The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) has began the distribution of some one hundred thousand (100,000) exercise books to basic schools in the Savannah and Northern Regions. About 54 basic schools in all are expected to benefit from the gesture in the two regions. Buipe D/A Primary School in the Central Gonja district of the Savannah Region was the first to receive the books and a digital projector to enable effective teaching and learning. The donation is accordance with the sustainable development goal 4 which talks about quality education for all by 2030. Some children drop out of school mostly in rural communities due to lack of learning materials to help in their studies. The Corporate Responsibility Officer of BOST, Mr. Yaw Antwi Dadzie, who did the presentation on Tuesday (January 17, 2023) told journalists in an interview that the gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to the communities. He mentioned that  about 19,000 school children from the 54 schools expected to benefit  from the donation. Mr. Antwi stressed that the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company was committed to help improve the standard and quality of education in their operational areas. "BOST is committed to promote quality teaching and lerning  in our operational communities” he emphasized. For his part, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Salifu Natogmah,  disclosed the company has over the years fully sponsored several brilliant but needy students within their operational areas to further their education in engineering. Paramount Chief of the Buipe traditional area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II in his remarks when the BOST officials paid a courtesy call on him said education was the best investment one could bequeath to a child and further thanked the company for the gesture. He added the donation was timely as schools were reopening and parents are expected to provide learning materials for their wards to begin the new academic calendar. Headmistress of the Buipe D/A primary school, Madam Abiba Yakubu commended BOST for the donations. According to her, the donation has come at the right time since some parents were struggling to buy books for their wards. Madam Abiba said the donation would go along to motivate the students to put up their best in class. Credit: The Custodian

The fight against illegal Mining is about getting more intensive and rigorous as government teams up with the Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Air Force (Western Command) to repair some specialized Aircrafts which will undertake Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognizance (ISR) Survey of illegal mining areas. The three Aircrafts, according to the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, Hon. George Mireku have been out of service since 2014 but repair works estimated to cost 700,000 Euros are set to commence on them to get them back into service help fight the illegal mining menace. Addressing the press after an inspection of the Aircrafts at the Takoradi Airforce Base on Friday, January 20, 2022 Hon. George Mireku Duker explained that the committee will submit a report to both the Sector Minister and the Chamber of Mines. He elucidated that the works on the Aircrafts which is expected to last six months will be funded by the Ghana Chamber of Mines. He also highlighted three important element of the aircraft which informed government’s decision to take the cost-effective route of undertaking repairing works instead of purchasing new equipment which will serve the same purpose. “This is an effort we are making to clampdown on recalcitrants who are still determined to destroy our industry. We want to streamline and regulate activities in the mining sector”, he said. “We believe that it is cost-effective compared to procuring drones and other equipment. Though drones may have their efficiencies, this could be in the air for hours without being noticed and collect evidence that can be used in the court of law”, he added. The servicing works on the Aircrafts will see the replacement of crashes, hard drives, outdated softwares and Engines among others. Hon. Mireku Duker commended the Chamber of Mines for their immeasurable and patriotic effort towards the fight against illegal mining. He also praised the Ghana Armed Forces for the support they are providing as far as the galamsey fight is concerned. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two persons are reportedly dead after a speeding vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on the Offinso-Kodie road in the Ashanti Region. The accident occurred Friday dawn when a Yutong bus with registration number AW-621-17 rammed into a DAF cargo truck with registration number AS-1756-X which had broken down along the road at Denase. The driver’s mate, and a male passenger according to reports died on the spot. The Yutong bus was travelling from Zebila when the accident occurred. Police from Kodie in the Afigya-Kwabre South district rushed to the scene to control traffic. The injured victims have been rushed to hospital for medical attention. Credit: Starrfm

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has reiterated his support for the construction of the National Cathedral. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-AttaHe said though the construction of the cathedral has become controversial, it is important for it to be built. n an interview with Joy News, Mr. Ofori-Atta said the government has to find a way for the project to be completed. "The National Cathedral has become an inflammatory topic…I believe in authenticity of spirituality in what we do but that’s me personally and we need to find a way to make sure that the cathedral gets built…” “… outside of the government, we shall find a way to get around that,” the minister said in an interview with George Wiafe on the PM Express Business Edition on Joy News. Relatedly, Reverend Joyce Aryee, a Trustee of the Cathedral has said that the board of the cathedral does not know how much money the government has invested in the project. According to her, the trustees were assigned to raise funds while the government will also support them with other stuff to build the cathedral. In an interview on Citi News, Dr. Aryee said "I'm still looking for it, I think that’s the question we need to go and ask–Since the state said it will give us seed money, what percentage is it giving? …No, we were not told, we were just told seed money, and we have relied on the seed money the government will find from time to time. We have not been told the exact amount the seed money is." She indicated that the government never budgeted to finance the project with the state cash. "The project was never meant to be fully financed by the state and when we were called, that is what we were told. The state will do certain things and we the members of the board were to make sure that we raise the money to build the Cathedral. It was never meant to be fully financed by the state," she stressed. Her reactions come after Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, leader of Lighthouse Chapel International disclosed how he was sidelined as a trustee of the National Cathedral. Credit: Pulse Ghana

The Christian Council of Ghana has urged the government to handover the construction of the National Cathedral to the church. The general secretary of the Christian Council Rev Cyril Fayose argues this will avoid the unnecessary politicisation of the project. The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had earlier petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate issues of conflict of interest surrounding the cathedral project. Speaking in an interview with Asaase News, Fayose said the church is better positioned to manage and complete the national project. "My understanding from the beginning is that it was the responsibility of the church to build this cathedral, except that along the line all things came into play, and we realised government was pumping a lot of money into it.“ "My candid opinion at this point is that we should revert to the original idea of the churches building the house of God, I think we should revert to that idea and leave out the state,” he said. “If it is a church project, it is not affected by changes in government,” he said. "So, we can take as long as possible to build this cathedral, and I believe the church in Ghana is so strong that we can build this cathedral.” Credit: Asaase Radio

Former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah is looking forward to a third stint with the national team and has applied for the head coach position, according to multiple reports. The former Asante Kotoko captain has been in charge of the four time African champions on two occasions and was recently relieved off his duties in December 2019 after his contract expiration by the Ghana FA. With the Black Stars head coach position vacant following Otto Addo’s resignation at the World Cup, the 62-year-old has applied for the job. Speaking in an earlier interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, Coach James Kwesi Appiah said regardless of the past, he will agree to coach the Black Stars if he is contacted for the job. “The fact that I have not come out to say I have stopped coaching if the opportunity comes and I can help why not. “Once coaching is my destiny if I’m approached and I can help why not,” Coach Kwesi Appiah disclosed. Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has disclosed that the Ghana FA will submit it on the appointment of a new coach by next week. “The country should be rest assured that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is working to ensure that we get a replacement for Coach Otto Addo,” Mustapha told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament Credit: Aladdynking.com

New Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. David Wilfred Ochan has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese A. A. Darko in Accra. It is emerging that discussions centred around strengthening collaboration between FDA Ghana and UNFPA. The meeting was held at the headoffice of the FDA. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tolon Constituency, Habib Iddrisu has denied claims he donated giant ludo to his constituents. The image of some youth posing behind the Ludo with various captions has gone viral on social media suggesting the lawmaker had donated them as part of youth empowerment. Tolon Constituency Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Dr. Seidu Fiter first posted the image with the caption "Some constituency executives of the NPP in Tolon donates two “giant” ludo’s to a youth group in Zantani, indeed all our problems are solved! Subsequently, others shared the same image and drew in the MP saying “NPP MP for Tolon Constituency donates Ludo to support youth development. The youth leaders thanked the MP for donating something that will go a long way to improve their lives” But when reached for comments, Hon. Habib Iddrisu denied ever donating any Ludo to youth of Zantani which is one of the overseas communities in the constituency. “I went to Zantani to commission electricity, the area is an overseas community in my constituency and they are mostly farmers. My Youth Organizer gave them the Ludos upon their request. I had no idea those items were even delivered only for some NDC folks to try to make propaganda out of it”, he responded It would be recalled that some weeks ago, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu has hooked five deprived communities in the Tolon District of the Northern region to the national grid. The gesture he said was in fulfillment of a promise made to the communities when they made an appeal to him during one of his community engagements within the Tolon Constituency. He reiterated his resolve to ensure that most communities that are still without electricity are hooked in order to improve on the living standards of residents as well as enable students to study at night. The beneficiary communities include; Zantani, Gunsibong, Shaharu Kuraa and Naa Kuraa. Source: mynewsgh.com

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, George Mireku Duker will be cutting sod for the construction of an ultramodern Simpa AstroTurf for the people of Simpa Nkwantanan and its environments. The move by the Minister will not bring back the love for football among the youth in the locality but also serve as an avenue to unearth new talents. The Minister, who is a lover of football believes, building building AstroTurf will also attract sporting activities. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the AstroTurf when completed will be the third AstroTurf and only AstroTurf in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency all constructed by the MP. The sod-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday 21st January, 2023 at Simpa Nkwantanan. Simpa, a populated place is located in Ghana nearby to Supong, Nkwantanang, and Abene. It is also nearby Ajuafo and Abirem Odumasi. The latitude of Simpa is 6.23333, and the longitude is -1.06667 with the GPS coordinates of 06° 13′ 59.98″ N and 01° 04′ 00.01″ W. In other developments, works on the Tarkwa to Agona-Nkwanta 66KM road reconstruction project is ongoing. The reconstruction which is categorised as #Brownfield type is progressing steadily. In a Facebook sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the MP hinted that some phases of work such as Field Density Test, Widening of Existing Road Shoulders, Construction of Box Culverts and Filling of Road to Formation Level are ongoing. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Following its enforcement of regulations for 2023 and beyond, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned manufacturers, importers, exporters and the public against the manufacture, importation, exportation, distributon or exhibition for sale of its regulated products which have not been duly registered. According to FDA, as the country begins a new year, it wishes to assure the general public of its continuous commitment to safeguard public health and safety. In a release signed by ìts Chief Executive Officer, Delese Mimi Darko, she said "To this end, the Authority hereby reminds manufacturers, importers, exporters and the public that it is an offence under the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, to manufacture, prepare, import, export, distribute, sell, supply or exhibit for sale any of FDA’s regulated products namely-food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and household chemicals which have not been duly registered with the Authority" She added that media houses as well as social media influencers and celebrities who endorse products are to note that it is an offence under Section 100 of Act 851 to advertise any food as a preventive or cure for a disease, disorder, or an abnormal physical state. "Furthermore, drug advertisements for the treatment, prevention or cure of diseases listed in the Fifth Schedule of Act 851 such as sexually transmitted diseases, cancer, hypertension, sexual impotence etc are prohibited under law" She stressed that media presenters are to note that Live Presenter Mentions intended to advertise or promote any FDA regulated products are not allowed. "It is also to be noted that all approved advertisements are valid for one year and must be renewed thereafter" "Pursuant to Section 129 of Act 851, persons who contravene the above provisions are liable to a summary conviction and/or a fine of not less than 7500 penalty units and not more than fifteen thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than fifteen years and not more than twenty-five years or both". The Authority encourages the public to continue to take advantage of the Progressive Licensing Scheme to expand the scope and reach locally manufactured  products. The CEO also urged the public  to return any unused and expired medicines to designated pharmacies as part of the Take Back Unwanted Medicines project aimed at protecting public health and safety. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Musician, Black Sherif has pulled a big surprise at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital as he paid medical bills for some mothers who were unable to do so. According to the Artiste, the gesture was a way of showing love to the mothers who had delivered but were unable to foot the bills. He also gave out some food items and toiletries. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Entertainment Mogul, Papa Loggy has described Stonebwoy as one of the reasonable Ghanaian Artiste when it comes to fee charging for events. According to him, such kind gesture from Stonebwoy has not only earned the Artiste money but also lots of mileage. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, Papa Loggy said "If I come to you and I say, yo, hour fans miss you, let's do something that will project you, getting closer to the fans and make money out of that and also entertain the audience, and if you start giving me some prices that if I invest in a treasury bill, and I will make money more, I won’t risk it" "Of course but trust Stonebwoy is one Artiste that anyway, anyhow that guy calls me to do something for him, that I won't do, he is so reasonable. Look at the audience, do you know the kind of mileage he has gotten from this place and all the other places, they have gone to cheer him up" He added that the Bhim Nation Boss is always considerate when it comes to pricing. "The prices that Stonebwoy takes some of the organisers, other Artists don't do that and when it comes to the music, Stonebwoy has so many good songs" "When some Artists mention some prices, I go like come on yo, An A-list Artiste considering the organiser" "Stonebwoy was supposed to be in Europe for a show but when I approached him with these show, he told me, Loggy, let me cancel the France show. I will go and record a video with the Grammy award winner, and rush and come down here" Papa Loggy charged other Ghanaian Artists to emulate the style of Stonebwoy in order to be billed on shows. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith