Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has called on all stakeholders of the Twenty-seventh session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to join hands with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the organizers to make this year's event which is scheduled to take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 6th -18th November, 2022, a resounding success. Speaking at a Pre-COP27 event organised to bring together stakeholders in the nature-based Climate actions, the Sector Minister called on them to rise up and rally behind the Ministry to promote forest and climate-based initiatives to climate change. "We look foward to an even greater participation and contribution to global conference at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and let us all join hands in solidarity to make COP27 a great sucess" he said. Highlighting the need and importance of COP27 Pre-event, he indicated that the event was to create a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and contribute to discussions on the country’s expectations in order to build on the Momentum garnered at COP26 last year. He announced that this year, with the help of the World bank, the partnership for Forest and other stakeholders, Ghana has secured a pavilion at Sharm El Sheikh to showcase her Climate actions, woo investors and have partnership engagements while appreciating the effort and contribution of the UK government which culminated into Ghana getting for the first time, a pavilion at the COP26 last year. Hon. Jinapor outlined some of the activities scheduled to take place at the COP27 Ghana Pavilion, sighting a side event to be hosted by the office of the President as a pertinent example, he also mentioned a roundtable tropical forest ministerial event to be hosted by the Ministry and this he said will be to discuss forest solutions to climate change. He noted that a Key engagement at COP 27 is Ghana's participation in the Forest and Climate Leader's Partnership (FCLP), a COP26 Presidency initiative which is intended to give steam to the Glasgow declarations on forest and land use. He continued that the FCLP will create a platform for members states to scale up forest conservation and restoration action to implement climate solutions and provide sustainable development. He added that the partnership will, also, provide a unique space for intergovernmental collaboration and coordinated action with partners and stakeholders while announcing that President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo will join President Biden of the United States, and other Heads of State and Government at a Forests and Climate Leaders’ Summit, on 7th November in Sharm El-Sheikh, to officially open FCLP. The Lands Minister asserted that Ghana's membership of FCLP is a testimony that the country’s efforts to accelerate emissions reductions has been recognised globally. He disclosed that through these efforts,  Ghana is set to receive some 4,862,208 dollars as payment for the country’s efforts in reducing carbon in 2019. This, he said, will be distributed according to a highly consultative and transparent benefit sharing plan. He said communities will realise the result of their immense contributions as the benefit is shared which will boost their confidence in government climate interventions. He therefore challenged all that the need to scale up forest and other nature-based solutions is more important now than ever particularly for the country’s where he belives most of the emissions emanates from agriculture, forest and land use activities. On her part, the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Harriet Thompson disclosed UK'S support towards series of events on Forestry at COP27 as well as the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership event this year. She continued that, "Ghana will be represented at the UK's Forest Agriculture Commodity Trade Dialogue to update on progress one year from its launch at COP26. There is also the Cocoa Forest Initiative event to mobilize action from global chocolate makers and cocoa companies, with the Government of Ghana taking part". H.E Thompson noted although the annual deforestation rate in Ghana is running at 3.5% with her forests under threat from agricultural expansion and illegal mining yet tackling the menace will require a huge, complex and sustained effort that must recognise how climate, poverty, and business interests all interact both as part of the problem, and, ultimately, as part of the solution. The well organised event was attended by members of the Diplomatic corps, Foresters, Representatives of the various MDA's, members of the Business community, among other stakeholders. Below are some pictures Story by: Nadia Aidoo

Telecommunications Giant, MTN Ghana is set spend $2 Million as sponsorship package for the Senior National Team, Black Stars ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. It is emerging that the sponsorship package has given MTN Ghana the opportunity as the headline sponsor for the Black Stars. Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the office of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh said "The $2 million sponsorship package was cooked by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo" Mr. Adadevoh also said “Today has was made possible, starting by a meeting with the Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, our Senior Vice President for Market, Mr. Ebenezer Asante and H. E. the President, to discuss the sponsorship that we celebrate today.” Information gathered by Thinknewsonline.com reveals that an MTN Group delegation held a crunch meeting with President Akufo-Addo at his hotel during his visit to New York for the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September last year. "During the meeting with the group delegation, President Akufo-Addo urged us to support the Senior National Team as they prepare for the World Cup" Taking his turn, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, showered praises on the Telecommunications Giant for their great contribution to Black Stars. "As the sector Minister, I can assure you that my Ministry is the custodian of every penny for the National teams, and just like every other corporate support we continue to receive, the funds will be used judiciously" "Ladies and gentlemen, we could not have achieved this great support without the personal intervention of His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.” On his part, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku commended MTN Ghana for its continuous support. The Senior National Team, Black Stars will face Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H. The Black Stars are expected to commence their training on November 24 as it prepares to clash with Portugal in its opening group game. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Artist Manager, Nana Asiamah Hanson known by many as Bulldog has released a partial track-list of ShattaWale's GoG Album. Bulldog took to his Facebook page to release the partial track-list. In a Facebook page sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "Since you’re afraid to release the album — let me share a partial track-list to our SM fans. 1. Shatta Wale ft. John Legend (collaboration enabled by your handler in the USA — Lesley of Fantasy Entertainment), 2. Shatta Wale ft. Popcaan (collaboration enabled by your Godfather and Brands Manager — Deportee), 3. Shatta Wale ft. Vybz Kartel, 4. Shatta Wale ft. Naira Marley, 5. Shatta Wale ft. Stefflon Don" The Former Artist Manager also said "We have all these tracks on the album 💿 let’s not keep the fans waiting please. 2022 is ending ooo Bossman" On advisement, Bulldog appealed to ShattaWale to reach out to the Former Chief Executive Officer of 3Media Network, Baba Sadiq "Humble yourself before him, plead with him to lead you to Blacko and beg for a collabo — that’s the only collaboration the world will love to hear on the GOG album. Imagine: Shatta Wale x Blacko 🔥" "Iddriss Yussif (Deportee) advised you about Blacko some years back, you nearly killed him — you see him now?" Bulldog reminded ShattaWale saying "YOU ARE WRESTLING AGAINST TIME — and no man has ever won that battle. You have lost already — time has beaten you… I am at my family house and improperly dressed in my cheap jalabia — come beat me 😂😂😂 Love always bro❤️For life is for life. #DependOnGod #sikanhyiraadomaseda" Bulldog added "Charles Nii Armah Mensah, Insulting me won’t make you top charts around the world and will not earn you headline spots on events as well. Your album will." "Kindly release it for your fulfillment and our enjoyment." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu has revealed that, although there are few pockets of conflicts which has threatened the peace and security, his region is largely peaceful. The Regional Minister made this known while addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday. He said "Prominent among them are the Bawku and Doba-Kandiga conflicts. However, with the unflinching support of Government, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other stakeholders, peace and order has since returned to these areas and the region at large. The Minister revealed that it is therefore heartwarming to note that most of the restrictions which were placed in these areas have been relaxed. This, he mentioned, has gradually bounce back socio-economic activities in the said areas. Still stressing on the state of Security in the Upper East Region, the Sector Minister said "As part of measures to curb extremist attacks from the Sahel Region, a number of security mechanisms have also been put in place, key amongst. "Rigorous sensitisation campaign on – “See Something, Say Something. The establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in our border communities with Burkina Faso and Togo" Stephen Yakubu told Journalists that government through the Ministries of Defence, Interior and the National Security has since equipped and supported Security Agencies in the region. He noted that the Security Agencies have been furnished with relevant logistics required to maintain peace and order and protect the territorial integrity of the country "We intend to sustain the gains we have made in the area of peace and security and further improve regional collaboration and socio-economic resilience of our border and conflict communities with the roll out of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project where a colossal sum of Three Hundred and Eleven Million, Two Hundred and Twenty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Four Ghana Cedis (GH¢311,229,134.00) would be injected into the region over the next five (5) years" "I wish to allay the fears of all those who do not know the region very well and encourage investors who intend to invest in the region to please do so" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned importers and manufacturers of Glycerin and Propylene Glycol raw materials to ensure that all batches are accompanied by a certificate of analysis. The FDA made these known in a notice, it served both importers and manufacturers of pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products. In the release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, and signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, she said "All batches of imported Glycerin and Propylene Glycol raw materials should be accompanied by a certificate of analysis that have test and limit for Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) as per the recognized official compendia" The CEO also noted that all batches of imported Glycerin and Propylene Glycol shall be released under detention, sampled at the port of entry and tested for the presence of DEG and EG at USP-Ghana Quality Control Laboratory at the cost of the importer. "Only tested and released Glycerin and Propylene Glycol imported raw materials shall be used in formulating products to be put on the market" "For all batches of finished pharmaceutical products (FPP) imported into the country that have Glycerin and Propylene Glycol as excipients, the manufacturers are required to submit documentary proof of the FPP manufacturer’s control of DEG and EG in the excipients used for the FPP" The release mentioned that in the absence of proof of the control of DEG and EG in the excipients as indicated above, the FPP shall be sampled at the port of entry and tested for the presence of DEG and EG at USP-Ghana Quality Control Laboratory at the cost of the importer. Following recent reports of the death of over 60 and 99 children in the Gambia and Indonesia respectively, from acute kidney injury suspected to have been caused by Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) impurities found in pharmaceutical syrup formulations, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on 20th October 2022 in a letter to manufacturers of pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products gave directives on the importation of Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. Madam Delese Mimi Darko underscored that only FPP that meet the above requirements would be allowed onto the market. Below are copies of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 28-year-old American rapper was shot at a bowling alley in Houston. TMZ Hip Hop confirms that Takeoff, one-third of Migos, was shot down at 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston. Several witnesses reported that Kirsnik Khari Ball, known as Takeoff, and his uncle, Quavo, were playing dice when an altercation broke out. Unfortunately, someone started shooting, and Takeoff was pronounced dead on the scene after a bullet struck his head. Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset, Takeoff’s uncle and cousin, formed the Atlanta-bred group Migos in 2008. The group released their first mixtape, Juug Season, in 2011, before breaking commercially in 2013 with their hit single “Versace,” which popularized the group’s triplet flow – Migos’ signature rapid-fire cadence – and was later remixed by Drake. Other hits include “Bad and Boujee,” which peaked at number one in the United States, and “Walk It Talk It” with Drake. Credit: 3news.com

Workers at the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (Valco) are demonstrating for the removal of retirees who are still occupying top posts in the company. The Local Union Secretary, Douglas Marfo told TV3’s Joseph Armstrong on Tuesday November 1 in an interview that the stay of these officials in office is negatively affecting the company. “These are retirees who are supposed to go on retirement,” he said. He further mentioned “Paa Kwesi Awhrien, HR director, Emmanuel Arhin the IT Director,” who have to go. Armstrong further reported that the company has shut down. The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) cut power supply to the place. Credit: 3News.com

The three-year-old reportedly drowned in the family's swimming pool in Lagos and was underwater for an unspecified period before he was spotted. The police spokesperson in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyi, on Tuesday morning, confirmed that singer Davido's son, Ifeanyi, died in an alleged swimming pool accident. The sad news of the singer's son's death broke on social media late Monday after actress Eniola Badmus posted it on her Instagram. She subsequently deleted the post. In a telephone call with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday morning, Mr Hudeyin said some of the singer's aides and staff had been arrested. He said, "Eight of them (workers) have been brought in for questioning." He did not disclose the location because he feared people might besiege the station. He said it was a station on Lagos Island. The three-year-old reportedly drowned in the family's swimming pool in Lagos and was underwater for an unspecified period before he was spotted. He was allegedly rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. There has been no news from Davido, and the child's mother, Chioma Rowland, also known as Chef Chi. No member of Davido's record group, the 30BG family, confirmed or debunked the news. However, celebrities and fans of the musician are reacting to the news of the boy's death with shock and disbelief. Celebrities posted about the tragic news and expressed condolences to the bereaved family, including Iyabo Ojo, Ay the Comedian, William Uchemba, and Paul Okoye. Details of how the child reportedly drowned are still sketchy. PREMIUM TIMES will provide more information as they are confirmed. Credit: Precious Times

Four accused persons standing trial for various illegal mining (Galamsey) offenses are on the verge of being released by an Accra High Court if the state fails to provide interpreters for their trial. The four, made up of three Chinese nationals: Shi Yang, Li Wei Guo, Shi Mei Zhi and a Vietnamese NguYen Thi Thianh Tuyen have had their case adjourned a number of times due to the absence of an interpreter. At the last hearing, the charges of the three Chinese were read and explained to them in their language to which they pleaded not guilty to. That of the Vietnamese was however deferred because of language barrier. There was no interpreter to interpret the charge to her. When the case was called on Tuesday morning, a representative of the court registry told Justice Lydia Osei Marfo that after painstaking efforts to get a Vietnamese interpreter through the Institute of Languages, they hadn’t been able to reach him after he agreed to a zoom because he was out of the jurisdiction. “As at this morning, we have tried getting in touch with Solomon(liason for Vietnamese interpreter) but he’s not responding. ” The chief inspector came to my office this morning to tell her about this situation and she promised that she’ll call back. We called back to find out from her and she said she’s called Solomon but he’s not picking the call.” the rep told the court. The Chinese interpreter was also absent in court. Responding to the development Justice Marfo had this to say:” Clearly the Judicial service doesn’t have any interpreter in this language. The interpreter for the Chinese language is equally not a staff of the Judicial service. Incidentally he was provided by the institute of languages. Today, he too isn’t in court because he has had to travel outside of the country to undertake his own business activities. “This is really a challenge to this court. This court cannot effectively hear this case if we’re not assured of the relevant court interpreters who can speak the language of the accused persons. Especially those that will speak some international languages such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish etc.” She added that if the state fails to provide the requisite interpreters she would release the accused persons who have been charged together with alleged galamsey kingpin, Aisha Huang. ” I adjourn this case for the last time. If we don’t get these interpreters in this court i.e Chinese and Vietnamese, I will release the accused persons either conditionally or unconditionally,” Justice Lydia Osei Marfo stated. Article 19 (2)(d) of Ghana’s constitution states that “A person charged with a criminal offense be informed immediately in a language he understands, and in detail; of the nature of the offense charged. The case has since been adjourned to November 25. Credit: 3news.com

The Africa Digital Economy Forum has announced the first ever Digital Economy Awareness Month (DEAM) slated for November across the globe. The novel Digital Economy Awareness Month (DEAM) slated for the month of November themed “Digital Economy: The New Norm” is an initiative aimed at deepening digitization advocacy and its benefits to the global economy while also encourage early understanding and participation among youth. DEAM 2022 is  all about sharing stories about how digital technology is changing our life style, businesses and family togetherness, it  is to encourage and embrace the use of technologies for fairer and a better future. The need for organization to leverage the new wave of digitization and its opportunities has birthed the Digital economy month that will be held annually every November According to the  CEO & Co-founder of the Africa Digital Economy Forum Mr. Akin Naphtal called for some aggressive moves from the youth in taking advantage of the digitization. He also urged stakeholders across the world to invest into the country’s youth through digitalization programmes and effective policy. Akin Naphtal said , the awareness month provides an opportunity to create the much-needed campaign and deepen the conversation from youth engagement, skill development, regulatory framework and push for government and organization commitment toward a robust digital future by sharing of best practices among stakeholders to drive the importance of Digital economy. "Through our in-house research we found out that most youths are unaware of what digital economy means and how they can be future ready, in the rural area this perception is rather worse.” he stated. While some believe Digital economy is all about fintechs with most conversation being driven by the fintech community, it is time to develop a deeper understanding that will propel growth and drive inclusiveness in all sectors, from Agric to health, education – eLearning, aviation even politics and governance. “Mr. Naphtal added "I encourage organizations to engage in this year’s campaign by sharing their own stories  The DEAM will be observed with a series of activities, all through month of November" About ADEF Africa Digital Economy Forum (ADEF) is a common platform for technology and service providers focusing on the transformative powers of Africa’s steadily growing and booming digital economy. ADEF engages and collaborates with governments, private sector, academics, national and international bodies, etc, to promote frameworks to maximize the potential dividends of a thriving digital economy beneficial to all Africans. ADEF is Committed to creating a strong strategic partnership to drive actualization of a robust Digital Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it calls an attack on its party's headquarters in Adabraka, a community in the Greater Accra Region. According to its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in the early hours of Monday, October 31, a group of persons managed to gain entry into the national headquarters of the National Democratic Congress at Adabraka in Accra. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the General Secretary said "Upon entering, the said group, clad in red and fuming with rage, entered the 3rd floor office of the Deputy General Secretary, Hon. Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, and removed a prepaid meter. Soon thereafter, the  spokesman of the group, addressed the crowd that accompanied him and threatened to deal with the Deputy General Secretary for allegedly installing a prepaid meter in her office" "The Leadership of the NDC wish to condemn in no uncertain terms this blatant act of thuggery and criminality and will take immediate steps to involve the law enforcement agencies to deal with the miscreants and their sponsors" Mr. Nketia added that the party will take additional steps to identify those persons who entered the premises to carry out such dastardly act and to subject them to the disciplinary measures provided by the party’s constitution. "No member of the party has any right whatsoever to attack any leader of the party at any level for whatever reason. Any attack on a national officer is an attack on the entire leadership of the party" He further stressed that any of those elements who are party members will be dealt with without fear or favour in accordance with the laws of the party. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Finance has reacted to what it calls false claims about the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the Finance Ministry, some of the false claims claim the negotiations are not going well since the Fund has not seen any seriousness on the part of the Akufo-Addo led government. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com it said "These include; the government does not have a programme for consideration by the IMF and Officials of the Fund have discovered inaccuracies in the macroeconomic figures presented by the government's Economic Management Team. The Ministry debunked the allegation saying it is untrue. "The IMF itself has on numerous occasions stated unequivocally that negotiations are progressing well, and affirmed that both parties are fully committed to reaching a deal as soon as feasible" Background On the IMF Press Release Issued 7th October, 2022, it said "We had constructive discussions on policies aimed at restoring macroeconomic stabilit Staff express their gratitude to the authorities, and other stakeholders in Ghana for their constructive engagement and support during this mission. The Ghanaian delegation and IMF staff had very fruitful discussions on the authorities’ post-COVID program for economic growth and associated policies and reforms that could be supported by a new IMF arrangement. “We made good progress in identifying specific policies that would restore macroeconomic stability. ... The IMF team and the Ghanaian authorities remain fully committed to reaching agreement on a framework and policies for an IMF-supported program as soon as feasible.” The Ministry also refuted a claim that the government it not have a program for consideration by the IMF. The Finance Ministry noted that the government has submitted its Post-COVID Programme for Economic Growth to the Fund, which programme has formed the basis of negotiations. We refer the public to the IMF’s Press Statement dated 20th October, 2022. The statement stressed saying Ghanaian delegation and IMF staff had very fruitful discussions on the authorities’ post-COVID program for economic growth and associated policies and reforms that could be supported by a new IMF arrangement. "Most regrettably, such unfounded and misleading statements undermine national efforts when introduced into public discourse. We caution that such falsehoods contribute to the erosion of stability in the Ghanaian economy, and could unduly hold back the strong progress of negotiations so far" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith