Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has escaped death while his dispatch rider, Inspector Kaakyire Abednego has died in a gory accident at Juaso Junction in the Ashanti Region. According to sources, the dispatch rider in an attempt to pave way for the convoy of the Speaker and his advanced team to pass ended up running into a bus. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah It is emerging that the bus caught fire of which claimed the life of the dispatch rider. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the Speaker of Parliament has arrived home safely in Wa in the Upper West Region and is expected to perform his Friday prayers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The remains of the late Inspector Kaakyire Abednego have since been transferred from the Juaso Government Hospital to Accra. Thinknewsonline.com will update its readers on new developments. 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

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mobile Money Limited (MML) at MTN Ghana, Eli Hini has encouraged Ghanaians to effectively utilise the country’s digital payment platforms for full socio-economic benefits. According to him, with the emergence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the country’s digital markets has widened, with increasing acceptance of e-commerce, digital payments expected to grow. Speaking at the launch of the 2021 MTN MoMo Month in Accra on Thursday, Mr Hini said "Ghanaians must, therefore, take advantage of the enormous potential of the sector to facilitate economic transformation" “Today, with the emergence of AfCFTA our markets have been widened and with the increasing acceptance of e-commerce, digital payments are expected to grow. We believe that if our payment platforms are fully utilised the socio economic benefits will be enormous,” he said. The MoMo Month which is held annually in August is expected to reward thousands of its loyal customers as well as mobile money agents, retailers and merchants. Mr Hini said for the past nine years, the company had dedicated the month of August to create awareness and educate customers about the benefits of MoMo, adding that since its inception nearly a decade ago, the MoMo month had contributed immensely to the significant achievements chalked by the company. This, he said, included 17 million registered subscribers, 19 partner banks, more than 200,000 agents and over 7.5 billion transactions. He noted that the company had also taken a number of measures including collaborating with other Mobile Network Operatives and the Telecom Chamber, to protect customers against mobile money fraud. That, he added, had significantly reduced fraud incidences by closing the gaps to accessing the sim card and also blocking the IMEI of phones used in undertaking fraudulent activities. He encouraged Ghanaians, particularly MTN subscribers to be vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to the company to enable it take punitive measures against perpetuators and make the practice unattractive. Mr Hini also expressed MTN’s commitment to support government’s GHQR to facilitate easy payments for goods and services. “For us at MML, we are working towards a period where MoMo can and will be accepted for all forms of payments including paying for trotro and taxi fare, payment of tolls, and many more. We continue to work with partners who connect to our platforms to receive payments for their goods and services using the Merchant ID option. To this end we fully support the governments GHQR,” he added. The theme for this year’s MoMo Month is: “Consolidating Digital Payment for Economic Transformation.” On her part, the Senior Manager, Operations and Service Delivery at MTN, Ruth Baddoo said "the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated the upgrade and use of e-payment across all channels and sectors over the past years" She noted that more than 80 percent of MTN customers today, use mobile money and assured that MML would continue to create awareness on the need to adopt digital payment, to expand the digital financial service industry. Senior Manager, Commercial at MTN, Abdul-Majeed Rufai said "the company had lined up events including engaging communities, market women as well as associations on the need to adopt MoMo as payment platforms to consolidate the gains" Other events include stakeholder forum to collaborate to promote digitize payments in Ghana, customers, agents, merchants, akwaaba and mobile agents promo. The MTN Mobile Money Month was introduced in 2012 to deepen awareness among Ghanaians on the MTN Mobile Money service. Below are some pictures: Credit: News Desk Report

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, 5th August 2021, swore into office the second occupant of the Office of Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, at a brief event at Jubilee House, the seat of the nation’s presidency. Citing the new Special Prosecutor’s extensive educational and professional legal background, President Akufo-Addo stated that “it is clear that Mr. Kissi Agyebeng is eminently qualified to occupy the Office of Special Prosecutor. He has the capacity, the experience, the requisite values and intellectual strength to succeed in this vital position”. Congratulating Mr. Kissi Agyebeng on his appointment, the President stated that the “wide acceptance of his nomination by the Ghanaian people, and the nature of his performance during Parliament’s approval process are, for me, indications that the confidence I reposed in him, to discharge one of the most critical functions of State, was not misplaced.” Addressing the gathering, which included Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei- Opare; Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame; and MP for Mpraeso, Hon. Davis Opoku Ansah, the President reiterated that the creation of the Office of Special Prosecutor was borne out of the commitment to fashion an additional instrument to fight the canker of corruption. “The genuineness of that commitment to create an independent, non-partisan body with the relevant professional capability, to lead the fight, and hold public officials, past and present, accountable for their stewardship of public finances, was made manifest in the appointment of a very senior figure from the opposite side of the political divide to establish and head this very significant Office. This appointment, as you would all recall, was met with stiff opposition by some members from both sides of the aisle,” he said. President Akufo-Addo continued, “In spite of the unfortunate events that led to the departure of the first occupant of the Office, I do not regret making that appointment. On my part as President of the Republic, I ensured that the Office was adequately resourced to enable it carry out its mandate. I am, however, consoled by the oft-cited statement that there is no use crying over spilt milk”. Thus, when the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, on 16th April 2021, moved to nominate Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, under section 13(3) of Act 959, for consideration as the second occupant of the Office of Special Prosecutor, the President indicated that he had little hesitation in accepting the nomination. He, therefore, urged Mr. Kissi Agyebeng to bear in mind at all times that the Office carries an extraordinary responsibility to fight corruption independently and impartially, describing the remit of the Office as broad and challenging. “I want to assure Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, like I did his predecessor, that not only will the Executive, including the Attorney General, respect scrupulously the independence of his Office, but will also provide him with whatever assistance is required to enable him discharge his high duties effectively, in the interest of the Ghanaian people. Indeed, all institutions of state will work and co-operate with him in the same spirit, which he articulated at his approval proceedings in Parliament,” President Akufo-Addo assured. Whilst acknowledging that the activities of the Office of Special Prosecutor, no matter how vigorous, cannot provide the entire panacea to the problem of corruption, the President urged other institutions of State to co-operate with the new Special Prosecutor. “Government will continue to give stronger budgetary assistance to the other constitutionally mandated institutions that hold government accountable, and help fight corruption, i.e., the Auditor General, Parliament, Judiciary, the Police Service, the Ministry of Justice, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO),” he added. Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko has confirmed that the machines used by officials to test travelers for covid-19 at the Kotoka International Airport are in good shape. According to her, all machines at the Airport have been evaluated by her outfit stressing that they are fit to run all covid-19 tests. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, she said "Our attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating on social media which has some people doubting the capabilities of the covid-19 testing machines at the Airport. Some even claim the machines are getting old and needs to be changed" "I want to clarify to all that the covid-19 machines at the Airport have been evaluated by the Food and Drugs Authority and they are fit to run all covid-19 tests. The last evaluation was done last year September" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures She also clarified that the covid-19 machines do the same job as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) adding that it provides almost 99.9% of test results. Mrs. Darko further hinted that the FDA also does regular check-ups on the machines at the Airport to ascertain whether they are in good shape or not. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah She appealed to the public to desist from the sharing of false information about her outfit's work likewise that of the machines used at the Airport to test Covid-19. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye has refuted claims that the COVID-19 testing at the Kotoka International Airport is not done properly and the results being released are false. According to him, the Ghana Health Service has put proper measures in place to ensure that all those traveling into the country through the airport are properly tested. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/show-more-seriousness-in-the-matters-of-the-university-teachers-usag-to-gov-t-pics-video "The necessary follow-up test is also done to ensure that the right results are gotten from the passengers who tested positive for the virus," he said while addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday. There have been series of claims and allegations against the Ghana Health Service for not undertaking a better testing system at the Airport. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Dr. Kumah Aboagye stressed that the testing system at the Airport ensures that all travelers are properly tested, while those who are infected with the virus are isolated. He said "There is no way we will try and change figures and their testing procedures at the airport as being reported" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Dr. Kuma-Aboagye called on all and sundry not to believe such claims. He also revealed that the country's current active cases in the various schools stand at 304 cases. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "The case count in the schools has increased again as compared to previous data available but does not mean the virus is getting out of hand" he noted. The Director-General hinted that one only death has been recorded out of the 304 cases recorded in the various schools. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah Below is a video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Over a thousand Ghanaian youths on Wednesday, August 4, stormed Obra Spot, a suburb from Accra to partake in the much-talked-about #FixTheCountry demonstration. The youths clad in red and black, matched from Obra Spot to Independence Square. Some protestors who spoke to Thinknewsonline.com said "We are sick and tired of the Akufo-Addo government. He has failed us. He made lots of promises but cannot fulfill any. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah Sharing their thoughts on the National Cathedral Cathedral, the protestors noted that the call by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta to Ghanaians to contribute a GHc100 monthly was a needless and senseless idea. They added that President Akufo-Addo should sort himself out since he promised God a National Cathedral when voted into office as President and not Ghanaians. Touching on unemployment, the angry youths stressed that the Akufo-Addo led administration has failed to provide jobs for them. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "It is sad that Akufo-Addo has not created jobs for us. This has paved the way for cyber fraud and other unacceptable behaviors, graduate unemployment among others" The protestors charged President Akufo-Addo to review the country's Constitution adding that Article 71 needs to be looked into again. On her part, Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, Supt. Sheila Abayie Buckman said "So far so good, we are following their path. The march has been good so far" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco She further explained that although the police officers are out in their numbers, they will ensure the safety of the protestors. She praised the police officers for exhibiting a high level of professionalism. Supt. Buckman stressed that although a majority of the protestors were in noise masks, a few others flouted the protocols. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Some protestors who marched from Roxy Cinema, a community in Accra to the Black Star Square charged the Akufo-Addo to fulfill his promises adding that it will help solve lots of challenges in the country. A lady protestor said "It's so sad that the hardship in this country has had a negative effect on our husbands and partners. They no longer satisfy us in bed" The angry protestors appealed to the government to deal with persons who took the life of Kaaka, one of the convenors of the #FixTheCountry demonstration. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/show-more-seriousness-in-the-matters-of-the-university-teachers-usag-to-gov-t-pics-video Below are some videos and pics: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Dietician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Efua Owusu Ansah has cautioned Ghanaians especially children against excessive consumption of noodles since it does not contain any nutrients nor fibre. Dr Ansah further revealed that children are suffering from a lot of health complications leading to deaths because of increased consumption of noodles which contain excessive amounts of gluten and sodium. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t “Noodles are made from flour and it does not contain essential nutrients and eating such foods frequently leads to a lot of health risks. It can increase blood sugar for people suffering from diabetes. We get children as young as 13 years suffering from hypertension and stroke. If we give our children noodles all the time the health risks associated with noodles cannot be avoided,” She told Adehye FM’s Obaa Adwoa Nelson Aweh. She explained that the complication of eating noodles and other processed foods are not instant “but when you make a habit of substituting it for good real food then it's only a matter of time, you'll get health problems which can lead to death”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco She, therefore, encouraged parents to prepare a properly balanced diet and nutritious meals at home for their kids instead of always giving them processed and canned foods. Story by: News Desk Report

Over a thousand Ghanaian youths are expected to hit the roads tomorrow August, 4 to partake in the much talked about and awaited #FixTheCountry demonstration in Accra. The mega demonstration is expected to see over a thousand youths registering their displeasure in what they call abysmal Akufo-Addo governance among other issues. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah In series of tweets sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, ishaq_chase @GoodmanIsshak tweeted "This is what we call Beauty with Brains#4THAugustDemo" Shinigami @Mr_Ceyram also tweeted "We dey take am to the streets on 4th August. Fix our country. #4THAugustDemo" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Dickson Lord @DicksonLord2 tweeted "What is there TO FIX?? FIX the constitution FIX the education FIX the economy FIX the unemployment FIX the Health Services FIX the roads FIX the corruption FIX the water FIX the electricity FIX the accommodation FIX the sanitation.... #FixTheCountry#4thAugustDemo" SEA @SandraEsinam1 tweeted "Building the momentum for tomorrow's demo #4THAugustDemo" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Fighters @EFLFighters tweeted "Observe COVID safety protocols because we need you in the new Ghana! Tomorrow at Obra Spot! #4thAugustDemo #FixTheCountry" Eddieboy @EdmondArhin4 also tweeted "Avram’s letter to the finance minister #4THAugustDemo" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t #FreeDNA4Vote @Vandee05 added "They try to suppress you cos you are making the government unpopular. Don't suffer at home while they enjoy with their side chicks and family. Don't sit unconcerned when you are thinking of how to pay your rent gt food, tomorrow is the day #4THAugustDemo #FixTheCountry" Below are embed tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information (MOI) have launched Spark Up 2021, a platform they believe will help stakeholders to advance and onboard investments in the country. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIPC, Yofi Grant, Spark Up 2021 will reunite the passion for investments in Ghana. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Grant said “As you may be aware, the health crisis, we commonly call ‘Coronavirus’ has had an adverse impact on the global economy resulting in the 2.5% global contraction. Interestingly, Ghana still remains the African country growing positively, although it has not achieved its target of 2020. The pandemic is still with us therefore this calls for strategic and innovative ways, we can revive our economy, business so to attract foreign direct investors into the country” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah He added that Spark Up 2021 will also serve as an avenue for investors, investee companies, investment facilitators, and the financial sector to discuss challenges and find solutions to making Ghana more attractive. Mr. Grant described Ghana as a resource-rich country that has lots of natural resources at its disposal. “We have quite a number of policies which are structured into an eco-system of developments and growth to create jobs among others and to reposition Ghana among other nations” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “But we cannot ignite a new trend or narrative where we trade or invest amongst ourselves and create wealth for the continent. By 2050, Africa will be one-quarter of the world’s population, it will be bigger than China and other countries” The CEO also revealed that Ghana has been able to recoup over $830 million from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) first half of 2021 to boost the economy despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He, further, explained that despite the challenges the Coronavirus has brought on to the world by disrupting a lot of economies across the world, Ghana has been able to attract more investors into the country to help in building a resilient economy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Mr. Grant added that the Government is hopeful that, it will be able to take in more revenue for economic development following the launch of its spark up 2021 program. He stressed that the government has made a lot of strides in the building of a welcoming environment for investors to come and work as he says the country has made lots of strides in the year 2020 as the country was ranked 2nd best in Africa to have gained more Direct Investor Funds into the country. Mr. Grant also disclosed that the Spark Up 2021 which is scheduled to take off in September is expected to bring together Industry players and relevant state agencies to partner and dialogue on ways of creating more employment opportunities for the youth among others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t On his part, the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was optimistic that the Spark Up project will go a long way in aiding the government's COVID economic recovery strategy. He called for collective efforts in making the program work. Below are pictures and a video: Click on the link to watch the video: https://fb.watch/79a49cKsU2/ Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Scores of social media users have taken to Twitter to join Kumasi-based, Asante Kotoko to mourn the demise of its late defender, Godfred Yeboah. The Club took to Twitter to announce the demise of the prolific defender. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "We're saddened to hear of the passing of Godfred Yeboah who represented us from 2001 to 2009. His passion for the club was undeniable and he will be missed. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who cherished him. #AKSC #KotokoCares #RIPTV3" Other tweets read; CORROSIVE  RULE @yawdevil_ "Former Asante Kotoko Left Back Godfred Yeboah. Alias TV3 has passed away. Rest in Perfect peace Maestro" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Oyerepa Sports @OyerepaSports tweeted "Ex Asante Kotoko defender Godfred Yeboah (TV3) has passed on. Rest well buddy" Osɛi Aҡօtօ Kaռu @OseiAkoto_Kanu tweeted "Hearing Godfred Yeboah TV3 is dead. What a sad news" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Dada Oliseh @dadaoliseh tweeted "Hhhmmmm! Sad news to wake up to. Former Asante Kotoko and Ghana defender Godfred Yeboah, popularly known as 'TV 3' passes away" Below are embed tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that a former player of Kumasi-based Asante Kotoko, Godfred Yeboah is reported dead. The Former Star who was popularly know as 'TV3' was said to have passed on after a short illness. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The Former player gave up the ghost at the Sunyani Regional Hospital. The Late Yeboah plied his for trade for Asante Kotoko for 9 seasons and in 2008, switched to Wa All Stars (Now Legon Cities FC) after winning the 2007/08 Ghana Premier League trophy with the Porcupine Warriors. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t He was 41-year-old. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has assured members of the Economic Fighters League and #FIXTHECOUNTRY protest groups of police protection during their upcoming demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Dr. Akuffo Dampare, who only assumed office on Sunday, August 1, invited the group to his office to personally assure them of maximum police protection “from the start to the end”. The IGP and other Police Chiefs also went through the agreed routes with the group. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The group, made up of mainly social media activists, confirmed the meeting with the IGP on their Facebook page. “The meeting was held at the request of the newly appointed IGP. According to him, his reason for calling the meeting was to assure us of maximum protection from the start to the end of the August 4 #FixTheCountry protest. “We went over the routes earmarked for the protest from Obra spot (Circle) — Farisco Left — TUC — Kinbu Senior High School – Centre for National Culture – to Independence Square. We also explained that we have recruited and trained marshals who will be assigned to liaise with the police on anything and to guide the crowd. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “On COVID-19 protocols, the marshals will be in charge of making sure everybody wears their mask and maintain distance”. Social media users in Ghana are responding to the hashtag #FixTheCountry in droves to pile pressure on the government to improve the lives of citizens. Among the new movement’s demands are more jobs, no corruption, fewer taxes, and better education. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah Credit: Citinewsroom