The founder of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama has offered to pay for the treatment of Ningwie Leonard Lanyeli, a former contestant of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) who is currently suffering from bipolar disorder. Ibrahim Mahama and Ningwie Leonard LanyeliHis dream of pursuing medicine was cut short after he suffered from mental illness. Mahama after hearing the sad news of the young man also offered to see Leonard to complete his medical programme and to support his study abroad. Ibrahim Mahama's aide, Rafik Mahama in a Facebook post said "On behalf of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, I contacted Nurudeeni and the family of Leonard led by Eugene. I contacted them last Saturday and earlier today (February 6). Leonard'll receive the best medical treatment. After the treatment, he'll complete the remaining two years of the six years programme at KNUST and subsequent post-graduate studies either in Ghana or abroad. He’ll be given the best of all the support he needs." Leonard attended and completed the Ganaa Memorial Junior High School, emerging as the best-performing student with an aggregate of 8. He furthered his education at St. Francis Xavier Senior High School to pursue General Science as a course. He earned the name 'Dr. Ningwie Leonard Lanyeli' from his open ambition to become a medical doctor. With this ambition, he pushed to score 6 As in his WASSCE exams and B2, B3, and B2 in biology, English, and social studies respectively, in 2007. Not only did his final results show his academic prospects, but his participation in the NSMQ quiz in 2007. The 33-year-old gained admission to the University of Cape Coast to read medicine but he was thwarted because his parents could not afford the high tuition at the time. He later gained admission at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to study as a doctor of optometry. He told JoyNews that "I gained admission to read medicine at the University of Cape Coast at the cost of GH¢4,100 a year and my father was a teacher who couldn't afford to pay the fees, so I opted to read optometry at KNUST." One of his senior schoolmates of Leonard, Emmanuel Belig, now a Pharmacist at the Wa regional Medical stores said "Back at St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, he [Leonard] used to say there must be a 'Dr' attached to his name. So we called him 'Dr'.Leonard said during his first four years at KNUST, he performed well until he had mental health issues.His 60-year-old mother, Ninwie Gladys said one of Leonard's university friends took him to his home town and he returned with the condition" She stated that "I had a hint that a friend at the university took Leo to his home town and he came back with this condition. "Leonard said he was forced to take a break from his university studies in order to seek medical attention at the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital in 2013, adding that the doctors then diagnosed him with bipolar disorder." "There is a certificate hanging in that empty room that shows that I still hold the record as the winner of spelling in Pantang Hospital when I took part in a quiz contest during my stay to get medical health. I tell people I am sensible and can teach a crowd," Leonard narrated. He indicated that he later returned to the university in 2014 after a successful rehabilitation and was performing well but his stay there was short. Ninwie Gladys said the father of Leonard died on August 13, 2011. A former biology tutor at St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary, Situs Bayaa described him as intelligent and could have been one of the best Scientists or medical doctors in Ghana if he didn't suffer the medical condition. But Leonard said if he gets another opportunity, he would go back to school again but "I just want a simple course – community health nursing or teachers training college so that I can help my colleagues. I really know how to help." His family and friends believe he was born great, and if he receives immediate intervention, he'll do great in life. Credit: Pulse GH

About 40 students of the Ejuraman Senior High School in the Ashanti Region have sustained varying degrees of injuries following the collapse of a makeshift structure serving as a dining hall. The incident according to a report by Myjoyonline.com occurred on Monday, February 6, 2023, after a rainfall. The collapse of the structure resulted in five of the students suffering multiple fractures. The five according to the report are currently in intensive care. The Ejura-Sekyeredumasi Municipal Fire Commander, Isaac Adu Yaw, suspects that the structure collapsed due to weakness brought about by torrential rains recorded in the area last Friday. “To avoid any interference over there we have cordoned the place. We don’t want anyone to go there until further investigations to find the cause of the disaster and make recommendations. But so far we have recorded 40 people who have been injured.“ Five of them have had multiple fractures and are receiving intensive care treatment. The injuries of the 35 are being managed, so everything is under control. “The health workers are doing their utmost best to ensure everyone is safe,” he said. Source: www.ghanaweb.com

News coming in indicates that Ghanaian winger, Christian Atsu has been found and taken to the hospital. Ghanaian Sports Journalist, Saddick Adams took to his Facebook page to announce the news. He posted "I’m still in contact with Christian Atsu’s management. A teammate of Atsu has confirmed to them, the player has been found and taken to the hospital" He added that an official statement from his club is expected soon. "Prayers still with him and everyone. Trust God he is safe 🙏" See post below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Spokesman for Hatayspor football club, Mustafa Özat has revealed that the search and rescue teams have not been able to reach out to Ghana’s winger, Christian Atsu and Director, Taner Savut. According to him, the building which housed the Ghanaian international was completely destroyed. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said “We were also unable to contact Christian Atsu. His building was completely destroyed; let's see what happens next.” “We know our Sports Director Taner Savut is under the rubble, we have not been able to reach him.” 🇬🇭 #earthquakeinturkey Below is a tweet: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A source close to Thinknewsonline.com has revealed that winger of the Senior National Team, Black Stars, Christian Atsu was on the 9th floor with some team mates and two (2) before the earthquake which occurred in Turkey happened. According to the source, three (3) players and one official have been rescued so far. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it read "I’m told Christian Atsu was on the 9th floor of the collapsed building with 9 other players and 2 officials." "3 players and one official have been rescued. One of the rescued players was on the first floor" It is emergig that officials of the club are at the site as search continues. "Our brother will be out safe. Insha Allah. Keep praying. Trust 🤲🏻" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that Chelsea has put former Spain boss Luis Enrique on standby. Sources say, Chelsea will be willing to appoint him if they choose to replace current boss Graham Potter. More soon..... Source: Fichajes

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has predicted that prices of fuel at the pump will significantly reduce from March due to the gold for oil scheme introduced by the government. The gold for oil policy is expected to change Ghana’s balance of payments position fundamentally and significantly reduce the persistent depreciation of the cedi. Speaking in an interview with Kwaku Nhyira-Addo on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (6 February), the head of communication at the NPA, Abdul Kudus Mohammed said already the programme is having positive impact on prices at the pump. "We are hoping that the supply of consignment under the programme will gradually increase as we go ahead, and our projection is that by March, we would have been having about 50% of the supply of both petrol and diesel in the market coming under the programme,” Mohammed said. "And holding all other things constant, we are hoping to then see a bigger and a more serious impact of the whole programme from then,” he said. “But as indicated, the effect has already started trickling in and some OMCs have indicated it.” Demand for forex In November 2022, the government announced plans to use gold to buy imported oil products. "The demand for foreign exchange by oil importers in the face of dwindling foreign exchange reserves results in the depreciation of the cedi and increases in the cost of living with higher prices for fuel, transportation, utilities, etc.“ "To address this challenge, the government is negotiating a new policy regime where our gold (rather than our US dollar reserves) will be used to buy oil products. The barter of sustainably mined gold for oil is one of the most important economic policy changes in Ghana since independence,” Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia wrote on Facebook. Credi: Asaase Radio

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has welcomed Ghana as the newest Member State to join its international mission to realize digital prosperity for all. Ghana becomes the 12th nation to ascend to the DCO, an international organization that was founded to support countries to build their digital economies as an essential driver of sustainable growth and development. A statement from DCO said “Ghana is well–established as a leader in utilizing the power of communications and digital technologies to support economic growth, adding that Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to launch a cellular mobile network in 1992, and one of the first countries in Africa to be connected to the internet and to introduce ADSL broadband services. “Ghana is also a leader in digital payments and mobile money, with the second-highest data penetration rate and fastest-growing mobile money market in sub–Saharan Africa which has greatly enhanced financial inclusion,” the statement also noted. As the newest member of the DCO therefore, Ghana will now bring its rich experience and expertise to share with the other Member States. Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful commented on the announcement, saying, “Ghana shares the DCO’s vision of using technology to create opportunities for economic diversity and growth, and to empower our people, especially the youth, through digital and financial inclusion. We look forward to working with our fellow DCO Member States and DCO Observers to share our experience and collaborate in the fields of e-government, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, and to foster investment in Ghana with member states.” Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Republic of Ghana to the DCO. Ghana is one of the leaders among African nations in adopting new technology and in the wise use of policies, such as its Digital Finance Policy, that support new areas of development and bring positive benefits to the community. The DCO was created to encourage knowledge sharing and exchange for the good of all nations, and I believe that Ghana has many lessons to share with the DCO and our ecosystem of nations.” The DCO, which focuses on digital economy initiatives supporting youth, startup entrepreneurs, and women, now has 12 member states with a combined GDP of over USD 2 trillion and a population of nearly 600 million. With 70 percent of future economic growth set to be digital, DCO member states provide a valuable market opportunity to investors and entrepreneurs alike. About DCO The DCO is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020 that aims to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy. The DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and IT of 12 nations – Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, Ghana, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. – that collectively represent nearly $2 trillion in GDP and a market of nearly 600 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35. The DCO is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity. Through cooperation, dialogue, and the creation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation, we seek to establish within our member nations the optimal infrastructure and policies for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses, and societies can innovate and thrive. In pursuit of our members’ common interests - for example, in the areas of digital skills training, data protection, intellectual copyright, regulation, taxation, and entrepreneurship - DCO works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of digital industries. The DCO’s key initiatives include programs to enhance cross-border data flows, promote market expansion for SMEs, empower digital entrepreneurs and advance digital inclusion among women and youth, and other underrepresented populations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that search and rescue teams have been dispatched to look for former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu and Hatayspor Director, Taner Savut following an earthquake which occurred in Turkey. According to sources, Christian Atsu and Director, Taner Savut have been left under the rubble after the earthquake. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "Hatayspor forward, Christian Atsu and Director, Tamerton Savut have been left under the rubble after the earthquake in Turkey" "Search and rescue teams are looking for them now, reports @yagasabuncuoglu". Background A 7.8-magnitude earthquake has shaken Turkey and Syria, killing at least 568 people, according to authorities. The quake was centred in the town of Pazarcik in Kahramanmaras province, about 20 miles from the city of Gaziantep, at a depth of six miles and there were several powerful aftershocks. Several buildings have been destroyed as people gathered outside on snowy streets in Pazarcik, according to images on state broadcaster TRT. Rescue workers and residents using flashlights were searching through piles of tangled metal and concrete rubble in one of the stricken cities. “I have never felt anything like it in the 40 years I’ve lived,” said Erdem, a resident of Gaziantep. “We were shaken at least three times very strongly, like a baby in a crib.” The governor of Osmaniye province said at least 34 buildings had collapsed due to the quake while the governor of Malatya said 130 had fallen down in his province. Below is a tweet: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake has shaken Turkey and Syria, killing at least 568 people, according to authorities. The quake was centred in the town of Pazarcik in Kahramanmaras province, about 20 miles from the city of Gaziantep, at a depth of six miles and there were several powerful aftershocks. Several buildings have been destroyed as people gathered outside on snowy streets in Pazarcik, according to images on state broadcaster TRT. Rescue workers and residents using flashlights were searching through piles of tangled metal and concrete rubble in one of the stricken cities. “I have never felt anything like it in the 40 years I’ve lived,” said Erdem, a resident of Gaziantep. “We were shaken at least three times very strongly, like a baby in a crib.” The governor of Osmaniye province said at least 34 buildings had collapsed due to the quake while the governor of Malatya said 130 had fallen down in his province. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that “search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched” to the areas hit by the quake. “We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage,” he wrote. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said: “Our priority is to bring out people trapped under ruined buildings and to transfer them to hospitals.” Several buildings tumbled down in the neighbouring provinces of Malatya and Diyarbakir, HaberTurk television reported. There were no immediate reports on casualties. A strong 6.7 aftershock rumbled about 10 minutes later. ‘We are under extreme pressure’ On the Syrian side of the border, the quake smashed opposition-held regions that are packed with several million displaced Syrians with a decrepit health care system after years of war. At least 11 were killed in one town, Atmeh, and many more were buried in the rubble, a doctor in the town, Muheeb Qaddour, told The Associated Press by telephone. “We fear that the deaths are in the hundreds,” Dr Qaddour said, referring to the rebel-held northwest. “We are under extreme pressure.” Syria’s state media reported that some buildings collapsed in the northern city of Aleppo and the central city of Hama. In the northwest of the country, the opposition’s Syrian Civil Defence described the situation in the rebel-held region as “disastrous”, adding that entire buildings have collapsed and people are trapped under the rubble. The civil defence urged people to evacuate buildings and to gather in open areas. Tremors felt as far as Egypt In Beirut and Damascus, there were reports of buildings shaking and people gathering on the streets in fear. There have so far been no reports of fatalities or serious damage Egypt, Lebanon, or Cyprus, where the quake was also felt. The United States was “profoundly concerned” about the quake in Turkey and Syria and was monitoring events closely, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Twitter. “I have been in touch with Turkish officials to relay that we stand ready to provide any and all needed assistance,” he said. Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Credit: Aladdyn King

The Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) has signed a project agreement for the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant(Train 2). The ceremony was held on February 3 at the Gas House Forecourt in Accra. The Gas Processing Plant will have a capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) and can be expanded to 300 MMscfd to process incremental raw gas volumes from the Jubilee and TEN fields. The project will create 1,500 direct and indirect jobs for people in the company's operational areas. Speaking at the ceremony, Board Chairman of GNGC, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong,stated that the project will improve the operations of GNGC and support government's industrialization agenda. Dr. Ben Asante,CEO of GNGC, stated that the project will transform the company into a fully integrated gas services provider and secure a reliable supply of gas and derivatives in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Dr. Asante reiterated that the project will help achieve the company’s vision of supplying gas at a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Andrew Agyapa Mercer, emphasized that the project will support government's efforts in providing alternative power sources for socio-economic development. Dr. Hilton John Mitchell, CEO of Jonmoore,spoke on behalf of the joint venture partners, expressing their commitment to delivering the gas processing plant on schedule and cost-effectively. Below are some pictures: Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

Despite Media presenter, Abeiku Santana has been tagged as an emotional journalist after blocking Deloris Frimpong Manso (Delay) over some light banter. Abeiku has been trending for well over 24 hours at this point for one reason and one reason only – his behaviour during his boss Osei Kwame Despite’s birthday. Abeiku has turned himself into the greatest a** kisser of all time (GOAT) trying to curry favour from Despite. The problem is that Despite doesn’t seem to care very much for him. Santana was trolled after Despite snubbed his offer of an handshake and later, chopped more trolling after forcing the handshake out of Despite but then being shuffled aside for Despite to take a photo with his rich friends. It appears Delay got in a bit on the action of trolling Abeiku and Santana didn’t like it. Abiku blocked Delay and the bemused presenter posted a screenshot of it. Delay captioned it: “But I haven’t don’t anything oo,” Check out Delay’s hilarious reaction to being blocked by Abeiku below… Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com