Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor has reiterated that the Akufo-Addo Administration is committed and determined to sanitize small scale mining industry in Ghana. The Minister made these pronouncements at the launch of the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards 2022 in Accra on Friday. Addressing Journalists, he said "I would like to reiterate that the President and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is not against small scale mining but is absolutely committed and determined to continue with efforts to sanitize the small scale mining industry in Ghana. The Minister however pointed out strongly that inspite of all these measures, the Ministry has deemed it necessary to also reward and promote responsible small scale miners and recognise them to also serve as a meaures to curb the menace and to confirm government's resolve of not being against small-scale mining but rather committed to sanitizing and inproving the industry. Mr. Jinapor urged takeholders to work closely together and help promote the mining industry in Ghana. He explained the rationale for the awards scheme saying "while clamping down illegal mining, there is the need for a conscious effort to also promote legal and responsible small scale mining. This is the rationale behind the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards" The Lands also noted that contrary to suggestions from critics that the President Akufo-Addo administration is against small-scale mining, the government recognizes small-scale mining as key component of the country’s mining regime and is determined to sanitize it. "Although the sector has been bedeviled with many practices that are unacceptable with consequences of adverse impact on the country’s riverbodies, landscape and forestcover, it is also an important sector that contributes up to 40% of the country’s gold output and therefore government is very mindful of the sector, ensuring that it is well managed" He also recounted a number of these measures include the national and regional dialogue, operation Halt, the reformative efforts we are making through community mining, the mercury-free Gold processing machine we procured and the National Aternative livelihood programme we've rolled out". Hon. Jinapor noted that this year's awards scheme is going to see to the expansion of the number of awardees. Outlining some of the the categories for the awards, he said "We will have one for the Best Female Small-Scale Miner, Best Male Small-Scale Miner, Best Small-Scale Miner in Environmental Stewardship and Best Small-Scale Miner in Corporate Social Responsibility" The others include: Best Gold Exporter. Best Metropolitan/Municipal or District Chief Executive and Best Traditional Leader Taking his turn, General Secretary of the Ghana Small-scale Miners Association, Godwin Armah thanked government for introducing the awards scheme. He added that the assertion shows how importance government accords the small-scale mining sector and it's contributuon to national development. Mr. Armah stressed that the awards scheme will help the small-scale miners work sustainably. He appealed for the support of government and the Ministry to fight illegal small scale mining on the Birim River which he said is a project they have taken upon themselves as an Association. The National Small-Scale Mining Awards is a brainchild of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources which seeks to celebrate those who adhere to the health, safety and environmental standards guiding their mining operations. Background In 2021, Daakye Mining Enterprise, a mining company located at Wassa Gyapa, Amenfi East District in the Western Region of Ghana was adjudged the Overall Best Small Scale Mining company at the maiden edition of the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards. The Enterprise was adjudged Overall Best Miner on the basis of the company managing a mining site with valid Mining and environmental licence and digging permit. The Enterprise was said to have a well coordinated working system with good records keeping, an emergency assembly point, first aid kits and other relevant requirements which makes the company outstanding and worthy of the prize awarded them. Daakye Mining Enterprise took home a plaque, a mining equipment known as a gold catcher, worth USD 125,000 and a sponsored trip to a mining conference. This award was presented by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Aside the Overall Best Small Scale Miner, the event presented other three categories including the Most Promising Small Scale Miner, Best District Officer and a special award from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The Most Promising Small Scale Miner award which was presented by the Hon. Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Osei-Opare, was given to Mr. Bright Kwabena Obeng of Beloved Mining Enterprise, Assin Fosu Mining District. Mr. Obeng also took with him a plague and a sponsored trip to a mining conference. The next award was presented by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor to Mr. Clemence Adzormahe as the Best District Officer, noted for his regular visit to sites and  hardwork. The last of the four awards for the night was the Special Award, presented to Omanhene Kwabena Asante of Adom TV for his consistent efforts towards sanitizing the sector. He received a cash price of Ghs10,000 and a citation from Hon. George Mireku Duker who did the presentation. As part of efforts to encourage and promote Responsible Small-Scale Mining in the country, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources instituted the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards Scheme. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Hajj Board yesterday presented cheques for the refunds of persons who paid for the Hajj but could not make it during the last religious exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The payments were made for thirty seven persons through their agents. Sheikh IC Quaye who presented the cheques covering the refunds recalled the decision taken last week to invite persons desirous of collecting their monies to apply for same. Agencies which collected them on their behalf were Al Balad, Great Anyas, Labaika, Nizam, Ashkar. The refunds included the travel insurance which were paid alongside the package. 85 persons have so far applied for refunds. Present during the presentation were Haj MANAF, Dr Abubakar Sidick Ahmed, Dr Amin Bonsu and A R Gomda. Credit: Starrfm

The late queen of England, HRM Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor also known as Queen Elizabeth ll was fond of brightly coloured skirt suits, dresses and hats 👒. In style coaching colour analysis is essential to the overall makeover process. You can use colour to enhance your complexion,eye colour and hair colour. Colour does not only affect your physical appearance but also your emotional state and that of those around you. Colour can give confidence when you lack, energy and youth. There is evidence that the color a person wears can also affect how others perceive him or her. Unflattering colours makes you look pale,sick , old and less attractive. It draws attention to your flaws like under- eye dark circles and uneven skin tone whereas flattering colours have the opposite effect. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOURS the queen wore. 💚GREEN: implies nature and wealth.it is balanced and hopeful. 💗PINK: represents innocence,love,simplicity. 🍊 ORANGE: is full of energy, enthusiasm, fun and youth. 💜PURPLE: colour of royalty and wisdom ✨️. It symbolises nobility, enlightenment among other things. The queen 👸 used this psychology to her advantage in her later years to keep looking well and energetic for her age. A lot goes into the planning of looks that are perfect for individuals and the occasion. STATEMENT JEWELLERY The Queens 3 set Pearl necklace which was her statement jewellery was a gift from her father the late king 🤴. I think she wore it for the sentiments attached to it and it became her style statement for its consistent appearance in her looks. The queen 👸 is one of the most stylish women that ever lived and I am glad I existed in some part of her very long lifetime. May she rest in perfect peace. Below are some pictures: Credit: Ms Nancy (Ghana's only certified style coach)

President Akufo-Addo directed that all flags in Ghana to fly at half-mast for seven (7) days starting Friday September 9 in memory of the Late Queen Elizabeth II. President Akufo-Addo took to his Twitter handle to make the announcement. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, President Akufo-Addo tweeted "In honour of her memory, I have directed that all official flags in the nation fly at half-mast for seven (7) days, as from tomorrow, Friday, 9th September" President Akufo-Addo on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, extended deepest condolences to the new British monarch, King Charles III, the @RoyalFamily, the Prime Minister, and the Government and people of Great Britain. "The Ghanaian people have very fond memories of the two visits she made to Ghana during her reign, and, on both occasions, we remember the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties" "As Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, she superintended over the dramatic transformation of the Union, and steered it to pay greater attention to our shared values and better governance. She was the rock that kept the organisation sturdy and true to its positive beliefs" President Akufo-Addo added that the world will miss the Late Queen Elizabeth II's inspiring presence, calm, steadiness, and, above all, great love and belief in the higher purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations, and in its capacity to be a force for good. "She was a cherished and revered monarch of the British people, the longest-serving in their history, who will be sorely missed. We are saddened by her departure" "May God bless her soul and give her peaceful rest in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again" Below is a screenshot of tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Ghanaian comedian, Baba Spirit is dead. The cause of his sudden demise is yet to be known. He gave up the ghost on Thursday September 8. More to follow..... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Prince Charles was with the Queen at Balmoral facing the sad reality the death of his beloved mother would lead to the greatest transition of his life: from heir to king. And then, on Thursday afternoon, it happened: Buckingham Palace announced she had passed away. Charles, 73, now King Charles, has been next in line to the throne for seven decades – by a distance the longest wait in the history of the British monarchy. Neither he nor his courtiers have ever wished to speak publicly about the moment it is over. The prospect of the Queen’s death has always been considered a matter of great private sadness. “He never wanted to think about accession because it meant the death of his mother,” a former aide said on Thursday. But with the Queen’s doctors voicing concern for her health and her other children and grandchildren scrambling to be with her, the role of heir that has defined Charles’s life since the age of three, when his mother acceded to the throne in 1952, appeared to be drawing nearer. A new, inevitably shorter, chapter of Charles’s life will begin. Becoming monarch of the United Kingdom and 14. Commonwealth realms from Canada to Australia will allow him to answer a question that has followed him for decades: after a lifetime of outspoken interventions in public life, what kind of king will he be? In the immediate days he faces the twin challenges of personal bereavement and leading the nation in mourning. “He will be focused on the personal and the family, but for the palaces it will be a question of [choosing] the right things to say and do that lead the nation in mourning but also establish the first steps of the new reign,” said another former aide. Charles, they added, had a “deep emotional facility” with bereaved people, which they predicted would serve him and the country well in any period of mourning. ‘We shall be worthy of our duty’: the Queen’s most memorable speeches On Thursday, the focus of attention was squarely on the family as the Queen’s children and grandchildren gathered around the Queen. The Duke of Cambridge, who is in line to become the Prince of Wales and first in line to the throne, rushed from Berkshire to Balmoral, while Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, remained in Windsor to take care of their children, George, Charlotte and Louis, who had their first full day at their new school. Now his father has become king, the Duke of Cambridge will also take on the responsibility, and multimillion-pound income, of the Duchy of Cornwall estates. The Queen’s second son, the Duke of York (who remains stripped of royal duties over his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein), and the Earl and Countess of Wessex were on the same RAF plane as the Duke of Cambridge, which touched down in Aberdeen just before 4pm. They were joined at Balmoral by the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cornwall, who is in line to become Queen consort, and the Prince of Wales. The couple have been carrying out engagements in Scotland in recent days and Charles was said to have been making regular morning visits to see his mother as she continued to struggle with her mobility. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who happen to be on a visit to the UK from their home in California, were also travelling to Scotland. They had been due to attend the WellChild awards ceremony in London on Thursday evening. The Press Association news agency later reported that Harry would be travelling alone. Credit: The Guardian

Queen Elizabeth II has died, according to Buckingham Palace, setting off an outpouring of grief in Britain for the 96-year-old monarch, who reigned for 70 years. She died at Balmoral Castle, her beloved summer home in the Scottish Highlands. Many of her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren were at Balmoral or on their way there, including her son Prince Charles, the heir to the throne. Her last public appearance was on Tuesday, when the queen, smiling and holding a walking stick, greeted Liz Truss, Britain’s new prime minister, in the drawing room at Balmoral. Ms. Truss was the 15th British prime minister to have an audience with the queen upon taking office, a testament to the longevity of Elizabeth, who served for many Britons as a beacon of stability amid political instability, economic crisis, social unrest and war. The queen’s declining condition had been a source of concern for years, forcing her to cancel many public appearances. A bout of Covid-19 in February left her exhausted, she said, and during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June that marked her 70 years on the throne, she appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a parade but skipped most of the other festivities. The queen reigned for 70 years, serving as a beacon of stability at a tumultuous time. Story by: Mark Landler

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has reiterated that the newly introduced National Fitness Day is here to stay. According to the sector Minister, although it is an idea of the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, the initiative will be devoid of any political biases. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Thursday, the Minister said "The National Fitness Day is an initiative, the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports to set aside one day of every month to observe as National Fitness Day" Explaining further, he mentioned that the whole National Fitness Day seeks to make the populace fit and healthy. The Minister also noted that the National Fitness Day will be observed across the country and not only in Accra. "So simultaneously as we are here in Accra are having the National one, in all the other regions, they will also be observing the exercise" He added that all districts across the country will be holding the National exercise to ensure that all stay fit and healthy. Mustapha Ussif hinted that there will be a quarterly rotation of the exercise to ensure that the various regions have a fair share of it. The Youth and Sports Minister told Journalists that personalities such as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, GFA President, Kurt Okraku, Black Stars Captain, Dede Ayew and Boxing Legend, Azumah Nelson among a host of others have all endorsed the National Fitness Day and will be participating. He tasked the media to be ambassadors to help spread the good news about the National Fitness Day exercise. On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority, Pius Enam Hadzide commended the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia for coming up with such great initiative. He also appealed to the general public not to politicise the exercise adding that healthy people build a healthy nation. He called on fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties to come on board to ensure a healthy and fruitful maiden edition. The exercise which is scheduled for September 10 is expected to begin at 6am and end by 8:30am. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Seasoned Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist and Host of Political Show, Point of View on Citi TV, Bernard Avle has laid his Late wife, Justine Avle to rest today. The award winning Journalist was joined by family, colleagues and loved ones at the Cedar Mountain Chapel, Assemblies of God, East Legon branch to bid his beloved late wife farewell. It will be recalled that on August 4, 2022, Late Justine Avle gave up the ghost as her husband was getting ready for the Citi TV program “Point of View. Since the passing of Late Justine Avle, the Broadcast Journalist has not been on television. Mr. Avle got married to his late wife, Justine Avle and were blessed with five (5) children. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some subscribers are already suffering restrictions with the usage of their SIM cards following their inability to re-register. The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation has also hinted of further sanctions at the end of the September 30 deadline. Below is a screenshot of her Facebook post: Credit: Thinknewsonline.com

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Chelsea’s new owners just three months after they formally completed their takeover. Despite Tuesday night’s abysmal Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, Tuchel’s 100th game in charge, the decision will still come as a shock to many fans and rivals. Telegraph Sport understands that Tuchel was informed on Wednesday morning and Anthony Barry is likely to take temporary charge until a replacement is found - with Graham Potter set to be the early frontrunner. While the loss in Zagreb may have underlined Chelsea’s recent slump under Tuchel, Telegraph Sport understands that his sacking is not based purely on results or Chelsea’s poor start to the season. Regardless of Tuesday night’s defeat, concerns had been growing that Tuchel was not the right man to lead the new era under co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, and it is believed the German’s future was in doubt win, lose or draw in Zagreb. Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will move quickly to replace Tuchel and immediately start talking to targets following his removal. An approach to Brighton to speak to Potter has been made, with Chelsea aiming for a swift process of due diligence to appoint the right man. As well as approaching Potter, Chelsea may try to hold discussions with out-of-work duo Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane. Benfica manager Roger Schmidt could also come under consideration. Chelsea statement: 'Right time for transition' Just minutes after informing Tuchel he had been sacked, Chelsea released a statement that read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with head coach Thomas Tuchel. “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here" “As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition" “Chelsea’s coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach" “There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.” Chelsea, who travel to Fulham on Saturday lunchtime, have already lost three games this season, all away from home, and were fortunate not to be beaten at Stamford Bridge by West Ham United. Tensions with Chelsea players Sources have claimed there have been issues behind the scenes at Chelsea all summer, which Tuchel has hinted at on occasion. Tuchel made it clear that he did not enjoy the extra responsibility he was given in the transfer window after Boehly and Clearlake handed him more power and a greater say on Chelsea’s business. He has reiterated his disappointment that former technical and performance advisor Petr Cech left Stamford Bridge following the takeover and revealed on Saturday that he would not be involved in the appointment of a new sporting director. Sources have also claimed that Tuchel’s relationship with a number of Chelsea’s squad has deteriorated, while his team selections have caused surprise and, at times, frustration among players who felt they have been unfairly left out or played out of position. That appeared to be evident in Zagreb. Despite those problems and the below-par results and performances, Tuchel’s departure will put some pressure on Boehly and Clearlake, given the 49-year-old’s popularity with supporters following the 2021 Champions League success, just four months after he had replaced Frank Lampard as head coach. Chelsea’s fans were also impressed with the way in which Tuchel became the club’s spokesman when restrictions were placed on the club, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on former owner Roman Abramovich. Just last month, Tuchel claimed there had been preliminary talks over extending his Chelsea contract by saying: “There are talks. But I think given the situation where we come from, and where we are in the middle of the transfer period, I think it is the very best if I focus on my team and on sports and on being competitive." “My people talk to the owners and take care of everything else. You know how glad I am to be here and how much I like it. So it’s a good thing.” But Tuchel has become the first managerial casualty of the new Boehly-Clearlake era, following out of Chelsea ex-chairman Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia, Cech and former head of international scouting Scott McLachlan, who left last Friday. Credit: Telegraph.co.uk

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO of Loggy Entertainment and Loggy Travel & Tours, Prince Nana Boakye Yiadom, has been honoured at the Pre-Ghanafest Chicago Corporate Excellence Awards & Dinner. Loggy Entertainment, an artist management and promotional outfit owned by Ghanaian businessman Prince Nana Boakye Yiadom affectionately called Papa Loggy has been honoured with the Entertainment Mogul Award at the just-ended Pre-Ghanafest Chicago Corporate Excellence Awards & Dinner organized by the Ghana National Council of Chicago. The event which took place on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the luxurious Chateau Del Mar, 8301 West 95th Street, in Hickory Hills. In attendance were several dignitaries including; H.E. Alima Mahama(Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA), Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal (Minister For Tourism, Arts & Culture), Hon. Daniel Kingsley Atta Boafo (Consulate General of Ghana in New York), H.E. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao (Founder, President & CEO of ADDI), Hon. Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu (Executive Dir. EPA, Ghana), Hon. Kennedy Agyapong (MP. Assin Central), Okyeame Kwame, Nee Oseye, media personalities and many others. With a wealth of experience in the Ghanaian showbiz industry spanning over two decades, Prince Nana Boakye Yiadom was honoured for his exemplary role in the trans-continental promotion of Ghanaian artists. Loggy Entertainment has over the years successfully organized music tours for Ghanaian talents including Stonebwoy, Samini, Kwabena Kwabena, Kwaku Gyasi, Patience Nyarko, Obaapa Christy, Rev. I.K. Aning, Jack Alolomi, Bernice Ansah, Obrafour, Fameye, Kofi Kinaata, Akwaboah, Okyeame Kwame, VVIP, D Black, Keche, Daddy Lumba, Kojo Antwi, Amakye Dede, Guru, Daasebre Gyamenah, Kofi B, Kofi Nti, Yaa Pono, Joey B, AMG Medikal and many others. Below are some pictures: Story by: Ebenezer Donkoh