President Akufo-Addo has paid a glowing tribute to the late legendary highlife musician, Nana Kwame Ampadu. Speaking at the funeral ceremony of Nana Ampadu held this morning at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, he highlighted the musician’s contribution to the music industry and how he impacted his [Akufo-Addo’s] political life. The President spoke of how supportive the late Nana Ampadu was of his vision “for the transformation of Ghana The President consoled the family and said the late highlife artiste will be “sorely missed by all who had the opportunity of knowing and meeting him.” The final part of the funeral rites will be held tomorrow at Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region, where his remains will be taken for interment. Nana Kwame Ampadu passed on at the age of 76 on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, after he was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra. He is known for songs like Ebe Te Yie, Agatha, Obra, Oman Bo Adwo, among others. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Thursday, October 6, 2022 hosted a high powered delegation from the United State’s of America’s Department of Energy led by the Deputy Secretary of Energy, Mr. David Turk. Mr David Turk and his entourage held critical talks with the two Deputy Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu Bio and Mining, Hon. George Mireku Duker on issues relative to nuclear energy, minerals and clean energy. The conversation centered on how the two countries can contribute to the protection of the environment through the adoption and promotion of clean energy methods as well sustainable use of mineral resources. In his opening remarks, Mr David Turk said the United States believes that countries should make their own decision and that countries like Ghana who have thriving democracy should be active participants in discussions about saving the climate. He disclosed that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen relationship between the US and Ghana in the areas of energy where both countries enact legislations that control the energy sector such that methods and practises that are harmful to the climate and environment are discouraged. He mentioned that the United States has taken the lead with the passing of the biggest and most paramount clean energy legislation in history which will see the country invest $500billion into clean energy projects. Mr. David Turk said the United States will not pay lip service to issues of clean energy but provide adequate support to countries like Ghana who decide to welcome the challenge to save the environment. The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, Hon. George Mireku Duker also highlighted on the cooperation and rich history between Ghana and the United States. He exalted the United States for pledging determination to lead the fight to protect the climate and said that Ghana will adopt the measures necessary to reduce emissions and safeguard the climate. On the responsible exploitation of resources, Hon, Mireku Duker pledged the readiness of Ghana to partner with the US for the exploration of the recently-discovered lithium. On his part, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio observed with excitement that the US is actively transitioning to new and clean energy practises. He said Ghana will seek the support and guidance of the US in its bid to also move away from harmful energy methods and use clean energy. Mr David Turk was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Ghana H.E Virginia E. Palmer and other senior officials from the US energy Department. Below are some pictures: Story by: Fafa Nyame

Ghana today, October 7, 2022, bids farewell to one of its illustrious icons who contributed immensely to the Creative Arts industry. Travelling the world over, he, through his music, projected the country’s name on the global map.He was admired by many as a Master lyricist for great compositions. It will be a final goodbye as Ghanaians converge on the Forecourt of the State House this morning, for the state burial service of a former General Secretary of the Musicians Union of Ghana and Veteran highlife musician, Nana Kwame Ampadu. Below is a picture: Credit: Gbcghanaonline.com

An Environmental Health Analyst at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Joseph A. Asitanga, has hinted that until some challenges were addressed, the gains made from the ongoing clean-up exercise would not have the needed impact. The challenges, he enumerated, included the unwillingness of the squatters to assist in the clean-up; non availability of access routes and the claim that they (the squatters had not been informed). He, therefore, called for more information on the project. He observed that if the above challenges were not addressed, the desired results from the clean-up operation will not be achieved. He made the recommendation on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, during the three-month daily clean operation embarked upon by the task force of the Operation Clean Your Frontage (OCYF). The OCYF begun their operations at Circle-Neoplan Station enclave ensuring sanity in the area. They cleared both makeshift structures, cement blocks and concrete structures from obstructing smooth movement. Traders along the Circle-Avenor road were directed to abate the nuisance they had created. Those who took over the areas earmarked for pavement and temporary packing lots were ordered to evacuate their wares. Shop owners complained about brothels along the drains whose activities they indicated were polluting and impeding free flow of water and suggested they should be evacuated. They further lamented that the activities of sex workers identified to be foreigners were impeding the free-flow of water through the drains and gutters. "We are committed to ensuring regular cleaning of the area. In fact, it is something we have been doing but the issue is the drivers who park their vehicles along the gutters after returning from their long journeys," a shop owner said under strict condition of anonymity. A mop-up is expected to be conducted tomorrow to ensure compliance, according to Mr. Asitanga. A team of delegation who included Mr. Asitanga who went to inspect the Kaneshie market and station brought a bad report. According to Mr. Asitanga, upon reaching the location, it was observed that the evictees had suddenly returned to the streets making enforcement one of a difficult task. Shop owners therefore, suggested that the activities of sex workers be halted by authorities and evacuated immediately. Speaking to journalitsts, the Environmental Health Officer, AMA Mr. Ishmael Tagoe, said six vehicles were clamped down and tolled to the assembly pending prosecution. Three mechanics were caught and sent to the Neoplan Police Station for open burning. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Henry Quartey who is leading day two of a three-month Intensive "Operation Clean Your Frontage" exercise in the Greater Accra Region has compelled shop owners, Okada Boys, lorry park operatives, Landlords and other property owners to physically clean their frontages in accordance with the sanitation by-law that requires occupants of properties and spaces to ensure their frontages and surroundings are kept clean at all times. He warned residents of Avenor and Kaneshie, Abufu etc when the joint team from the Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMDAs), Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service throng there to enforce the law of environmental cleanliness. He however warned the Operations Team that he has not instructed anybody to seize properties of market women but to ensure that their frontages are clean. He urged the Taskforces of the assemblies to enforce the law to the letter and spirit. The exercise which started on Monday October 3, will end by the end of 2022 for the team to review for further action. The minister was accompanied by the Executive Chairman of Zoomlion, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, military commanders and technical directors from the RCC. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has held talks with the National Cyber Security Centre on current trends in cyber-crimes and cyber security for some selected officers at its headquarters in Accra. The talk which was held on Thursday Oct. 6, was aimed at enriching knowledge and building capacity for security management. Addressing the gathering, Head of Analysis, Financial Intelligence Centre, Lucy Abebrese said “Money laundering is not all about money but also the good being intercepted at the port is also money. The human being been intercepted or searched also falls under the Anti Money Laundering law" She also revealed that under Section 1(2) of Anti-Money Laundering Act 2020 (Act 1044) a person commits an offence of money laundering if he or she ought to have known that property forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity and the person. Madam Abebrese hinted that money laundering is a predicate offence. Touching on Cyber Security, she explained that it is the protection of anything connected to the internet from attacks. "Cyber Security is the protection of anything connected to the internet from attacks which includes unauthorized disclosures, unauthorized access, modification, use or destruction" She advised that it is important to secure all software to avoid unlawful breech. "Those bad guys who are ahead of us, have done the yahoo in such a way that you will still see the padlock and other symbols. It is always important to ignore certain messages when we do not trust the source" On the usage of ATM cards, the Financial Analyst charged frequent users to desist from crumpling receipts issued by the machine but rather shred it into pieces to avoid revealing sensitive information to fraudsters and scammers. She also challenged Institutions to employ trustworthy hackers whom she believes can monitor activities of other hackers and halt their dealings. Madam Abebrese appealed to all to refrain from sharing computers, phones and laptops with person adding that such actions are the gateway of releasing one's sensitive information.. "Whenever you are doing online payments for any goods, be sure it is genuine before transacting the business. "Whenever you go to an ATM, beware of your surroundings. When you are puching your pin, do well to cover it before you punch. We can not afford to release our information any home" On his part, the Deputy Controller-In-Charge of Finance and Administration, Isaac Owusu Mensah said "Cyber Security is such a crucial part of our modern economy and it is something the government is determined to get right so it is great to see the Ghana Immigration Service tackling the issue" "The growth of the internet gave rise to important services accessible to anyone with a connection. One of these important services is digital communication or the world wide web (www). While this service allows communication with others through the internet, this is also allowing communication with malicious users" He added that just as some countries have boosted their cyber security, he is hopeful that Ghana will emulate and also do same to help curb the activities of fraudsters on innocent people. He appealed to the general public to be mindful with the people they communicate with on the internet to avoid successful acts and being frauded. The selected officers did not only enjoy the talk but also ceased the opportunity to share their views on the subject. The two and hour hours talk brought under one umbrella some selected officers from the various regions to learn new skills and share with their colleagues upon their return. Below are some some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Head of Public Affairs, Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), C/Supt. Michael Amoako-Atta has clarified that the Fifty (50) Nigeriens repatriated few days ago are not spies for any terrorist group as speculated. The Head of Public Affairs made these known in an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com on Thursday. Responding to the alleged spies brouhaha, Michael Amoako-Atta said “It is not true. Those 50 Nigeriens who were abandoned at Achimota Abofun are not linked to any terrorist groups. They are not picking any information for any terrorist groups. When it comes to border control or intelligence gathering and any other thing about security, we have assigned that to some specific institutions in the country” “Over the years, we have gathered lots of intelligence of which no single person, be it, a security expert or analyst or whoever can say that his or her information is more accurate than that of the State Security Apparatus” “When it comes to border control across the world, there are levels of operational strategies that have been put in place. In some country, they build high walls at their common borders so that no one enter while others use submarines likewise electric fences” He revealed that in Ghana aside Immigration Officers who are stationed at the various border posts, there is also community intelligence who share information to the Security Agency. The Head of Public Affairs appealed to transport owners and okada riders to refrain from busing unknown persons from the various borders into towns. This, he said, will help save the lives of residents as well as curb illegal entry. Mr. Amoako-Atta also disclosed that the 50 Nigeriens have been sent back to their country through Aflao. In other developments, the Ghana Immigration Service has also disclosed that it has picked up some seventeen (17) Nigerians at Abokobi, a community in Accra. The GIS says it has sent the seventeen (17) Nigerians back to their country. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A food shortage in Liberia, which has resulted in a lack of the staple food rice, has inflamed tensions with civil society groups, students and even politicians threatening street protests to force the government to address the situation. On Tuesday, tensions escalated with large crowds of desperate and angry people gathering in front of empty rice warehouses. The Ministry of Commerce issued a hastily prepared press release to reassure the public. It said there was still rice in the country and urged rice retailers not to restrict sales or engage in “profiteering at the expense of ordinary people”. A clear sign of the levels of concern is the hundreds of people, largely women, who are sleeping in the open around the rice warehouses of foreign importers. Opposition political parties have blamed the government for the crisis but ruling party supporters say this is unfounded. Source: BBC

A seven-member delegation from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has paid a working visit to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly(AMA) to discuss ways to assist improve revenue mobilisation and curb financial crime. The delegation led by the Executive Director, Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, included the Deputy Executive Director, Nana Antwi, Director of Administration, Edward Cudjoe, Head of Organised Crime,  Bashiru Dapilah, Head of Public Affairs, Faustina Lartey. The Chief Executive of the A.M.A, Elizabeth Sackey who received the entourage to her office expressed concerns over the inability to generate enough revenue due to leakages adding that the Assembly was in the process of digitalising its revenue collection system to check revenue leakages and increase its Internally Generated Funds (IGF). She said the Assembly was ready to work with EOCO to help address issues such as the issuance of fake tickets among other financial malpractices to increase revenue. "We are ready to work together,  we need your support in many areas and we are happy to have you, Our revenue is not flowing the way it should," she said. She assured the EOCO team of her offices’ resolve to work together to increase the Assembly’s revenue base. The Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, said the purpose of the visit was to inform the Assembly of its mission and how it could support it to achieve its mandate to develop Accra. She disclosed that her outfit decided to set up its Accra region to concentrate on the activities of various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies and support them to increase revenue. "There are a lot of things we bring to the table when it comes to the activities you do, there are a lot of fees and rates people don't want to pay and we are here as a state organization to help you collect them, also our presence here is to let you know what we bring to the table and how we can support you to achieve your mandate to develop the Accra we want,"  she said. " We were in the Upper East and the MCE told us that those who were supposed to pay their rates and fees to the Assembly had done so by an invitation from EOCO... Together they have improved on their revenue collection and we want to extend that same collaboration to the AMA... There are a lot of businesses operating within your area of jurisdiction who have no Business Operating Permit from the Assembly and these are things that we will work on together," she added. Head of Organised Crime, Bashiru Dapilah, said EOCO was concerned about how the various Assemblies manage their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) and other sources of revenue, hence the setting of its Accra Region to extend the searchlight on their activities. Present at the meeting were the Presiding member of the AMA, Alfred Adjei, and the Head of the Development Planning Department, Mr.Richard Oduro among others. Credit: Accra Metropolitan Assembly

Business Magnate and Investor, Elon Reeve Musk FRS has disclosed that his current favourite musician is Ghana's fast rising Artiste, Black Sheriff. According to the founder, CEO, and Chief Engineer of SpaceX; Angel Investor, CEO, and Product Architect of Tesla, Inc.; Founder of The Boring Company; and Co-founder of Neuralink, he can largely relate to Black Sheriff's songs because they are his kind. In a viral video sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Elon Musk said "My current favourite musician is Black Sheriff. I can largely relate to his songs because they are my kind of songs" "Even yesterday, I was jamming to his songs in my car" "He is my definition of a good musician" The Billionaire added that he is hoping to see Black Sheriff soon. Born Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, the young talent is a Ghanaian musician and performer from Konongo. He gained mainstream acclaim with his street anthem "Second Sermon" released in July 2021. He has not only won the heart of music lovers but also gained lots of international attention likewise airplay. Recently, DJ Khaled posted a video of himself jamming to Black Sheriff's song his car. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST), Edwin Provencal says he is hopeful that directors who hid behind certain companies/institutions to rack-up the BOST Margin will soon be fished out and their assets ceased. According to the BODT MD, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is working tirelessly to ensure that all monies collected are refunded. Addressing Journalists at a meet-the-press in Accra, he said "EOCO is still working on this because now it is an economic crime issue and I am sure hopefully, we can raise the veil and look for the Directors behind those companies and attach their assess. So that the people of Ghana can collect their monies" Touching on a GHc60 million owed BOST by some institutions, he revealed that EOCO has managed to collect almost 10% of it. "Out of the 60 million, EOCO has collected almost 10% of it. The thing about those people who owe you BOST Margin, it's like VAT. The OMCs are supposed to collect the money on your behalf because that is where the customer pays" "Lots of them collect the money, use it for their personal interest and then the company dies" Mr. Provencal described the unfortunate incident as a challenge facing BOST. "So a lot of the companies, you can't find them even though they came in as OMCs, they operated for a while, rack-up the BOST Margin and they vanish" Revealing the status of BOST as at 2017, Mr. Provencal revealed that his administration inherited a trade liabilities of $624 Million USD, Legacy Loans of GHc416 Million, BDC Claims of $37 Million USD and CAPEX Liability of $109 Million USD. Responding to how BOST deals with contaminated fuel, he said "The last bit of the contamination that we have to deal with is our products in trucks" "The product ownership moves BOST to tye Truck owners .The Truck owners have to move from one place to another before they hand it over to BOST again" "Now the challenges we have is that, sometimes during that journey, another can happen" "So we are leveraging technology and we are putting in place mini laboratories in the various depots to identify the contaminated through the journey and once that is done, tye drivers will be held accountable and handed over to the police among others" He stressed that the contamination within BOST is not going to happen again adding the depots have now been outsourced to a third party. "That third party, I am not sure it is in its interest to supervise these contamination because they will pay heavily for that and since they came, TSL came to BOST, in 2015, I can tell you for a fact that we haven't had any product loss or any of these contaminations" He was confident that since his outfit has grasp on the contamination, such unfortunate circumstances will not reoccur. Mr. Provencal commended management, board and staff of BOST for their tremendous efforts and successes chalked. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his appeal to the Chiefs, Metropolitan, Municipal and Chief Executives (MMDCE’s) in the country to rise and take up lead roles in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey). According to the President, the Chiefs, who are custodians of lands have an obligation to protect the lands entrusted in their care and that joining forces with government to fight illegal mining is a duty they owed their communities and the country. Addressing the traditional authorities at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, President Akufo-Addo maintained that the battle against illegal mining can only be won if there is a closer and effective collaboration between the government, traditional authorities and relevant stakeholders. He said since the inception of his government, there has been strong commitment towards eradicating the galamsey menace but the efforts are being thwarted by the lack of collaboration from some chiefs, persons and key institutions. He expressed the openness and transparency of his government to mining but clarified that mining must be done with the scope of the country’s laws as well as responsible and sustainable means. For President Akufo-Addo, the battle to protect the country’s waterbodies requires an all-hands on deck approach that must be devoid of politics and personal interest. He bemoaned the political colorization of the fight against galamsey and admonished politicians to rise above such partisanship and selfish gains. He contended that his government will remain resolute in its determination to ensure the sustainable use of the country’s rich mineral resources. “We have tried many initiatives including the community mining scheme and the establishment of the new legal regime for dealing with the perpetrators of this phenomenon which has imposed severe sanctions on both Ghanaians and foreigners raging from 15-25years jail term of illegal mining activities,” he added. “The progress of our country depends on all of us; all citizens of Ghana; all fellow Ghanaians coming together to defeat this existential threat to our future,” he apleaded. “No one seeks to exploit the fight against galamsey for political gains as we saw in the last election. The progress of our country depends on all of us, all citizens of Ghana, all fellow Ghanaians, pulling together to defeat this existential threat to our future," the President noted. "I ask all of you to join hands with me in the fight against illegal mining in order to bring to an end the devastation of our lands and the pollution of our water bodies" The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II expressed worry that galamsey activities are a threat to the survival of Ghanaians and that any action taken towards its curbing must be embraced by all. He observed that illegal mining activities have affected cocoa industry as well as Ghana’s revenue generation and employment target and urged that persons found to be engaging in illegal mining activities be dealt with in accordance to the law. He commended President Akufo-Addo for his personal devotion to the fight to protect resources meant for future generations and promised that the traditional authorities offer their utmost support to the government. The President later met with MMDCE’s and Regional Ministers in llegal mining endemic areas whiles charging them to work together actively and closely with Central government to reverse the phenomenonal of Galamsey. Government he said, has a lot to do with reputation adding that there’s a political cost to the galamsey fight but “ a cost we should be prepared to pay in the interest of Ghana” The President stressed that “you are my representative at the local level and it cannot be that government fighting the menace and you are found complicit “ adding that “I will am not in the position to protect anyone who is found in such act against who evidence has been established to be involved in the Galamsey” Let us work together to restore our water bodies, landscape, forest reserve to enable us break the 8”, he concluded. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith