The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a swipe at the followers of tye ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for believing in the Bawumia Ghana card turned E-passport lies. According to Sammy Gyamfi, Party follows who believed in the lie are either fools or went to school for nothing. In an interview monitored by 1, Sammy Gyamfu said "If you are one of the NPP social media funderheads who believed Dr. Bawumia lie that the Ghana Card in its current form is the same as an e-passport then its either you went to school for nothing or you are a fool" The comments from Sammy Gyamfi has generated lots of mixed reactions on social media. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

On February 14 each year, people climax their show of affection, commitment and appreciation to their loved ones with the exchange of gifts among others, all in the name of Valentine’s Day. Contemporary era, however, has translated the day as synonymous to sexual affairs, lovemaking and other themes related to sex. For this reason, both government and non-governmental agencies have over the years advocated for the safe commemoration of Valentine’s Day by propagating the gospel safe sexual practices. However, shortage of condoms and other sexual enhancers, as well as, contraceptives have been recorded in pharmacies, clubs and hotels in previous years. But this year, the sale of such products according to some pharmacists is picking up rather slowly as compared to previous years. GhanaWeb’s checks at some pharmacies and traditional market centres in Accra revealed a slower pace in the purchases and sale of condoms, contraceptives and sexual boosters. A pharmacist at Bedita Pharmaceuticals told the news team that people are gradually shifting from the purchase of condoms to the post-pill contraceptives. In her words, “…It’s just like any other day, I can’t feel it anymore…Vida post-pill, the morning after pill, that one the purchase is high as compared to the others. Here we sell a lot of condoms in a day so I don’t really see the difference…” At East Cantonments Pharmacy, a pharmacist Johnson Osei, whose submission didn’t vary vastly from the above, there is a gradual reduction in the sale of condoms prior to Valentine’s Day. He said, “Generally we tend to see a spike in the sale of emergency contraceptives mostly during Val’s Day and the period leading to Val’s Day. I think most people prefer to rather take emergency pills instead of using condoms which is not the best practice.” He also added that it’s mainly women who throng to buy such products, “It’s mainly the women and the males, every now and then, yes but it’s mainly the women…” he emphasized. Another pharmacist at Familymeds, Enock said “Of late the purchase of these contraceptives are quite high. People engage in a lot of sex on Valentine’s…Commonly that’s what we know Valentine’s for. People don’t really purchase condoms because of these contraceptives. People don’t fear STIs because of these contraceptives. However, some pharmacists who spoke to the team off record indicated that, even though there is a surge in consumerism, most of the purchases are directed at gift hampers and other items. Adding that most people prefer to purchase their sex protections in the evenings. Meanwhile, herbal medicine sellers, who also sell condoms and sexual enhancers and others also lamented the slow pace of their sales this Valentines, but they refused to speak on record for fear of possible clampdown by the FDA. In January 2007, Valentine’s Day in Ghana was announced as Ghana’s National Chocolate Day by the then Tourism and Diasporan Relations Minister, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey but that initiative didn’t do much with regards to the day being synonymous to “Love day”. Source: www.ghanaweb.com

The National Communications Officer for the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has slammed the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia saying the Veep is allergic to the truth. According to Sammy Gyamfi, Dr. Bawumia has lies embedded in his DNA. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, Sammy Gyamfi said "I have now come tobtye conclusion that our jocular Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is allergic to the truth" He further said "It's like he has lies embedded in his DNA" Sammy Gyamfi also hit hard on the Vice Predating the second gentleman of the land can 'lie'. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) is considering forming partnerships with expatriate businesses in the development of the Coastal Development Zone under the implementation of the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP). This came to light when the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib met and held discussions with the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Jung-Taek Lim in Accra on Thursday, 10th February 2022. The friendly dialogue between the CEO and envoy highlighted a broad range of areas of a possible partnership between CODA and Korean public, private and not-for-profit organisations. Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib urged His Excellency Lim to facilitate partnerships between CODA and Korean investors in the implementation of the CODA Clean Beach Campaign, CODA Drive Electric, CODA Seabus, and the CODA Salt Mining initiatives. “CODA is committed to forging public-private partnerships in our quest for accelerated economic and social development of the Coastal Development Zone of Ghana as envisioned by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo”. The Korean Ambassador affirmed the commitment of the Korean Embassy in Ghana in partnering with the Authority in the implementation of the one million dollars per constituency programme. Specifically, he assured the CEO of support and collaboration in the areas of investment, sanitation, technology, and transport. ONE MILLION DOLLARS PER CONSTITUENCY (IPEP) IPEP is a government policy, a flagship of the Akufo-Addo administration, that allocates one million dollars to each constituency for special infrastructure projects and social interventions. Projects are determined through stakeholder engagement and bottom-up needs assessment process. CODA leads the implementation of IPEP in 109 constituencies in the six regions that make up the Coastal Development Zone. CODA CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN Pilot implementation is currently underway by CODA and partners, the University of Cape Coast and the Coastal Conservancy Organisation, to devise a sustainable mechanism to keep beaches in Ghana clean through the CODA Clean Beach Campaign which involves waste management, recycling, community-led advocacy, and a public education campaign. CODA DRIVE ELECTRIC CODA Drive is a social intervention that offers commercial drivers and motor riders to own their own vehicles in a two-year hire purchase agreement. The first tranche of 200 vehicles was distributed in 2021 and was oversubscribed. The Authority seeks to improve the service with the introduction of electricity-run vehicles. CODA SEABUS CODA Seabus is a planned water transport service intended to ply the entire coastline of Ghana to facilitate timely, cost-effective, and safe transportation of people goods and services in the Coastal Development Zone. The initiative, when rolled out, is expected to significantly boost employment, trade, and tourism with a positive resultant effect on livelihoods, families, and communities to promote economic and social development. CODA SALT MINING In line with its mandate to ensure prudent use of natural resources for development, CODA will soon outdoor a salt mining project to take advantage of the economic potential of salt deposits at the coast to create income-earning, business, and development opportunities for coastal communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of FixTheCountry convener Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor for threatening to stage a coup in the country. Last week, the activist in a post on his social media page noted that he would stage a coup himself if the E-Levy Bill is passed by Parliament after the E-Levy cake controversy. The Police on Friday, February 11, 2022, caused the arrest of Mr. Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor at the Kotoka International Airport. “Mr. Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor has been arrested by the Tema Regional Police Command following a post he allegedly made on a social media platform to the effect that he would stage a coup himself if the E-Levy Bill is passed by Parliament,” part of a statement from the police confirmed on Saturday. According to the Police, the post from Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor contained a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the constitution of the Republic of Ghana. The public has been cautioned to avoid making pronouncements that may lead to a breach of the peace of the country as such acts contravene the laws of the country. Below is the statement from the Police confirming the arrest of Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor: Story by: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo

President Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor to transfer Five Million United States (US$5,000,000) out of the total of Six Million United States Dollars (US$6,000,000) paid by Maxam Company Limited into the Appiatse Support Fund. According to a statement signed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, the transfer will help support the victims of the Appiatse incident and reconstruct the community. The statement said "The directive follows an administrative fine of One Million United States Dollars (US$1,000,000), I imposed on Maxam Ghana Limited for regulatory breaches, following the Appiatse incident which killed thirteen (13) people and destroyed the entire community, and an agreement with the company to pay an additional amount of Five Million United States Dollars (USD5,000,000) to Government" The statement also added that by law, the One Million Dollars (US$1,000,000) which constitutes the administrative fine, forms part of the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of the Minerals Commission, the regulator of tye sector. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project (GSLERP) under the theme, Climate Resilence for People, Industry and Forests at a colourful event held at the Tamale Jubilee Park on Friday, 11th February, 2022. The project which was developed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Forestry Commission, the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Shea Alliance was approved by the Green Climate Fund with a networth of 54.5million US dollars, a grant component of 30.1 million dollars and Co funded by the government of Ghana with 24.4 million dollars. Launching the project, The Vice President noted that these grants aquired through the efforts of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change on the fragile ecosystem of Northern Ghana as well as improve the shea value chain, expecially for the Small Scale women shea entrepreneurs and this he said is highly commendable. He added that the project will provide economic opportunities to develop shea and it's byproducts which will be an important income generation activity for over 600,000 women in the northern sector. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said with Ghana being the 4th largest producer of shea in the world, he believes the project when successfully implemented will change this status with the planting of 1.7 million shea trees over a 7-year period. He said the Akuffo-Addo has since it's assumption into office supported scientific research on the shea plant to guard towards making the shea a reliable income generating product. He thanked the Chief and partners of the project and hoped that the project will receive their full support and backing for it to be successful. The Vice President also higly commended the Ministry under the abled leadership of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor and the Forestry Commission for their relentlessness in efforts to ensure the launch and implementation of the project. "This Ministry has lead the country to receive the highest grant amount to any Ghanaian government institution from the Green Climate Fund. They have made our country proud by living up to their mandate" Dr. Bawumia appealed to all chiefs and partners of the project to keep up the good work to ensure the successful implementation of the project and also called on farmers to own the programme and contribute to its success. The Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel A. Jinapor in his speech said the launch of this project will contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change and its effect. Hon. Jinapor stated that 9 out of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved through this project, noting that the project will reduce some 6.4 million tons of carbon emissions in the first 7 years of the project life. Quoting his H.E. President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Minister said "Climate Change is the greatest threat to the realisation of the sustainable development goal which has enormous impact on the fundamentals required for our survival on earth" He said at the (COP) 26, he made a strong case for nature base solution to climate change because he believes that apart from supporting the lives and Livelihoods of some 1.6 billion citizens across the world, Forestry and Land use offer fast, reliable and empirical evidence based action to mitigate the effects of climate change. He added that an effective implementation of this project is expected to Improve a sustainable ecosystem services, Improve productivity level of the shear supply chain and Increase resilience in climate change. The Minister hinted that as part of efforts to encourage afforestation, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has accepted to launch the Green Ghana day on the 1st of March 2022. He thanked the Vice President for accepting the invitation to the launch the GSLERP and for his show of kindness and exemplary leadership, stating that his contribution to Ghana is demonstrably unflinching. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor also commended the Chiefs in the Northern Region for their support in placing a ban on production of charcoal for commercial and economic purposes which has also largely contributed to the reduction of carbon emissions. A Representative who spoke on behalf of Yaa Naa, the Over Lord of Dagbon applauded the initiative saying that it will be a great avenue to reduce forest degradation, deforestation and expecially eradicate poverty in the northern zone as shea is the main source of livelihood for the women in the North. He added that he is therefore eagerly looking forward to the implementation of this project as it will bring better opportunities for the people of the North. The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Daniela d’Orlandi in her address stated that since 2017, the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea has played a key role in Ghana's Climate Change Action and the Forestry sector such as Agriculture, with the ultimate goal of enhancing climate change action and enhancing sustainability. She congratulated Ghana for attaining this feat, adding that Italy is proud to be a contributor to the Shea Lands Emission Reductions Project while assuring that their country will continue to support Ghana in the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals 5, 13 and 15. The Representative from the United Nations Development Project, (UNDP) Madam Angela Lusigi, eulogized Ghana for being the leading African country to have moved beyond words to action and promised her organisation's committed support in this project and others yet to come. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Over 5000 direct jobs are going to be created in the Ahafo Ano South-West Constituency of the Ashanti Region following the Launch of the Kunsu Community Mining Scheme, Deputy Lands and Natural Resource Minister responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker has stated. Hon. George Mireku Duker says the Kunsu site of the innovative Mining Scheme which has five concessions will curb unemployment and improve living standards in the community. Addressing a gathering of Chiefs and residents at the launch of the scheme on Friday, February 11, 2022, the Deputy Lands Minister commended some small-scale miners who gave out their concessions to make the project possible. Hon. Mireku Duker urged the miners to adhere strictly to the laws and safety regulations governing the mining space. He emphasized that the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) has come to replace illegal small-scale mining which poses threat to the environment. The Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP called for a responsible and sustainable mining practices to protect the country’s resources. He cautioned against the involvement of foreigners in the community mining scheme, stressing that the innovation is meant to give Ghanaians more stake and benefit from the extractive industry. As part of effort to promote safety and environment-friendly mining methods, Hon. Mireku Duker disclosed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will in the coming weeks launch some Mercury free mining equipment. He tasked the Municipal Chief Executive of Ahafo Ano South West to ensure that responsible mining and safety measures are duly followed. The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South-West, Johnson Kwaku Adu said “one person cannot sustain this project so I will urge you all to join hands and help sustain this project. Let’s all do well to follow the right path in order not to destroy our land and water resources. The purpose of this mining module is to protect our resources so let’s all obey”. Otumfour Hiahene, Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adusei said “this is a landmark project for us so we are grateful. We understand that there will be plenty of jobs so let’s strive to sustain it. Let’s also try to keep foreigners away from it”, he added. Prior to the Launch, the Deputy Minister paid a courtesy call on the Otumfour Hiahene, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adusei as well as the Chief and Elders of Kunsu. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, (MP) has cautioned communities benefiting from the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) not to engage the services of foreigners in their activities. The Minister emphasised that the CMS is the preserve of Ghanaians and that any attempt by foreigners to infiltrate the sector will not be tolerated. He vowed to revoke the license of any firm found to engage foreigners at its site. The Minister further explained that government holds the position that Ghanaians must benefit from the country’s natural resources and the CMS is the surest way of manifesting that belief. “We want natives and the Elders of Asante Akyem South to enjoy maximum benefits so I am pleading with you not to allow foreign nationals to engage in it. This should not happen at the expense of the natives of this town”, he maintained. “This Community Mining Scheme is for the people of Tokwae and Asante Akyem South. Foreigners are not allowed to participate in it. If one foreigner is found working in this mining operation, the mining license which I have signed as Minister will be revoked”, he warned. Hon. Jinapor issued the stern caution during the launch of the Tokwae Community Mining Scheme on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He disclosed that government as part of its job creation strategy is seeking to establish at least 50 CMS in 2022. He stated that the new module will replace the archaic and more harmful galamsey practices and also empower mining communities economically. “So far, we have commissioned seven community mining schemes and this year under the direction of the President, we intend to commission 50 Community Mining Schemes. Agenda 50 Mining Community Schemes begins with Tokwae”, he said. “Community Mining Scheme which is done responsibly and has regard for the environment which employs the teeming youth of the country is indeed an alternative to illegal small-scale mining and that is the strategy of the Ministry.” The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem South, Hon. Kwaku Asante Boateng eulogized the Sector Minister for showing exemplary leadership in his role. He urged the leaders and residents of the community to heed to the counsel by Hon. Abu Jinapor and obey the regulations governing the CMS. Hon. Kwaku Asante Boateng was happy with the scheme which he reckons will relieve the constituency of some headache with respect to unemployment. Nana Eyim Kum Nipa II, Omanhene of Gyadam, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative which would offer job opportunities to the teeming youth in the area and improve upon their living standards. He pledged the support of the chiefs and other traditional leaders in promoting safety and enhancing security in the operations of the scheme. The Municipal Chief Executive of Asante Akyem South, Alexanda Frimpong commended the government and the ministry for completing the processes which has culminated to the Launch of the scheme. He appealed to the Minister to help deal with illegal small-scale mining activities in the area. Prior to the Launch, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the area, Nana Eyim Kum Nipa II. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Host of ‘The Citizen Show’ on Accra FM, Kwabena Bobbie Ansah, has been arrested by persons believed to be National Security operatives. He was picked up by men in police uniform at the premises of Class Media Group shortly after he ended his programme at 10:00pm on Thursday, February 10. Reports say he has been taken to the Nima Police Station. The Producer of the show, Kwame Kwakye, broke the news about Bobbie Ansah's arrest on air. “Kwabena Bobbie Ansah, the Host of ‘The Citizen Show’ and also a staff of CMG, specifically Accra FM, has just been arrested by unknown policemen. We do not know where they’re stationed, neither do we know where they’re taking Bobbie Ansah. We don’t know what his crime is and which police station he’s been sent to. He was picked up right after ‘The Citizen Show’. He was arrested with a National Security car that had police officers in it without identity.” According to reports, his arrest is in connection to a post he made on Facebook alleging that the “current judiciary is corrupt and made up of crooks and criminals led by a corrupt Chief Justice who’s struggling to purge himself of a $5 million thievery allegation”. More soon... Credit: Modern Ghana

A Facebook user, Ellenam Foli is cautioning the general public to be on the alert and refrain from dealing with her account since it has been hacked. According to her, the unfortunate incident occured on Wednesday, February 9. In an interaction with Thinknewsonline.com, Ellenam Foli said "Just got back from and meeting and realising that my account Ellenam Foli has been hacked. I want to warn people not engage in any deals or activities with the account as I work around to retrieve it" Madam Foli further added that the unfortunate incident is worrying as she does not know the intentions behind the hack. "I realised that after I came out from a meeting and wanted to respond to an urgent message by some girls mentoring group. I wish to warn anyone dealing with that account to be careful as they might be sending chats to people requesting for money" Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam George charged Ghanaians not to trust the Akufo-Addo administration since it has no track record when comes to the management of public purse. According to Sam George, the NPP has mismanaged the public pursue adding that it left the country in an uncomfortable state. Speaking to Journalists at the 'Ny3ntua' demonstration held in Accra on Thursday, the MP said "We cannot trust the NPP. They don't have a track record of trust when it comes to management of public pursue" The lawmaker also slammed the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) adding that the Akufo-Addo government will not use the E-Levy for infrastructure as it claims. "When they tell you that the E-Levy is going to be used for infrastructure, it is a lie. Their track record doesn't support what they claim to do. We have seen similar funds and how they abused it" The MP challenged the public to stand up for their right and demand the cancellation of the e-levy. "We expect that every Ghanaian who will be affected by the inconsiderate E-Levy to show solidarity with us, because this is not an NDC thing but a Ghanaian one. This is about the suffering about to be imposed on us" "I hope people will come out and show their displeasure at a time where Ghanaians are against this E-Levy, we see the NPP having a party and mocking us with an E-Levy cake. I was not disappointed seeing that because I know that the NPP does not care about anybody" The Ningo Prampram MP describe the NPP as inconsiderate and heartless. Responding to what will be their line of action should government fail to heed to the calls of dropping the E-Levy, he said "The power of the people is greater than the people in Parliament. They will see the anger of the people in this country" Some of the demonstrators lambasted the media for failing to kick against the E-Levy. Watch the videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith