Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says Government will not only meet the human resource needs of the various security services in the country but also provide them with logistics to ensure peak performance. The Vice made this known at the Graduation Parade for Cadet Course Intake 30 of the Ghana Prisons Service at the Prisons Training School in Accra on Monday. The Vice President said "Government will continue to meet not only the human resource needs of the Services, but will also strive to provide the tools, logistics and other essentials required to ensure peak performance" He also charged the Cadet Course Intake 30 not to let their guard down but ensure to protect the country. The Vice President played the role of a Review Officer at the ceremony. The 203 officers were the last cohort of six batches, for a total of 2,000 personnel, recruited into the Prisons Service. This is part of measures by Government to boost the capacity of the Service to deliver on its mandate. The other security agencies have seen a similar boost in numbers since 2017. Some officers were awarded for their excellent performance. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana says it has agreed to extend the expiration date for the domestic debt exchange to 30th December 2022. This, according to the Finance Minister, is to allow for key concerns raised by stakeholders to be accommodated in some form. In a virtual address to the nation on the economy on Monday, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta said "The launch of the debt exchange programme, coupled with the signing of the Staff Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund, have aided our stability efforts and have in particular contributed significantly to the rebound of our currency" "While accommodating the inputs of stakeholders, we must do all we can to sustain the gains of these initiatives keeping in sight the urgency of obtaining IMF Board approval in Q1 2023. The cost of this not succeeding will be too huge for our economy" The Finance Minister also urged Parliament to support in getting the Appropriations Bill for the 2023 Fiscal Year passed. "We also urge Parliament to support in particular new revenue measures outlined in the 2023 budget which aim to improve revenue mobilization. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2022" "Our 'end game' as a government has always been to achieve a Ghana Beyond Aid- a Wealthy, Inclusive, Sustainable, Empowered, and Resilient society (a WISER Ghana)" He noted that the necessary pre-condition for this is a stable macroeconomic environment. He stressed that the ensuing years will focus on building an entrepreneurial and export driven economy as Ghana grow the economy to protect and create jobs, tackle inflation, and strengthen the currency. He hinted that importation of food should soon be a thing of the past. "We cannot afford to lose this essence of forward momentum for our economy as we navigate toward stability, predictability and growth" The Minister added that 2023 must be Ghana's comeback year. "A year in which we put in place stronger foundations that would allow us to change our country for the better and in a way that is enduring, inclusive and transformational" "We all have a role to play. And I urge us all to work together with the Government and support the various interventions being implemented to kick-start our recovery in a determined, bold and courageous way!" "Above all, I urge us all to maintain an unshakeable sense of optimism about Ghana in the days and years ahead. Indeed, “the LORD is the Lifter of our heads” (Psalm 3:4), as we all witness a new confidence in our currency and the prospects of the certainty of an IMF Board approval of our Staff Level Agreement" The Minister also revealed that Government has continued to dialogue extensively with various stakeholders including regulators and representatives across the Pensions, Banking, Asset Management, and Insurance Sectors. "We have discussed with them the rationale behind the domestic debt exchange programme, understood their perspectives and taken their feedback. Ultimately, confidence and the active participation of all stakeholders are the essential elements for the success of this debt exchange programme" Ken Ofori-Atta noted that government is committed to laying out a path toward attaining debt sustainability informed by sound technical analysis and broad stakeholder engagement. "Following the launch and as part of the broader macroeconomic and structural reforms, the IMF and Government signed off a Staff-Level Agreement on 13th December, 2022 for a US3 billion Extended Credit Facility" He hinted that government’s engagement with the IMF is anchored on the Post Covid Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, for a stronger and inclusive recovery. "So far, we have all witnessed the gains of the Cedi over the past week, as well as the attainment of this Staff Level Agreement in near record time. These are results of our collective efforts. As 1 Samuel 30:19 says, “Nothing was missing, great or small.” We must and we will, collectively recover all" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana Musician, Gregory Bortey Newman known in showbiz as King Promise has revealed that he was not invited to Criss Waddle's star-studded concert. King Promise made this known while interacting with an Accra-based radio station. He said "I wasn't invited to Criss Waddle's concert" He added that even if he was, he had other equally important engagements. "But I heard the event went well and I am happy it did". It will be recalled that Criss Waddle, a member of the AMG music group held a star-studded concert over the weekend. Criss Waddle on his Snapchat a day after the event expressed disappointment in King Promise and R2bees for failing to hour his invitation. Below is a picture: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Criss Waddle has publicly called out R2bess and King Promise for turning their backs on him by falling to grace his star-dubbed concert in December. The rapper expressing his disappointment in Mugeez and Paedae (Omar Sterling), members of R2bees, took to his Snapchat stories to question why they turned up for Gyakie's show but boycotted his concert despite their assurance of coming to support him on December 17. "So yesterday R2bees go Gyakie en show them no come amg connect concert," Criss Waddle wrote on Snapchat. Disappointed by their unexplained act, Waddle listed the number of times he has promoted the works of the Tema artistes and his dedication to promoting their music. "For 20 years I have served, worshiped, promoted and stayed loyal to R2bees, from camp yard days, long before paedae reformed it to R2bees, the kinda pain and insults I've received for that 20 years. only jah knows," a separate post read. According to Waddle, the management of King Promise has continuously turned down his request for a collaboration. Also, sound engineer, Killbeatz was not left out of the 'name and shame' rants made by Waddle on December 18. Now I understand why me and king promise our song never happen G @kilbeatz ghl dier you tomorrow way I go talk my matter."@ohene faruku u still Dey manage king promise?so u watch promise go perform for Gyakie en show under way u no fit tell am say bro make we pass Waddle and mekidal their show under for 5 minutes them too be family?" Check out the posts below: Source: Ghanaweb

The Government of Ghana has today announced the suspension of all debt service payments under certain categories of its external debt, pending an orderly restructuring of the affected obligations. According to government, the suspension will include the payments on Eurobonds commercial term loans; and on most of our bilateral debt. In a statement signed by the Ministry of Finance, it said "This suspension will not include the payments of our multilateral debt, new debts (whether multilateral or otherwise) contracted after 19th December 2022 or debts related to certain short term trade facilities" "We are also evaluating certain specific debts related to projects with the highest socio-economic impact for Ghana which may have to be excluded. This suspension is an interim emergency measure pending future agreements with all relevant creditors" However, Government says it stands ready to engage in discussions with all of its external creditors to make Ghana’s debt sustainable through a fair, transparent and comprehensive debt restructuring exercise in line with international best practices. The Ministry of Finance added that it will hold an investor presentation at a date to be announced at a later stage. "Ghana is today faced with major economic and financial crisis, and its attendant social challenges. In 2020 and 2021, the covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted our fiscal and economic situation. Global risk aversion triggered large capital outflows, a loss of external market access and rising domestic borrowing costs" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

An Abuja-based woman has put up an advert seeking for a man to impregnate her. The woman said she’s looking for a fine handsome man to impregnate her and has mouthwatering offers for him. Social media influencer Uwaoma Susan Joseph shared the woman’s request on Facebook with her identity undisclosed. Susan’s post reads:“Suzy please post for me.“I need a man that will impregnate me ,handsome and cute..“ "He will be blindfolded, he gets in and make love to me and I take in, he will come at my unsafe time, after which I’ll pay him off ,the blindfolding is so he won’t come looking for me and the child after" "I’ll lodge him till I confirm I’m pregnant then he can leave. My location is Abuja all expenses on me .“Please hide my ID. She said pay is 3 Million.” Source: Michael Agyapong Agyapa

Versatile Hip Life, Hip Hop, and Afro Pop recording artist, William Kojo Johnson is simply known as Stay Jay has advised the his fans to desist accepting open noted drinks from anyone this Christmas. The Artist took to his Facebook page to advise his fans. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he posted "No matter how thirsty you are , please do not accept an open bottle from anyone this Christmas…Stay Safe 🙌🏿❤️✊🏿 #OluwaDey #HighStark" Below is a screenshot of his post: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive of the Bui Power Authority, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree Award at Global Excellence Leader's Awards Night in Accra. The CEO of Bui Power Authority walked away with a Doctor in Professional Studies in Engineering Management (Honoris Causa). The award comes following Mr. Dzamesi's diligence and excellence in Leadership and Engineering in Ghana which has also impacted the Ghanaian economy and society positively. The award was bestowed on him by the Azteca University from Mexico. The Awards night is currently underway at the Marriot Hotel in Accra. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com, Mr. Dzamesi who could not hide his joy thanked God and Azteca University for honoring him. "I am grateful for today but I want to challenge all make education their topmost priorityand also strive for excellence in their various fields" He was confident that with hardworking and discipline, success will always be achieved. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has sent a strong warning to the general public to mask up and observe all covid-19 protocols where necessary as it suspects a possible surge in cases as the yuletide approaches. According to the GHS, the call comes following the arrival of international travellers from covid affected countries into Ghana. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Sunday, Director-General of Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said "A surge in COVID-19 among international arrivals is expected largely dues to an anticipated increase in number of arrivals. Increase in global travel with the associated risks of disease transmission, similar experience during past Christmas season and possible emergence of new strain of concern" Dr. Kuma-Aboagye added that increased activities in-coubtry is also likely to contribute to a possible surge. He added that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service will continue to implement the protocols on international travels as currently exists. He also revealed that increase ld surveillance and monitoring of new strains and persons returning from countries of concern pose as a great threat. Preparations for Christmas Season "Reinforcement of response to the anticipated surge, areas of interest in the plan included while there are provision of more reagents for testing likewise strengthening of risk communications on vaccination and protocols are part of the preparations for Christmas season. The Director-General disclosed that there are ongoing engagement with the various Religious Organisations on the need to observe the necessary protocols. He also mentioned that there are ongoing vaccination campaigns across the country. Churches, Mosques and other Religious Venues The Ghana Health Service says it is appealing to all worshippers to mask up at all times during worship. It added that persons using shared microphones are encouraged to ensure that masks are on all the time. He charged the churches, mosques and other religious venues to provide hand hygiene facilities for its members. "Social distancing must be practiced where possible as well as cough etiquette" Night Clubs Night clubs, he noted, must avoid overcrowding of its patrons adding that most of its activities should be done in the open to avoid transmission. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 10th National Delegates’ Congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was held on Saturday, December 17 at the Accra Sports Stadium. After hours of voting, the following emerged victorious: National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia Vice Chairmen Awudu Sofo Azourka – 1st Vice Chair Dr Sherry Ayittey – 2nd Vice Chair Yakubu Abanga Alhassan – 3rd Vice Chair General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey Deputy General Secretary Barbara Serwaa Asamoah Gbande Foyo Mustapha National Organiser Joseph Yammin Deputy National Organisers Kobby Barlon Elikem Kotoko National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi – Unopposed Deputy National Communications Officers Malik Basintale Godwin Ako Gunn National Zongo Caucus Coordinator Mamah Cole Younger NEC Members Wonder Victor Kutor Araba Tagoe Cecilia Asaga Victoria Kuma-Mintah Ephraim Nii Tan Sackey National Women’s Organiser Hannah Louisa Bissiw National Youth Organiser George Opare Addo Credit: 3news.com

Johnson Asiedu Nketia is the Chairman-elect of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The 65-year-old politician secured 65.17% of the votes to eliminate competition at the ongoing 2022 National Delegates Congress of the Party. This is the outcome of the elections held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, December 17, 2022. This is, however, not good news for the incumbent, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo who had vowed to emerge victor ahead of the congress. Mr Ofosu Ampofo got 33.81% of the votes. Popularly known as General Mosquito, Mr Asiedu Nketia relinquished his 17-year reign as the NDC’s General Secretary to run for the Chairmanship role. About an hour to the end of the collation, Mr Ofosu Ampofo was spotted leaving the stadium in his vehicle. Ahead of the polls, the General Secretary bade farewell to his members and urged all to forgive any transgressions that may have emanated from his office while serving as the chief scribe. “Those I’ve offended, may the Lord touch your hearts to forgive me. The credit I have made so far is shared and attributed to the footsoldiers of this party,” the party firebrand said on Saturday. The others in the chairmanship race also include Samuel Yaw Adusei and Nii Armah Ashietey. They secured 0.61% and 0.44% votes respectively at the eld of the polls. Meanwhile, former Ketu South NDC MP Fifi Fiavi Kwetey will take over from Johnson Asiedu Nketia as General Secretary following a resounding victory at the party’s 10th National Delegates conference on Saturday. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the Tamale South Deputy Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Farouk has died. Sources gave revealed that the Tamale South Deputy Communications Director died after arriving in Accra on Friday Accordingto sources, he gave up the ghost after suffering a short illness. Explaining further, Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor said “Alhaji Farouk arrived in Accra on Friday but he had health issues and was sent to the hospital but unfortunately we lost him,” Nearly 10,000 delegates are expected to cast their ballot to elect national officers as part of the party’s preparations for the 2024 general elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith