The Ghana Health Service has outlined reviews of covid-19 protocols for International Travellers. According to GHS, there has been a decline in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ghana over the past two months until the global picture of COVID-19 changed since early November 2021. In a communique signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, it said "Globally several countries are experiencing their fourth wave. A number of travelers from these countries come to Ghana and this is expected to increase during the festive season. This current surge in COVID-19 cases is being reflected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA)" He added that in November 2020, 168 cases were detected compared to 241 cases in November 2021, an increase of over 40% He further stated that the country has since been recording an average of 20 positive cases a day at KIA. "For these positive cases, there is a significant difference in the percentage of COVID-19 infection based on vaccination status recorded at KIA. Available data from KIA, show that a COVID-19 positive person is three times more likely to be unvaccinated", he noted. Touching on the new variant, Omicron, he disclosed that it has been detected at the KIA Airport. "Of the 34 cases detected, 75% of them were unvaccinated. Over the last two weeks, cases from airport account for about 60% of the total cases recorded in the country" "The current increase in cases together with the detection of the Omicron variant among international arrivals and the expected increase during the festive season calls for urgent actions to prevent a major surge in COVID-19 cases in Ghana" The communique mentioned that to avert the covid-19, some directives are to be implemented effective midnight 12th December 2021.Travelers to Ghana Touching on travelers to Ghana, it said "All persons 18 years and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a COVID-19 vaccine" The communique mentioned that all unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents of Ghana who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of 12th December 2021 are exempted. However, they would be vaccinated on arrival at the airport. On traveling out of Ghana, he hinted that all Ghanaians travelling out of the country are to be fully vaccinated effective midnight 12th December 2021. Stressing on who qualifies as a fully vaccinated individual, he said "A person is said to be fully vaccinated when he/she has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana" Dr. Kuma-Aboagye noted that persons who have had two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Sputnik V will be declared as fully vaccinated. "One dose is required for Johnson and Johnson to be declared fully vaccinated. COVID-19 Vaccines Approved and Registered by FDA, Ghana includes; AstraZenec, Sputnik V, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna. The communique mentioned that other arrival requirements remain unchanged. "The 72-hour Negative PCR test requirement prior to travel • Completion of the Health Declaration Form. All persons who arrive in Ghana will undergo Antigen test Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Saturday, 11th December, 2021, will be a historic day for athletes living in and around the Savannah Region. The National Sports Authority (NSA) in collaboration with the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council will supervise the competition to select credible athletes for the region, as part of activities to help develop sports in the area. The day will see a regional INTER – DISTRICT cross country contest involving athletes in the region for selection into the regional team. The contestants are expected to run a 10-kilometer race, starting from the Damongo town park at 6am. Each district is expected to field at least 12 marathon runners thus; Six (6) males and six (6) females. This means at least 84 athletes will be competing for honours. There will be awards for best athletes. The Special Guest of Honor is Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril, Savannah regional minister. The venue for the event will be the Damongo town park Story by: Abdulai Zulkaninu, Pad Fm

The Kantanka automobiles have earned their respect and name in the country and beyond. Aside the issues with patronizing his works, he is respected and cheered in Ghana and other countries. "Kantanka automobiles are currently having the attention it needs in the market space and it is getting recognized and purchased as well", according to Hon. Afful Manu Benjamin, a Businessman and the Financier of the New Patriotic Party in Tain constituency. After a delivery of the 18 vehicles being presented to the national identification authority (NIA), by Kantanka, with a massive presentation, the Chief Executive Manager for the Kantanka automobiles in Bono, Ahafo, Bono East and the northern part Ghana. Hon. Afful showed his gratitude to the government for recognizing the big push to show the capability of Kantanka in the automobile production. "This steps proves that what the white man can do, black man is also capable of doing it too", he expressed. During an interview with Appiah Kubi on Tain FM Anɔpa Nkɔmmɔ, the Chief Executive addressed that the white men have manipulated African's mind in the case that whatever a blackman does is evil. He furthered that African's talents have been subdued which is incapable to grow for it betterment. "They have initiated a curriculum for us, to surpress our talents since Guggesburg time and I think this is the time we get to know the 'can do' spirit in us", he stated. He also disputed the fact that, the cars are made of good quality and used with locally made material to help with its lifespans. He added an evaluations to convince many on why these products Kantanka needed to be purchased. "It is the beginning of something bigger and this is not where we stop. This is only the beginning and the best is yet to come", he said. Story by: Appiah-Kubi, Tain FM

An 80-year-old retired military officer shot and injured two children ages 6 and 8 after their father failed to pay his rent. In an intense argument with the children’s father, Collins Kusi, the landlord threatened to shoot him if he did not pay his rent. Mr Kusi was initially attacked with a hammer by the landlord, and subsequently attacked with a single-barreled gun, as he had stated. The landlord’s gun, however, missed Mr Kusi and struck his two children who were standing nearby. “I heard a knock on my door; I came out to find the old man tying a red cloth around my windows. I asked him why and in a loud voice, he asked me whether he hadn’t threatened to kill me before. He had a hammer in his hand; he then hit me with it. I quickly struggled with him for it. After taking the hammer from him, he went into his room and brought a single barrel gun. “He shot in my direction twice but missed. Again, I struggled with him for the gun. Later, I heard people drawing my attention to the children who were down bleeding at that point,” he told a Kumasi-based Luv FM. Story by: Abugre Abayeta

The Ghana Tourism Authority, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Nations Media Group are organising the 3rd edition of the Kusi Ideas Festival on the 10th – 11th December, 2021 at the Accra International Conference Centre, AICC. This year’s conference, which will be a hybrid is under the theme; ‘HOW AFRICA TRANSFORMS AFTER THE VIRUS’, and subthemed; ‘BEYOND THE RETURN: AFRICAN DIASPORA AND NEW POSSIBILITIES. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, said the Kusi Ideas Festival has come at the right time to cement Ghana’s reputation as a leading business tourism destination. "We have embarked on a journey to attract meetings, conferences and events into Ghana and this partnership with NMG is in the right direction “ This year’s Kusi Ideas Festival will be opened by the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Other Presidents billed to speak are President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Several business and political leaders across Africa are billed to attend . Other sub themes are; Taking forward the lessons learnt from leading during the pandemic Technology, innovation and creating the most African wins Opening borders and building back tourism among others. Kusi Ideas Festival was started three years ago by the Nation Media Group as a Pan-African platform to examine the African continents place in the world. Credit: GTA

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has disclosed that his office is currently in the process of investigating 31 active cases. The young but experienced legal practitioner was sworn in as head of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) earlier this year in August by President Akufo-Addo to replace Martin Amidu. Three months on, Kissi Agyebeng says his office has reviewed all alleged cases of corruption and is now investigation 31 cases. “The OSP has completed the review of all the alleged cases of corruption and corruption-related offences before it. “Currently, the OSP is investigating 31 active cases and it will in due course commence the prosecution in court of the cases it considers probatively strong.” Kissi Agyebeng told journalists at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, December 8, 2021. Kissi Agyebeng added, “There is no case commenced by the OSP pending in the courts at the moment.” The Special Prosecutor in October finalised the review of the case between the Republic of Ghana and Mahama Ayariga. After being convinced there was nothing enough to continue the case against Mahama Ayariga, the Special Prosecutor went to court to discontinue the case. He has given the assurance that he will do everything in his power to fight corruption. Story by: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has revealed that the rehabilitation of the Tono Irrigation Project, when completed, would benefit over 3000 rice and other present farmers in the Kassena-Nankana District in the Upper East Region. According to the minister, the Tono irrigation facility, which was established in 1974, benefited over 2,000 farmers, adding that its expansion work, if 100% completed, will benefit more farmers and improve yields. The $35-million World Bank project, Dr Akoto said, was rehabilitated to stop the spillage of water which normally destroys millions of acres of farm lands in the district, causing huge losses to farmers. Speaking to the media after visiting the site, the food and agriculture minister said the project was about 95% completed which includes the construction of walls, floors and the channels where the water will finally flow before the farmers can pump to their farms. "What you see here is complete work because the constant rain fall washed away the steel way as well as the walls so we ran to the World Bank and within two years the projects is about 95% completed,” he said. He charged the Chairman of the Water Users Association Federation, Mr Robert Kwame Abokah, to write to his office and table down all their concerns and needs so his ministry can assist them. This was after Mr Akobah had appealed to the minister to support the Federation with land preparation implements to enable the farmers cultivate large farms to feed the country. Mr Akobah seized the chance to appeal to the minister to reduce the price of fertilisers and ensure its early release for the farmers. However, responding to this request, Dr Akoto made it clear that Ghana does not produce fertilisers, explaining that they should be prepared to “pay more this year for the product because this year alone the price has gone up three times.” Earlier, at the Balgatanga Regional Coordinating Council, the minister told stakeholders in agriculture, who included farmers and agric extension officers that because of the Planting For Food and Jobs (PFJ), Ghana has become the food basket of West Africa. "Five years ago lots of farmers didn't know the effects of fertiliser but through the government’s Fertiliser Subsidy, many farmers are now keen in getting the product for use," he said. He, therefore, directed the Director in charge of Women in Agriculture at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to present a paper on how women can fully participate on food processing and modalities to improve women’s participation in the sector. The minister’s tour of the region took him to Zualogu also in the Kassena-Nankana District to inspect an ongoing construction work on a 44,000 metric ton warehouse which is around 90% completed. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA), Hon. Boye Laryea has warned that all recalcitrants drivers who flout his Assembly's laws will be dealt with drastically. According to him, his Municipality is liasing with the Tesano police to ensure that vehicles and lives of Ghanaians are protected. Addressing Journalists in Accra, the MCE said "Naa Densua Plaza is one of the bus stops givng us problems. These problems are cars crashing each other and also passengers being knocked down. It is going out of hands and we can't watch for people to die. Recalcitrants drivers will be dealt with when caught" The MCE further added that beginning next week Monday, the Naa Densua Plaza at Achimota which has been turned into a parking and pick up location will be closed. He added that drivers should either move to the next bus stop or alight passengers at the old station adding that it will allow for free flow of vehicles and also avoid accidents. "Even though some people are recalcitrants who want to die, there are times that the Assembly has to help people to think. We have to think for them" "No stopping, loading, offloading of passengers and goods by all vehicles at the Naa Densua Plaza (Achimota Old overhead" Hon. Boye Laryea hinted that only BRT bus known by many as 'Ayalolo' buses can load and offloading passengers at its designated bus stop. The MCE stressed that there will be a removal of all parked vehicles on road reservations, pavements and walkways at Akweteyman and Apenkwa along the highways. Boye Laryea told Journalists that the Abofu section of the George Walker Bush Highway has been closed. He warned hawkers not to engage in any business on that stretch. "The use of roads around Tesano Baptist Church as washing bay is strictly prohibited" He added that the auto-mechanic operations on all roads by mechanics is strictly prohibited. "Jay walking across the highway will be prosecuted. Nobody should jump across the highway apart from the footbridge" On her part, the Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD), Tesano Police Station, DSP Comfort Forkah commended the MCE for his outfits strategy to end road crashes. She pledged her outfits support in ensuring that no life or car is destroyed. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com, the Managing Director at the Achimota Terminal, Kwame Owusu Antwi appealed to the trotro, long journey drivers and taxi drivers to heed to the advice to avoid having problems with the MCE or his outfit. He told Thinknewsonline.com that notices have sent to drivers who have turned the Naa Densua Plaza into a bus stop. He charged the drivers to make good use of the new station to ensure the safety of both the passengers and the vehicles. He called on the police to beef up its security to ensure an accident free before, during and after the yuletide and new year. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A section of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to heap praises to Ghana's Former President John Agyekum Kufuor as he turns 83 today. In series of tweets sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the tweepers prayers for long life, strength and good health for the Ex Leader. New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu in a tweet said "Happy birthday Gentle Giant,H.E @jakufuor .God grant you more wisdom,continuous good health & Grace.We cherish you & your enormous contributions to Ghana & @NPP4All .Your Excellency have a wonderful day 🍾🎂🎉" Seasoned Sports Presenter, Nathaniel Attoh also tweeted "Happy blessed birthday to you dear President J.A. Kufuor. May you live long and may your words inspire all to make great things happen. @citizenattoh #citizenattohyourmastermc https://t.co/9yWSbEk0ie" Abdul Basit, Zongo Pioneer, Ksi added "Happy birthday to former president J. A. Kufuor. The 2022 budget is the best of all budget that intend to bring more independent in the economic sector and fuel price too is gone down by 15 pesewas.God bless Hon. Fremah Opare, Hon, Mumuni Kankam https://t.co/SuHGcptO7m" Mohammed Osman also tweeted "A true son of the soil ( Ghana 🇬🇭), a veteran politician, one of the founding fathers of the NPP. I read your autobiography titled “Between faith and History” gives me the inspiration that destiny isn’t the path given to us BUT the path we choose. #Happybirthday .H.E.J.A.kufuor https://t.co/POA162tajo" The Former Leader served Ghana as President from 2001 to 2008. Due to his humility, he manged to win the hearts of both the NDC and NPP factions in the country. Below are screenshots: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker has extended a heavy warning to recalcitrant illegal miners to refrain from mining in the country’s various river bodies. According to him, failure to heed the warning will call for the Ministry's wrath. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister said "Those who are determined to destroy our heritage, we will come after you and I'm using this medium to sound a stern warning to these recalcitrants to refrain from mining in our river bodies" Hon. Duker told Journalists that his Ministry has been updated on tactics devised by the illegal miners. He noted that since the illegal miners have vowed not to bring to an end their activities, the army is also prepared to face them boot for boot. "256 equipments have been decommissioned including some chanfans, water pumps, and excavators" He, however, mentioned that about 26 suspects have also been nabbed by the police. Briefing Journalists on the country’s community mining scheme (CMS), he explained that the Akufo-Addo administration has commissioned six (6) of them. "These six schemes are expected to generate about 10,000 direct jobs and 21,000 indirect jobs" Stressing on the CMS Mireku Duker revealed that Tepa, a community in the Ashanti Region of Ghana will hold its 7th edition. "There has been an establishment of a Minerals Development Unit at the Agricultural Development Bank (Bank) to ensure that Small Scale Mining operators have access to credit facilities for their operations. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Ghanaian delegation led by Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Lawrence Apaalse on the authority of Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is attending for the first time, the 23rd the World Petroleum Congress in Houston Texas, USA. The Congress, on the theme “Innovative Energy Solutions” according to organisers, the World Petroleum Council, sums up the vision of the oil and gas sector’s contribution to a changing world. This is where Ghana is seeking to project the numerous investments opportunities in its energy sector. The opportunities span the upstream, downstream, renewable and nuclear energy. Ghana will also reiterate its current position on energy transition, that is Africa must be allowed to pursue an agenda of oil exploration in the context of energy transition because of the differences in the growth trajectory between Africa and the advanced countries. In the area of nuclear energy Ghana will re-echo its recent feat of ranking 3rd in Africa, in terms of preparedness to inviting for contract bids towards establishing the first Nuclear Power Plant in Ghana. The delegation will underscore that with carbon free sources, the world and energy players will make energy affordable to industry and this will enable Ghana meet its vision of being a net exporter of clean power to the West African Subregion. The delegation is also expected to make a strong case for Ghana’s gas potential as gas the cleanest of all fossil fuels and urge investors to come and invest in Ghana’s huge gas reserves. The Petroleum Commission, the country’s upstream petroleum regulator participating as an exhibitor will showcase Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources by way of acreages for exploration and farm-in opportunities. The Commission will also walk investors through the country’s legal and regulatory regime, its fiscal and economic system and make the point that Ghana is very stable politically and has a sound track record for business. The National Petroleum Authority will also highlight the country’s 2030 Petroleum Hub vision and indicate the areas of strategic private sector participation to prospective investors. The triennial World Petroleum Congress is widely known as the "Olympics" of the petroleum industry and covers all aspects of the energy industry from technological advances in upstream and downstream operations to the role of natural gas and renewables, management of the industry and its social, economic and environmental impact. The four-day conference will not only feature subjects under energy transition but also reaffirm global commitments to the Paris Agreement as highlighted at the recent COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Pundits of the energy sector are optimistic that this Houston energy gathering will consolidate the world’s energy future and Ghana will maximise fully from this conference. The delegation includes Director, General Administration at the Ministry, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr., CEO of the NPA, Mustapha Hamid and other senior officials of the energy sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Musician, Martin Kofi Arthur known in showbiz as Kofi Kinaata has taken to his twitter handle to eulogise his godfather, Samini for his many years of support in the Music Industry. According to Kofi Kinaata, Samini's consistent support has made him believe in coaching. In his tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Kofi Kinaata said "Mighty @SAMINI_DAGAATI 🙌🏾🙏🏾 You make me believe in Coaching. Thank you for your support all these years, especially last Saturday…" Kofi Kinaata further thanked Samini for the big surprise at the Made In Taadi Corporate Highlife Show which was held last Saturday. "Medaase! #MadeInTaadiConcert #MITHighLifeShow" he tweeted. In other developments, Samini's new tracking 'Burning' is currently trending number one on boomplay. Kofi Kinaata tweeted "New Song of the Week on @BoomplayMusicGH 🔥🔥🔥 @samini_dagaati ft. Kinaata - Quansemah on the #BurningEP https://t.co/iktq76GefK https://t.co/qSacypH5pw" Below are some tweets and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith