The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has hinted that despite the busy nature of his work, he still makes time to have a drink or two with friends and close associates. According to him, although he does so, it does not have a reflection on him. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, the Special Prosecutor who was speaking Twi said Mew) ndamfofuo ah, y3 twa bi. Kwame, me twa bi paa nso en show w) meho" The revelation by the Special Prosecutor got the host of the show, Kwame Sefa Kayi burst into laughter. Responding to whether his work will be interfered with by the government or top officials based on his personal relationship, the Special Prosecutor hinted that he will not mix business with pleasure. Mr. Agyebeng also rubbished claims that he is too young to hold the office of Special Prosecutor. He further revealed that since he is bent on ensuring corruption is dealt with in the country, he will not succumb or be moved by certain utterances from critics. The 43-year-old said "There was a slot for the position for Special Prosecutor and I gave the shot. I have 18 years of experience as a Lega Practitioner. The Special Prosecutor position stated clearly someone with 12-years and above experience and since I have gone past that, I am fit for the job" "Take a look at the Attorney General, he is my age mate likewise the French President so if I were to be the President of Ghana at age 43, what shows, I cannot handle the office of the SP. I am not moved by the words of the former SP because he does not know me. Those who know me, know what I am capable of doing" he added. Mr. Agyebeng hit hard on critics saying, he is learned, has the training, skills, and the expertise to work as the Special Prosecutor. "I might be young but if you subtract 18 from 43, one is left with 25. This means I was called to the bar at such an age. I have spent most of my adult life working as a lawyer and have although taught as a Law Lecturer for 15-years" Mr. Agyebeng revealed that some of the students he lectured at Legon currently hold positions such; High, Circuit, and District Court Judges. "Let us learn to praise our own. Give us the job to do while we are in our youthful ages not when we are old" Below are some videos: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Police Service’s Public Affairs Directorate, ACP Kwesi Ofori has rubbished claims that armed robbery is on the rise in the country. According to him, these cases that have generated public discourse like the daylight robberies are isolated but the police are working to ensure culprits are caught and brought to book. Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, on Wednesday, ACP Kwesi Ofori said that “generally speaking armed robbery is not on the increase, but there have been some isolated ones that have prompted public conversation. As an agency and service, we need to deal with it and we are dealing with it,” He told the host, Ernest Manu, that the Ghana Police among others have deployed officers to vantage points in Greater Accra and other regions to curb these robbery cases. ACP Ofori explained that “management is at work. On assumption of office, the acting IGP called a national emergency meeting, involving all the 18 regional commanders, for us to strategize and map out intensive measures to carry out our job, in terms of policing the country and allowing the police authority to prevail.” His comment comes after police officers shot dead some two suspected robbers at Manso Dawusaso in the Ashanti Region. According to the Police, the Regional Command’s Anti-Robbery Task Force embarked on an intelligence-based operation which also saw the arrest of one of the suspects. The latest development also follows other cases of robbery recorded in some parts of the country. Accra residents especially are apprehensive as at least four broad daylight robberies have been recorded in parts of the capital city since last week. The Ghana Police Service announced that it was putting in place urgent additional security measures in the Greater Accra Region as part of efforts to combat robbery. ACP Kwesi Ofori again, on Joy FM, assured the public of the police’s determination to protect lives and property. “We are determined to flush out some of these miscreants. The police will protect you and do whatever to get rid of miscreants in the city,” he added. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as ‘blatant lie’, allegations by Ernest Owusu Bempah, the convener of the pro-NPP group, ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ that former president John Mahama and the party’s chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo masterminded the alleged kidnapping of Josephine Panyin Mensah, a supposed pregnant woman in Takoradi. The party in a statement said Mr. Owusu Bempah’s claims were baseless, “wicked, malicious and contemptuous,” and was aimed at diverting attention from the pressures being mounted on the government over its poor handling of security issues in the country. Ernest Owusu Bempah, who is also the Head of Communications of the Ghana Gas Company Limited, at a press conference last week said he believes the NDC Chairman is behind the incident. “Isn’t it interesting to note that these occurrences are happening in a fashion akin to the directives contained in the Ofosu Ampofo tape? The Fixing The Country Movement is not unaware of the political machinations of the NDC and how they are desperate to plunge this country into chaos. It is quite clear that this is the handiwork of those who are desperate for power and will do and employ any tactic fair or foul to achieve their selfish ambition. And this their latest shenanigan has backfired… As a matter of fact, we have been told by former NDC Flagbearer aspirant, Stephen Atubiga that the lady in the center of this fraudulent hoax is a member of the NDC,” he said. But the NDC in its statement signed by Kakra Essamuah, the Director of Communication, NDC said the two party leaders claimed to be the brains behind the incidents are in no way connected to it. “Neither the highly respected former President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, nor its esteemed National Chairman, Hon. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, have any hand whatsoever in the happenings in the Western Region, nor are they linked in any way to any of the characters in that alleged kidnapping saga.” “The Leadership of the NDC has far more noble objectives to engage its attention, and it is a sad reflection of the quality of our democracy that government agents would find time to vilify innocent persons just to make this hopeless administration look good in the eyes of the public,” he added. He, therefore, urged the public to ignore the comments by Owusu Bempah and continue to hold the government to account for its stewardship. Credit: Citinewsroom

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, says a routine tour to food production areas shows that the country will have plentiful food next year. He, therefore, dispelled rumours that the country would face food shortage and said there would be surplus food. “I just returned from Volta and Oti regions last night as part of my regular field visits and with what I saw there as well as my observation at other food production areas, food will be in abundance,” he said. Dr Akoto, at the launch of the 37th Edition of the National Farmer’s Day, said performance of the sector was the manifestation of government's diverse support through the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme. National Farmers Day is celebrated on the first Friday of December, each year, to recognise the contribution of farmers and fishers to socioeconomic development. This year’s edition, which will take place in Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital, would be hosted jointly by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and Ghana Cocoa Board. Dr Akoto said farmers remained a priority in government’s quest to modernise the agriculture sector to grow the economy. He said government in 2020 invested nearly a billion cedis to getting fertilizers and seeds for smallholder farmers to help increase yields. Nana Otuo Siriboe, the Chairperson of the Council of State, said: “Farming continues to provide numerous avenues for employment of citizens along the value chain. The more reason farmers should be celebrated.” “The last four years has witnessed impressive government support for agriculture. What stands out for me is the commitment of the government to modernise agriculture.” Nana Siriboe, who is also the Paramount Chief of Juaben Traditional Area, said the PFJ had sustained food production in the country and called on farmers to work hard to ensure food security. Madam Mavis Hawah Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in a statement delivered on her behalf, said one of the major challenges in the sector was illegal fishing activities and that the Government was putting in place measures to deal with the menace. She said the Ministry was poised to sanitise the sector to ensure that the potentials were explored to continue to make meaningful contributions to the economy. Credit: GNA

The reappointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, Aminu Zakari Mohammed has promised that he will ensure his Municipality get improvements in infrastructure in his second term of office. According to him, improved infrastructure help boosts the working rate of the constituents in the Municipal Assembly. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com, he said "They should expect improvement in infrastructure and improvement in security situations" He described that security situations under the former MCE as below par adding that he will change the face of the Municipality in his second term. The MCE made the call after the various Assembly Members in his Municipality confirmed his reappointment. It will be recalled that President Akufo-Addo few days ago named some MCEs to run the affairs of the various Municipal Assemblies of which Honourable Aminu Zakari had his name shortlisted. Hon. Zakari also hinted that he will not run a winner-take-all governance adding that his doors are always opened to all. "The people are expecting me to create jobs of which I have started in the Agric sector. We will help them draft bankable business plans because we don't always have to depend on Government because Government has already created the opportunity and it's up to us to leverage on it" The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey who graced the occasion advised the MCE to work tirelessly to ensure that Ayawaso North stands tall. He charged the MCE to give listening ears to his subordinates stressing that granting them audience can help in the smooth running of his administration. The Greater Accra Regional Minister tasked the Assemblymen to support the MCE in all his endeavours for a successful Municipality. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Veteran politician and Presidential candidate aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Joe Ghartey, has stated that the way forward for Ghana as a country is the development of the private sector. The Essikado-Ketan Constituency Member of Parliament made this known in his keynote address to launch the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) Enterprise and Innovation Centre. Hon. Ghartey, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, expressed the “firm belief that the way forward for us as a country is the private sector. Examples abound around the world, of the private sector being the main engine of growth in several countries.” According to the ex-Railways Development Minister, “Countries that not too long ago did not permit a vibrant private sector, today are growing by leaps and bounds largely due to a strong and emerging private sector. There was a time in Ghana where state ownership and the direct participation of the State in economic activity was the order of the day; but this debate between whether it the State or the private sector should be the driving force of the economy, has been effectively settled. This was settled by the provisions of the 1992 Constitution. Article 36 (2) (b) of the 1992 Constitution provides as follows: 36 (2) (b) The State shall, in particular, take all necessary steps to establish a sound and healthy economy whose underlying principles shall include affording ample opportunity for individual intiative and creativity in economic activities and fostering an enabling environment for a pronounced role of the private sector in the economy" The UPSA Enterprise and Innovation Centre seeks to create opportunity for the youth through enterprise and innovation. “Recent figures from our population census puts our population at over 30 million, with a vast majority of our population being the youth. This creates an opportunity for Ghana for economic explosion. We have arguably the most important resource, human beings. We have a more educated society and the free SHS program will ensure that more and more people get access to education and also are more ready for the job market or to create jobs themselves,” Hon. Ghartey, a private sector-friendly politician, said. “As I said previously, there are examples of the private sector being the engine of growth in several countries. This is also the case in Ghana and there are several sectors that the private sector has developed beyond our imagination. The question is what must the State and other stakeholders do to release the energies of our youth and business community in order for them to create wealth? What must be done for opportunities for enterprise and innovation to increase? The answer is not far-fetched and we do not need to look or think far for the answer. There are several examples in our recent history of how various sectors have expanded to create unimaginable opportunities. Distinguished ladies and gentleman please permit me to state a few examples,” according to him. “Prior to the 1992 Constitution, there was only one radio and television station in Ghana, which belonged to the State that is the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation,” he said. “Even though the 1992 Constitution sought to guarantee freedom of the press, it took some time for our press to become truly free. In 1994, Charles Wreko Brobery tested the constitutional provisions of the freedom of the press by establishing a private radio station called Radio Eye. Graphic Online describes the birth of Radio Eye as follows: “In 1994, when residents in Accra woke up one morning to hear a radio station blaring out melodious music but not from Ghana Broadcasting Corporation we all realized that private broadcasting had been actualized.” “This was the beginning of our walk as a nation to press freedom and led ultimately to the establishment of a multitude of radio and television stations. Today 575 radio stations have been given the permit to operate out of which 428 stations are operational. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen let us stop for a moment and just imagine the number of direct and indirect jobs that have been created by this. What did government do to make this happen? Did Government give people money to establish these radio and television stations? Did Government subsidize the media outlets? The answer is NO. Government simply created the legal environment which enabled the private sector to operate and indeed the private sector has responded.” “This shows that a close review of each sector and the legal regime regulating the sector may reveal that a retooling of the legal regime of a sector to enable deeper private sector participation will open up the frontiers of the sector and create more opportunities for all Ghanaians. In some sectors perhaps the only thing that has to be done is a review of the legal framework. There is no doubt that Government can provide incentives to the private sector in order to lead investment to a particular sector. This is by using taxation and tariff reliefs as a tool for economic development.” “This is already being done and some sectors attract lower tax regimes than others. The rate of taxation also depends in some cases on the location of the business or industry. More education must be given to the public on the various tax incentives and benefits under which Ghanaians can operate, in order to create awareness for the private sector and more business opportunities. Some have argued that at the same time that Government is currently urging all of us to be aligned to our civic responsibilities including the payment of tax, reducing the rate of corporate tax may also have the net effect of increasing our tax revenue. Some countries have done that successfully and it is worth looking at.” “The area of mobile money transactions is another interesting area. Today momo transactions are nearly US100 billion a year. Look at the number of jobs it has created. Online marketing and sales, delivery services, aboboya and we can go on and on about the opportunities that the private sector has created and continues to create. The future of Ghana is the private sector and it is the private sector that will create jobs for the country. The duty of government is to create an enabling environment which will afford everyone the opportunity to be able to afford at the very least the minimum necessities of life. To the students who are participating in this Initiative and to the youth at large, I say free your mind. Move from the mentality of appointment to a mentality of creation.” “Don’t look for a job, create a job. Some of the richest people in the world today dreamt when they were your age and today have impacted the whole world. I am sure you know I am talking about Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and the likes. They are no better than you. You are all creations of God, created wonderfully in his own image. Imagine how many tasks a computer can perform and your mind is more powerful than the computer,” he urged. “We in Ghana have produced a Secretary-General of the United Nations, we have people working all over the world including NASA. Professor Allotey, a mathematical genius, comes to mind and many more have come out of Ghana and impacted the world. When our forefathers thought about independence, they had to free their minds first. The youth of today, free your mind. The world is your canvas, use it and paint a masterpiece that we will all applaud. It should be said that if our fathers gave us political independence, this generation has given us economic independence. Let me remind you that, nothing is impossible in the sight of God.” Credit: African Entertainment

Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician, George Kwabena Adu, popularly known as Kwabena Kwabena, is set to hold his 5th studio album listening party at the October edition of Live Konnect . Come October 17, Kwabena Kwabena will be putting up a dazzling performance at the Live Konnect. The album listening party will coincide with his birthday celebration. Kwabena Kwabena was born on October 17, 1978 in the Greater Accra Region. A few days ago, popular Ghanaian hip hop musician, Samuel Adu Frimpong, known in showbiz as Medikal, thrilled music lovers at the September edition of Live Konnect. Medikal was in action on September 16, 2021 at the Coco Vanilla, in East Legon, Accra, where he performed some of his favourite tracks. Award-winning Ghanaian musician, KiDi, has also taken his turn at the Live Konnect event. Live Konnect is a platform which brings celebrities together on a monthly basis to perform to a live band, to thrill, to entertain, networking and to give patrons an unforgettable experience. In June this year, another award-winning Ghanaian musician, Mr. Drew performed to the admiration of several music fans at the Live Konnect. Live Konnect is an initiative of talented Ghanaian Disc Jockey, DJ Mensah, who is poised to continuously rally and celebrate our stars on monthly basis. The official media partner for Live Konnect is African Entertainment (www.africanentertainment.com), a leading Pan-African media and entertainment news organization. Gold Label and Singleton, two great brands of Guinness Ghana Brewery Limited, are the official sponsors of Live Konnect. For More Information Visit www.livekonnectglobal.com Story by: News Desk Report

On Wednesday, 29th September 2021, Assembly Members of the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly confirmed Hon. Kofi Ofori as its Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). Honorable Kofi Ofori secured the votes of all 21 (100%) Assembly Members in an exercise supervised by officials of the Electoral Commission. In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, the MCE said "I am grateful to God and President Akufo-Addo for this great opportunity. I promise to deliver as expected" He told Thinknewsonline.com that he will not run a winner-take-all governance adding that his doors are opened to all for the betterment of the Municipality. "I know people will say I will run it on political basis but that is not how I work, my doors are always opened. On her part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma North Constituency, Sheila Bartels congratulated the MCE for his reappointment. She charged the MCE not to run his office on political bases. "I can say he is very patient and wherever he sets to achieve something, he aims at it and delivers. I know there are somethings he started and has not completed but hopefully he will execute that" she said. The MP appealed to the Assembly men and constituents to support the MCE to achieve President Akufo-Addo's agenda. "Since this year is year of roads, I am confident that with the support from the MCE, we will get that sorted out" The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Henry Quartey expressed his gratitude to the Assembly members for reposing confidence in the President's nominee. Watch the videos and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has taken to his Facebook account to mourn the passing of Legendary Highlfe Musician, Nana Ampadu. According to President Akufo-Addo, Late Ampadu was selfless and one of Ghana's musical icons. In his Facebook post, he said "I have learnt, with great sadness, of the death of one of Ghana’s musical icons, the legendary high-life artiste, Nana Ampadu. The outpouring of grief by many Ghanaians, following the news of his death, is an appreciation of the impact his music had on successive generations of Ghanaians" President Akufo-Addo added that Late Nana Ampadu believed in his vision for the transformation of Ghana, and assisted him tremendously on the campaign trail in the run-up to NPP's victory in the elections of 2016. "I remain eternally grateful. His was a life well-lived, and he will be sorely missed" President Akufo-Addo extended his deepest condolences to the widow, children and family. "Rest in perfect peace, Nana, and may the Almighty keep you in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen" "Nana Ampadu, da yie, Nyame nfa wo kra nsie" he concluded. Below is a screenshot: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has told Journalists that the Land Commission has been able to complete appraisal of property rates of 75 MMDAs nationwide. According to Mr. Jinapor, the exercise was made possible by the support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday, he said "So far, with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Lands Commission had completed an appraisal of property rates of 75 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) nationwide" The Minister also mentioned that the Akufo-Addo administration will ensure it reforms all land administration systems in Ghana. He stressed that via technology, it is will be easy to keep all land records for efficient service delivery. "Government would work with the private sector in that endeavor and by the first quarter of next year, all the digitization interventions rolled out by the Commission would take shape" he hinted. The Sector Minister also added that the NPP government is working on coming out with a new policy on property rates for appropriate rates to be charged on every structure. "The current law that regulates property rates cannot include land as a variable or ingredient for valuation of the property and so you value the property based on the structure and not the value of the land and I think it's inequitable and unfair. Therefore the new policy would ensure equity in property valuation," On his part, the acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, James Dadson said "We are working hard to address the myriad of challenges facing land administration in the country" Mr. Dadson said The Commission was putting measures in place to improve mapping and spatial data, production of digital-based maps for accurate data collection, establishing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure to ensure that agencies that required land data had a reference point as well as ensuring that all manual land records were transmitted into digital one" He hinted that only 10% of land records that were gathered manually in the Greater Accra Region have been digitized. "We intend to build a capacity of our staff and improve corporate governance culture" He concluded by saying digitization and modernisation of land administration is an important tool in boosting the country's economy Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In this investigative report, Manasseh Azure Awuni of The Fourth Estate reveals how a licensed health practitioner used his facility and practice as bait to sexually assaulting scores of women who went there seeking treatment. Watch the full video below: Source: The Fourth Estate

All sixteen (16) Assembly Members in the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly have endorsed the reappointment of Honourable Boye Laryea as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area in the second term of the Akufo-Addo Administration. The Assembly Members in an election held at the Municipal Assembly on Tuesday threw their unflinching support for the MCE's second term. It will be recalled that President Akufo-Addo mentioned Honourable Boye Laryea as part of the MMDCEs reappointed to serve in his second term of office. In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, he said "I am not surprised all 16 Assembly Members voted for me. I have been with them and they know the good works I have done" He added that he will ensure more developments are brought into the Municipality. "I want to also thank President Akufo-Addo for the trust imposed in me. I am also grateful to God for this opportunity. I also want to thank the Chiefs for their support" he said. Responding to working with an MP who belongs to the opposition party, Mr. Boye Laryea said " I don't discriminate. I am a team player and I will ensure that we work together for the progress of the Municipality" He also assured the constituents that he will in his second term continue his good works. Reacting to his earlier comments on a library facility he recently commissioned, he said "Its not only the library that I will ensure the thieves don't rob but any infrastructures in the municipality. Okaiwei North Municipal must be free from deviant acts" On her part the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North Constituency, Theresa Awuni congratulated the MCE for his reappointment. She said "All 16 Assembly Members voting for him tells that there is something unique about him. The fact that he belongs to any other party does not mean I should not work with him. We will do our best for the Municipality and Constituency" She appealed to the MCE not allow his political affiliation distract his works. She also charged the constituents to be law abiding and work hand in hand with the MCE for the progress of Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly. The occasion was graced by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith