A 24-year-old single mother of 3 children jailed for stealing neighbour’s Ghc5 could not hold back tears as she narrated how she had no means to feed her hungry children on that fateful day. Akua Akyaa recounted her ordeal to Crime Check TV GH at the Kumasi Central prison where she was spending her jail term without having any idea how her three young kids were faring in her absence. According to her, she was working at a certain chop bar where she was being paid Ghc5 until the owner of the business asked her to stay home temporarily because her daughter who had returned from school would be helping her for time being. Life then became unbearable for Akya and her children she had with two different men, all of whom have abandoned her. She was compelled to pick a neighbour’s Ghc5 to buy food for her hungry children one day without asking first, and it brought about an altercation. The argument escalated into a fight during which she injured the neighbour with a blade she could lay her hands on, to defend herself against the neighbour who she said had overpowered her. Akya was arrested by the police following a complaint by the neighbour and was subsequently put before a court. The judge, according to her, slapped a fine of Ghc1,200 on her and further ordered her to pay Ghc1,000 compensation to her neighbour. Due to her failure to raise the Ghc2,200 total cost, the judge sentenced her to two months imprisonment. Fortunately, a kindhearted individual has paid the said cost through Crime Check TV GH, leading to her eventual liberation. Watch the video: Credit: Pulse GH

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamadou Bawumia has today launched a 'One Teacher One Laptop' project at the St. Mary's Senior High School in Accra. According to him, the project is an initiative of the government with support from the various teacher unions in the country aims at providing all teachers in public schools each with a laptop. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that about 320,000 teachers will be benefitting from the initiative that will see each provided with a TM 1 laptop. As part of the arrangement, government is expected to bear 70per cent of the cost of the machine while beneficiary teacher will bear the remaining 30per cent. Launching the project, Dr Bawumia said "The initiative was in line with the government’s overall digitalisation agenda" The Vice President disclosed that the ICT in this era cannot be sidelined hence the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service joining forces to provide the laptops for teachers. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Bawumia said "All the relevant and common educational resource materials should be uploaded into the system, including recorded lessons, revision materials and Chief examiners reports for easy access. There is also a package known as Educat where you have a store of ebooks and other learning materials which can be easily accessed on the laptop,” Veep Bawumia also explained that although the teachers might enjoy a bigger benefit, he is confident that the students will not be left out. He said "I expect dividends such as improved research for teachers, enhanced lesson plans, better analysis of students performance and new opportunities for boosted digital skills,” Dr. Bawumia hinted that it is the Akufo-Addo government’s vision to see to the full implementation of the project likewise its benefits for national development. “I count on the National Inspectorate Board to assist with inspecting outcomes following this huge investment by government,” he said. On his part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum thanked Dr. Bawumia for taking time of his busy schedules to grace the occasion. The Minister revealed that the provision of one laptop to a teacher will help boost teaching in various schools. “Teachers are going to get the opportunity to begin to practice what we have been preaching about for a long time. A teacher who is equipped with the requisite ICT tools to embark on teaching duties in the 21st Century,” the Education Minister stressed. The Director-General of Ghana Education Service (GES) Prof Kwasi Opoku Amankwah praised expressed GetFund for sponsoring the project. He added that teachers in the public sector will each receive their laptop to enhance teaching. The Headmistress of the St. Mary's Senior High School, Philomena Owusu-Ansah who could not hide her joy promised the Vice President and other dignitaries present that she will ensure the laptops provided, will be used for its intended purposes. She thanked the Vice President, Minister for Education and Ghana Education Service for providing teachers with the laptops. Below is a video and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Adutwum has charged the the newly inaugurated governing board of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science (KNUST) take unique interest in its school's curriculum since the nation will depend on its leadership to train the next generation of innovative and creative solution bearers. According to Dr. Adutwum, as they do these, they will not only contribute to socio-economic advancement but their works will place Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a solid competitor to institutions beyond Ghana. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Governing Board in Accra, the Minister said "Beyond your mandate of finance and governance of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, I urge you to take a unique interest in your school curriculum because this nation depends on your leadership to train the next generation of innovative and creative solution bearers. As you do these, you will not only contribute to socio-economic advancement but your works will place Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a solid competitor to institutions beyond Ghana" He added that as KNUST was built on science and technology, it has a unique task to intensify research. Dr. Adutwum also stressed that covid-19 has taught all the impact, scientific research has on the advancement of society. He mentioned that the role as members of the KNUST governing board gives them the opportunity to nurture and instill the importance of scientific research into their students. "KNUST has a reputation of churning out problem solvers. Like the students and young graduates who developed a fire detector. Led by Stephen Boakye Frimpong, the team of innovators developed the gadget called a Smart Fire Alert which has been tested by the Ghana Standards Authority. The Smart Alert sends a text message and calls a number it has been pre-programmed to contact whenever there is a fire outbreak. This Smart Alert has also been programmed to contact five other contacts if the first contact does not respond to the fire alert" he added. "We are all witnesses of how connected the world has become, especially through education. Virtual classes have become one smart way for universities to reach millions of students across the world. As you go for board meetings, bear in mind the unique vision of this university as you also work to excel in this new age of technology. As you do this. You will equip your institution to align with global industry demands and offer courses that will equip students for the job market" he noted. In his message to teachers, he reminded them that even as members of the university’s governing council to frequently pay unannounced visits to students during lecture periods. He also tasked them to get to interact with the students and know their challenges and success stories. Dr. Adutwum said "Let them know you are there for them. I always say that, when a student comes to your class and is unable to read and write, it is not your fault, but if a student sits in your class for four years and still does not learn the skills to read and write, then it is your fault" He celebrated and appreciated the teachers for their willingness to work together to help President Akufo-Addo On his part, Paramount Chief of Bompata and Former Ghana Ambassador to United Nation, Nana Effah-Apenteng said "KNUST is the country’s Science and Technology Institution. We have realised that most of the students are not good at Mathematics as a result, government has tasked us to ensure that we change that narrative" He added that the governing board will ensure that it gives the students quality Science and Technology education to help boost the teaching and learning of the subjects. "The world is growing and technology is taking over. A country which fails to train its students in Science and Technology tends to cause them a great disservice as they will not be able to compete with other students on the global stage" he added. Sharing his thoughts on the newly introduced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), he hinted that although the students have embraced it, the governing board will ensure that each student understands it better to help ease teaching and learning. He advised students to pay lots of attention on their studies and do away with certain social vices which will hinder their education. He also appealed to teachers to devote their time and together help churn out great personalities for the nation. The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour on his part appealed to the newly inaugurated board to work hard and ensure they churn out talents such as; world class engineers, data scientists and mathematicians for the country. "Let your core focus go high. They have yo ensure that they churn out great talents such as world class engineers, data scientists and mathematicians who can meet the demands of 4th Industrial Revolution" he said. Below are some pictures and videos: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Persons seen without face masks and littering in Agbogbloshie in Accra were made to clean gutters on Friday, September 3, 2021. Motorcyclists without helmets were also plucked out to help with the clean-up exercise. They joined Zoomlion and some security personnel already engaged in a clean-up exercise of the area earmarked for the building of the Ablekuma District Hospital. In all, about 50 persons were stopped and made to engage in the clean-up exercise. “If you are walking around and you are not wearing nose masks, they will just talk to you to join the exercise,” the General Manager for Zoomlion-Accra Zone, Ernest Morgan Acquah, said to Citi News. He however shied away from calling the punitive action as punishment. “This is not even a punishment, because if they are calling it punishment, the time would have been more than this, and probably they would have to go to court for them to be sanctioned.” One of the men who took part in the exercise was in good spirits when Citi News spoke to him. He had been stopped because he was riding a motorbike without a helmet. “To me, the work is good because Ghana is too filthy. Especially here,” he said. The clean-up was part of the government’s agenda of “making Greater Accra work again”. In June, onion traders at the Agbogbloshie market were relocated but after the relocation and demolition, it was observed that the land was being turned into a dumpsite. However, persons who were seen flouting the COVID protocols were coerced to join the exercise. Although the exercise is expected to end on Sunday, General Manager for Zoomlion-Accra Zone, Ernest Morgan Acquah, said sanctions will also be meted out to tricycle drivers caught dumping refuse at the area. Credit: Citinewsroom

A woman discovered that her best friend had slept with her fiancé, so she decided to get revenge in the most creative way she could. The scorned bride to be was devastated after finding out her lover had been disloyal and even more gutted when she discovered the other woman was her best friend. So, she turned to famous TikTok jeweller Liv Portillo, and asked her to make a specially engraved necklace with a sassy message from the heart, as the Daily Star reports. The nice golden necklace was engraved with the message 'have my leftovers', and a snake charm was then attached to make sure the other woman got the message. In a viral clip, the jeweller shares the message she was sent by the scorned woman. It reads: "Just found out my fiancé cheated on me with my best friend. Her birthday is on July 11 and I am going to give this to her in front of everyone. I used his card, don't worry.” In the video, which now has 1.2 million views and over 198,000 likes, Liv engraves the best friend's name on the front of the necklace. TikTok users quickly fled to the comments to share their opinions on the relationship drama. One user commented: “Damn I wish we could see her reaction.” Another user added: “ I would give anything to be a fly on a wall when she gives them that necklace.” However, a third user felt that this was a waste of money: "I could never waste money on people like that, I would buy something for myself instead.” One thing is for sure – this will be a birthday Valentina is not going to forget. Below is a video: Credit: The Mirror

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in the North East Region has reported that about nine persons have died in the month of August due to weather-related incidents in the Region. Six of them drowned in various rivers at Kunifor in the Chereponi District, Najong No. 1 in the Bunkpurugu District, and Janga in the West Mamprusi Municipality. In addition, three others were killed by thunder lightning at Latarigu near Gambaga in the East Mamprusi Municipality. But as torrential rains intensify in the region, residents remain uncertain and anxious. North East Regional Director of NADMO, Alhassan John Kwauku in a Citi News interview said measures are being put in place to avert a recurrence. “It’s worrying and unfortunate that that we have lost these people. It’s a great loss to us as a disaster management body and the region as a whole.” “Even before the disaster, NADMO had embarked on intensive education for those farming along the White Volta to relocate to higher grounds. Some of them heeded to the call but some of them believe they can swim that is why they are going into the water.” “So we are engaging the chiefs and other stakeholders to advise residents to stay away from the water. We as NADMO have also positioned our men to help deal with any situation that will arise from the spillage of the Bagre Dam”. The downpour recorded in the region in the past has left thousands of acres of farmlands destroyed, while livestock has been carried away by the floodwaters. Displaced persons in the affected communities are forced to put up in temporary structures, including school blocks. Victims of flooding continue to cry out for help from the state after being displaced. Credit: Citinewsroom

US President Joe Biden says "historic investment" is needed to deal with the climate crisis, as the north-east reels from flash flooding and tornadoes that have killed at least 45 people. The US is facing climate-related destruction across the country and tackling it is "a matter of life and death", the president said. New York City and New Jersey saw unprecedented levels of rainfall. Some residents became trapped in flooded basements and cars. Six states suffered loss of life: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said at least 23 people had died in his state - most of them stuck in their vehicles as the waters rose At least 14 people lost their lives in New York City, including a two-year-old boy. Eleven of them drowned while trapped in their flooded basements, officials said Five people died in Pennsylvania, while a state trooper in Connecticut was swept away as he responded to a call Deaths were also reported in Maryland and Virginia President Biden has declared an emergency in both New Jersey and New York, enabling both states to receive federal funding to support local disaster relief efforts. The impact of climate change on the frequency of storms is still unclear, but we know that increased sea surface temperatures warm the air above and make more energy available to drive hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons. As a result, they are likely to be more intense with more extreme rainfall. The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. Four ways climate change links to extreme weather A really simple guide to climate change 'Niagara Falls level of water' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticised weather experts, saying their forecasts were being "made a mockery of in a matter of minutes". He said he had been warned to expect between three and six inches (7.5 and 15cm) of rain over the course of the day. However a record 3.15 inches fell in Central Park in just one hour. "The suddenness, the brutality of storms now, it is different," he said, adding that the latest extreme weather was "the biggest wake-up call". New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: "We did not know that between 8:50 and 9:50 p.m. last night, that the heavens would literally open up and bring Niagara Falls level of water to the streets of New York." MULLICA HILL LIVING New Jersey's largest dairy farm suffered extensive damage Residents have been assessing the damage to property. One man in Flushing, New York, said his house was prone to flooding "but what I saw last night is unimaginable". "I have never seen water coming in all directions," Tedla Asfaw, 60, told the BBC. "There's huge damage here. It's a big hit for us." In New Jersey, a tornado flattened the state's largest dairy farm, ripping roofs off buildings and toppling several large silos. Many cows were trapped under fallen sheds and some died, the owners of Wellacrest Farm wrote on their Facebook page. "Along with the devastating loss of homes in our neighbourhoods - we, as a community, suffered a great loss with the destruction of our farm. In New York, some 835 people had to be rescued from stranded subway trains, police said on Thursday, after social media pictures showed water gushing into underground stations and tunnels. Other footage showed cars floating down flooded roads, with cries of "help" being heard from inside. Nearly 500 vehicles were abandoned in New York, the Associated Press says. Passengers on trains, planes and buses have been describing finding themselves stuck for hours without moving as the flooding made travelling impossible. 'One of the great challenges of our time' President Biden said the unprecedented flooding in the region, along with the destruction brought by Hurricane Ida to Louisiana and Mississippi and wildfires in the West, were "yet another reminder that these extreme storms in the climate crisis are here". He said he would be pushing Congress for action on his Build Back Better plan, which would see "historic investment" in infrastructure, including modernising roads and bridges and improving energy grids, water and sewage systems. "This destruction is everywhere," he said. "It's a matter of life and death and we are all in this together. This is one of the great challenges of our time but I'm confident we will meet it. The president will visit Louisiana on Friday to assess what is being done to help the state, which became the first to face Hurricane Ida when it made landfall on Sunday. More than 900,000 homes remain without power in the state. Below are some pictures: Credit: BBC

Cristiano Ronaldo must isolate for five days before he is allowed to train with Manchester United after the club saw an exemption request rejected by the UK Government. Ronaldo completed a move back to Old Trafford after 12 years away from the club on Transfer Deadline Day, signing a two-year contract with the option of a third after United agreed a €15 million fee with Juventus for him. After being announced as a United player on Tuesday, the 36-year-old featured for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday in Faro, Portugal in a Fifa World Cup qualifier. In his first 90 minutes since Euro 2020, Ronaldo missed a penalty and then scored two late headers to earn all three points for Portugal and become the all-time top goalscorer in men's international football in the process. His brace took him to 111 goals, two more than Ali Daei of Iran, but he celebrated his 96th minute winner by removing his shirt, which saw him booked by the referee. That means he is banned for Portugal's next qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday and with only a friendly against Qatar between the games, manager Fernando Santos agreed to release him from international duty early so he could travel to England. However, after United saw their request for an elite sportsman exemption rejected by the government Ronaldo will have to isolate like any other person flying from Portugal to the UK. The former Real Madrid forward will have to test negative for COVID-19 on the second and fifth day of his return in order to be released from isolation and then be allowed to train with his new teammates. Credit: Manchester United Evening News

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it is cautioning manufacturers and sellers of unregistered body enhancement products on the Ghanaian market to desist from such acts. According to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, such acts are illegal and can have adverse health implications on consumers. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Mrs. Darko said "The FDA as part of its routine market surveillance and monitoring activities have noted with utmost concern how some companies are producing, selling and advertising body enhancements products with no authorisation from the Authority and in contravention with the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851). She added that sections 111 and 114 of the Public Health Act 851 of 2012 mandates individuals into the manufacturing and advertising regulated products to seek the approval of the FDA before offering them for sale to the general public. "Companies that perpetuate such acts are by this press statement warned to cease the production, manufacture, selling and advertisements of such products with immediate effect" She hinted that pursuant to such provision and in line with its mandate to protect public health and safety, the FDA will not hesitate to prosecute companies that are found to be flouting the law. Below is a copy of the statement: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chinese para-swimmer Zheng Tao produced an incredible display as he smashed his own backstroke world record to win another gold medal at Tokyo 2020. The Paralympics has never been short of incredible athletes - but the legacy of Chinese para-swimmer Zheng Tao is going to take some beating. Despite having no arms the 30-year-old now has nine Paralympics medals to his name, six of them gold, and produced a phenomenal swim to smash his own 50m backstroke S5 world record in Tokyo. These Games have also yielded gold in 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, and mixed 4x50m freestyle relay for Zheng, but thanks to a video posted online by Paralympics broadcaster Channel 7, it's his backstroke exploits that have gone viral. In the video, Zheng can be seen hanging off a piece of material by his teeth in order to get his quick start. Still holding on with his jaw, he flung himself back when the claxon sounded and dived backwards into the pool. When he rose from under the water, he already had a big lead and proceeded to kick his legs at tremendous speeds to pull away from the chasing pack. And he powered through the final few metres to reach the wall in 31.42 seconds, shattering his own world record in the process. Footage of his display immediately went viral on social media with Channel 7's clip on Facebook surpassing 750,000 views in less than two days. Credit: The Mirror

The second suspect arrested in connection with the Abesim murder case has been released by the police. The identity of the suspect was not released by the police. He was arrested after Richard Appiah, a 28-year-old architect, was nabbed on August 20, 2021, for the alleged murder of three boys for keeping some body parts in a double-door fridge in his room. The suspect is alleged to have murdered his stepbrother and two others, aged between 12 and 15 years. The remains of a third victim who was cut into pieces is yet to be identified. Appiah was arrested after a relative of one of the victims had reported to the Sunyani Police about his missing son on August 20, 2021. The second suspect, whose name has been withheld by the police, was arrested in connection with the murder. Multiple sources close to the Ghana Police Service have confirmed that the second suspect was discharged after investigations established that he was not linked to the case. Appiah, the main suspect being held in connection with the case, has since been put before the Kaneshie magistrate court on a provisional charge of two counts of murder. Appiah is expected to appear before the court on September 15, 2021. The police have also exhumed the intestines of one of the victims from a cocoa farm in Abesim. The remains have been brought to the Police Hospital in Accra for pathological analysis and forensic examination. Two machetes with bloodstains on them were also retrieved from the crime scene. It is believed that machetes were used by Appiah to commit the crime. On August 20, this year, the police arrested Appiah for allegedly killing three children and keeping some body parts in a fridge in his room. The suspect is alleged to have murdered his stepbrother and two others, aged between 12 and 15 years. He was arrested after a relative of one of the victims had reported to the Sunyani Police about his missing son on August 20, 2021. The second suspect, who has now been released, was arrested in connection with the murder. Credit: Ghana Report

The 2020 National Democratic Congress Parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Woguon Constituency, John Dumelo has alleged that the Ghana Police Service already have the names of accepted recruits long before admission forms are made public. According to Mr Dumelo, "It is a waste of time" as persons who purchase these forms end up disappointed when they do not receive a callup. Every year, the security agencies receive thousands of entries from young people who wish to enter these services, however, only a few gain entry. A section of the public, including the actor, have over the years held the notion that just a selected few make it through the Military, Police, Fire and Immigration Service recruitment based on "protocol". In a post sighted by GhanaWeb on the actor's Twitter page, he wrote: "Someone just called me from the Ashanti region. He wants 100gh to buy police recruitment forms so he can join the service. Should I just tell him it’s a waste of time? And that they already have the names of people they want to recruit?" In reaction to his post, Akosua Prima wrote: "It’s funny we leave in a country like this. You know the people you would recruit, yet still, you reasonably steal from the hungry youth in the name of buy forms." Also, Kwesi Remedy added: "Hmm this thing wey u talk am simple like dat hmm. I wan buy immigration forms and even police but I Dey fear my 200cedis will go waste…Aww Awurade Kasa." Kwame Mintah who shot down the claims by John Dumelo commented: "When one day your party is in office and someone makes this same allegation hope it will sit very well with you. We don't have to do this to ourselves as a nation. I know guys in the security services who had no connection. Yes, there are those who will be recruited by connection." Another Naomi Lartey wrote: "I hope you are not just saying this because of politics? You are a politician when your party comes to power it's the same thing that will be said about your government. Let's say what we know for a fact and what we've seen with our eyes." Source: www.ghanaweb.com