Consistent with its mandate of educating the public, a team of Officers from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on 15th April, 2022, interacted with a group of students numbering about forty five (45). These were students who were interested in having careers with law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Military, Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Fire Service and the EOCO. The EOCO’s participation in the event was at the instance of the school. The EOCO team interacted with the students on its mandate, duties and other related matters. Present at the interaction was the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Mrs Faustina Lartey, Mr Leo Antony Siamah and Mrs. Victoria Asamoah of the Legal and Prosecutions Unit. Also present were Madam Gloria Narh Dometey and Mr Bismark Owusu Mensah all of the Public Affairs Unit. There were also two representatives of the Ghana Police Service and Military who spoke to the students on their duties and took them through exercise drills. The school expressed their appreciation to the team and indicated that they will arrange for the Office to speak to the entire school to educate them on emerging crime trends and preventive measures to curb some of these crimes. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A delegation from the bereaved family of the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. The delegation, led by Abusuapanyin Barima Osei Berko, met both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, and formally invited them to the funeral of the late father of Dr. Siaw Agyepong—Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong. “After observing the one week observation, the extended family and the children of late Samuel Agyepong met to decide on the burial and funeral date. So we are here to officially inform you Mr. President and formally invite you to the funeral of late Samuel Agyepong which is slated for September 10, 2022, and would be held at the forecourt of the State House,” Abusuapanyin Osei Berko said. However, he indicated that the family have agreed that the burial of their later father will take place in Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region on the same day (September 10, 2022). “And on Sunday, September 11, 2022, a service of thanksgiving will be held in honour of the late Samuel Kwame Agyepong at the Teshie Nungua Estate of the Church of Pentecost.” “…From the church, the family will continue with the funeral of late Samuel Agyepong at his residence at Teshie Nungua Estate,” he further disclosed. Abusuapanyin Osei Berko, therefore, used the opportunity to express his family’s appreciation to the President, especially for delegating his chief of staff and other ministers to participate in the one week observation of Dr. Agyepong’s late father. As custom demands, Abusuapanyin Osei Berko presented a box of schnapps and some foreign drinks which were received by the President’s Secretary. While commiserating with the family of Dr. Siaw Agyepong for their loss, President Akufo-Addo eulogised late Samuel Agyepong, stressing that he has given Ghana Dr. Siaw Agyepong, who continues to contribute his quota in various sectors, towards the development and growth of the country. He minced no words in asserting that under his presidency, Dr. Siaw Agyepong was one businessman who has contributed immensely towards the development of Ghana. Though the President was not too sure whether he could travel to Obo for the burial, he gave the assurance that he will ensure that he participates in the funeral at the State House. He thanked them for the courtesy call and the invitation extended to him to attend the funeral, assuring that the presidency will take active part in the burial and funeral. For the part of Dr. Bawumia, he condole with the family of Dr. Siaw Agyepong, saying that “God willing on September 10, we will come and support you to ensure that everything goes on smoothly.” He thanked God for blessing the late father of Dr. Siaw Agyepong with longevity, expressing that “we love him [late Samuel Agyepong] but God loves him more.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has successfully held a stakeholder’s engagement on waste management and segregation in Accra. According to the organizers, the engagement will not only educate the populace on best waste management practices but the need to also do away with it to prevent flooding or diseases. Speaking at the event, Municipal Health Director of the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, Mr. Amankwa said “We engaged with the public on the need to properly dispose of all forms of waste. We also educated them on the importance of proper waste management” He also took the gathering through the causes and effects of waste. “In the past, waste generated by human beings was easily dissolved into the earth since they get rotten easily but unfortunately, technological research has proven that waste no longer gets absorbed into the earth because it is not biodegradable. Polythene bags and other plastics form the majority of waste generated” Mr. Amankwa hinted that houses without proper waste management will be arrested and prosecuted. “WHO and Government have gone into an agreement where biodigesters have been made available at a highly subsidized price of GHc1,200 to end open defecation and improper disposal of fecal waste” On his part, Deputy Health Director at the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, Jacob Tetteh said “Waste segregation has been accepted and is being practiced in some schools in the communities within the Municipality" He called on Assemblymen and other leaders to inculcate the habit of waste segregation as it is currently generating income and providing jobs for the people within the community. Taking her turn, the Municipal Director of NCCE, Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, Eunice Brown appealed to drivers, teachers, GPRTU Officials, students, and the public to make waste segregation a part of their daily lives. She begged residents and road users to desist from throwing or wrongly disposing of waste. Story by: Bella Bridgette Aborjoe

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation says the repored figure of its Astroturf projects by the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa are inaccurate and misleading. According to GNPC, the public should rubbish such allegations by the MP. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "Honourable Okudzeto’s interpretation of the reported figure of GHS319,813.00 as the unit cost of each Astroturf is factually inaccurate and misleading. The figure as contained in the 2021 PIAC Report represents how much had been expended on each project as at the reporting time rather than the total cost per Astroturf facility" The statement also added that indeed, the figure only represents 20% of the total contract sum of GHS1,599,065.00 per facility in 2019-2020. It further explained that the GH319,813.00 quoted in the PIAC report represents progress payment based on milestones. The GNPC Foundation noted that it is funding a total of 32 Astroturf facilities across the country at various stages of completion from 2018 with varying costs ranging from 997,337.00 – 2,366,666,68.00. "From the details shared above, it is evident Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa in his social media publication failed to appreciate and understand the PIAC report in its entirety as one detailing expenditure on projects within the calendar year rather than one on total cost of the project" "Honourable Okudzeto, among other things, alluded to “disparities and grave inconsistencies” in the unit cost of the Astroturf facilities funded by GNPC through its Corporate Social Investment arm, the GNPC Foundation" The Foundation says it wishes to set the records straight and to assure the public of its commitment to impacting positively on people and communities within GNPC’s production enclave and across the country through the implementation of social impact programmes and projects. Background The GNPC Foundation’s Sports Infrastructure Project began in 2018 with the aim to improve the standards of sports infrastructure in local communities to harness sporting talents of which football remains a critical agent. The Astroturf project seeks to help hone existing football and sporting talents across the country. GNPC funded Astroturf facilities are constructed with FIFA quality approved materials and are set to FIFA specifications with pitch dimensions of 96x66 meters. Each facility is equipped with wire fencing and flood lights. At the outset of the project in 2018, the cost of construction of each Astroturf was pegged at $250,000 (GHS997,337.00). In 2019 and 2020, the cost of each facility increased to $300,000 (GHS1,599, 065.00) as accurately stated by the Minister of Energy, Honourable Matthew Opoku Prempeh, in his response to Parliament on July 5th, 2022. Currently, the cost per Astroturf facility stands at $350,000 (GHS2,366,666.68) with the incremental costs attributed to rising cost in construction. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaah Addo-Danquah has paid a working visit to the office of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi at the National Headquarters of the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra. The visit forms part of stakeholders’ engagement strategy adopted by the EOCO since the assumption into office of its new Head. The Head of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah expressed her appreciation to the GIS for its consistent supportive role over the years with EOCO. She added that her courtesy call was to renew corporate relation to further deepen existing collaboration between the two institutions. COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah commended the GIS for the role it plays in the implementation of some major policies the EOCO sometimes undertakes which needs external stakeholder support especially in joint operations. She said, “EOCO and GIS should continue to work together to eradicate economic crimes in Ghana through stricter border controls and effective enforcement of immigration laws”. On his part, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi emphasized the importance for security agencies to work hand in hand with each other and promote healthy corporate relations amongst state institutions. This according to the CGI will go a long way to enhance National Security. Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi added that security institutions could perform better and creditably when there is effective coordination amongst each other from the leadership level to the operational levels of personnel. He then reassured the delegation of the relentless support of the GIS. Present at the meeting were the Deputy Executive Director of EOCO, Madam Aba J. Opoku and other Directors from EOCO, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration (DCGI), Mr. Laud Ofori Affrifah responsible for Command Post and Operations, DCGI Isaac Owusu Mensah, Finance and Administration, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Isaac Luortey, Head of Operations and the Chief Staff Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Lawrence Agyei Agyapong. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Sadio Mané has been crowned Men’s African Player of the Year 2022 in Morocco. The Bayern Munich forward beat former club teammate, Mohamed Salah and national colleague, Edouard Mendy to the award after an impressive year which saw him impress for both club and country. Mané led Senegal to win their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in February when the competition was held in Cameroon, beating Egypt in the final. He also guided the Teranga Lions as they secured a World Cup spot ahead of Salah’s Egypt a month later. Mané scored 23 times and provided five assists for Liverpool during the 2021/22 season and won the FA Cup before joining Bayern at the end of the season. Story by: Mutala Yakubu

Leadership of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has reminded the Akufo-Addo Administration of measures need to be put in place to address the salary disparity between the Civil Service and other Public Service institutions. According to CLOSAG, this informed the recent strike action by the Service, which was managed in the interim. Speaking at the Press Launch for the 2022 Civil Service Week and Awards Ceremony in Accra on Thursday, Head of office of the Civil Service, Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena said "Enhancing service delivery, is the goal of the Service; hence, it is essential for the appropriate resources to be provided at all times to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service" "The Committee set up by His Excellency, the President, chaired by the Hon. Senior Presidential Advisor to the President, Hon Yaw Osafo Marfo, to review the proposed conditions of service of Civil Service and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) as a whole, is yet to complete its work" He, however, noted that some significant progress has been made in the identification of the issues for negotiations. Nana Dwamena ceased the opportunity to recognize all Ministries and Departments for their enormous sacrifice in keeping the wheels of government business turning since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020 and during the political transition period in 2021. "Let us continue to collaborate with our partners in other Public Service Organizations and the Private Sector to drive the national development agenda and use the opportunity of the celebration of the Civil Service week to share innovative ideas and best practices to improve productivity" "I would like to commend the tremendous efforts of the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP) and the Ministry of Finance for their unfailing support to the Ghana Civil Service Week and Awards Ceremony" He stressed that the PSRRP is also playing a key role in transforming the operations and modernization of some Civil Service organisations such as Births and Deaths Registry and the Passport Office to improve efficiency in service delivery. He added that it is also important to recognize the significant contribution of the Civil and Local Government Service Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), for continuously supporting the celebration and championing the welfare of its members to attain enhanced conditions of service. Touching on the Awards, he said "I am delighted to inform you that about 100 Officers selected on merit from the various Ministries and Departments, will be recognized and awarded on 29th July, 2022 for their excellence in the 2021 performance year. This is in line with the provision in section 88 of the Civil Service Act, 1993, Act 327. Other dignitaries who have contributed to the growth and development of the Civil Service over the years will also be recognized" "Let me take this opportunity to highlight the program outline for the Week Celebration, which commenced on Wednesday 20th and it is expected to end on Friday 29th July, 2022 as follows: Wednesday 20th July, 2022 – there was clean-up exercise within the Ministries enclave and surroundings from 8:00am to 10:00am. Significantly, I suggest that we institutionalize this exercise bi-annually to ensure a clean environment" "Friday, 22nd July, 2022 –Thanksgiving Service for Christians and Muslim Staff. I will also take the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam. Running concurrently from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th July, 2022 - are the Policy Fair, Tourism Day and Health Screening from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day" "Tuesday, 26th July, 2022 - Public Lecture on the main theme. The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) will share with us the private sector perspective on the theme" Nana Dwamena hinted that the 2022 celebration has seen the introduction of a football tournament adding that the final matches will be played on the 27th and 28th July. He noted that 29th July, 2022 will climax the celebration with an Awards Ceremony at the Alisa Hotels, North Ridge with H. E. the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana as the Special Guest of Honour. He encourage all Civil Service Staff to participate in the programmes on the virtual space and be present in-person where required. On his part, the Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, John Agbeko said “I am particularly elated, that the celebration gives the Service the opportunity to reflect on the successes, challenges and mitigative measures to help improve Service delivery. It is also a time to network and collaborate with other key stakeholders in improving the service delivery standards” “You will agree with me that, the Ghana Civil Service, one of the Public Services Institutions in our Country, has since independence contributed significantly to the development of Ghana by providing world class services to successive governments through its initiation and formulation of government policies” Mr. Agbeko assured the general public that his outfit will not relent on its oars but continue to work hard to support the attainment of the directive principles of state policy as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. “As a Service we deem it especially important to set aside a week annually to reflect on our achievements, educate and encourage citizen engagement as an effort to increase efficiency, accountability, and transparency in service delivery. Also, the celebration and Award Ceremony seek to reward the arduous work of our outstanding staff and officials who have contributed immensely to the growth of the Civil Service and our country over the years” Touching on the theme for the celebration; “Digitalization in the Civil Service of Ghana: An Agenda for Improved Productivity and Service Delivery”, he described it as appropriate considering the current technological dispensation the global economy finds itself. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am very confident that the Civil Service has made remarkable strides as far as the theme for the celebration is concerned, which the Head of the Civil Service will elaborate further on in his address” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chairperson for the Covid-19 Trust Fund, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Abena Boafoa Akufo (Rtd) has announced that as at June 30, 2022, the Fund had received a total amount of GHc62,329,941.98 According to her, these amounts are both in kind and cash donated by some individuals, institutions and organizations to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accounting to the public today in a press briefing at the Information Ministry, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akufo indicated that, out of the amount received, the Fund had disbursed GHc53, 230,805.37 for various programs as well as administrative purposes and procurement of items. She again added that, between April -December 2020, they disbursed more than GHc10.2 million for the procurement of PPE's to the Ghana Health Service (GES) Her Ladyship hinted that, currently that balance in the Covid-19 Trust Fund is GHc9,099,136.41 Furthermore, Her Ladyship Sophia Akufo ceased the moment to appeal for more support and donation towards the Fund to deal with unforseen situations that may arise in time to come Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghanaian Export Community is hereby notified of new conditions for export of palm oil to the European Union (EU) effective July 1, 2022, a statement has disclosed. According to a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, all consignmentsof palm oil exports from Ghana to the EU shall be accompanied by an official certificate from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana. In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Delese Mimi Darko, it hinted that the official certificate shall attest to the absence of Sudan dyes. "All consignments of palm oil exports from Ghana that are not accompanied by official certificates from the FDA will be rejected on arrival in the EU based on documentation control" The statement further hinted that this has been necessitated by the persistent high rate of non-compliance established by European Union (EU) Member States for palm oil exports from Ghana. "Consequently,the special conditions in addition to increased level of official controls have been enforced by the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety. The statement also mentioned that all exporters of palm oil in their own interest should endeavour to acquire the FDA certificate of analysis to accompany each consignment that is exported, which will also undergo physical checks upon arrival. The FDA says it will work closely with the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority to enforce strictly all requirements for the export of palm oil and all other FDA-regulated products. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Prophet, Isaac Owusu Bempah has made a shocking statement about President Akufo-Addo’s relationship with God. Speaking in an interview with on an Accra-based television network, the man many know as the President’s prophet says the President has turned away from God. He disclosed that President Akufo-Addo doesn’t call him for prayers like he used to. Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah accused the President of relying on something else after turning away from God. He stressed that what he saw about President Akufo-Addo before he became President isn’t what we’re seeing all because the President isn’t godly no more. Below is a video: Credit: News Desk Report

Chelsea lost on penalties to Charlotte after drawing 1-1 in their pre-season friendly as Raheem Sterling made his debut for the club. Conor Gallagher missed the decisive spot kick in North Carolina. Christian Pulisic had scored for the Blues to put them ahead before they were pegged back by the MLS side. Next up for Chelsea... Next up for Chelsea is a big one on their pre-season tour, as they face London rivals Arsenal, in what is expected to be a much bigger test. Arsenal also played this morning, as they got the better of Orlando City by a 3-1 margin. Goals for them were scored by Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah, which serves them well ahead of this game. Chelsea will be hoping for significant improvements ahead of facing Mikel Arteta's side, in a game which could see Kalidou Koulibaly make his debut, and Raheem Sterling start for the first time. Reflecting on Raheem... Raheem Sterling may not have lit up the game with a goal how many Chelsea fans would have been hoping, but he did look sharp regardless. The winger looked quick, fit and able to beat a man, but just could not add the finishing touch when necessary. He had a good chance that was stopped at the near post when Kai Havertz played him through on goal, which was unfortunate. Raheem did also slot his penalty away in the shootout very nicely, with the goalkeeper trying to taunt him. It will definitely not be his finest performance in a Chelsea shirt, and fans of the Blues should still be excited for the future! Credit: Sun Sport

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has denied tampering with the tomb of the former President, John Evans Atta Mills. The brother of the late President, Samuel Atta Mills had accused both CODA and an aide to former President, Samuel Koku Anyidoho of tampering with the tomb without recourse to the family. However, CODA rejected this claim in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Jerry Ahmed. “We wish to state that the grave was not opened and therefore no desecration of the body of the former President, H.E John Evans Atta Mills, has taken place.” The statement said CODA has only been undertaking some renovation works at the burial grounds of the late Professor Atta Mills. “The Coastal Development Authority, acting upon a directive from the President Akufo-Addo, prioritized the renovation of the burial grounds of the late Professor Atta Mills, former president of the republic." "The Authority liaised with relevant state institutions in charge of state monuments before embarking on the renovation works.” It gave the assurance that the project will be commissioned after completion. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was a Ghanaian politician and legal scholar who served as President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012. Below is a copy of the release: Credit: Citinewsroom