The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Premier League side, Real Tamale United (RTU) from using the Tamale Sports Stadium as its home grounds over assault on match officials. According to GFA, it took the decision after the home supporters assaulted match officials who were assigned to officiate a match between RTU and Aduana Stars. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the Competitions Department of the GFA has been assigned to fix a new venue as home grounds for Real Tamale United FC. Below is a copy of the letter issued to RTU; The seminars and meetings on Safety and Security at match venues organised by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for clubs and the GFA regulations on Safety and Security refer. It is against this background of the efforts invested into promoting the safety and security at our matches that the Association is shocked and extremely alarmed at the criminal assaults on the Match Officials at the Tamale Sports Stadium by the home supporters in the Premier League match between Real Tamale United FC and Aduana FC on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Again, considering the fact that the GFA has a process for complaining about any alleged bad officiating (if any) for redress through the Match Review Panel, the Executive Council of the Association see any attack on the Match Officials as “an attack against the entire sport, it being, unwarranted and criminal”. The Executive Council has accordingly exercised its powers under Article 14(2) of the Premier League Regulations and has ban the venue indefinitely. 14(2) “The GFA may order the closure of any league centre/venue where the safety of clubs, match officials and/or spectators cannot be guaranteed”. The GFA also notes that supporters of the home team, Real Tamale United FC went into the inner perimeter and attacked the match officials and condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Approved Matchday COVID-19 Protocols and the Safety and Security regulations which took place at the match. The GFA Prosecutors have been tasked to prefer the appropriate Charges immediately and for the Disciplinary Committee to sit on this matter expeditiously. The GFA demands that Real Tamale United FC shall immediately assist the Police to cause the arrest of the persons involved in the attack on the match officials, without fail, in accordance with the promise given by the clubs to the Inspector General of Police in our engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service. The Association has instructed the Competitions Department to fix the venues for the upcoming home matches of Real Tamale United FC with due regards to the distance to be travelled by the away teams (note that matches can be fixed at the home of the away team, if required). That all clubs are to take note and comply strictly with the GFA Matchday COVID-19 Protocols and the Safety & Security regulations. The GFA wishes to sound a strong note of caution to all members (especially all clubs) that the slightest harassment or attack on Match Officials (Referees, Match Commissioners, GFA Cameramen & Women, Venue Media Officers, the sports media) shall be dealt with severely and swiftly. Also, any comments from any player, team or club official and club social media handles which incites supporters against match officials shall be dealt with as well. There shall be zero tolerance for violence and incitement to violence in our game especially in this second round of the leagues. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker on Monday, March 21, 2022 paid a working visit to the site of Newmont Ghana Limited at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region. The visit by Hon. Duker and his entourage which was at the behest of the sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor forms part of government’s plans resolve some challenges facing the company in their bid to execute their $800m Ahafo Ano project. The Ministry has taken the initiative of facilitating the ground-breaking investment following a request by the company for its intervention in dealing with some residents at Kenyasi. During the meeting, Hon. Duker was briefed on the project and how it will turnaround the fortunes of residents of Kenyasi and Ghana at large. In a response to the plea by the Newmont Ghana, Hon. Duker said owing to the strategic nature of the investment and the possible benefit to the country’s socio-economic development, the ministry will ensure that it comes to fruition. He assured that government will engage with the traditional authorities to find a solution that is mutually-beneficial to all parties. Hon. Duker disclosed that government’s has set out to create an environment for businesses to thrive and will on this occasion activate the relevant protocols to ensure that Newmont thrives in Ghana. “Newmont is credible that is why we’ve sacrificed to be here. We are determined to ensure that you don’t go back with the money. We’ll not relent on our effort of assisting you in creating the enabling “environment for you to work. We will stand by you and convince the chiefs and our people to be with us. Once you want to invest here, it is important they become part of the process. Following a successful meeting with management of Newmont Ghana, Honorable Duker visited engaged the chiefs and elders in the area and pressed home the need for them to give the project their blessing. He admonished that the project will improve the welfare of the residents hence the need for the chiefs to buy into it. The successful implementation of the US$800 million-Project, according to the minister, will significantly impact on the Socio-Economic indicators in the catchment areas and Country at Large. He made the promise that government will ensure that, various timelines towards the success of the project shall be achieved. In doing so, all stakeholders and their respective interests within the remit of our Laws and Traditions shall be duly recognized. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Assistant Coach of the Senior National Team, Black Stars, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says he is confident that with pride and passion, Ghana will win the battle against Nigeria in an upcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification play-off. According to him, it does not matter who Ghana faces or the venue for the game rather the readiness of the team is most important. In a video sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani said "It does not matter the opposition and where the games will take place but what matters, is the readiness of the team. With pride and passion, I strongly believe that we are more than capable to win this batte" He further added that though it will be a 180 minutes or more of frantic and uncompromising action between two great football nations in Africa, he believe the Black Stars will shine as well as conquer the Super Eagles. "We are at a very crucial stage at the World Cup Qualifiers and this is the time to show love and undiluted support to the Black Stars" "We are heading to the battlefield against an old folk and a familiar opponent in Nigeria and just as we have witnessed over the years, these matches are close and cagey" "God bless our homeland, Ghana and make our nation great and strong. Let's go Ghana" Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that the much-talked-about Black Stars press conference scheduled to be addressed by the technical handlers of the Senior National Team has delayed. Officials are yet to give journalists tangible reasons for the delay. It will be recalled that the said presser had 8:30 am on its advertisement. Readers will be updated on new developments. Story by: News Desk Report

Ranking Member on Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament, Kwame Agbodza has asked the government to close down the Frontier Covid testing facility at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). In his view, the facility is no longer relevant. “It is simply fleecing passengers,” he said. He rather said the people must be encouraged to be vaccinated and observe all the protocols, not testing. “Let’s continue to encourage people to vaccinate and observe other covid protocols, he said in a statement on Monday, March 21. He added, “Asking Ghanaians to pay ¢400 for a needless test in this catastrophic economic situation is totally uncalled for.” The Adaklu Lawmaker further stated that “Government is in cahoots with frontiers to take money from Ghanaians just as a form of income. It has nothing to do with health anymore… I had my two vaccinations and a booster, what is the point of taking ghs400 from me for a covid test by frontiers.” Meanwhile, Former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, Fuseini Issah has dismissed claims that the government awarded the contract to Frontiers in order to profiteer. He said the government needed to build the capacity of other testing companies hence, the decision to engage Frontiers. He was reacting to a claim by a private legal practitioner and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Gordon Edudzi Tameklo who accused the Akufo-Addo of taking undue advantage of the covid situation to profiteer. Edudzi said on the New Day show on TV3 Monday, March 21 that Frontiers Limited was deliberately chosen by the government to, allegedly, enable the agenda of profiteering to take place. He further indicated that the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has always been known to be the institute that conducts tests of this kind. “We are now paying 60million dollars free money,” he said, adding that “it was an avenue for profiteering by the Akufo-Addo administration. “We had always used officers of Noguchi to do testing, so when an opportunity came for making money, we felt we were going to use Noghuchi but we sidestepped Nohguchi and went for a company that had no experience in testing.” But reacting to him, Issau Fuseini said “You don’t know the other number of companies that have been contracted to do what Frontiers is doing. Edudzi’s comments are neither here nor there. “What is wrong with sole-sourcing? There is absolutely nothing against no sole-souring. We had to build more capacities, we couldn’t limit everything to Noguchi,” he said. Former President John Dramani Mahama has also asked the government to stop the US$50 compulsory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for travellers who have been vaccinated. Mr Mahama also said the government must also stop the demand for originating PCR tests before the same category of travellers are allowed to board flights to Ghana. In a Facebook post on Saturday, March 19, he said “I travelled last month to London on British Airways. I was pleasantly surprised when I was informed that I did not require a COVID-19 PCR test to board the flight. “While I was still required to fill a locator form, no further tests were required of me for the 12 days I stayed in the UK. Imagine my shock when British Airways informed me that I would be required to take a PCR test before I am allowed to board my return flight home. They explained that this is because of regulations in Ghana. It cost £90 to have the test done" “I was also informed that I would not be checked in for the flight back unless I filled an online form and paid a fee of $50.From my recent experience with PCR testing and COVID regulations at our airport, I think it is time for Government to review the procedures and protocols" “It is an inconvenience, a financial burden and actually unfair to compel our citizens, who we encouraged to take COVID-19 vaccinations, with some taking the boosters, to pay as much as £90 to a foreign clinic for a PCR test before they are allowed to board flights coming back home. And even more ridiculous, they must book another $50 PCR test to be conducted on arrival in Accra. The UK government considers the Ghanaian COVID-19 vaccination card internationally accepted and allows entry once you have the card without any testing" “It is a most unfortunate situation that Ghanaians who have valid vaccination certificates cannot board flights back home without a £90 PCR test, and an additional US$50 PCR test booking in Accra" “Government must stop the US$50 compulsory PCR test for travellers who have been vaccinated. And must also stop the demand for originating PCR tests before the same category of travellers are allowed to board flights to Ghana. The reason for UK rolling back its COVID-19 restrictions is that deaths are down and severe cases requiring intensive care are down, and besides, they believe it’s time to learn to live with Covid" “I think it is time for us in Ghana to do the same. The long border closures have devastated the economy of our border communities. The government’s announcement that it is deliberating at Cabinet about a possible opening of our land borders is long overdue. Let’s open the land borders now!” Story by: Laud Nartey

AshantiGold says they were attacked by armed robbers while traveling back to Obuasi after their Ghana Premier League clash with Hearts of Oak in Accra. The robbers opened fire but fortunately, no one on the bus got injured. “We got attacked by armed robbers on our way back from Accra at Assin Endwa,” the club announced on Monday. “The robbers shot three bullets at the front bulletproof glass as the team driver meandered his way through a terrible scene of gunshots.” “Thankfully, no individual sustained any injuries. The entire team is currently safe in Obuasi,” they added. THANKFULLY, NO INDIVIDUAL SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES. THE ENTIRE TEAM IS CURRENTLY SAFE IN OBUASI.#MINERS🖤💛 — Ashantigold SC (@AshantiGoldSC_) Ashgold who is struggling this season suffered defeat to the Phobians at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday evening. Daniel Afriyie Barnieh found his scoring boots as he netted a brace to secure a 2-1 win. The striker who hadn’t scored since January 16 opened the scoring in the 12th minute when he converted a penalty. The lead lasted for 13 minutes as the Miners leveled through Aminu Adams who headed in the rebound after a brilliant play by Yaw Arnor. Arnor was lively and caused problems for Hearts but his finishing was poor. He missed a couple of good opportunities before Barnieh stunned Ashgold with his second goal. Barnieh found the net with a powerful shot from outside the box to secure three points for Hearts to return to winning ways. Ashgold is four points above the relegation zone following the defeat. Below are some pics: Source: 3news.com

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie has confirmed that the Akufo-Addo administration will not interfere in the private recycling initiative started by the Zoomlion boss, Dr. Siaw. According to the Minister, the government will not set up any system to compete in that space. The Minister said “I have discussed it with Dr. Siaw Agyepong and his managers that we are thinking about different things. For the other key ministers, we have met at least four times on this matter, and we have an idea of what will work and what will not work. The whole recycling idea is a private initiative and the government will not set up any system to compete in that space" Rather, the Minister hinted that the government is looking at capacity issues so it can expand and deal with them. Dr. Afriyie stressed that all these measures fit into the government’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. The MESTI Minister further urged the Ministries of Sanitation and Water Resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Local Government, and Education to sensitize the public in the management of plastics and waste in general. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie added that the central government is aiming for a secular economy. "By becoming a secular economy, he noted that Ghana would be able to recycle aluminum cans, e-waste, plastics among others, and then also turn them into other useful items. Some we can turn them into energy among others,” he added. Dr. Afriyie indicated that the model currently being used for plastics was based on economic incentives, which is “when you bring (plastics), they weigh them and they pay you.” “…and that is why we have realized that the PET bottles and the sachet water and then the under 20 microns (we call it the flexible bags), you see that people are not inclined to pick them. But they are the ones that give plastics a bad name,” he pointed out. It was against this backdrop that the minister said the government was looking for an alternative model that will complement the economic incentive model. On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, who accompanied the minister, entreated the citizenry to have positive attitudes towards the environment. He said segregation of waste was very key to helping the country manage waste efficiently. He assured that his agency was ready to partner with the private sector to ensure the proper management of waste in the country. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director of Public Affairs Department of Parliament, Kate Addo has debunked claims that the Speaker, Alban Bagbin has made a request for Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000USD)for a routine check up. According to Ms. Addo, the purported publication claimed the Speaker, Alban Bagbin made the request a week after his trip from Dubai. In a sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "We would like to state categorically that the Rt. Hon. Speaker has not at any point in time made direct cash requests from Parliament. The conditions of serviof public employees including political office holders, cover medical care, both local and foreign. The specific details of each category of public employees is covered by law" She added that in the case Parliamentarians and Speaker, the Presidential Commission on Emoluments details out the main areas of coverage. Ms. Addo stressed that it covers sitting and former Speakers adding that the current Speaker has no authority and has not attempt in anyway Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government has appointed a retired Justice of the High Court and a one-time Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta as the sole inquirer to probe further into the Bulgarian Embassay Land Case. According to Government, the findings will help Ghanaians know the true owner of the land. The call comes after the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio together with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong on Thursday stormed Bulgarian Embassy and ordered the contractors on-site to stop working. The Sector Minister said "The terms of reference for the Sole Inquirer include; undertaking a full and impartial inquiry into the alleged encroachment and/or demolishing of property on the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy, making appropriate recommendations relating to the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy and inquiring into the nature of interest in any land held or occupied by Diplomatic Missions in Ghana" "Inquire into any matter relating to land in which Diplomatic Missions in Ghana have any interest whatsoever. Make recommendations to Government" The Minister gave the Sole Inquirer seven days ultimatum to present a report on his terms of reference and a period of one month to present a full report on terms of reference. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor declared that Government is committed to maintaining the cordial relations it keeps with all diplomatic Missions and will by no means allow this issue to mar the long-standing relationship that exists between Ghana and Bulgaria. He noted that with the expertise and experience of the Sole Inquirer, he is absolutely confident that the Sole Inquirer will provide the Ministry with the full facts and directions to enable him to act on them decisively and comprehensively. The Sole Inquirer, Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta, a retired Justice of the High Court and a one time Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission said "I am grateful to Government and the Minister for the confidence reposed in me" He assured the Minister that he will do all in his capacity as the Inquirer to fully investigate the matter as per his Terms of Reference. "I wish to assure you and the whole of Ghana to do my very best to put this matter to rest. Thank you for the opportunity." Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Controversial Media Personality, Nana Abena Korkor Addo has taken to her Twitter handle to render an apology persons whose image she claims to have tarnished. According to her, she will not attribute all her actions to bipolar disorder. In her tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, she tweeted "I render a general apology to all men and women whose image I have tarnished by dragging our private business to the limelight" She added "I will not attribute all my actions to bipolar disorder" The On-Air Personality also revealed that she was seriously dealing with some mistakes she made in the pasts likewise her childhood trauma. Below is a screenshot of her tweet: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The General Manager of UPPR, Mr. Perumalsamy Suresh Kumar has called on Ghanaians to separate their plastic waste at home and forward them to collection or buy-back centers for sale. He said people could make a decent income if they collect broken or used plastics for sale. “UPPR is ready to buy such plastics for processing into waste bins, buckets, chairs, and other plastic products.” Mr. Kumar said this when the company organized a one-day tour of the company for journalists in Accra. The tour which came off on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at its head office at Borteyman in Tema afforded the journalists an opportunity to learn at first hand the operations of the plastic company. UPPR Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has organized a one-day media tour for journalists in Accra. Established in the year 2013, UPPR is one of the leading producers of top-quality injection molded waste bins in the West African sub-region. According to him, UPPR also recycles waste plastics and turns them into useful items for domestic use. He used the opportunity to call for support from both the government and other corporate bodies to enable them to expand and help curb the plastic waste menace in the country. “We want to process PET bottles on a large scale but we also need funds and support from Government, our activities can go a long way to solve the plastic pollution menace in the country" Welcoming the press to the company, the Head of Administration of UPPR, Mrs. Isabella Gyau Orhin said the company supports the United Nations in its quest to build sustainable cities and communities as stated in the Sustainable Development Goals number 11 as well as goals numbers 14 and 15 which talks about “Life underwater” and “Life on land respectively. This, she said, can easily apply to plastic pollution on land and in the sea. “We also believe in the President’s vision of making Accra a cleaner city in Africa,” she said adding, “UPPR has since its sought to rid the cities and communities of filth by processing used plastics and adding value to them and turning them into other usable household and industrial products.” She also said the company operates a buy-back centre at its premises and has been processing PET or water bottles for export in recent times. “We must say that although plastics have become a nuisance in some coastal communities among other places, they could help the economy if we look into the area of recycling and offer a helping hand to companies involved,” Mrs. Orhin said. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana and Arsenal Midfield Dynamo, Thomas Partey has reportedly converted to Islam after several months of studying the religion in London. The 28-year-old has been in the form of his life and was adjudged Arsenal Player for the Month of February Partey joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020 and he is one of the key cogs of the Gunners quest for a top-four finish Although the player has not officially made known his switch in religions, reports on social media says he is now a Muslim. In a photo posted on Twitter, spotted by Sports Brief, the deputy Black Stars captain is seen with an Iman as he gladly accepts the religion. It is emerging that Thomas Partey is currently dating a Moroccan lady, and it is believed that it could be his decision to convert. Below is a tweet: Story by: Lukman Mumuni