The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam George has dared the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to point out the NDC MP who presented the E-Levy birthday cake to the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. According to him, he is confident that none of his colleague MPs would have done that. In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com at the 'Ny3ntua' E-levy Demonstration in Accra on Thursday, he said "That is a dishonest intelligent lie and I am daring the NPP from Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to Annoh-Dompreh to name the NDC MP who sent the cake" He added that the false pronouncement on the NDC by the NPP is not only a bloody lie but also a dishonest and mark of lack of integrity on their part. He lambasted the Akufo-Addo government adding they should bow their heads in shame. "They have been incentive to the Ghanaian people. They have gone ahead to show their incentivity and when Ghanaians are complaining, they are having a partyand also mock us by bringing an E-Levy cake and when we call them out, they want to play politics with it" Sam George further described the NPP as a bunch of shameless leaders. "They either vomit the name of the NDC MP they claim sent it. But I can assure you that out of the 137 NDC members, none of us sent that cake" he added. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu has admitted that, the country needs fixing but the government needs more time to fixing the country since COVID-19 has gravely broken down the country. According to the Minister, it is evidently clear that COVID-19 has devastated most of the countries across the globe and some are still struggling to pick up but says Ghana is no exception but government is working hard. The Minister was speaking at the Information Ministry's press conference as he addressed wide range of issues regarding the ministry. Responding to the FixTheCountry movement's demands, Mr Agyeman Manu stressed that, the government has done well in surviving the economy as he says the COVID-19 broke down major parts and production of the country as many lost their jobs. He noted that, the government needs time to fixing the country as being claimed but was quick to add that, the government through the President have done enough. Mr Agyeman Manu admonished all the sundry to take advantage and get themselves vaccinated to prevent the County from going back to its darker days under COVID-19 since it is also a way of fixing the nation. Responding to abandoned projects, the Minister replied critics accusing government for not constructing and completing any Health project in the government's 6 years in office. He stressed that government has never abandoned any projects they inherited from the past NDC administration as he says, the have completed most of the projects and some are also at the final stages of completion. Mr Agyeman Manu told the gathering that the government has also undertaken major projects in the health sector and rehabilitated existing ones as well which is currently serving the various communities located. He therefore called bluff of those lambasting him and the government as he says the government has performed well in terms of infrastructure in the health sector. The Minister also added that, the government has paid about Ghc 1.04 billion in arrears owe to National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) service providers as he says the only debt owed them is now left with 3 months to be completed and they will surely pay the rest as well. On his part, the Project Manager for Hospital Infrastructure for Agenda 111, Kwabena Nyarko revealed that, contractors have begun work on 10 out of the Agenda 111 Hospital projects so far. He explained that , there are some issues with some of the lands that were secured for the construction to be undertaken but says ten (10) of the sites currently have work ongoing. Mr Kwabena Nyarko stated that, 92 sites were identified with 41 of the sites having challenges and 51 being fine for work as he added that, 63 sites have been cleared and are ready for work to begin. He added that, the government is paying some 138 contractors 10% of the contract money to begin the work as he say they hope by end of March, 2022, 67 project will have begun. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team has on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor paid a working visit to Appiatse together with the other members of the Team set up by government to ensure the rebuilding of the Appiatse Community. The purpose of the visit was to survey the Appiatse community and obtain first hand information on the damage caused on grounds to help inform their decisions even as they prepare to commence work as stated in their terms of reference. The move follows the committee's first meeting during which the Chief of Appiatse, Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi II indicated that the community has received some donations, including building materials with about 6000 bags of cement being a part of these donations. After a quick inspection tour of the community, the committee had a meeting with the assembly to discuss the way foward. Hon. Benito, having been briefed on the situation on the ground, charged the Municipal Chief Executive of the Prestea Huni-Valley District Hon. Dr. Isaac Dasmani to work closely with National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Land Usage and Spacial Planning Authority ( LUPSA) and as a matter urgency put together an inventory of the affected areas to capture and identify the main property owners. This inventory he said will be made public when ready to avoid fraud and litigation issues. He also tasked the MCE to ensure that the 6000 bags of cement donated be immediately used to mould some foundational blocks to prevent the  cement from caking up and going waste. Hon. Benito and other members of the Committee agreed that the community be actively involved in the whole process of reconstruction, from engineers, surveyors, possibly suppliers are to be employed from the community and Region so that the people can fully benefit and gain a source of livelihood from this implementation process. He said it is pertinent to engage the indigenes of the Community as instructed by the Lands Minister, Hon. Jinapor to input people's suggestions and specifications into the architectural design of the Morden Green and Sustainable community to be built. "We must ensure we include everyone who matters so that there are no gabs after the implementation" The team also made a stop at the Appiatse relief camp where Hon. Benito  gave a brief about the government's plans to save the situation. Hon. Benito urged them to corporate with teams that visit to inquire for information to make it easy for them to put together a good inventory. He reiterated that the President's deepest wish is to see them move into their homes and normal lives, assuring them that the committee will do exactly that. The Chief as a member of the committee pleaded with his people to be patient and wait for the government and the Committe to deliver on their promises. The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah on his part, suggested that the MCE be made an integral part of the reconstruction committee for proper implementation of the plans as he is their best liaison on the ground. Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Isaac Dasmani disclosed that the assembly has already started clearing the affected buildings to make way for the reconstruction and also try and erase the physical memories of the incident. He also hinted that other individuals and companies have promised to donate more building materials and assured that they will be able to soon start work and give the people some form of hope of restoring their social and economic life. The reconstruction committee was set up by the Lands Ministry following the resolve by Government to ensure the complete reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Appiatse community after the explosion flattened the community leaving about 900 people displaced and 13 dead. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has assured the leadership of the Volta Aluminum Company Limited (VALCO) that they will together implement the master plan in order to attract the needed investments. According to the Minister, government is ever ready support Valco in achieving such targets. Speaking at a one day working visit to Valco, the Minister said ""We have moved from the vision of government in making Ghana an Integrated Aluminum Industry into practicalizing the goals set out and once we get cabinet approval, we will implement the 'Master Plan' to attract the needed investment". The Minister also hinted that government will ensure that equipment which have been in use since 1960's will be upgraded. Mr. Jinapor further mentioned that as part of efforts towards building a robust and effective Aluminum Industry in Ghana, his ministry will in the coming weeks present the 'VALCO MASTERPLAN' to cabinet for consideration. He stressed that when given the approval, it will help to resuscitate the operationalization of VALCO through the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation's (GIADEC) Integrated Aluminum Industry (IAI) project 4, which is to retrofit, modernize and ensure the expansion of VALCO smelter to improve efficiency and capacity. Project 4, when implemented, according to the Sector Minister, will increase VALCO's production capacity from 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes of aluminum annually and create employment opportunities for more than 600 people. Commending GIADEC on its current development, the sectorMinistersaid "GIADEC is on course in giving VALCO a leaf of life". "The creation of an Aluminum Industry is one of the major pillars for transforming the Ghanaian economy" Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the one day working visit becomes the first time, the sector Minister has visited the the facility since 2016. On his part, the CEO of GIADEC, Micheal Ansah disclosed that his outfit is working closely with VALCO to ensure the realization and execution of project 4 of the Integrated Aluminum Industry (IAI) adding that GIADEC has the mandate to develop and promote an Integrated Aluminum company in Ghana. He said "GIADEC will require $6 billion dollars to successfully execute the 4 key project under the Integrated Aluminum Industry (IAI) and is determined to work with other stakeholders to achieve" The CEO of VALCO, Dan Acheampong also mentioned that his outfit is the largest smelter in West Africa and the 4th in Sub Sahara Africa. "With the right investment and the needed capital injection, the entity will take its rightful place in the Aluminum industry" VALCO, a wholly owned Ghanaian asset remains a strategic and a major corner stone of the Integrated Aluminum Industry (IAI) in Ghana. GIADEC and VALCO are currently working to give practical meaning to the government's transformational agenda by leveraging on Ghana's existing bauxite reserves and the smelting of Aluminum to make the Ghanaian economy an enviable one. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Media Personality, Rosemond Gertrude Nana Aba Anamoah has described the much-talked about convertion of tollbooths to public urinal as a domestic wee-wee tourism. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Nana Aba tweeted "Thanks to the roads minister, I can drive all the way to the motorway and wee-wee. Wow. Wow. Wow" The Sector Minister made these known following an interview on what are government's plans for the abandoned tollbooths across the country are. The tweet has generated lots of mixed reactions from her followers. Below is a screenshot: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Senegal has rewarded each member of the national football team with cash prizes and plots of land following their win at the Africa Cup of Nations. Each team member received more than $87,000 (£64,000) and plots in the capital, Dakar, and in the neighbouring Diamniadio city during a ceremony at the presidential palace. President Macky Sall also appointed the team to Senegal’s prestigious Order of the Lion, with fans cheering outside the gates. The president had earlier thanked the team for reaching the “summit of Africa” and for bringing “pride and honour that marks great people”. He also praised the team’s coach, Aliou Cissé. Senegal defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties, becoming the tournament champions for the first time in their history. Source:bbc.com

The Ministry of Energy insists that almost one year on from the proclamation by Sector Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh that the country was going through a period of ‘Dum siesie’, he stands vindicated in ensuring that the lights are on. It will be recalled that Dr. Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South and is affectionately known as ‘NAPO’, took office in March 2021 during power outage challenges in parts of the country. During subsequent media engagements he refuted the assertion that the dreaded ‘Dumsor’ was back, and pointed to several works being undertaken in various parts of the country by GRIDCo and ECG to ensure that the system was sufficiently robust to meet growing demands for electricity and assured the nation that the challenges would soon be a thing of the past. It was during one of these engagements that he referred to the process as ‘dum siesie’, in reference to the purpose of the power interruptions. The Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, Mr. Kwasi Obeng-Fosu believes the Minister has kept the faith with Ghanaians and delivered on that promise, despite a few challenges. “We promised to keep the lights on, and under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Ministry of Energy is doing exactly that”, he declared, citing, among others, the Amandi Power Project (200MW Twin City Energy Project) which has been completed, achieved commercial operation and is dispatching power to the grid. He also disclosed that a 50MW grid-connected solar plant at Bui has been completed and commissioned. On improvement in the transmission system reliability, he disclosed the implemention of various projects, including the Kumasi-Kintampo Lot of the 330KV Kumasi-Bolgatanga Transmission Line Project which has been completed and energized. In addition to this is the Volta-Achimota Lot of the 161KV Volta-Achimota-Mallam Transmission Line Upgrade Project, which is 83% complete and the Achimota - Mallam segment, standing at 55% complete. According to Mr. Obeng-Fosu, the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point Project (BSP) is completed, commissioned and in service. The BSP, with a total capacity of 580MVA, is the largest in Ghana. It is also the fourth Bulk Supply Point in Accra. Constructed under the existing 330kV Aboadze-Volta-Lomé Transmission line which passes through Pokuase, the BSP is the first 330kV Bulk Supply Point in the capital and the most technologically advanced substation in Ghana. The essence of constructing the substation is to improve power supply quality and reliability to over 350,000 existing customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Pokuase, Kwabenya, Legon, Nsawam and its environs. Another project referred to in the power sector is the Kasoa BSP, a 435 MWA Capacity Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation which is the second largest bulk supply point in Ghana. The project is to address low voltage and frequent power outage challenges caused by increasing domestic and industrial demand in Kasoa and its environs, including Senya Bereku, Bawjiase and Nyanyanu. The US$50m BSP project is expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of March this year. Players within the energy sector, including various civil society organisations, believe Dr. Prempeh has brought a new style of leadership and dynamism into the sector and expect to see a more positive outlook going forward. Mr. Obeng-Fosu agrees and recalls, ”when Kumasi and its environs had power challenges due to an incident in the Western Region, NAPO took charge, ensured the nature of the problem was explained to the public and assured its resolution by 21st December 2021. The lights were stable before that date and Kumasi enjoyed the Christmas. The sector has certainly woken up and is already taking notice of his leadership”. He further stated that, any form of outages being experienced now in any part of the nation may be due to a local area technical fault or an accident affecting households that depend on the affected installation and even with that the ECG technical team is now responsive and acts swiftly to complaints from their customers. "From the look of things, the future certainly looks bright" the Ministry added. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yaw Kwakwa has been sacked. According to sources, the termination of contract followed a directive from President Akufo-Addo. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "His Excellency, the President of the Republic per letter No. OPS127/22/104 dated 31st January, 2022, has directed that the appointment of Mr. Yaw Kwakwa as the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited be terminated" The statement further said "8n this regard, kindly the necessary steps to give effects to the directive" The statement was signed by the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie has finally shared his two cents about the introduction of tax on electronic transactions (E-levy) in the country. The award-winning rapper was forced to give his opinion on the matter after a Twitter user by the name @TsaatseB asked that he did so. “@sarkodie Please I want to know what you think about the E-Levy, you have been quiet on it your paddies are speaking their minds ooo,” the Twitter user inquired. Sarkodie responded to the tweet stating that he understands the importance of paying taxes outside of Ghana since he enjoys avenues it has created. However, he believes although citizens pay taxes in Ghana, they do not enjoy the amenities these taxes are meant to bring, hence the reason why he believes Ghanaians are complaining about the introduction of the e-levy. “I pay a lot of taxes outside and I don’t complain because I’m using avenues they made available to make money ( it’s only right ) it’s not same here and that’s why we complain not because the “E Levy” is bad . When you broke, a harmless “good morning “ can sound like a tease,” Sarkodie responded to the tweet. See tweet below; Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker in charge of Mines says the efficient exploitation of natural resources is key to Ghana’s socio-economic development. According to him, natural resources relating to mining, forestry, agriculture among others are the backbone of Ghana’s economy and that the growth of the country hinges on the maximization of gains in these sectors. Hon. George Mireku Duker who commissioned the joint Project Steering Committee for the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP) on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 noted that the government has instituted various measures to reduce the losses in the exploitation of resources and increase it benefits. “You will agree with me that contributions of the natural resource sector to Ghana’s socio-economic development cannot be overemphasised. Thus, Ghana’s socio-economic development is highly dependent on the exploitation of natural resources in the agricultural, forest and mining sectors in addition to a thriving services sector,” he said. Addressing members of the joint-committee, the Deputy Lands Minister said government appreciates the contribution of small-scale mining to the economy. “In recognition of the vital contributions of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) to Ghana’s sustainable development, the mineral exploration policy was developed, to ensure sustainable extraction of mineral resources in an environmentally sustainable manner. This policy intervention complements the goals and strategies of the National Environment Policy revised in 2014.” Government dealing with threats Hon. Mireku Duker said government efforts to help the extractive sector is under threat from climate change and other biodiversity loss. He, was however of the opinion that with the current policy interventions by government these challenges will be addressed. Hon. George Mireku Duker further appealed to members to work together to ensure that the objectives for which the joint-committee was set up is achieved. The Coordinator for the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, Dr John Krugu pointed out that the Project Steering Committee (PSC) as part of their mandate will meet twice in a year, with todays inaugural meeting being one of their key mandates; approving a work plan and a budget to enable the coordinating unit to proceed with implementation. All you need to know about the joint committee The Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project is a joint project to be implemented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI). The project seeks to strengthen the ecosystems for integrated natural resources management and increase benefits to communities in targeted savannah and cocoa forest landscapes. Program (FIP), with an amount of USD 103.36 million facility from the following funding streams: • International Development Association (IDA) Credit of US$75 million. • The project is designed to build on the achievements and lessons from the just ended Sustainable Land and Water Management Project (SLWMP) and the Forest Investment Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant of US$12.7 million. • Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes (PROGREEN) grant of US$15 million. • Extractives Global Programmatic Support (EGPS) Multi-Donor Trust Fund grant of US$0.6 million. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Maxam Ghana Limited has reluctantly agreed to pay a hefty fine of Six Million United Sates Dollars (US$6,000,000.00) imposed on the company by government through the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP. In a Statement issued by the Company on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, shortly after the Minister communicated the imposition of the fine to the public, Maxam said, although the breaches found by the Minister did not cause the incident, the company had decided to pay the fine and comply with the measures imposed by the Minister. The fine followed an explosion which occurred on Thursday January 20, 2022, when a truck carrying explosives from Maxam’s Iduapriem plant in Tarkwa to Chirano Gold Mines Ltd, was involved in an incident, leading to the death of thirteen (13) people and the destruction of the entire Appiatse community. In a six-page Press Release issued on Tuesday February 8, 2022 to update the public on the incident, the Minister said after reviewing two reports of the incident submitted by the Minerals Commission and a three-member committee he constituted to conduct independent investigations into the matter, the Ministry established some regulatory breaches on the part of Maxam in respect of the manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives. The Statement further stated that although the regulatory breaches attract fines ranging between Six Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHS600.00) and Ten Thousand United States Dollars (US$10,000.00), the Minster imposed the US$1,000,000.00 fine due to “the totality of the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.” In addition to the fine, Maxam has also agreed with the Government to pay an additional amount of Five Million United States Dollars (USD5,000,000.00) bringing the total amount payable by Maxam to Six Million United States Dollars (US$6,000,000.00). The Statement lists a set of ten conditions to be complied with by Maxam before the restoration of their licence to operate. In a swift response shortly after the Minster’s Press Release, Maxam said based on a different interpretation of the law, they did not believe they committed any regulatory breaches. However, to ensure the continuity of their business, and to be able to supply their customers and protect the employment of their workers, they will pay the fine imposed by the Minister. The Statement also said Maxam has agreed to pay the additional US$5,000,000.00 due to their commitment to Ghana and its welfare. The company has also pledged to ensure full compliance with the new regulatory measures announced by the Minster to ensure that their operations are in accordance with the laws of Ghana and international best practices. Below are copies of the releases: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As the various sectors of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources goes digital, the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands,( OASL) which is also an office under the Ministry, have been highly commended and encouraged to among others, continue in the good work of digitization of their operations. Speaking on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor at the opening of OASL's 24th Annual Review Conference held at the Volta Hotel, Akosmbo on the theme "OASL @ 25, Accessing the Past, RedefiningThe Future of Customary Land Administration", the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural in charge of Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio said digitalizing OASL operations and making efforts towards aquring more Regional and District offices are steps in the right direction, expecially in the light of efforts being made to bring land administration services to the doorstep of the people. The Deputy Minister also applauded the Administrator and her staff for their role in the socio-economic development of the country saying "the role of OASL in the Socio-economic development of the country cannot be underestimated, this can be seen in how revenue mobilised over the years have been used by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in their development activities in the form of schools, markets, community centers among others" " Traditional authorities have also been seen to use their portion of the stool land revenue in the development within the communities like building of libraries and scholarship scheme for their subjects. All these have been made possible because of your hard work as an office" he continued. He said he believes that if appropriate strategies are put in place, Ghana's Natural Resources will have the potential to contribute significantly not only to the progressive socio-economic and political development of the country but also to the transformation of the economy. In his speech, the Deputy Minister disclosed that the Ministry has plans to implement policies that will stimulate growth in the land and natural resources sector, stressing that one of the main policies is to liaise with the Ministry of Finance to secure clearance for the employment of right mix of staff to support the agencies particularly in the Regions and Districts. Hon. Benito used the opportunity to congratulate OASL on their 25years in good administration of the Stool Lands in the country and hoped that the next 25years will even be better. He urged staff and Management of the OASL to delve deep and bring ideas that will improve the fortunes of the Office in the ensuring year and also intensify it's publicity on all fronts to sensitise the general public on their obligations to pay rent, dues, royalties and all other payments to boost revenue generation. He said it is the expectation of the Ministry that the OASL will continue to collaborate with the Lands Commission to facilitate the establishment of Customary Lands Secretariat to improve customary lands administration at the local level. "This we believe will go a long way to minimize land related disputes and conflicts". He then assured OASL that the Ministry’s doors are widely opened to assist them saying that the Ministry will put in place the necessary support mechanisms to help the OASL achieve its set mandate as enshrined in the enabling Acts and Regulations. The Administrator of Stool Lands, Surveyor, Mrs. Maame Ama Edumadze-Acquah in her opening statement at the conference on Tuesday, 8th February, 2022 thanked the Minister for gracing the ocassion saying that it's an absolute privilege to have the him travel all the way to attend their 24th Annual Review Conference. She said the purpose of the Annual Conference is to assess the activities of the previous year (2021), identify shortfalls and find ways to improve them. She disclosed that during the year 2021, the efforts of the OASL culminated into mobilising an amount of GHC 105,677,023.09 which is about 80% of their annual target, adding that 90% of this amount has been disbursed to their beneficiaries for development in the various communities and traditional areas. Suveyor Ama Edumadze-Acquah outlined a number of issues to be discussed at the conference, making mention of the review of OASL Act 1994 ( Act 481), efforts  towards developing Guidelines for the use of Stool Land Revenue, finalizing on OASL Rent Application among many other issues. She commended her staff for their support and hard work during the year under review and hoped that the discussions and decisions made at the ongoing review conference will go a long way to better the lot of the OASL in 2022 and the years ahead. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith