Former Manchester United striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new mouth-watering two and a half year deal with Saudi club, Al-Nassr. The new deal is said to worth €200M per season. C. Ronaldo who is a free agent will begin playing from January 1, 2023. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA) has held the 38th National and its 4th Municipal Farmer's Day Celebration in Accra. The celebration saw some well-deserving farmers in the Municipality being appreciated for their good works. Speaking at the ceremony, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly, Boye Laryea said "We are here today not to only celebrate Farmer's Day but to also reward hardworking farmers who have wholeheartedly dedicated their lives to farming" He rubbish claims that farmers were uneducated or persons with poor background. The MCE also challenged the gathering to venture in farming adding that it will help boost the economy of the country. "I am impressed with the display I saw and I must admit they are doing well but as a Municipal Assembly, we have to try and support them in order to grow the busines and get more" "Farming is a good thing and I must admit that it was started by women. It is lately that we are seeing the men take it up the more" The MCE stressed that women are better farmers than men adding that they take better care of the farms than the male counterparts. "The rewards today are not to underestimate other farmers. It is empower other them to do more" "We say ayekoo to all farmers. We believe that whatever your specific aaarda are, it will serve as a motivation for you to do more" The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly adjudged Hamidu Azure as the Overall Best Farmer of the Year 2022 in the Municipality. Mr. Azure thanked the Municipal Assembly for honouring him. He also showered praises to the 2021 Overall Beat Farmer for coaching and motivating him to do more. He challenged other farmers to strive hard in order to help boost the country's economy. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Healthcare professionals in the Volta Region, specifically the Central Tongu district, have recounted the positive impact the services of Zipline has had on healthcare delivery. This comes after about a year since the company began operations from the Anum center. The Anum distribution center of Zipline currently delivers medicines, vaccines and blood products to over 350 health facilities in both the Volta and the Eastern Regions. Some health professionals, during a recent media tour to access the operations of Zipline, say there has been a significant improvement in the overall health delivery and disease control in the district as a result of the “fast, reliable and dependable” deliveries of Zipline. A Senior Enrolled nurse at the Kpoviadzi Health Center, Aisha Naa Kwamaah, revealed that the decision of the government to partner Zipline is a worthwhile one as this has come to reduce many of the challenges they had witnessed in the past. “I must say that health delivery in this area [Kpoviadzi] has seen a very significant improvement. Attendance at our health facility has increased as many of the residents now know we will not refer them to other secondary facilities as a result of non-availability of medical commodities. Even if we don’t have a particular medicine to prescribe, we can call Zipline who will definitely deliver within thirty minutes. We also do not have to travel long kilometers to Adidome for medicine as we used to" Aisha added; “Aside the improvements in health outcomes, their services has helped in reducing the time spent to access healthcare. We do not have to necessarily wait for the regular requisitions to the district capital before we work. Our previous way of using commercial vehicles to bring medical supplies has also drastically reduced”. The Disease Control Officer at the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, Vera Nyamata said her work in the region has seen great improvements as a result of the partnership. “Zipline has made our work towards reducing disease prevalence in the district very productive. We no longer panic when there is an outbreak of diseases because we are able to make multiple vaccine requests from Zipline and they are delivered to us faster. Within riverine communities where snake bites are more prevalent, the Zipline invention has seen us stock the health facilities there with enough anti-snake venom serums which are administered anytime we receive patients who have suffered snake bites”. A Principal Health Nurse at the Kpoviadzi Health Center, Mercy Dugbenu was full of praise for the government since, according to her, the choice of partnering Zipline is a bold one that is delivering real results, particularly for those in remote areas. The Community Lead for Zipline in Anum, Magdaline Awushi Bukudah, told the media that the company has delivered over 1.3 million units of medical commodities, vaccines, and blood units just within a year of launching this center. “There is no doubt that our services are truly making the desired impact in the communities where we serve. We appreciate the government and all other stakeholders who have given us the required social license to operate; we remain committed to our core mandate of not letting anyone behind in access to critical commodities when they need them the most" Below are some pictures: Story by: ThinkNewsroom

The Corporate Affairs Manager of Bui Power Authority, Madam Akua Sakyi has been honoured with the 'Shero in Communication' Award at the 4th National Communications Award Nights held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. Madam Akua Sakyi's award comes following her exceptional performance and impact in the public sector, especially in the energy industry. Aside sweeping the 'Shero in Communication' award, her Corporate Affairs Team was also awarded Corporate Affairs Team of the Year (Public Sector - Silver). Receiving the award, Madam Akua Sakyi, in her acceptance speech said "I want to take this opportunity to thank the CEO of Bui Power Authority, Hon. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, who has created a congenial atmosphere and under whose leadership and guidance the Corporate Affairs Team continues to work and strive for excellence" Madam Sakyi on behalf of the Corporate Affairs Team also thank the Board, Management, and Staff of Bui Power Authority for their continuous support. The National Communications Awards is a high-impact communication and development event. The event was produced by RAD Communications Limited to celebrate and honour Champions in the Communications, Telecom, Digitalisation, Corporate Communication, and Cybersecurity, amongst others. The 4th National Communications Awards 2022 took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, 3rd December 2022, on the theme "The Digitalised Economy; Innovation for National Development." The event also brought together industry giants and stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, and multinational organisations. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, Shadrack Azangweo, has been adjudged the overall best farmer for the Ga Central Municipal Assembly. Mr Azangweo, owner of Apple Jack Farms, took home a chest freezer, wheelbarrow, knapsack, cutlasses, Wellington boots and wire mesh. Other award winners are NoneMills farms (Best Agriculture Farmer); Just Like Home farms (Best Woman Farmer); Oye Farms (Best Crop Farmer). The rest are Onyame na ay3 Group (Best Organised group); Anwaah farms (Best Livestock farmer); Abulious Farms (Best Youth Farmer) and Faustina Akpoh (Best Agriculture worker). Winners of the other categories took home various souvenirs for distinguishing themselves in their respective fields. The theme for this year’s 38th National Farmer’s Day Celebration was, “Accelerating Agricultural Development through value addition.” Mr Bashiru Mohammed Kamara, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ga Central, said the Assembly, through community engagements had taken note of the interest expressed by some community members towards farming and were assisting such people. However, he said there was a general low interest towards agriculture amongst the populace. The MCE said they were addressing this low interest by intensifying education on the importance of Agriculture. He said it was the vision of the Municipal Assembly to make the area a fish producing community soon. The MCE encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to embrace and take advantage of all initiatives of the Government towards improving Agriculture. He urged farmers to add value to their products to make more revenue. Mr Azangweo encouraged the Municipal Assembly to promote farming by forming Agriculture clubs in schools and regular farm visits. He urged parents to expose children to tasks at home that would stir up an interest in them for farming. Mr Azangweo advised Agriculture officers to bring farmers together to tap into each other’s strengths and create opportunities to mitigate the risks of farming. He urged citizens to embrace backyard farming, adding that, it was the “surest way of controlling what they eat.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Otto Addo has quit his job as the Head Coach of the Senior National Team, Black Stars. The resignation comes after Ghana's shambolic performance at the ongoing FIFA 2022 World Cup. The Head Coach stepped down few hours after Ghana lost its third group game against Uruguay on Friday. The Coach mentioned that he loves his job at Dortumond in Germany and is committed to that. Thinknewsonline.com will update readers on new developments. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Black Stars Midfielder, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu has had his hair trimmed on live television after his prediction for Ghana to triumph over Uruguay went wrong. According to the midfielder, Ghana would progress to the next stage of the ongoing FIFA 2022 World Cup ongoing in Qatar. However, the dreams of the Black Stars was cut short after the Uruguayan National Team put two pass Ghana's goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati Zigi. Watching the game live at the studios of an Accra-based television network, a hair stylish commonly referred in Ghana as a 'Barber' was invited into the studios. The barber was captured doing justice to the Former Black Stars player. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Teshie Magistrate Court presided over by Her Ladyship, Sophia Yeboah has remanded into prison a Nigerian man who beheaded a lady at Spintex few days ago. The accused, Daniel Dennis Anumia, 30 years is said to have beheaded Vivian (Deceased) after a misunderstanding arose between the two. Narrating the incident in court, the Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Asare revealed that Daniel picked up Vivian who he (Daniel) claimed was a sex worker from the roadside to go have sex with her. Explaining further to the court, Chief Inspector Asare revealed that a fight broke out between the two which led to the death of Vivian. Clarifying the issue, Daniel also told the Judge that Late Vivian opted to smoke weed in his room but he denied her. He added that Late Vivian grabbed a knife threatening to harm him if he tried stopping her from smoking. Daniel later told the court that his action was out of self defence. Her Ladyship, Sophia Yeboah says Daniel should reappear on March 30, 2023. It will be recalled on Monday, news broke out of a young Nigerian man beheading hi girlfriend at Spintex. The accused, Daniel confirmed that both he and Late Vivian are Nigerians. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The private sector has been encouraged to partner government to produce the consumables needed for the treatment of kidney disease, in order to make them more affordable and easy to access. The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who made the call at the Ghana Kidney Association’s celebration of 50 years of Dialysis in Accra on Thursday, 1st December 2022 said just like Government’s partnership with the private sector to produce vaccines in the wake of the Covid pandemic, the private sector can partner government to produce the consumables, especially Dialysate, which are all imported. “One of the clear areas that we have seen, and all the presentations have repeated, is the high cost of consumables as a major factor in the treatment because many of these consumables are imported. “Of course that means we are at the mercy of the high import cost. We have to find foreign exchange to import them in the first place. But a significant part of it is that we have to import all the Dialysait and the other consumables that we use in dialysis. “One of the lessons we learnt from Covid 19 was the need to build our capacity to produce vaccines. Last week for example, we had a meeting where we were looking at the progress on vaccine manufacturing in Ghana. One of the lessons we learned is that the Covid vaccine manufacturing is actually a lot more complicated than if we were to manufacture some of the consumables for dialysis in Ghana. I believe very, very firmly that in collaboration with the private sector, what we have done to bring in vaccine manufacturing in Ghana, we can do the same for Dialysait manufacturing. “We can do it. It's less complicated than what we have for vaccines. And so government would be prepared to support in whatever way to make sure we manufacture here. Therefore, we reduce the cost component and make sure there is affordability.” “I'm sure the private sector will be willing and government is not averse to tax incentives for the private sector to do this,” Dr Bawumia maintained. Responding to calls for the inclusion of dialysis in the list of treatments covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Bawumia said while the call is very laudable, it is also important to consider the financial health of the Scheme in order not to overburden and eventually collapse it. “One of the issues that has come up here is the request for Government to take steps to make sure that the NHIS is able to cover dialysis treatment. This is a very good point, and I think that at the very least, the NHIS at least could cover treatment for children on dialysis to start with. “The last couple of years, one of the areas Dr Nsiah Asare (Presidential Advisor on Health) and I have worked on is to look at sickle cell disease, for example, where we've made sure the NHIS is covering Hydroxyurea for people with sickle cell disease and that has come to pass and it is now the case" “We also pushed to make sure Childhood Cancers are also now covered under the NHIS. So I think the third goal now for us is to push for dialysis" “But, when we were pushing for childhood cancers to be covered, we saw the difficulty that the NHIS was facing because all the tests showed that there was going to be a major stress on their finances. So, whilst we also advocate for the NHIS to come in for dialysis treatment, we should also think about their finances and also advocate for more financing for the NHIS to make whatever challenges they take on sustainable. We don't want to break the NHIS in the process; then everybody loses out" “So we should look at our willingness to pay a little more to make sure that the NHIS is functioning,” he urged. Below are some pictures: Story by: Frank Twum

The Food Safety Coordination and Consumer Education Department of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a Christmas Food Safety Market Durbar at the Kaneshie Market in Accra. The market durbar brought one umbrella over 100 women who are engaged in the sales of various food items. Addressing the narket women, Director of Food Safety Coordination and Consumer Education Department, Faustina Atupra said "At FDA, we are always in the market inspecting various food items but when it is getting to Christmas, we select one big market and then we educate both the sellers and buyers on the need to buy and sell safe food" "The essence is to bring to their attention to food safety. For theconsumers, we are telling them to beware of the things you buy. Look at the surroundings you are buying from. When buying packaged food, make sure you are buying something good" She stressed that consumers should be mindful of rusted cans which are used in selling food products. "Check on the products before you buy. If you hear that there is 'donkomi', don't just go and use your hard earned money to buy" "Make sure that you check what you are buying before you purchase it, just to ensure that what you are buying is safe and then what you are also buying is safe" "For those who are selling at the various markets, we are encouraging everybody that you are displaying food, do it in a right way." "Don't display Fanta or drinks or beverages under the sun. Display them under the shad" "Whatever you are doing, think about the safety of the food and don't just sell anything to anybody, but be sure that what you are selling to the consumer is safe" Madam Atupra also encouraged consumers saying "If you want to buy anything, be sure that what you are buying is safe" "Don't use your hard earned money to buy diseases for you and your family this Christmas. Check, because safety is very important" Food Adulteration Speaking on Food Adulteration, Head of Food Safety Coordination and Consumer Education Department, Jocelyn Egyakwa-Amusah said "I am appealing to all market women to give FDA tip-offs on person who are fond of food adulteration in the market" She added that such behaviours are not healthy adding that it puts the life of consumers at huge risks. She also challenged consumers not allow their monies control them while in the market adding that once that is avoided, only health food stuffs will be purchased. Food Safety Handling Practices and Personal Hygiene in the markets A staff at the Food Safety Consumer Education Unit, FDA, Dzigbordi Baker said "To prevent our foods from going bad, let us cultivate the habit of cleaning our surroundings and also making sure that our dustbins are well covered" "If you sell cold food, ensure that there are lots of ice blocks to keep them cold always" She revealed that the FDA has introduced Street Food Vending Permit which will help both the vendor and consumers. She noted that persons who sell ready-to-eat foods are persons to be given such stickers. Environmental Hygiene in Markets Head, EHO at the Kaneshie Market, Paola Delle Sogbey said "There is cholera, typhoid among others at the various markets therefore I am appealing to food vendors to ensure that their environments are always safe" She charged the women to exhibit good behaviours adding that it will prevent the spread of diseases from the vendors and consumers" Personnel at the Food Safety Consumer Education Unit, FDA, Sandra Obiri appealed to the market women to take the health of the consumers as their topmost priority. She appealed to the market women to do away with food adulteration among others. "Please avoid using mosquito coils and sprayers. They are poisonous substances which are very harmful to our health" The market women also appealed to the FDA to also investigate thoroughly before approving onto the markets some food stuffs. They promised not engage in unhealthy behaviourswhich will pose as a threat to the lives of the consumers. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Though at first glance, it appeared to be a genuine penalty, subsequent replays proved that there was minimal contact from Ghana’s defender, Mohammed Salisu and that Ronaldo appeared to have gone down too easily. The Moroccan-born American official refused to have a second look on the VAR monitor and judged Mohammed Salisu's challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo as a foul. The referee has expressed regret at the penalty he awarded Portugal through Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the referee Ismail Elfath, he was surprised by the criticism which he admits was unexpected and has also taken note of the contrary opinions expressed by renowned referees and pundits. He went ahead by saying that; he has nothing against Ghana and that he loves Ghana because he used to play football with Ghanaians.The reactions around the world was immense and mind blowing; Source: Michael Djan

A Senior Lecturer at the Planning Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Stephen Takyi is calling for tye construction of more football facilities in all Zongo communities across the country. According to him, such facilities can help churn out more talents for the Senior National Team, Black Stars among others. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "Most of our players in the Black Stars are Zongo boys - construct more football facilities in all Zongo communities" "I have personally done a demographic analysis of recent Black Stars players and I've realised most of these players are Zongo boys." "Any serious country will look at this trend and design the necessary support for the areas where these players are coming from," he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith