The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has been given the go-ahead by the Government through the Minister of Energy to refine crude oil with a private investor, Decimal Capital Limited. Announcing this in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tema, the Management of TOR said Decimal's proposal emerged as the most appropriate to meet the needs of the Refinery among the host of proposals presented. It indicated that it formed part of the concrete steps taken by the Refinery to restore the country's premier refinery back to business within the next few months. Management added that the investment partner was expected to provide funding for a first phase, which would bring the Crude Distillation Unit of TOR back on stream to refine about 45,000 barrels per day in the next few months. “This is expected to boost the local supply of refined oil products and help stabilize the Ghana Cedi, in the face of the ongoing international Oil market crisis.” Management said production from TOR could contribute about a third of the current monthly consumption of diesel, and the full requirement of the Aviation Turbine Kerosene and Fuel Oil needs of the country, “This is expected to thus contribute significantly to improving fuel security.” The statement said output from phase one of the partnership project would be used to revamp the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker and other associated units of the Company, to maximize production from the Refinery. It added that a local Transactional Advisor had been contracted by TOR to lead the negotiations in formulating the lease agreement, which it said was expected to be completed over the next three to four weeks. Credit: GNA

A Magistrate Court at La in the Greater Accra Region has sentenced three persons to a fine of one thousand eight hundred Ghana cedis (Ghc1,800) each or in default serve two months imprisonment for flouting sanitation by-law by dumping refuse indiscriminately within the municipality. The presiding judge His Worship Mr. Jojo Amoah Hagan passed the sentence upon the facts presented before him by the sanitation prosecutor for Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), Mr. Edward Okai. Presenting the facts before the La magistrate court, the prosecutor Mr. Edward Okai told the court that the accused persons were among a group of residents who picks refuse from homes, shops, restaurants, chop bars and dumps them on the streets within the municipality, especially along the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) enclave which is part of the Central Business District (CBD). According to Mr. Okai, on 19th day of June between the hours of 3pm and 5pm a special task force from the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly spotted the accused persons dumping refuse along the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue at the junction of Farrar Avenue. He added that immediately they were arrested and after investigation they were charged to appear before the court at La, hence their convicted for flouting the sanitation by-law of the assembly. Prosecutor Mr. Edward Okai also warned residents who gives out their refuse to these "guys on the street/junkies’’ should stop doing so since they risk been prosecuted for receiving service from unapproved service providers. Municipal Chief Executive honourable Nii Adjei Tawiah commended the Environmental Health Unit for a yeoman's job and promise to resource their outfits in order to intensify education on the campaign 'Operation Clean your Frontage' within all the electoral areas in the municipality. Story by: Mohammed Saani Ibrahim

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a consortium of Ghanaian pharmaceutical companies ready to package and distribute COVID-19 vaccines that will be produced by BioNTech in Africa. The German manufacturing giant, BioNTech on Thursday, June 23, 2022, cut sod for the construction of a vaccine production plant in Kigali, Rwanda, which will have Ghana and Senegal playing the packaging and finishing roles. Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said Ghana has already set up a consortium for the project. “A consortium of Ghanaian pharmaceutical companies led by DEX Vaccine Limited is working closely with BioNTech Rwanda, BioNTech Germany and BioNTech Denmark to package and finish the product in Ghana from the plant here in Rwanda”, he said. Expressing his gratitude to President Paul Kagame for the invitation to participate in the event, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the commencement of construction “signals to the rest of the world the commencement of this end-to-end vaccine manufacturing facility, involving Rwanda, Senegal and my own country of Ghana.” In his remarks, the President indicated that the import of the Pan-African Project means that Ghana, Senegal and Rwanda must work together, the reason why the relationship between the Food and Drugs Authorities (FDA) of Ghana and Rwanda is being deepened with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, 24th June. “Through this, FDA Ghana, which achieved WHO Global Benchmarking Maturity Level Three (3) in 2020, and is working hard to achieve Maturity Level Four (4) by the end of this year, will assist FDA Rwanda to attain WHO Maturity Level Three (3) as soon as possible. Both agencies will collaborate further in vaccine drug product manufacturing, fill, finish and release in their respective countries,” he said. President Akufo-Addo continued, “Again, collaboration between our two countries resulted recently in a team from Rwanda visiting research institutions in Ghana, with the aim of strengthening institutional development and partnership towards vaccine discovery and advancement”. In addition, the President revealed that Ghana’s research institutions are undergoing capacity-building to be ready for the discovery and development of vaccines and other biologicals, stating that “a consortium of Ghanaian pharmaceutical companies, led by DEKS Vaccines Ltd., is working closely with BioNTech Rwanda, BioNTech Germany and kENUP to fill, finish and package the drug product in Ghana from the plant here in Rwanda.” He thanked BioNTech of Germany, kENUP Foundation, IFC, EIB and the other financial institutions for working closely together with African countries to enable the continent achieve vaccine self-sufficiency. “As I said in Marburg, the Pan-African Vaccine Manufacturing Project fits perfectly with Ghana’s roadmap for domestic vaccine development and manufacturing. Ghana is ready to play her role, and I reaffirm, once again, her determination to make the Project work successfully.” Credit: Citinewsroom

Ghanaian rapper and crooner Amerado is out with a new song titled Back To Sender to nullify all negative comments from haters. This is not the first time Ghana’s Best Rapper, as he is called, serenades fans with a soulful voice. He did the same with Box of Memories and Sing Along, which were on his Patience EP. Netizens have already shared their interest in the new release when Amerado posted a video of himself and media mogul, Delay, jamming to the song on his social media pages. The rapper also hinted at his preparation to release his debut album this year. We acknowledge ItzJoe Beatz for producing this song. Below is a screenshot: Source: 3news.com

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has assured Parliament that the government and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) are on top of efforts to slowdown the depreciation of the cedi against its major counterparts. Mr Ofori-Atta said the 30 per cent in public spending this year was meant to augment policies by the central bank to strengthen the currency and reduce the rate at which it was losing its value against the likes of the US dollar, the euro and the British pound. The minister, thus assured Parliament today that the pace of depreciation would slowdown in the coming days as the measures begin to make impact. He was answering a question the Member of Parliament for Bongo, Mr Edward Abambire Bawa on the fortunes of the currency. The MP had filed an urgent question in the House, demanding answers on what the Finance Ministry is doing to slow down the increases of petroleum product prices at pumps with respect to imposed taxes and levies on the petroleum products and the depreciation of the Cedi. Making his appearance Wednesday [June 22, 2022], Mr Ofori-Atta said: “Speaker, the Bank of Ghana is leading the interventions to contain the depreciation of the Cedi. “The Ministry of Finance is complementing this effort through its fiscal consolidation measures and real sector interventions. “The implementation of the 30 per cent cut in expenditures and other expenditure measures approved by Cabinet are all helping to reduce the fiscal deficit and thereby reduce the pressures on the exchange rate,” he said. He added that the government was undertaking real sector interventions, including the Ghana CARES programme, to support imports substitution of products such as poultry and rice. This, he said would help to reduce the foreign exchange pressures from the imports of those products. Story by: Maxwell Akalaare Adombilla

It is well known that TikTok star, Asantewaa is married therefore certain things seen on social media is quite worrisome. Netizens have always expressed concern about her relationship with her manager, regarding how sexual they could sometimes be. The mother-in-law of Asantewaa yesterday on Okay Fm, spoke about this issue and revealed that she has been talking to her about she and her manager’s relationship. She said she sometimes get worried but at the same time she gets to understand. Video below; Credit: Anything GH

News coming in indicates that another heavy downpour has left parts OF Sekondi-Takoradi flooded. According to sources, the downpour has made vehicular and human movement very difficult. Although some cars were spotted submerging, sources say no casualties have been recorded. Thinknewsonline.com will update its readers on new developments. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Energy has strongly refuted assertions made recently by the Institute of Energy Security (IES), that Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh had failed to provide the necessary leadership in finding a strategic partner for the Tema Oil Refinery. The assertions by the IES were contained in a petition to the President on the refinery. A press release on Thursday by the Ministry’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit sets out in chronological detail various events at TOR involving the Minister. "On 11th March 2021, four (4) days after assuming office as Energy Minister, Dr. Prempeh undertook a working visit of TOR to familiarize himself with the situation on the ground" "In meetings with the IMC, Board, Management and worker unions, Dr. Prempeh has always indicated the President’s keen interest in the revitalization of the refinery, creating jobs and positioning itself as market leader on the African continent by seeking a strategic partner for the refinery" The release also disclosed that on June 15, 2021, Dr. Prempeh swore-in a three (3)- member Interim Management Committee (IMC) whose terms of reference were to ensure the smooth transfer from the previous Directors, undertake technical and human resource audits as well as receive and assess viable partnerships for TOR. As part of its handing over notes, the IMC made recommendations to the incoming board regarding a strategic partner and sought the necessary approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). In February and March 2022, a new Managing Director and Board took office respectively, with a clear mandate to work towards securing a strategic partner for the revamping of the refinery. The Minister subsequently wrote to request an evaluation of all the processes involving interested parties and submit same for the attention of an inter-ministerial committee including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Enterprise, State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) and TOR. This was to enable the committee make the necessary recommendations to the President. "On 20th May 2022, Government granted approval to TOR to begin negotiations with a strategic partner" "Subsequent to this, on 10th June 2022, the Hon Minister wrote to the Managing Director of TOR to provide guidelines and advice as the refinery prepares, together with its prospective transactional advisor, to enter into negotiations with a strategic partner" Among others, he directed further that TOR’s indebtedness and workers’ pension funds must be included in the negotiations with the strategic partner. "In the said letter, the Minister emphasized that whatever agreement that may be reached between the refinery and the strategic partner is not final until it has been subjected to further scrutiny by the Ministry of Energy and the Office of the President" The release stated further that it was clear the Minister has demonstrated ‘clear leadership, focus and vision’ in working towards the revamping of TOR, and further asserts that the claim by the IES ‘is borne either out of ignorance of these facts or a deliberate attempt to tarnish the Minister’s image’. The Ministry further noted that given the weight likely to be accorded the IES’s comments, it was important for the organization to be circumspect in its public pronouncements and ensure fidelity to facts before going public. "The Ministry wishes to assure Ghanaians that Dr. Prempeh is resolutely committed to ensuring that TOR is put on a sound footing to support Ghana’s industrialization drive, and will continue to provide strategic leadership and direction in this regard’ the press release concluded" Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Barcelona star, Memphis Depay has expressed his delight after finding out that his grandfather was very close to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Depay returned to Ghana last Wednesday and was given a great reception upon touching down at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The Netherlands international later paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House and also met with Ghana Premier League champions Asante Kotoko. He also graced the Madina Astroturf park with Quincy Promes to play football against a Mohammed Salisu-led select side. Depay rounded up his visit with a courtesy call the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. In a post on Twitter after meeting Otumfuo, the footballer said he got to know that his grandfather was close to the Royal head. He also revealed that he now knows where he belongs, adding that it means everything to him to connect with his roots. “Paid homage to King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II in Kumasi. Found out that the Royal Majesty was very close with my grandfather. So finding out where I belong means everything to me and from now forward I know who I represent,” Depay wrote. On his part, Otumfuo said: “Your grandpa was someone that I cherished. All his children, I also know them all. So coming back here reminds me of when he was alive and the relationship I had with him. “And so his children also still have connections to me because of that relationship I had with him. You coming back affirms to me that I nearly lost my grandson but he’s back now. And, therefore, you belong here.” Depay was born to a Ghanaian father Dennis Depay and Dutch mother Cora Schensema in the city of Moordrecht. Below are some pictures: Credit: Pulse GH

Media personality and actor in the 2000s Taxi Driver series, George Quaye, has appealed to Ghanaians to stop lambasting gospel musician Joyce Blessing over her alleged drunk video. Mr. Quaye said in an exclusive interview on Accra-based Onua FM's "Angye Mmere" Show on the theme "How does an artiste's management handle PR machinery in scandals?" said what Joyce Blessing is going through could be serious and should not be taken lightly. He went on to say that the way Ghanaians have handled the situation could even drive someone to commit suicide. “What she’s gone through may be eating her up, in this country we joke with psychological issues. Elsewhere, things have driven people to suicide, luckily for us, we are not like that. Maybe because of our upbringing, and the challenges we go through as children,” he stated. George Quaye noted that Ghanaians should pray for the gospel singer because what she is going through is critical and should not be joked with. “But our sister is going through a lot, it’s not child’s play, it’s not easy. In such a scandal and your ex-husband is in the picture muddying the situation. You are being discussed in the media, and on social media, she is suffering a lot. So if we can pray for her, let’s do it and help her. This is not the time to talk about her brand,” he intimated. Joyce Blessing, a Ghanaian gospel musician, has made headlines for her alleged drunk video in which she was seen confessing love to a man she claims has broken her heart. The musician's management responded with a press release urging Ghanaians to reject the notion that she (Joyce Blessing) was drunk, as well as stating that the man she was referring to was her husband. Following that, a man identified as Dave Joy, a former husband, responded by saying that he wasn't the one Joyce Blessing was referring to, which sparked another hullabaloo Credit: Modern Ghana

Sadio Mane has joined Bayern Munich from Liverpool. The Senegalese striker has penned a three year deal and the signing is reported to have cost 41 million euros. Sadio Mane leaves Liverpool after six memorable years at the club. The 30 year-old has completed a move to Bayern Munich on a three year deal in what will be his first taste of German football. Bayern announced the news at 13:15 CEST on Wednesday. Mane, who joined Liverpool in 2016 from Southampton, made it clear in the summer that he was leaving Liverpool and now that is the case. Darwin Nunez's move to Liverpool last week practically assured that the Senegalese would be departing. If there were any further doubts, on Tuesday afternoon, there were none. Mane was spotted in Munich having his medical and he even posed with a Bayern shirt. The Senegalese joins the German giants on a three year deal and the move will reportedly cost Bayern 41 million euros including add ons. Mane leaves Liverpool having scored 120 goals and provided 38 assists in 269 appearances during his six seasons at the club. At the Reds, he won the Premier League. Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He also won the African Cup of Nations with Senegal in February after beating Egypt on penalties while Mane could have had three Champions Leagues had Liverpool not lost in the final to Real Madrid twice. The striker cannot wait to get started and explained his reasons for joining the German giants: "I'm really happy to finally be at FC Bayern in Munich. We spoke a lot and I felt big interest from this great club right from the beginning, so for me there were no doubts. It's the right time for this challenge. I want to achieve a lot with this club, in Europe too. During my time in Salzburg I watched a lot of Bayern games - I really like this club!," Mane said. The Bayern board also reacted to the news: "Sadio Mané is a global star, who underlines the appeal of FC Bayern and will increase the attractiveness of the Bundesliga as a whole. Fans come to the stadiums to see such players. It's great that our board led by Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidžić have managed to sign a player like Sadio Mané for FC Bayern," Bayern president Herbert Hainer told the club's website. This signing could allow Robert Lewandowski to move away from the club. Despite Bayern insisting that the Pole will see out the final year of his contract, Lewandowski is confident the club will let him go. In fact, the striker has told the club he only wants Bayern to listen to offers from Barcelona and, if they pay the 50 million euros Bayern want, the 33 year-old will be able to sign for the Spanish giants. After eight years in England, Mane will try his luck in Germany and his first competitive appearance could come away to Leipzig on 30th July in the German Super Cup. For his first league appearance, we will have to wait until 5th August when Bayern travel to play Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt. Below are some pictures: Credit: Besoccer.com

The office of the former president has refuted the recent media reportage that ex-President John Agyekum Kufour has endorsed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's Presidential Ambition with his "you are a true son" comment. A press statement signed by Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, the Senior Spokesman for former President Kufuor, issued on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, emphasized that the comment has been misinterpreted by a section of the media. He stressed in the release that the former president's remark to the Vice President for attending the program after he (Bawumia) skipped a scheduled meeting in the North upon hearing that he (Kufuor) was also attending the program as guest. The spokesperson indicated that former President and the Vice President were both guests of honour at a Father's Day soiree organised by Peduase Valley Resort and Hotel last Sunday June 19 at the hotel premises. The statement added that the MC for occasion Kwame Sefa Kayi stated that when the Vice President was invited the day before, he was on an assignment in the North and appeared unable to be present. According to the statement, Kwame Sefa Kayi said when Dr. Bawumia was told that former President Kufuor would also be in attendance, he (Bawumia) said "if it is Kufuor, then I will surely come." It was reported few days ago by most media outlets that Mr. Kufuor had endorsed Dr. Bawumia at a recent event held at Peduase Resort and Hotel at Aburi. 'You are a true son' comment according to the Spokesperson was misconstrued as an endorsement of Bawumia's candidature by the former President. Read full release below: Credit: Modern Ghana