Church of England priests will be permitted to bless the civil marriages of same-sex couples in a profound shift in the church’s stance on homosexuality after a historic vote by its governing body. The first blessings for gay couples could happen this summer. Individual churches will be encouraged to state clearly whether they will offer blessings to avoid confusion and disappointment. After an impassioned debate lasting more than eight hours, the C of E’s national assembly, the General Synod, voted by 250 votes to 181 to back a proposal by bishops intended to end years of painful divisions and disagreement over sexuality. But emotionally charged speeches from those advocating full equality for LGBTQ+ Christians and those arguing that traditional biblical teaching on marriage and sex must be upheld signalled that the debate is set to continue. The synod also agreed that the church will apologise for the harm it has caused to LGBTQ+ people. It welcomed a forthcoming review of a ban on clergy entering into same-sex civil marriages and a celibacy rule for clergy in same-sex relationships. Conservatives narrowly succeeded in amending the motion to state that the church’s doctrine of marriage – that it is between a man and a woman – was unchanged. Although progressives were dismayed by the amendment, it may have encouraged some traditionalists to cast their votes in favour of the main motion. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, and Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, said they hoped the decision marked a “new beginning” for the C of E, saying: “It has been a long road to get us to this point.”The archbishops said: “For the first time, the C of E will publicly, unreservedly and joyfully welcome same-sex couples in church.“ "The church continues to have deep differences on these questions which go to the heart of our human identity. As archbishops, we are committed to respecting the conscience of those for whom this goes too far and to ensure that they have all the reassurances they need in order to maintain the unity of the church as this conversation continues.”Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, who led the debate, said: “This is a moment of hope for the church.” But, she added,“I know that what we have proposed as a way forward does not go nearly far enough for many, but too far for others”. Steven Croft, the bishop of Oxford, who supports marriage equality, said the vote was a “significant and historic step”. He said: “Same-sex couples will become much more visible and their relationships will be celebrated publicly and that, I think, will continue to change attitudes within the life of the church.” The amendment on marriage doctrine was “important to give some reassurance to those who are more conservative”, he said, but it would not stop the church “returning to this question [of same-sex marriage]” in the future. Gay rights campaigners were frustrated that their demand that a proposal for marriage equality be put before the synod within two years was rejected by 52% to 45%.Jayne Ozanne, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ equality in the C of E, said allowing blessings for same-sex couples was a “tiny step forward”. She added: “I am deeply disappointed by the way the conservatives have consistently sought to undermine those of us who sought to move towards a church that could embrace a plurality of views on sexuality.” Nigel Pietroni, the chair of the Campaign for Equal Marriage in the C of E, said the decision “falls short of what we ultimately believe is the only outcome for radical inclusion – equal marriage for all people”, but it was “a small step forward”. The gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “The offer of blessings to same-sex partners is an insult. Every heterosexual man and woman in England has the right to marry in their parish church - but not LGBTQ+ couples. That’s discrimination and discrimination is not a Christian value.” On the other side of the argument, the Church of England Evangelical Council said it was “deeply saddened” by the decision, which it saw as setting the church on a course of action that rejected “our historic and biblical understanding of sex and marriage”. The vote had “settled nothing and has only served to deepen divisions”, the association said. The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches said the decision raised the question of the archbishop of Canterbury’s “fitness to lead what is still a largely orthodox worldwide communion”. The synod debate was procedurally complex, with more than two dozen amendments to the bishops’ motion. Some were efforts to delay the plans, arguing that more time was needed to consider the issues despite several years of consultations over sexuality. All but one of the amendments were rejected, sometimes narrowly, or withdrawn. Credit: the guardian

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Suaman in the Western North Region, Hon. Philip Kwabena Boahen has handed over 28 refrigerators, a fufu pounding machine, a modern sowing machine, cocoa spraying machines and physical cash to over 10 schoolers each having GH¢4000 to some persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the Suaman district as initiative of PWDs common fund. The DCE at the ceremony stated in a brief address that the main aim of the disability fund is to empower the People With Disabilities to become self-dependent. He mentioned that the assembly has been able to support People Living with Disabilities in so many ways and will still fight harder to do more for them in the district. Hon. Philip Boahen added that apart from the donations, the assembly has been paying medical bills for PWDs as well as paying school fees, whiles making available sums of money to those who applied for support from his office to start some trade which will keep them busy and help them become self-dependent. The DCE indicated that the donation of the items was a result of the applications the assembly received from the PWDs. The DCE concluded that people living with disabilities need to be empowered by supporting them so that they can also be able to pay for their wards' school fees and medical bills without depending on anyone or begging on the streets, which will make them, feel part and important in the community in which they reside. He therefore cautioned the beneficiaries to use the items in response to their intended purposes. Mr. Kwasi Boadu Gilbert, the Chairman for the PWDs in the Suaman District representing the PWDs showed their gratitude to the assembly for such marvelous assistance and appealed to the district assembly to always try to get to know the needs of people of PWD’s before buying the items. Source: Appiah-Kubi

Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo says despite the Akufo-Addo government going in for debts, it should be able to provide a detailed account to the public on what the monies were used for. The Former Chief Justice threw the challenged to government as she joined some pensioners to picket at the Ministry of Finance over the controversial 'Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). Speaking to the media, the Former Chief Justice said "Yes, we took debt but where is the accountability? What was it used for?" "You should be telling me how you going to make things better but not just help me and let me also help you. No, help yourself first, let me see you doing something serious. Because we have seen these things too many times" The pensioners have been picketing at the Ministry of Finance since Monday, February 6 to be exempted from the much-talked about programme. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Tamale South Member of Parliament (MP), Haruna Iddrisu on Thursday, February 9 rejected the seat that was offered to him following his removal as the Minority Leader. He was offered the seat of Asutifi South lawmaker Collins Dauda. But he told the First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu that as a well-trained person, he will not accept the seat of his senior brother. “Mr Speaker, forgive me that I have to assume your chair. There was whether I should take over from Honorable Collins Dauda or not. I have told them that Honorable Collins Dauda is a senior by age, senior even in this house, I will not fit into his chair as someone who is well-trained from home" “Any other chair, Mr Speaker, is acceptable to me. I am still the elected Member of Parliament for Tamale South,”  he said while contributing to a debate on the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation also known as the Niamey convention. Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu unhappy with new seating arrangement. He was offered the seat of Asutifi South lawmaker, Collins Dauda. Mr Iddrisu was replaced as Minority Leader with Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam lawmaker Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. Muntaka Mubarak and James Kluste Avedzi were also removed as Minority Chief Whip and Deputy Minority leader respectively and replaced with Kwame Agbodza and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Credit: 3news.com

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) is on the manhunt for Isaac Asamoah for allegedly defrauding some clients via social media. According to EOCO, Isaac Asamoah had defrauded a number of unsuspecting victims to the tune of GHȻ 5,000.00. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is in search of one Isaac Asamoah for an alleged offence of defrauding by false pretences" "The said suspect had defrauded a number of unsuspecting victims to the tune of GHȻ 5,000.00" EOCO added that Isaac Asamoah operates some social media accounts on Instagram and WhatsApp under the name “CaramelˍCakes” and Caramel-Cakes. The release further explained that Isaac Asamoah is into Money Bouquet, breakfast and Brunch Baskets, Balloon setups and Freshly Baked cakes. Master Isaac Asamoah is said to have swindled his victims by convincing them to order for money bouquet cakes and insist on taking the money before processing the order. Thinknewsonline.com has also gathered that after payment, he blocked his victims and changed his social media account's name. EOCO says it is appealing to the general public to help by providing vital information on the whereabouts of Isaac Asamoah. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ashanti Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following a communique by the police, in search of Razak, the youth organiser of Suame, drew the attention of the police that he will be produced to the Police. True to their words, he was produced. His lawyers, constituency, regional and national executives made an entry to the police station to signify how harmless the young man was. In a matter of minutes, he was handcuffed (though he came by himself), photos taken of him, and in minutes, NPP social media team, who were not at the police station were busily sharing the pictures as if he was a common criminal. One is tempted to ask if the Police are NPP police or simply in the hands of the NPP? These same police, took lance corporal Nyame, and constable Gyimah Ansah to a crime scene unhandcuffed and got them shot and killed, and the officers who led it miraculously left unhurt. These were police officers who were arrested for their involvement in armed robbery and alledgedly killing a police officer in a bullion van. Politics will destroy our police service. They flex their muscles better on harmless citizens the moment they realise it’s politics. If not for politics, and pleasing the NPP government, how could you handcuff a good citizen who turns himself in with his lawyers and leaders of his organisation and send it to NPP social media team? We have high respect for the police service, reason why the National communication officer quickly issued a statement agreeing with the sentiments of the police, though there are records of previous happenings that the police didn't respond to as fast as it is doing now. I hope the police finds time to watch comments and videos they have been tagged with on their social media handles and judge the sledge harmer in their hands now. In the 2020 elections, police shot and killed citizens and never bothered to explain or bring a closure to their barbarism. Who wouldn't get worried going into another elections? Even during the registration before that elections, people died and no one has yet been arrested. No persons can take the laws into their hands, but out of the anger in the heart, errors are committed. We will be in court this morning to show solidarity with comrade Razak, and pray the court grants him bail, and further gets a favorable judgement. Let me also urge all our comrades to be circumspect in what they do or say, because we are not in normal times, the failed Nana Addo government will want to divert attention from itself to any news that will bring the attention to the NDC. Crossing a weak bridge with crocodiles beneath takes boldness and a banner that reads *if I perish I perish !!!* Let's be there for each other and seek for the interest of all. We shall overcome because there are better days ahead. *KUN FA YAKUN* Credit: Godwin Ako Gunn, Deputy Communications Officer, National Democratic Congress (NDC) 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.

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has hinted that some affected vehicle owners/garages have responded and submitted documents to assist investigation following the seizure of their cars months ago. According to EOCO, the exercise has helped it obtain statements from some ten (10) affected vehicle owners. Giving an update on stolen vehicles from Canada and USA, Head/Public Affairs, Faustina Lartey said "As per the mandate of the Office, the Office has secured a freezing order from the court for about 95 cars. This is to prevent anyone from disposing off the cars" "Statements of the ten (10) aforementioned persons have been obtained. Some affected vehicle owners/garages have responded and submitted documents to assist investigation" She added that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) have also been notified to be on the lookout for any possible attempt to register/change ownership of any of the vehicles. Background It will be recalled that on Friday, December 9, 2022, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in collaboration with US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)  carried out an intelligence-led operation for the retrieval of various  luxury vehicles suspected to have been stolen from the USA and Canada. The reported stolen vehicles were obtained through fraud and other crimes and shipped to Ghana and where they are displayed for sale at a number of garages in Accra. In all a total of 37 luxurious vehicles were retrieved from the garages and 10 persons arrested during the exercise. Following the retrieval of the 37 vehicles, through three isolated exercises in various locations four (4) additional vehicles have been retrieved bringing the total number to 41. Madam Faustina Lartey added that investigations are still ongoing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Medical Director at the Medicas Hospital, Dr. Yaw Osarfo has dismissed claims that one can collapse while having sex. According to him, the phenomenon may only be possible if the person has underlying medical conditions. Although he admits that a person may pass out while having sex, it may be as a result of other factors aside from the act.Dr. Osarfo believes, “Sex is actually a very healthy aerobic exercise.” He made these comments in Joy Prime’s Season of Hearts series as part of activities ahead of Valentine’s Day. “Some of my patients have asked me, ‘doctor some people have collapsed during sex, and they are having sex because they are in love, so isn’t love a risky thing?’ Well, I beg to differ. In my experience, those who have these unfortunate adverse effects during a sexual encounter, typically have underlying medical conditions that are not properly controlled, and therefore they tend to experience this sudden collapse,” he said. Medical Director at the Medicas Hospital, Dr. Yaw Osarfo Love is a beautiful thing, but people sometimes attribute their bad experiences with sex to it. This has in turn stopped people from entangling themselves in relationships, as they fear the risk. But Dr. Osarfo is encouraging individuals to work towards having a healthy relationship, advising also that partners should keep having healthy sex, as it will help keep them away from seeing the doctor. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has questioned whether Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool too early. Gakpo, 23, moved to Anfield from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window after a breakout World Cup where he scored three goals in five matches. But he has been in and out of the starting XI and is yet to score in six starts in all competitions. Koeman believes it has not helped that Gakpo has joined a Liverpool side who are struggling for form and are yet to win in the league in 2023. “He has ended up in a team that is not doing well,” said Koeman. “Then it becomes more difficult for him, as a new signing. You are tested right away, and if you don’t score or you’re not important and you don’t win any matches, it’s very difficult, especially for a young player. “If that’s was someone aged 28 with experience, it would be different. “The level in England is higher than in the Netherlands, but they are also young boys, aren’t they? Like [Ryan] Gravenberch going to Bayern [Munich] and not playing. Then that is difficult.” Gakpo had scored nine goals and made 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie matches for PSV this season before joining Liverpool. Liverpool’s next game is a Merseyside derby clash with Everton on Monday. Koeman started his second stint in charge of the Netherlands on January 1 and his first games will be Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Gibraltar in March. Netherlands were beaten by eventual champions Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Source: Eurosport

The President, Council members and management staff of Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), have paid a courtesy call on the Executive Director of Economic and Organised Crime Office, COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah and her management team at EOCO’s Head Office in Accra. The visit was to introduce the newly-elected council and acquaint them with the mandate of the Office, as well as map out areas of collaboration for the year 2023. The Executive Director and her team who warmly welcomed the delegation, shared with them some intended programmes and objectives of the Office within the year. The discussions centered on key areas of collaboration points with a more focused and targeted approach for both institutions. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah proposed that since most ICAG Members are in key financial positions across the country, they could assist EOCO in diverse ways to plug loopholes leading to financial loss to the State. She added that EOCO is focused on recovering revenue from various sectors that would have been lost to the State. She stressed that these recoveries would also include to prosecutions. President of ICAG, Ms. Sena Dake, congratulated COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah on the stellar work so far achieved under her leadership. She reiterated the continuous support of the Institute in consonance with the mandate of the Office and in safe-guarding the financial resources of the State in the light of the recent turbulent financial environment. In all, both parties agreed that the visit was a step in the right direction that sets the tone for these high level activities’ commencement at the start of the year. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Mr Evans Amankwah, Counsel for the Suame National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth organizer, Razak Avoliya who has been arrested for allegedly inciting violence ahead of the 2024 general elections, has said the ERazak meant whatever he said which has resulted in his arrest. The Police arrested suspect Razak Avoliya following an investigation into a viral video in which he allegedly incited political violence ahead of the next general elections. The suspect is in Police custody and is expected to be put before court today Thursday, February 9 to face justice. Razak reported himself to the Central Police Command in Kumasi in the company of his lawyer, some regional party executives, and sympathizers. His lawyer told journalists on Wednesday, February 8 that “They charged him with offensive conduct and we were to go to court but unfortunately, after the statement, we realized that time has far been spent so we agreed to go to court [Thursday]. “We will cooperate with the law, we are not perturbed about the detention of our brother here, he will be in the cell till [Thursday]. He is not worried, he meant what he said, he is not in any way perturbed about it but he has no intention of destabilizing the peace of this nation, that is not his intention. “He was encouraging the people of Suame constituency to fortify themselves in the 2024 elections because anything can happen, for that matter, they should be prepared to defend themselves, that is exactly what he said. So anything apart from that is a misinterpretation of his words in the video.” Credit: 3news.com

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said he is not afraid to be imprisoned. “Let the cowardly forces of tyranny be told that I am not one to be frightened with imprisonment. “I am ever ready to be a political prisoner of conscience than to be forced and compromised to a behind the scene deal with the corrosive enemies of the Republic,” he tweeted. The Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, filed a motion, praying the court to commit Mr Ablakwa to prison for his conduct. The MP had kicked a writ meant to be served on him by a court bailiff on Friday, February 3. He had given the pretext that he was on his way to Parliament when the bailiff approached him at the forecourt of Accra-based Metro TV to be served Rev Kusi Boateng’s writ. The writ was to restrain the lawmaker from further making pronouncements on the clergyman’s case of double identity because the matter was before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The latest motion is to draw the attention of the court over a possible contempt case against the lawmaker. “When the Bailiff of this Honourable Court reminded the Respondent that Parliament was in recess, the Respondent then claimed that he was on his way to a meeting of one of the committees of Parliament, an allegation which has since turned out to be a falsehood told by the Respondent merely to evade service of the court processes on him. “I am informed by my Counsel and verily believe same to be true that the immunities available to members of Parliament from being served personally with court processes can only be invoked when that member of Parliament is either on his way to or way from Parliamentary proceedings or activities; an immunity which the Respondent could not have invoked on the 3rd of February 2023 because the Parliament of Ghana was on recess at that time. “. . .dissatisfied with the excuses that the Respondent was giving to evade service of Exhibits VKB1 and VKB2, the Court Officer proceeded to discharge his statutory duty of serving court processes personally on the Respondent by leaving the processes as close as possible to the Respondent.” It was after this that the MP kicked the documents on the floor and drove off. Rev Kusi Boateng, also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, prayed thus: “I am informed by my Counsel and verily believe same to be true that this Honourable Court has the power to commit the Respondent to prison for his conduct to protect the whole administration of justice and serve as a deterrent to other persons.” Credit: 3news.com