A Senior Police Officer, Inspector Entwie Bio has been arrested by the Police for reckless driving. The officer was arrested on Monday after he was seen driving in the middle of the road around the airport area in his Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle with registration number GT- 8086-13. He has been processed for court. The incident comes on the back of the arrest and conviction of Madina lawmaker Francis Sosu for similar offense last Friday. The MP was made to pay a fine by the court. Source: 3news.com

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed that all chicken and meat products cleared at Ghana's port have been taken through Internationally accredited protocols and procedures. According to the FDA, the procedures is to ensure the safety of the products. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, and signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, she said "These processes include evaluation of documents such as the Certificate of Analysis with detailed test results, Veterinary Certificate from the country of origin, and the Veterinary Import Permit from the Veterinary Services Department of Ghana" The statement also mentioned that the attention of the FDA has been drawn to a news item published on Ghanaweb on November 4 captioned 'AGI RAISE RED FLAG ON IMPORTED CHICKEN INTO GHANA. It also noted that the publication was to the Agribusiness Sector of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). Below are copies of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Bible Society of Ghana has disclosed that prices of 'Bible' is set to hit an increase effective 10th November, 2022. According to the Bibles Society of Ghana, this is as a result of the high rate of inflation and high cost. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "To our cherished customers, due to the high rate of inflation and high cost of clearing from the ports, our prices of Bibles would be slightly reviewed upwards, effective 10th November, 2022" "God bless you for your understanding", the statement also added. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo, presented Ghana’s frame work on energy transition at a High-Level Event organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies on Sustainable Energy for All, on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. With Ghana being a signatory to the Paris Agreement and other international conventions, which require the country to reduce her carbon dioxide emission levels, he indicated that it has become imperative for Ghana to develop plans and strategies toward the creation of a net-zero energy sector, whilst aggressively pursuing the nation’s economic development. President Akufo-Addo also stated that “we will continue to increase the share of renewable energy in our electricity generation mix, as well as explore the options of hydrogen gas and other clean energy sources to meet our energy needs” According to President Akufo-Addo, “Energy transition has become a global responsibility for us all, especially in view of the impact of climate change, and the global energy crisis brought forth by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.” “Our updated Nationally Determined Contributions, under the Paris Agreement, affirm the country's resolve to address the impacts of climate change and build a resilient economy for our people”, he stressed. President Akufo-Addo continued, “Ghana’s position on energy transition is to continue the responsible exploitation of our natural resources for our development and transition at our own pace. The Government of Ghana is mindful of the actions of the developed countries in relation to energy transition, and their effect on us.” To this end, he told the gathering that it has thus, become necessary for the Government of Ghana to develop an Energy Transition Framework that will guide the country, as the entire world moves towards realizing net zero The President also said that the Government of Ghana, being mindful of the implications of such a framework and its implementation on the entire economy, directed the Committee to undertake extensive stakeholder consultations, in addition to expert input, to produce the National Energy Transition Framework to guide its transition to a net-zero economy by 2070 in a just and equitable manner, as well as minimise possible stranded assets and job losses in the oil and gas sector. The total cost of the transition is estimated at five hundred and sixty-one billion dollars (US$561.8 billion), the President added. Energy Transition President Akufo-Addo also addressed the High-Level Meeting on “Just Energy Transition”, where he indicated that Ghana has developed a National Energy Transition Framework to provide the vision and guidance for Ghana's energy transition. In preparing this framework, the President stated that all existing policies were considered and the programmes that are being implemented towards achieving Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions. “Wide stakeholder consultations were held to ensure that the energy transition issues in various parts of the country were captured and addressed in the framework. These included organized and non-organized labour, market women, academia, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Development Partners (DPs) and the international community,” he said. He explained that the Framework provides the optimal and sustainable pathway for fuel supply security, diversified energy mix and cost-efficient electricity generation, with an estimated generation tariff of less than US$4.5cents per kilowatt hour to accelerate the socio-economic development of Ghana. “Ghana aims to achieve universal access by 2024. The Energy Transition Framework will meet future electricity demand of 380 Terawatt-hours, with a corresponding installed capacity of 83 Giga-Watts. Ghana's diversified energy mix will include 21 Gigawatts of renewable energy installed capacity, which will provide the opportunity to enjoy a greater share in the renewable energy carbon credit market,” he added. President continued, “the transition will mitigate 200 million tons of carbon dioxide of Green House Gas emissions, minimising energy-related indoor air pollution and associated diseases. It is estimated that forty-eight thousand, two hundred and eighteen (48,218) premature deaths will be avoided annually due to the improvement in air quality, resulting from the impact of the transition.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 7th November, 2022 joined the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak, to launch the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) at the twenty-seventh session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), currently underway in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. FCLP is a new political forum that brings together governments and partners to work together to implement solutions that reduce forest loss, increase restoration, and support sustainable development. It creates a platform for Heads of State and Government and their Ministers to combine their political efforts to accelerate global action to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation. This follows the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, adopted by world leaders at COP26, last year, where they committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. The new Partnership will ensure delivery and continued political focus on the 2030 target of the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration. The Partnership will be co-Chaired by Ghana and the United States. FCLP’s Ministerial session, which will drive the ambition of the Partnership will be co-chaired by Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, and the United States’ Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Senator John Kerry. Speaking at the launch, President Akufo-Addo said Ghana is committed to sustainable land use and the protection and restoration of forest and other terrestrial ecosystems. He pledged the country’s commitment to work with others to promote forests and other nature-based solutions to climate change. The President of the Republic touted some forest policies already being implemented by Ghana, such as the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project, and the Green Ghana Project. Nana Akufo-Addo said the FCLP will provide a unique space for intergovernmental collaboration and coordinated action with the inputs of non-state partners and stakeholders, adding that Ghana will use her leadership on the FCLP to foster cooperation among tropical forest countries in Africa and beyond, to make the FCLP a successful vehicle to drive significant and impactful contributions to Climate Action. On his part, the UK Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak said forests are one of the greatest natural wonders of the world but continues to be undervalued and underestimated. He indicated that, the best way to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius global target requires that we protect our forest, while calling on countries to deliver their climate promises, adding that the United Kingdom will deliver its 1.5 billion pounds pledge. He disclosed that the UK Government is, also, committing 19 million pounds towards forests protection and called on the private sector to commit funds to address the drivers of deforestation. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says it will be embarking on a planned maintenance in some part of Accra. According to ECG, the exercise is scheduled for November 8. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "ECG will undertake a planned maintenance works to improve service delivery" "Areas to be affected: Adenta SSNIT Flat, Shalom Estates, Focus Hospital, Kouttan Estate, Pantang Village, Abokobi, Akpoman, Boiman, Sesemi, Adenta Commando, Adenta Lotto Kiosk, Teshie, Grace and its surrounding areas" ECG says it regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of the exercise. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ace undercover investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Amas, has announced that he will release his latest investigative work on November 14. The investigation, titled ‘Galamsey Economy,’ will focus on the galamsey menace in the country. In a post on his official Facebook page, the undercover journalist posed a question on whether or not to show the video.This is beyond the fact that tickets have been printed for the premiering of the video on November 14, 2022. “Are you ready?“To show or not to show?“I need answers quickly so we can decide,” he wrote. It will be recalled that in February 2019, Anas Aremeyaw Anas released a video on galamsey activities in the country titled 'Galamsey Fraud. Credit: Ghanaweb

The Upper West Regional Minister, Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) has expressed worry over the high rate of maternal and infant mortalities in his region. According to him, the phenomenon is not only worrying but also bad news for the Region. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Sunday, he said "The baseline of maternal mortalities in 2016 stood at 118.6 per 100,000LD but in 2022, it now stands at 65.4 per 100,000LB. Infant mortalities was 8.6 per 1 000 on 2016 while it rose to 10.3 per 1,000LB" He further said "However, maternal and infant mortalities are still high. The RCC will continue to work with the GHS & other Dev’t Partners to further improve these indicators" ONE-CONSTITUENCY-ONE-AMBULANCE Touching on the One Constituency-One Ambulance Programme, he revealed that his region in 2020, was blessed with 13 new ambulances. He also mentioned that all constituencies in the regional have functional ambulances to convey patience to referral facilities. PERFORMANCE OF CRITICAL HEALTH INDICATORS Stressing on performance of critical health indicators, the Minister explained that some major health indicators have seen improvement. Betwwen the indicator baseline 2016 and the current situation, he hinted that number of doctors which used to be 48, has currently risen to 79. The Minister noted that Medical Assistants which stood at 58 in 2016 are currently 60. "Number of Nurses (All categories) in 2016 was 2,372 however, it has now shot up to 4,829. Maternal mortality 118.6 per 100,000LB in 2016 now stands at 65.4 per 100,00LB" "Number of infant mortality 8.6 per 1,000LB has risen to 10.3 per 1,000LB" COVID 19 The Minister revealed that his region has also successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic and currently do not have any active case. He also mentioned that other Communicable diseases such as Cerebra-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) have been successfully managed. WATER & SANITATION URBAN WATER EXPANSION "In 2017 H.E Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned the Jambusi Water Treatment Plant which drastically increased water production for Wa" He explained that as part of efforts to extend urban water supply, the GWCL during the period under review embarked on various projects. The Minister told Journalists that the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) undertook Phase I (2019), Phase II (2019) & Phase III (2020) of Pipeline Mains Extension totaling GHc5,668,444.65. He hinted that Fifty-Six (56) Kilometers length of pipeline have since been laid. "This has increased urban water coverage to communities in & around Wa (Bamahu, Mangu, Sombo, Kumbiehi, Danku, Napogbakole, Kponpaala, Fongo/Wapaani, Kpaguri, Tendamba, Chorkor, Loho, Degu/Tampaalipaani, Dobile, Dokpong, Airport Residencial, Zindelle, Bilibou/Regional Hospital area and Kparisaga)" RURAL WATER COVERAGE The Minister stated that with a USD45.7 million Additional Financing from IDA/World Bank, some major investments have been undertaken in the rural water sector. "Rehabilitation and Expansion of 2No. Small Town Piped Water Systems at Lambussie & Happa valued at GH¢10,240,845.28. 250 boreholes fitted with hand pumps in 231 communities in five districts valued at GH¢5,488,686.96. The beneficiary districts include Jirapa, Lawra, Nandom, Sissala West & Daffiama/Bussie/Issa Other projects under the same funding include construction of 6No. packaged water treatment plants for piped water systems valued at GH¢5,359,838.68 which have been completed. He revealed that these are located at Lawra, Nandom(2), Nadowli,Gwollu & Goripie. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As the prevailing economic hardship in Ghana keeps worsening by the day, and there seems to be no hope in sight, the Church of Pentecost has declared a 3-day fasting and prayer across the country to seek God’s intervention. Apostle Eric Nyamekye is head of the Church of Pentecost A circular dated Saturday, November 5 has directed all assemblies of the church to make room for the fasting and prayer, while ensuring it does not interfere with their regular programmes. “We should also pray for wisdom for our leaders to find immediate solutions to these challenges,” the circular signed by Chairman of COP Apostle Eric Nyamekye requested as quoted by 3news.com.“ These prayer and fasting sessions may be fused with any existing programme scheduled for the week.“All Area Heads and ministers are to get involved and organise these meetings at any convenient level that will yield the maximum result.” The fasting and prayer which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 10 and end on Sunday, November 13, is aimed at interceding for Ghana and the global community in these challenging times. The church went further to encourage its members to not lose hope but keep trusting God for a turnaround. "Keep trusting God with the belief that He will respond to our prayers and bring relief to the nation.“ "May the Lord pour on the church the spirit of supplication, and the burden to stand in the gap and build a hedge for the nation,” the circular added. The theme for the fasting and prayer is: ‘So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer’ (Ezra 8:23). Credit: ANDREAS KAMASAH

Under the blazing sunshine of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, surrounded by sea and desert, the Cop27 climate talks got underway on Sunday. For the first time in the history of the UN climate talks, the issue of mobilising finance to help climate victims recover – loss and damage – made it onto the agenda. There will be no talk of liability or compensation (a red line for wealthy nations) and countries agreed to conclude the process within two years. Negotiators have already spent late nights finalising the agenda. Sameh Shoukry told the opening plenary that consultations went on for a marathon 48 hours before the start of the meeting. At 2.30 am, the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis) was still assessing the proposal. But this is an important milestone for the vulnerable nations that have raised the issue for more than 30 years. In a statement, Aosis said this “is our bare minimum”. It opens the door for a substantive conversation on who should pay for climate damages and how.“ Loss and damage have to be credibly addressed and the time has come for us to do so. The real test will be the quality of the discussions. The judgement will be based on the quality of the outcome,” UN Climate Change head Simon Stiell told a press conference on Sunday. 110 world leaders start arriving this morning. After they shake hands, mingle awkwardly and take a group photo, they hit the podium at 2 pm local time. Several of the big hitters have stayed away and Joe Biden isn’t expected before Friday. But there could still be some important interventions. First up is UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed, host to Cop28 in 2023. He is expected to reference the UAE’s work with the US on climate-smart agriculture (which is controversial) and clean energy. Look out for gas boosterism. Kenyan president William Ruto will speak on behalf of the African group of negotiators. Ruto is a proponent of leapfrogging to renewables “rather than trudging in the fossil-fuel footsteps of those who went before”. Colombia’s new leftist president Gustavo Petro has pledged to phase out fossil fuels and is pushing for debt forgiveness in exchange for protecting the Amazon. Indonesia’s vice-president Maruf Amin may hint at how coal-to-clean energy partnership talks are going. Any official announcement is likely to wait until the G20 leaders’ summit in Bali next week. Mohamed bin Salman will tout Saudi Arabia’s “green initiative” and renewable plans – less oil used at home means more to export. Has his vision for economic diversification survived the latest oil price boom?Europeans take to the stage late afternoon, starting with Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to outline the “Global Shield” Initiative to insure vulnerable populations against climate disaster. The controversial “climate club” could also get airtime. The idea is for ambitious carbon cutters to put up trade barriers against laggards. Finally, Italy’s far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni makes one of her first outings on the world stage. Her government comes fresh from watering down fossil fuel financing commitments – but then so did the preceding technocratic one led by Mario Draghi. In parallel, three roundtables are taking place between leaders, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives. The themes are just transition, food security and innovative finance for climate and development. Source: Climate Home

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said, in the last six years, the Akufo-Addo administration has created more jobs than any other government in the Fourth Republic. It is not only job creation but also, the government has built mores schools, interchanges, airport than any other government in the Fourth Republic, he said. In a remark at the Hogbestosto Festival at Anlo in the Volta Region on Saturday November 5, he said “We all know we are facing global economic crisis which Togbe Sri III referred to. This is a crisis that is being felt all over the world and the cost of living accelerated across the globe. "If you look at the cost of living as measured by the rate of inflation, between 2019 and now, the rate of inflation has increased by five-fold in Ghana, it has increased by sixteen-fold  in Togo, it has increased by eleven-fold in Senegal, it has increased by seven-fold in Cote D’Ivoire and eight-fold in the United Kingdom.“The increase in the cost of living has caused hardships not only in Ghana but many countries. "In fact, the BBC noted about two weeks ago that so far, this year, in 93 countries we have had public protests against the increased cost of living. It is important to know however that amidst all of this turmoil we should put things in perspectives.”He added "The government of Nana Akufo-Addo has over the last six years  taken many steps to reposition and transform the economy.“So whiles we have hardships today, which we are working very hard to alleviate, and In sha’Allah we will deal with it, let us not forget what we have been able to do in the last six years. “Let me recall that our government in the last six years has created more jobs than  any other government  in the Fourth Republic, let me recall that we have constructed more roads than any other government in the Fourth Republic, Let me recall that we have built more interchanges than any other government in the Fourth Republic, we have built more airports than any other government in the Fourth Republic, more railways than any other government , we have built more classrooms than any other government  in the Fourth Republic. Credit: 3news.com

The Asantehene and Ga Mantse made a historic visit to the Anlo State in the Volta Region to mark the 60th anniversary of the Hogbetsotso festival on the invite of the Awoamefia Togbi Sri III. The Hogbetsotso festival reminded the Anlos of their escape from the rule of Togbe Agorkoli from Notsie about 400 years ago. The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II and the Kwahu Omanhene are expected to grace the grand durbar. Other chiefs and personalities, musicians from the Volta Region, and diasporans are also expected to be in attendance at the historic ceremony. This year’s celebration is on the theme “60 Years of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za: Uniting for development, sustaining our unique cultural commonwealth for future generations.” Below are some pictures: Credit: Citinewsroom