The President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association, Dr. Joseph Obeng has hinted that it has come to the notice of the Association of government’s intention to remove the 50% reduction of the benchmark value which was introduced a few years ago to alleviate the plight of the trading community, as well as save businesses in the country from imminent collapse. According to him, the move will not only affect repercussions on the cost of living but also on consumers and the economy as a whole. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Dr. Obeng said “Introduction of the reduction of the benchmark value by 50% has, in actual fact, brought relief to the trading community, sanity into the system and eased tension and agitations.” He added that the removal was even far before the outbreak of the covid 19 pandemic, which also came with its own challenges comprising of hikes in the world commodities prices, high freight charges among others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco “At this time of numerous global economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, seriously affecting businesses all over the world, any attempt to remove this good policy of the government that brought relief will be suicidal for the state because it will not only collapse businesses but also cause an unbearable rise in prices of goods and services beyond the reach of consumers, especially, low-income earners and the unemployed” Dr. Obeng however stressed that one can easily imagine the upheaval that the removal will spark in the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-fighter-akufo-addo-wins-chieftaincy-title-okogyeaman-odomankoma-in-bono-region-pics “We, therefore want to be categorical here, that the trading community is NOT prepared to accept any additional burden or layer of cost of doing business, especially, as there has already been the introduction of new taxes and increments in the value-added tax, which have been accommodated by these same suffering businesses in the country” he noted. The GUTA President hinted that the reduction of the benchmark value is the only lifeline policy left for businesses, especially at such a trying time, and needs to be maintained. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/homowo-may-this-year-s-festive-season-unite-us-as-one-people-king-tackie-tsuru-ii-videos-pics Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Heavenly Jewels Chorale, a non-denominational group with an orchestra based in Ghana is made up of people from across the country, irrespective of age, social background, and race. Over these few years, the Heavenly Jewels Chorale has been able to stage and perform at high-profiled platforms with their prolific style that have attracted the admiration of diplomats and the ordinary citizen. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The Leadership of Heavenly Jewels Chorale has announced that this year's concert will focus on propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ through choral music as it is set to host this year's 'Ayeyi Ndwom Concert 2021' which is slated for August 29th, 2021. According to the leadership, this year's concert will have a few live audiences and there will also be a virtual broadcast for the public due to the adherence to the covid-19 protocols. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video Checks by ThinkNews Online indicates the versatile Heavenly Jewels Chorale is poised to not only entertain the audiences and public but serve them with good choral music. The 'Ayeyi Ndwom 2021' live/virtual concert will be on the theme 'Your Love, My Praise' READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The concert is said to be held at the National Theatre in Accra. The leadership of Heavenly Jewels Chorale says it will be providing free nose masks for its live audience as part of measures of reducing the spread of the covid-19. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The event is free and is powered by Think Tv, Jewels Tv, and supported by DAMs Premium Travel and Tours, Think Professional Institute, and ThinkNewsOnline. The program is set to start at 4 pm. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Social Media Influencer, Deloris Frimpong Manso, popularly known in showbiz as Delay has thrown more light on how ladies should announce their presence in their various relationship(s). According to her, ladies should no longer buy into the 'keep calm' excuse rather, if they realize that their partners are finding it difficult to introduce them on social media, they should do it themselves. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, she said "If he doesn’t post you, take his phone go live and introduce yourself" The television show host further explained that a guy who keeps long in introducing his woman to the world is hiding something. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco She said, ”If you are not ready to post me, I have done it myself.” Some male followers who disagreed with Delay's post cautioned their ladies not to heed to the advice of the on-air personality. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Check out the tweet and reactions below. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Christian Pulisic will miss Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Arsenal after testing positive for Covid-19. The USA forward missed Chelsea’s open training session on Wednesday and is not available for Sunday’s game at the Emirates Stadium due to self-isolation. Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante are both back in training, and could yet prove their fitness in time to feature in the north London derby. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “Christian’s absence is unfortunately pretty easy to explain, he had a positive test, and needs to follow the protocols,” said Tuchel. “So he was not in training and is not available for the game.” Ziyech suffered a nasty-looking shoulder injury in Chelsea’s penalty shoot-out European Super Cup win over Villarreal, while Kante has been out of action with an ankle issue. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco But both influential Blues players will now have the chance to prove their match fitness in Saturday’s training session ahead of the Arsenal clash. Chelsea opened their new Premier League campaign with a resounding 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace last weekend and will be hoping to extend that impressive start. “Hakim and N’Golo were both in training today, and did everything to be in training today and had absolutely no problems,” Tuchel added. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t “But they need another more physical, intense training session tomorrow with the team. “We can decide after that, but right now it seems very positive that both can be in the squad for Sunday.” Source: m.allfootballapp.com

Arsenal and Ghanaian Midfielder, Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa, Ghana coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has confirmed. The Back Stars deputy captain suffered ankle ligament damage in a friendly defeat against Chelsea in August which his side lost 2-1. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The 27-year-old was named as part of Ghana's provisional squad for the double-header. However, it is unlikely Partey will be fit before the World Cup qualifiers ruling him out of the two games. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Akonnor in his response to the availability of the former Atletico Madrid midfielder indicated revealed the injury sustained by the midfielder is bad. " I have contacted his club and Thomas Partey's injury doesn't look too good" https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t "We will only have to wish him a speedy recovery and expect him to return stronger" Ghana will take on the Walias of Ethiopia at the Cape Coast stadium on Friday, September 3, before playing South Africa on Monday, September 6, 2021 in Johannesburg. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Check below Ghana's provisional squad for the World Cup qualifiers: GOALKEEPERS: Richard Ofori – Orlando Pirates FC – South Africa Lawrence Ati Zigi – St. Galen FC – Switzerland Manaf Nurudeen – Kas Eupen – Belgium Richard Atta– Hearts of Oak – Ghana FULL BACKS Benson Anang – Zilina FC – Slovakia Yiadom Andrew – Reading FC – England Baba Abdul Rahman – Chelsea FC – UK Gideon Mensah – FC Girondins Bordeaux – France Baffour Philimon – Dreams FC – Ghana CENTER BACKS Alexander Djiku – RC Strasbourg – France Daniel Amartey – Leicester City FC- England Ismael Ganiyu – Asante Kotoko – Ghana Jonathan Mensah – Columbus Crew – USA MIDFIELDERS Mubarak Wakaso – Shenzhen – China Iddrisu Baba – RCD Mallorca – Spain Thomas Partey – Arsenals FC – England Emmanuel Lomotey – Amiens FC – France WINGERS Joel Fameye – Orenburg FC – Russia Samuel Owusu – Al Fayhad – Saudi Arabia Gyasi Emmanuel – Spezia – Italy Kamal Deen Sulemana – Rennes FC – France Tariq Fosu – Henry – Brentford FC – England Isahaku Fatawu – Steadfast FC – Ghana ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS: Afriyie Banieh – Hearts of Oak – Ghana Kudus Mohamed – Ajax FC – Holland Majeed Ashimeru – RSC Anderlecht- Belgium STRIKERS Andre Ayew – Al Saad – Qatar Jordan Ayew – Crystal Palace – England Kwame Opoku – USM Algiers – Algeria Kelvin Yeboah – Sturm Graz – Austria Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

A UFC fighter, Cat Zingano, is reportedly expected to sue American actress, Halle Maria Berry. Reports say the fighter is dragging Berry into the legal arena because she (Berry) promised her a movie role but ended up snubbing her. According to Cat, she met with Berry in July 2019 to discuss a movie that she (Berry) was directing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The movie, African Entertainment understands, was “Bruised.” Cat, reports say, claimed that Halle informed her that she was perfect for the project. She further claimed that Ms. Berry asked her to schedule for the film production. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco However, Cat reportedly indicated that the UFC came after her discussion, with a big fight offer. In her legal document, Cat complained that she spoke to Berry about the fight offer from UFC. However, she said Berry advised she should pass on the UFC fight if she wanted to be in the fight. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t She claimed that Berry cited liability concerns from the movie’s insurer. According to her, she had to turn down the fight offer for the movie. Due to that, she said the UFC released her from her contract. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco In her suit, Cat says she was surprised and disappointed when Berry later told her she could no longer be involved in the movie because she was no longer fighting in the UFC. Cat claims that Berry told her that the film could only work with UFC fighters. Below is an Instagram and Twitter post: Credit: The African Entertainment

Rev. Baltharzzar Obeng Larbi, the Anglican Priest whose 'kissing' video has gone viral on social media has rendered an apology for his unacceptable behaviour. According to him, he is sincerely sorry for his actions in the video adding that he seemed to have taken a number of things for granted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the Venerable said"Accordingly, I am sincerely sorry for my actions in the video. I seemed to have taken a number of things for granted. I did not think my behaviour through and I admit that the act and its setting are wrong even in the absence of covid--19" He further apologised to the Archbishop, the entirety of the Anglican Communion, the College, the affected students and their families likewise the general public. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-fighter-akufo-addo-wins-chieftaincy-title-okogyeaman-odomankoma-in-bono-region-pics "I pray for forgiveness from all and sundry and plead that you hold me in your prayers during these trying times. May God bless us all" It will be recalled that a video of the Venerable went viral of which he was captured kissing three ladies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The said video generated lots of attention on social media with many users calling for the removal of the Priest from his parish. Below is a copy of his apology letter: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian rappers, Sarkodie and Dee Money are trending on Twitter this morning because of an apparent WhatsApp message that has not been responded to. On Wednesday evening, Sarkodie shared a WhatsApp conversation between him and South African Cassper Nyovest on Twitter. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In the conversation shared by Sarkodie, Cassper is heard speaking the Twi language, a move that caused Sark to share the convo on Twitter with the caption; “Y’all get my brother @casspernyovest a Ghanaian passport ASAP!!!” Rapper Dee Money, upon seeing the shared WhatsApp conversation, retweeted with the caption; “Ah so your WhatsApp dey work? Cool.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Dee Money’s response indicates that he may have sent Sarkodie a message on the social media app and is yet to receive a response. Dee Money’s tweet has since caught tweeps' attention, and the conversation has lit up on Twitter. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t See Dee money’s tweet below; Ah so your Whatsap dey work? Cool. https://t.co/vx1ZHcrvVE — Ataankpa (@IamDeeMoneey) August 19, 2021 This is not the first time Sarkodie has been accused of not returning messages/phone calls. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Earlier in the month, the “Highest” explained in an interview that people who try to reach him on phone to no avail should not take it personally as he doesn’t even respond to his mom’s phone calls. Credit: ameyawdebrah.com

Turning 40 certainly means a lot to globally renowned Ghanaian celebrity and lifestyle blogger, Ameyaw Debrah. He kicked off his celebration on Monday, July 19, with a donation at the Potter’s Village Home in Dodowa, where he donated cash, food items, clothes, personal items, and more to the children and women at the home. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures On Wednesday, July 21, his actual birthday, Ameyaw celebrated the day receiving well-wishes and gifts. On Saturday, July 24 Ameyaw hosted a birthday party to celebrate the milestone with family and friends. The party was attended by celebrity friends likes Jackie Appiah, Trigmatic, Vanessa Gyan, Quamena MP, Worlasi, Abeiku Santana, Victoria Michaels, Victoria Lebene, and many more. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The simple party grooved to music by the Hy-Skuul Band with performances from Fameye, Khemi Tunez, Imran Ant. MCs for the celebration were Antoine Mensah and MC Daniel. Decor: @hhcevents Cocktails: @drinkshaven Local drinks bar: @zeerain_sips Catering: @menscookgh Photos: @vineimagery https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Below are some stunning pictures: Credit: ameyawdebrah.com

The Ministry of Finance says it has noted with concern, speculations in the media, based on allegations by the Minority in Parliament that government had already spent GHØ636 million on the Agenda 1 1 1 even before the sod cutting of the project. According to the Finance Ministry, as stated in paragraph 400 of the Mid-year Review Statement, the project is expected to be implemented in two phases namely; Phase 1: Pre-Contract Works; and phase 2: Construction and Execution of projects. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it is said "In 2020, GHØ 600 million was released to the Health Infrastructure Account at Bank of Ghana (BOG) to support the implementation of the District and Regional Hospital Projects. This is the equivalent of the 100m US Dollars as announced by Government and will be disbursed to contractors in accordance with the project work plan" The statement further hinted that the said amount had been released into the project account at the BOG but not utilized yet adding that the project commencement has just begun. It also noted that so far, only GHØ36million has been released as part of pre-construction mobilization. Following the commencement of actual project execution as evident in the sod cutting ceremony of 17th August 2021, the Ministry is expected to drawdown various amounts from the account which would be managed by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). The Ministry of Finance says it is assuring the general public that Government is still committed to tackling Ghana's health infrastructure deficit and restoring the country on the path of achieving economic and social transformation. In such regard, the Ministry will ensure the use of local teams comprising of Ghanaian consultants, project managers and construction firms to execute the project and also ensure due process during disbursement and procurement. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Former Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia has taken a swipe at the Akufo-Addo administration saying the Agenda 111 hospital projects are repackaged lies from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, the NDC have been building hospitals in districts for a long period. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "We have been building hospitals in districts for a long period. You (NPP) decided to package it differently and call it Agenda 111" The Former Health Minister stressed that the NDC started such projects from Late Former Presidents Rawlings and Mills' era. He also hinted that the building of hospitals further continued during the tenure of Ex President Mahama. Alex Segbefia said "So this idea of every district should have a hospital is not new" It will be recalled that President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday hit the grounds running for the commencement of the Agenda 111 project. The President hinted that over 200,000 youths will be employed after its completion. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Mr. Egbert Faibille, has disclosed that as part of the government’s local content agenda in the petroleum sector, the Commission is to sponsor a 10-month training course of 150 technicians at the Takoradi Technical University. Mr. Faibille made this known yesterday during an event dubbed ‘Around the World Series’ at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, USA. Mr. Faibille is part of a government delegation led by the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-fighter-akufo-addo-wins-chieftaincy-title-okogyeaman-odomankoma-in-bono-region-pics Others include senior officials of the Ministry as well as heads and senior managers of various energy sector agencies. Tracing the background to this development, Mr. Faibille stated that in the Commission’s engagements with International Oil Companies (ICOs) on local content engagements, it had emerged that there were deficiencies in the skill sets and qualifications of the mid-level technicians that the Commission sought to get engaged by the IOCs. He stated that the Commission, under the leadership of the Ministry of Energy, was seeking to reverse this by rolling out a number of training programs for high-end international certification for Ghanaian youths and that in the instant case, the 150 candidates had been selected from a total of over 2,000 young Ghanaians who had been examined. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Speaking on this issue, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Kwasi Obeng-Fosu explained that, these candidates will on the completion of their training be issued City and Guilds certification and come out as process technicians, instrumentation technicians, and mechanical technicians. He quoted Mr. Fabille, “When we started our journey, we were looking at the high-end engineering and geoscience training. But over the period, we forgot, possibly, that we would have FPSOs in our waters, for which you would still need mid-level specialist technicians to perform key roles, just as a hospital needs both doctors and laboratory or dispensing technicians,” https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t The result, he noted, was that when the FPSOs came, in a certain deficiency came to light, and the idea now is that if a person is coming into the country as an expatriate technician for say 2-3 years, then by the time the person leaves, there should be in his or her place a Ghanaian technician ready to take over who has understudied the expatriate and has been trained up to their standard both in terms of certification and practical experience. Ultimately, he noted, this would drive down the cost of running the FPSO. Touching on service provision and in-country spend as part of the local content conversation in the sector, Mr. Faibille stated that this hovered around 67-70% and lauded international oil companies like Tullow for their commitment to this. However, he called for diversification of the supply base, noting that it is the same companies that supply the same services for the same oil companies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures This he called a market failure. “Tullow and others must be more welcoming of other suppliers so that the chain of monopoly is broken, else the local content story will remain stagnant, he remarked. This year’s OTC, which started on Monday 16th August 2021, will end today. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith