who is believed to be a close friend of AKA, has been shot dead. AKA Dead As confirmed in this article, AKA was shot and killed and was pronounced dead by doctors upon arrival at the hospital. An eyewitness who spoke with the media is reported to have said; “I can confirm that two men were killed and one of them is a well-known rapper. Police will not be releasing any names of the victims yet until a full investigation is completed” Stay tuned for more updates on this sad story. Our condolences to the family of the bereaved. SOURCE: Ghpage

Thermal cameras have shown that there are many people alive but still trapped under a pile of rubble near the building Christian Atsu was staying before the earthquake hit. The news from the thermal cameras have brought a bit of hope in the lives of persons who have loved ones trapped under the rubble. It is emerging that the thermal cameras have picked up heat signatures of many people still alive. The Thermal cameras convert infrared data emitted by living organisms into an electronic image that shows the apparent surface temperature of the object being measured. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), an Implementing Agency of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation responsible for programmes to close the Digital Divide, has been commended for its strong operational and financial position by a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament – Hon. Isaac Yaw Opoku – Member of Parliament for Offinso South Constituency, who led the review of GIFEC's statement of operations and financial position by the PAC, on 3rd February, 2023. He observed that GIFEC posted an impressive 7.2% increase in surplus of income over expenditure, compared to the previous year, significantly improving its liquidity, as a result. He concluded that GIFEC's “financial position is very good. Non-current assets increased by 14.5%, current assets by 20.1%. Their liquidity position is very strong and (has) even improved over the previous year. In fact, they did well and need to be commended.” On progress of the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project (GRT&DIP), GIFEC’s flagship project, Mr. Prince Ofosu Sefah, Administrator (CEO) of GIFEC commented about its unprecedented nature, as begun in late 2020. He mentioned that 473 out of the 1,008 (50% of the planned 2,016 Rural Mobile Sites being deployed by the Project) have completed and are active and delivering voice and data services to citizens. He assured the Committee that plans are far advanced and efforts are being expedited to resolve all technical difficulties being encountered, to ensure that the remaining Sites are all built and activated this year. He concluded that equipment for the construction of the remaining 50% of the 2,016 Sites are actually in the country, awaiting funding for deployment, which is expected in the near-future. The GRT&DIP forms part of GIFEC’s flagship Rural Telephony Programme, which is funded by the Government of Ghana (GoG), through a strategic agreement with Huawei and China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (CNTIC), funded by the China EXIM Bank to establish 2,016 Rural Telephony Sites in as many communities across the country, envisioned to provide mobile network coverage to about 3.4 million more citizens. GIFEC supervises the implementation of this Project, working with Technical Partners, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD). This unprecedented Project has been spearheaded by the Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, who also chairs the Board of Trustees of GIFEC, positions she has held since 2017. Story by: MOCD