The Head Coach of 2021 Ghana Premier League Champions, Accra Hearts of Oak, Samuel Boadu is set to tie the knot with his lover, Felicia Apimpanta at the Pentecost International Worship Centre at Asokwa in the Ashanti Region. According to sources, the ceremony is slated for August 14, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the family and loved ones of the young coach thronged the Ashanti Region to performance the knocking ceremony earlier today. The love birds are said to have dated for many years. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Coach Samuel Boadu led the Continental Club Master to win double this season after a 12-year trophy drought. The Phobians are poised to raise high the flag of Ghana as they prepare to represent the country in the upcoming 2021/22 Caf Champions League. 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

Some two vehicles belonging to the Ghana Highway Authority(GHA) in the Eastern Region have been stolen. The revelation is highlighted in the 2020 Auditor-General’s Report on the audit of statutory boards and corporations. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The report thus recommended that officers in whose custody the vehicles were should be held responsible. Also the Authority, according to the report over-run its budget for the year under review. It claimed the analysis of the budget and actually revealed a total adverse variance of GH¢94,016,374. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco “We further recommended that Management should take steps to ratify the budget over-run by Parliament,” the latest Auditor General’s report said. Credit: Modern Ghana

Guinness has a long and rich history in Africa and following organic sales growth of Guinness trademark of 32% across the continent, Guinness is launching a new campaign in Ghana and across key markets in Africa – ‘Black Shines Brightest’. ‘Black Shines Brightest’ is a new Pan African campaign celebrating the iconic black liquid enjoyed all over the continent for over a century. This exciting new campaign is inspired by the bold and unique black beer of Guinness stout and brings together passionate and creative individuals to celebrate the spirit of Guinness and its home across African markets. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Energetic and empowering, the campaign celebrates individuals coming together, fizzing with optimism, creativity, and potential. Across the Continent, a generation of individuals, inspired by each other and the people around them, are coming together as they unite to take on the opportunities in front of them. To launch the campaign, Guinness worked with real culture makers from across the continent who demonstrate how Black Shines Brightest in a range of different ways. These individuals will create moments, events and content to be enjoyed by everyone. Ghanaian choreographer, Incredible Zigi, who is creating dance challenges that have gone viral around the world is part of the notable real culture makers on this campaign. Nigerian artist, Fireboy who is also leading the way with his unique Afro-life music, which is inspiring a new generation of music fans will also be creating moments and content as part of this campaign. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco It will launch with an energetic and colorful commercial, featuring these charismatic individuals. Filmed on location in Africa, it is directed by Meji Alabi. Meji is famous for his work with a whole range of incredible artists from Beyoncé and Davido through to Tiwa Savage and Wizkid. The video features the amazing Ghanaian dance sensation Incredible Zigi. Roland Ofori, Head of Beers, Heineken Portfolio, and Guinness TradeMark at Guinness Ghana said: “The ambition of this exciting new campaign is to make Guinness the most magnetic brand in culture, by championing new talent and all those people making waves in culture. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t “Guinness is a brand that shines brightest, and bar culture is part of its DNA. These are the places where individuals come together not only to share an ice-cold Guinness but also their ideas and energy. Bars are at the beating heart of African culture, they are where people can express themselves freely and be part of a community. As the campaign launches, we will work with bars to help them shine brightest as we roll out a series of Brighthouse Bars which will appear in key cities all around Ghana. Fusing creativity and socializing, these cultural spaces will be a hub for people to connect and energize each other with creativity, inspiration, and, of course, Guinness.” Look out for more details about how you can be a part of the new Black Shines Brightest campaign and find out about Brighthouse Bars that are popping up in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. Also, look out for activities on our social media channels @GuinnessGhana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Just like those we are working with, Guinness is bursting with life. It is a flavourful and bold and dynamic beer, sparkling and brimming with energy and exuberance A beer that has brought a dash of magic to millions in Africa and across the world for over 250 years with boldness and vision to live life to the full. Below are some pictures: Credit: Melvin Toure

The outgoing Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patrick Darko Missah has charged officers to extend the same support, commitment, and loyalty to his successor, Isaac Kofi Egyir, as the new Director-General General. According to Mr. Darko Missah, maximum support given to Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir will help him execute his duties peacefully and in the best interest of the service and the nation. Speaking at a pull-out ceremony organized in his honor at the prison officers’ training school in Accra, Mr. Patrick Darko Missah said “I urge you to maintain a high sense of discipline and professionalism at all times. I pray that you extend the same support, commitment, and loyalty to my successor, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The outgoing Director-General further thanked the officers for their maximum support during his tenure as the Director-General of Prisons. Mr. Missah seized the opportunity to appeal to the government to furnish the service with logistics to help boost their work. “As I bow out of active service, I wish to appeal to Government and other stakeholders to provide more resources and logistics to enable the Prisons Service to contribute effectively towards public safety, and the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.” He added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridcoREAD ALSO: The outgoing Director-General thanked President Akufo-Addo for allowing him to serve mother Ghana as the Director-General of Prisons. “Every journey which begins certainly has an end. I have come to the end of my career in the Ghana Prisons Service which started thirty-three/33 years ago. First and foremost, I am exceedingly grateful to the Almighty God for seeing me through this phase of life” he noted. He revealed that steering the affairs of the Prisons Service, upon assuming the mantle of leadership, was not without challenges adding that the grace of the Almighty God helped his Administration to make some progress. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t The outgoing Director-General also hinted that the service leveraged on the opportunities in Agriculture to supplement inmates’ feeding as well as to generate income and provide farming skills to them. He said “The Agriculture sector received further boost with the provision of some tractors and farm implements by the central government. A separate Directorate for Agriculture was also created to ensure effective supervision, monitoring, and control of agricultural activities towards higher productivity. In addition to the Agriculture Directorate, a Health Directorate was also established to enhance effective and efficient delivery of healthcare in the Prisons Service” Mr. Darko Missah disclosed that the human resource base was improved with the recruitment of staff of varying backgrounds and professions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco He hinted that the morale of officers was boosted with massive promotions across all ranks. “The next appreciation goes to the Interior Minister, Hon. Ambrose Dery, MP for Nandom for his encouragement, advice, and support during my tenure. I also wish to thank the Prisons Service Council, the Prisons Directorate, stakeholders, and the entire prison community for their maximum cooperation and support. At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the support of some key development partners and stakeholders like the British High Commission, our Traditional Chiefs, and the Church of Pentecost which facilitated significant infrastructural developments in the Service” The outgoing Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service also thanked the Church of Pentecost for voluntarily offering to fund, construct five modern and fully furnished camp prisons across the country to support prisons decongestion and the training of inmates. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-fighter-akufo-addo-wins-chieftaincy-title-okogyeaman-odomankoma-in-bono-region-pics He noted that the first of such facilities has been completed and commissioned at Ejura in the Ashanti Region. “I am equally grateful to other faith-based organizations, NGOs, philanthropists, and individuals who have been of tremendous support to the Service in diverse ways, especially during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also acknowledge the collaboration and cooperation of our partners in the criminal justice delivery system” he said. Mr. Patrick Darko Missah extended his appreciation to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effiduase-Asokore and CEO of the St. John’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Accra, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, and Rev. Dr. Yaw Owusu Ansah of the Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International for donating an ambulance each to the Service. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/family-of-missing-ghanaian-on-chinese-vessel-demand-justice-after-2-years “Again, I appreciate the singular effort of Life Medical Supplies and Equipment Ghana Limited for donating a forty/40-footer container full of health equipment to support effective healthcare delivery in the Service. I acknowledge the fervent prayers of Ministers of the Gospel and well-wishers during my tenure” he mentioned. Casting his mind back to his early years in the service, he noted that there were past Director-Generals and members of the Prisons Directorate. Likewise, some officers trained, mentored, and molded him, which enabled him to rise to the highest office in the Service. “To my lovely wife (Gertrude), my children, the entire family, friends, and loved ones, I must say that you have always been my backbone, and I am grateful to you all for standing by me through thick and thin.” He concluded. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/year-on-year-july-2021-inflation-inches-up-at-9-0 Below is a video and some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Youth Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has celebrated this year’s International Youth Day with inmates at the Senior Correctional Facility in Accra. According to TUC, the gesture forms part of its social and corporate responsibilities of extending help to the marginalized and vulnerable in society. Speaking at a presentation in Accra, Youth Desk Officer, Abena Afriyie Domfeh said “We are young workers of TUC and per our structures, we (youth) celebrate International Youth Day year’s event with the marginalized and vulnerable in society.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures She mentioned that in previous years, the Young Officers celebrated the International Youth Day with the Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centre in Kumasi and the Elderly Care Centre in Tema. She said “All is not lost. Despite the mistakes they have made in life, society will welcome and embrace them” Madam Domfeh seized the opportunity to notify the Government to pay attention to the inmates of the senior correctional facility. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The Youth Desk Officer also praised officers of the Ghana Prisons Service for catering and ensuring that the inmates are safe likewise sound. On her part, the Assistant Director of Prisons at the Senior Correctional Centre, ADP Millicent Owusu thanked the young officers for their kind gesture. She assured the young officers that the items presented will be used for their intended purposes. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t ADP Owusu said “At this correctional center, kids of ages between 4 to 21 are been brought here. It is unfortunate that they find themselves here but together with the government and the Prison’s service have our own measures put in place to ensure that they transform” She revealed that although the correctional center has about 14 different workshops, it is facing lots of challenges. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco She hinted that the center has 224 inmates. ADP Owusu further disclosed that without the help of Philanthropists and Organizations, it is difficult to manage the inmates. “We have tailoring, welding, carpentry, bamboo, bead making, ceramic, mechanics among others” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures She on behalf of the inmates appealed to the government to turn its attention to them and help make life comfortable. The Greater Accra Regional PRO of the Prisons Service, ASP Loretta Valentina Amoah said “This center means a lot to us and when philanthropists and organizations show us these kinds of love, it makes us extremely happy” She hinted that the passion of the Prison Service is to transform the lives of the inmates adding that most of them have beautiful potentials. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah “We have SHS and University students amongst the inmates so we really need philanthropists who will come to our aid. NGOs will help us mold, shape, and give these children a brighter future. Some are extremely intelligent and with support, they will churn out as good citizens” The National Youth Council donated items worth thousands of Ghana cedis to the inmates. Watch the video and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The family of Emmanuel Essien, the Ghanaian who, in 2019, went missing on a Chinese fishing vessel in Ghanaian waters wants to know the outcome of the investigations. It follows revelations by the Ghana Maritime Authority to the effect that, the probe carried out by the Marine Police into the matter remains inconclusive. The family laments the delay in the investigations only gives room to heightened suspicions that Emmanuel Essien may have been killed and not gone missing as they are being made to believe. Dan Essien, brother of the victim, who spoke on Eyewitness News on Wednesday said, the slow nature of the probe after the mysterious incident occurred is incomprehensible. He wants authorities responsible for the investigations to be up and doing to bring justice to the distraught family. “It is true that for about two years now, nothing has been done. We have not seen anything, all the authorities do is to come and visit us and tell us that they are investigating. The government and vessel owners have done nothing. They have to find our brother for us. They said he is missing, but we don’t understand how our brother was the only one who got missing in the vessel. We believe he is dead because they killed him”, he said. Emmanuel Essien embarked on a scheduled observer mission with the said vessel but has since not been seen. He was attached to the Chinese vessel Meng Xin on July 5, 2019, on observer duties, but reportedly disappeared under mysterious circumstances. His colleagues say the vessel returned from its deep-sea operations without Emmanuel. It is standard practice to assign observers to foreign and local fishing vessels that fish in Ghanaian waters. The observers also accused authorities of doing very little to find their missing colleague, adding that several of such complaints have not yielded any result. The family of the missing fishing observer has, time without number, been calling on the government to help them find their relative. Shockingly, two years after the disappearance, officials say no one has been held accountable yet. The Ghana Maritime Police commenced investigations into the matter, but at a media engagement on Wednesday, officials from the Ghana Maritime Authority said the investigations have been inconclusive because none of the Chinese officials on board the vessel when the incident occurred has been apprehended. “The investigation has not been concluded, but we have undertaken some investigation which has been validated but has not been able to establish the whereabouts of Mr. Essien. Currently, we do not have the full report of the Marine Police. The investigations are still ongoing so for now, he is still missing,” the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Thomas Alonsi, stated when he addressed the media on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Year-on-year inflation rate for July stood at 9.0 percent compared to 7.8 percent in June. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Government Statistician Professor Samuel Kobina Annim said food housing, and transport were the dominant drivers for the higher rate of inflation in July 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Food contributed 47.0 percent to overall inflation while transport's contribution decreased from 18.1 percent last month to 14.3 percent. He said the year-on-year variation between food inflation of 9.5 percent and non-food inflation of 8.6 percent was 0.9 percent. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The Month-on-Month food inflation exceeded non-food inflation by 0.7 percentage points. The Government Statistician said more than three-quarters of the rate of inflation recorded in July 2021 was contributed by food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water electricity and gas, and transport. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t He said inflation for locally produced items continued the dominance over inflation for imported items, by widening the gap between the two. Inflation for locally produced items was 9.4 percent while inflation for imported items was at 7.1 percent. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Greater Accra's persistent record of highest inflation for 16 consecutive months was halted as Upper West and Northern regions recorded the highest overall inflation of 13.8 percent and 13.5 respectively. Credit: GNA

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has earned a chieftaincy title for his dynamism and efficiency in managing the Coronavirus pandemic in the country. Ending his two-day working visit to the Bono Region, the chiefs and people of Chiraa in the Sunyani West Municipality honoured the President with a stool name 'Okogyeaman' 'Odomankoma' Nana Akufo-Addo, when he called on Barima Minta Afari, the chief of Chiraa at his palace on Wednesday. President Akufo-Addo who earlier addressed the chiefs and people with a call on Ghanaians to rally solidly behind his government to achieve his vision for the nation expressed appreciation to the Chiraa people for that honour. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The President said though there were other political parties, it was only the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that could positively turn the fortunes of the country around and entreated Ghanaians to retain the Party in the Election 2024. As part of his visit, President Akufo-Addo inspected and inaugurated some projects in the region. He assured the chiefs and people of Chiraa his government would ensure that some basic educational needs of the Chiraa Senior High School (SHS) would be provided to improve on teaching and learning. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridcoREAD ALSO: Barima Afari, also the 'Benkumhene' of the Dormaa Traditional Area stressed the President deserved the honour for measures he put in place in fighting the COVID-19 and making life better for citizens amidst the spread of disease. He also lauded the government's implementation of the Free Senior High School programme, which he added had increased enrolment at the SHS, saying the student population had jumped from 192 to 2,155. Established in 1982, the Chief said the school was in dire need of administration block and school bus and appealed to the President to support them with those two facilities. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Barima Afari again appealed to the President to assist in the expansion of the Chiraa Health Centre which was constructed in 1971 to cater for only 33,000 people at that time. He explained government's social intervention programmes such as the Planting for Food and Jobs and the One-District-One-Factory were beneficial to citizens and therefore pleaded with President Akufo-Addo for the establishment of a factory in the area. Barima Afari condemned unscrupulous activities of illegal miners, illegal loggers and tax defaulters, saying national reconstruction remained a shared and collective responsibility of all and not the government alone. 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: Credit: Dennis Peprah || Contributor

The Executive Director of the Crime Check Foundation (CCF), a crime prevention advocacy organization, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng has appealed to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal to use his good office to support the implementation of CCF-OSIWA decriminalizing vagrancy laws & advocacy project in Ghana. According to Mr. Kwarteng, the main objective of the project is to create an enabling environment for ‘vagrants’ (the homeless, street hawkers, head potters, vendors, truck pushers, market women, etc.) to know, claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities in Ghana. Paying a courtesy call on the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal in Accra, Mr. Kwarteng said “So our tour basically is to collaborate with you, CHRAJ, you are doing a lot in championing human rights issues and ensuring that issues that affect the rights of Ghanaians are highlighted. We also know that you seek redress for people whose rights have been abused" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "We are here to collaborate with you and let you know of this all-important project. We believe that adequate visibility and through organizations like you, it would make our work easier. It will push government and civil society actors to work, so basically, that is why we are here" Mr. Kwarteng further explained that the project specifically seeks to increase public awareness on ‘vagrancy laws’, increase citizens’ capacity to monitor vagrancy laws and their effects on the homeless and other vulnerable persons, and institutionalize engagements and actions on effects of vagrancy laws in Ghana. Touching on beneficiary districts, he noted that the intervention is being undertaken in twelve (12) Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across three (3) regions of Ghana namely; Greater Accra - Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ashaiman Municipal, Weija Gbawe; Central Region – Awutu Senya East, Awutu Senya, Effutu Municipal, and Mfantsiman Municipal; and Ashanti Region – Asokore Mampong, Kwadaso, Suame, and Ejisu Municipal. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Kwarteng also said “I will urge you to organize periodic visits with the media to see what is happening in the prisons. I can tell you that the Kumasi remand block is very full. There are people there who have still not been taken to court. If CHRAJ comes in, you can tell the world what really is happening in our prisons” On his part, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal indicated his outfit’s willingness to collaborate with CCF-OSIWA. He said “This project is not new to us because the commission is a member of the network for Africa human rights institutions. What has eluded us is why countries like Ghana after independence, why we kept on allowing such type of legislation to remain on us and that is where the problem is and for us to sit here to talk about 1960 offenses that have criminalized poverty in a democracy which has put out key principles of the constitution, the preservation and the respect for human” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Mr. Whittal mentioned that previous attorney generals, CHRAJ have dealt with have seen the need to have those laws properly removed hence the push for the bill to be passed into law. The Commissioner assured the CCF-OSIWA that his outfit will do its best to ensure the decriminalizing vagrancy laws & advocacy project doesn’t become a mere talk but something implemented. The Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Kwarteng also said “I will urge you to organize periodic visits with the media to see what is happening in the prisons. I can tell you that the Kumasi remand block is very full. There are people there who have still not been taken to court. If CHRAJ comes in, you can tell the world what really is happening in our prisons” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Responding to CHRAJ paying periodic visits to prisons across the country, Mr. Whittal said “I must say Ghana actually at the Universal Periodic Review in 2017 designated CHRAJ at the Human Rights Council to do that” “Human rights are not only about the right to food and other things. At least a fair trial requires that a person needs to be trialed as soon as possible and if the offense is not the type that warrants custodial sentence, then there should be alternates like community sentencing where I can payback for my transgression without having to be a hardened criminal” He praised that the present Attorney General on some key legislations adding that CHRAJ is really proud of the works of Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “I can only encourage him and his colleagues and when it is before Parliament, they will encourage Parliament not to do the old ways but go and do their law-making and ensure that the laws are amended for the protection of the vulnerable” Project Background The penal codes of many African countries define a ‘vagrant’ as any person who does not have a fixed abode, a means of subsistence, and who does not practice a trade or profession. Currently, about 22 African countries are said to have laws that penalize a vagrant, and equip the police with powers to enforce ‘vagrancy laws’. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Ghana is among these countries where due to poverty and ignorance, many poor and voiceless citizens constitute the greater proportion of victims of vagrancy laws. Some of these laws relate to loitering, ‘head potting’, selling on the street, and other bye-laws enforced by the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana. Under these laws, vagrants are arrested, harassed, fined, or imprisoned. This situation contributes to a high remand population, human rights violations, and increased poverty. On 4th December 2020, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights came to the rescue with a ruling against vagrancy laws. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Ruling against Vagrancy Laws On 4th December 2020, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights delivered a landmark Advisory Opinion against ‘vagrancy laws’ (laws that appear to criminalize activities/actions of the homeless, and other poor and voiceless citizens as opposed to specific criminal acts). The court held that ‘vagrancy laws’ are incompatible with African human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (Children Rights Charter), and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women (Women’s Rights Protocol). The CCF-OSIWA Decriminalizing Vagrancy Laws & Advocacy project gives effect to the ruling on vagrancy laws by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the vagrancy laws. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/national-youth-council-of-tuc-mark-int-l-youth-day-with-inmates-at-senior-correctional-centre-video Ghana’s prisons are full, and the conditions are terrible. There is the need to ensure that citizens are aware of the MMDA bye-laws and MMDAs live up to their responsibilities to ensure more citizens do not end up in jail for ‘minor crimes’. About CCF The Crime Check Foundation (CCF) is a crime prevention advocacy organization that uses Life in Prison Documentaries to sensitize the public to the dangers of crime. It's time with the Prisons Series which most of you are aware of has brought to the fore the congested nature of our 44 prisons and other infractions perpetrated by some members of the justice delivery chain. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/chelsea-win-super-cup-kepa-goes-from-penalty-villain-to-hero-pics Its Petty Offenders project has resulted in the release of over 700 inmates, while our Ex-convict Reintegration project has successfully reintegrated most of them into society. Its Health Check, Street Charity, General Charity, and Educational Support Series have brought immense relief to the many who may have died or dropped out of school. About OSIWA Established in 2000, OSIWA is a grant-making and advocacy organization focused on equality, justice, democratic governance, human rights, and knowledge generation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/these-athletes-have-redeemed-the-image-of-ghana-at-the-olympics-ben-nunoo-mensah It is part of the global network of Open Society Foundations spread across 37 countries around the world. Below is a video and some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Kepa has endured a difficult few years and was left out of the Spain squad for Euro 2020 this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga and a late substitution with penalties looming in a major cup final. In the 2019 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, the £71m Spaniard refused to come off for Willy Caballero late in injury time, an incident which has so far been the defining moment of his time at Stamford Bridge. He saved one penalty on that occasion but they still lost - and he was fined by the club for disobeying manager Maurizio Sarri's instructions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t On Wednesday, the roles were reversed, with Kepa the man to come on. This time, it was the Uefa Super Cup against Villarreal in Belfast, with the game tied at 1-1 after Gerard Moreno canceled out Hakim Ziyech's opener. And this time it ended in glory. It also helped that the man he replaced, Edouard Mendy - who had a good game - was more receptive to the idea. Kepa was very active during the shootout, putting off opponents by getting in their faces and producing some theatrics on the goalline. It worked as he saved two penalties - from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah After he saved Albiol's kick, he was mobbed by jubilant teammates who wanted to celebrate the moment with him. Manager Thomas Tuchel, whose side was in the game after beating Manchester City in the Champions League final, revealed afterward it has been an idea in the pipeline since February. "It was not spontaneous," he told BT Sport. "We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/national-youth-council-of-tuc-mark-int-l-youth-day-with-inmates-at-senior-correctional-centre-video "Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties. The analyzing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data. We spoke to the players and told them this could happen when we play in knockout games." Mendy was gracious as he came off, embracing Kepa - and said in a post-match interview alongside Kepa he always knew it would happen. Kepa came on as a 119th-minute substitute, saved two penalties, and was booked"It's fantastic how Edouard accepted it," said Tuchel. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "He does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to take this for the team." Kepa, who lost his first-team place to Mendy last season, said: "It's not a typical situation but we arrived at penalties after Edouard did a fantastic job. Finally, we won and we are so happy. "I was ready because I knew this could happen. I tried to be ready, mentally and physically." Mendy added: "I'm happy because we won. I knew since last year that if Kepa came on the pitch he would help the team." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco BT Sport's pundits were impressed by Tuchel, Kepa, and Mendy. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole said: "Thomas Tuchel can't miss. Everything he does works. We questioned him because of how well Mendy played but Kepa was fantastic in the shootout." Former Chelsea forward Eni Aluko added: "This is the same Kepa who a few years ago nobody liked. He didn't look good. He's had an arc of a journey and is now a popular member of the squad." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand said: "Kepa has been under immense scrutiny since he came to the club. You saw after he save what he means to this squad. They were all over him. "Obviously Tuchel knew something we didn't. Before every penalty was taken he was right up in the face of the Villarreal players. He's got something about him. He has personality and character." Kepa is not the first Spanish goalkeeper to make the headlines for an English club after a European final shootout against Villarreal this year. David de Gea missed from the spot in an epic Europa League climax as the Yellow Submarine beat Manchester United in May. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah Below are some pictures: Credit: BBC Sport

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Ben Nunoo-Mensah has praised Ghanaian Athletes for their tremendous performance exhibited at the just-ended tournament in Tokyo. According to him, he is happy, the 29-year-old medal drought has been broken. Speaking at the Kotoka International Airport, Mr. Nunoo-Mensah said "When we set out to Tokyo, many Ghanaians didn’t have the belief that these athletes could break the 29-year-old medal drought. Today, these athletes have redeemed the image of Ghana at the Olympics,” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc He further said ”It has taken us 29 years to do this. We achieved so much in Tokyo, with the 4x100m quartet’s qualification to the final a major achievement.” It will be recalled that the first batch of Ghanaian Athletes and officials from the Tokyo Olympic Games arrived in Ghana a few days ago and were led by the NSA Director-General Peter Twumasi and GOC President Ben Nunoo-Mensah. The first team which touched based in Ghana came with boxer, Samuel Takyi. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Speaking to Journalists, Athlete, Sarfo Ansah charged government to pay attention to athletics and provide more logistics for the runners. He hinted that he was part to be part of the Ghanaian team that made history in Tokyo. Although he was not happy about Ghana finishing last in the 4x100 men's final, the youth champ hinted that he will try harder and perform much better for Ghana in the coming years. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Ghana will immediately set eyes on the Commonwealth Games which takes center stage next year in Birmingham. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has lauded the achievements made in curbing the spate of accidents on the Volta Lake as they say about 21,000 tree stumps have been removed from 2018 through to 2020. According to the Association, they have put in more efforts that have led them to arrive at such a milestone of removing the various tree stumps from Volta Lake. Ghana in the past years has recorded a series of accidents on Volta Lake which claimed lots of lives and the majority of the cause of these accidents was usually caused by tress stumps in the Lakes. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah The country has been fighting the issues of Lake accidents for far too long and the Ghana Maritime Authority in charge of safeguarding the lakes embarked on these exercises of removing the various tree stumps. Sharing the success story of the GMA at the Information Ministry's meet the press series held in Accra, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Thomas K Alonsi added that, the tree stumps have been a cause of worry for the people who ply the Volta Lake and has claimed lots of lives which he says the removal was a step in the right direction. Mr. Alonsi also added that the removal of the tree stumps has been of huge benefit to the people who stay and use the Volta Lake as he says it has brought safety on the lake and also increase economic activities as well. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Responding to drunk boat operators, he explained that it is very difficult to detect adding that the drivers go onboard the boards looking fine and not smelling alcohol. He said "When the operators are going to climb the boats, they look fine and normal like us but whiles on board the vessel and it's moving, they take the alcohol. It is very difficult to detect they have such substance on them" Responding to questions on Mr. Essien, an observer who was deployed by the Fisheries Commission and has since not been found, the Acting Director of Maritime Service Department, Nana Boakye Boampong said "We have had engagements with the family. The body of Mr. Essien is not available so we have not been able to pronounce him dead" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco He also explained that there have been engagements with the Fisheries Commission on how to deploy the observers. Mr. Boampong hinted that the Marine Police is responsible for looking for observers who get missing while executing their duties on the sea and conducting investigations. He also mentioned that the investigations in the matter of Mr. Essien have not been concluded although there has been some validation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t "The Marine Police is responsible for such investigations. The investigations have not been concluded but they have undertaken some investigations. They have been able to validate but have not been able to establish his whereabouts of Mr. Essien" Touching on training decants, he said "Regarding the training of decants, a training has introduced so for anybody to get on board, the person is required to undergo a training at the Regional Maritime School" Watch the video and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith