The Veterinary Services Directorate under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has embarked on depopulation and disinfection of some affected farms in the Greater Accra Region. According to the Veterinary Services Directorate, the move forms part of measures of weeding out affected farms to avoid the spread of the disease. Speaking at the depopulation and disinfection exercise, Country Director of Veterinary Service, Dr. Patrick Abakah revealed that the team had toured a number of poultry farms in the Greater Accra Region. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case He explained that the tour was in line with assessing the extent of damage caused by the outbreak of the dreaded and contagious Avian Bird Flu. He hinted that the affected birds will be killed adding that the poultry farmer will be compensated. The special team also disinfected the farms to avoid the further spread of the disease. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc He said "We are here to depopulate the farm and we have assured the farmer that whatever activity that is going to take place here, he will be duly compensated" Dr. Abakah also mentioned that the feeds will also be buried and burnt. He noted that the team will do everything possible to ensure that it contains the disease. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey He revealed that the team has already visited 15 farms in the Greater Accra Region. On his part, the Commercial Development Team Leader, Ghana Poultry Project, Raymond Denteh said "Today we are supporting the Veterinary Service Directorate to depopulate the affected farms and tackle the disease in a more scientific way" He stressed that it is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to compensate the affected farmers and not his organization. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t He hinted that the exercise will not only tackle the disease but also reduce the spread to other farms and contain it. Mr. Denteh added that the poultry farmers are educated on bird flu adding that they have been asked to report all suspected cases to the appropriate quarters for assistance. An affected farmer, Umar Mohammed Khali who spoke to Thinknewsonline.com said "I have no other job aside from the poultry farm. I appealed to them not to kill my birds but they said killing it will be in the best interest of all" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco He added that he is going to be jobless for 9months. He however appealed to authorities not to prolong the payment of compensation. He told other farmers to cooperate and allow the Veterinary Services Directorate to inspect their farms and help do away with the affected birds. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Chairman, Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, Victor Oppong Adjei said "A farm that had 6000 birds, they lost all, and we were only able to get 639 birds to depopulate. We have come here to show concern” He confirmed that about 14 farms in the Greater Accra Region have been depopulated. He advised the farmers not to withhold information about the bird flu adding that the Ministry will compensate them. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah Mr. Adjei appealed to the public not to be afraid adding that they should properly treat all live bird stock they purchase before consuming. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of Livestock, Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru said “We have come to see a very beautiful farm that was doing very well but now, the farm is gone. We have seen a record book of farm activities such as eggs produced and other animal products, they get prior to the bird flu” He blamed some farmers as the cause of the pandemic adding the Veterinary Services Directorate is in talks on how to curtail the spread of the disease to other farms. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-ve-total-confidence-in-the-new-educational-curriculum-peter-boateng-video “The experts are on the farm help the farmers with best practices as far as this farm management is concerned” The Deputy Minister sympathized with the farmers and assured them of Government’s support. Below are some videos and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed that it has approved two (2) more covid-19 vaccines for importation, distribution and in use in Ghana. According to a communique signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Darko, the two new vaccines are Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer BioNtech (Comirnaty). The statement further said "The two new vaccines are Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer BioNtech (Comirnaty) bringing the total number of approved covid-19 vaccines for use in Ghana to five (5) and are as follows: Sputnik V, Covishield, Covid-19 Vaccine Jason, Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNtech (Comirnaty). The release also hinted that the FDA continues to use the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) pathway, which is the accepted procedure for all national regulatory authorities globally, in order to ensure timely access to quality and safe medical products including vaccines during the pandemic. The Authority says it is assuring the public that all the approved covid-19 vaccines have been subjected to rigorous safety parameters and therefore the public are to receive the vaccines without any reservations. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister of Interior, Naana Eyiah Quansah has assured the Ghana Police Ladies Association (POLAS) that more women will be elevated to occupy topmost positions in the Police Service. According to her, the women in uniform are more than capable to handle such positions. Addressing Journalists at a meeting with the Ghana Police Ladies Association (POLAS) in Accra, she said "I am happy and sad because our ladies are doing well so any positions that they need to get, we are all going to put our heads together and I know when we speak to the Minister and the Authorities, they will understand that the women are capable of taking positions" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc She added that her Ministry will be working closely with the Ghana Police Ladies Association to ensure that the citizenry abides by the rules and regulations of the land. Naana Eyiah Quansah further said "My Chief Director is also a woman so any that the Policewoman needs, they are going to have it, even if it's not to up to 40%, at least 38% percent will do" She added that elevating Police Ladies will help boost their morale in exhibiting more of their skills and dedication to the service. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case Madam Naana Quansah said "If we have women as Presidents, why can't we have women as Commanders, District Commanders, and Regional Commanders. It is possible" The Deputy Minister was confident that the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery will buy into the proposal and grant their request. She emphasized that the 27% has to be increased adding that a low number of women in higher positions in the Police Service does not constitute equality. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey On her part, the Director-General, Welfare of the Ghana Police Service, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah congratulated the Deputy Minister for her appointment into the Interior Ministry. She said "Hon. Deputy Minister, we are here as a group of Ghana Police Ladies. We are here to say ayekoo" Explaining further, she revealed that the Ghana Police Ladies Association was formed in 1989 when some Senior Police Officers saw the need to bring the ladies together following the increasing numbers of women joining the service. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t She added that the ladies were brought together and encouraged to motivate the policymakers to employ more ladies into the service. Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah said "Let me put on record that in 1952, we had the first 12 women were enlisted into the Police Service and as at 1999, 38 years after, only 2,000 were enlisted into the Ghana Police Service. In 2021, we have 10,909 is the total number of women in the service" She further explained that the entire 10,909 police ladies in the service represent 27.93% of the entire force. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Giving the breakdown, Maame Tiwaa hinted that out of a total of 10,301 Senior Officers, the police ladies had 264 representing 20.2% On the part of the Junior Officers, Maame Tiwaa mentioned that out of 37,756 police ladies have 10, 665 representing 28.25%. "When it comes to the ASP, we have 389, the female is 99 representing 25.4%. For DSP, we have 324, the woman is 83 representing 25.6%. When you come to SP, we have 247, the women are 44" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, she said "We want them to make conscious efforts, something that someone will call positive discrimination to enable them to appoint women as District, Divisions, and Region, that is when you qualify in rank and police procedures" She appealed for more opposition for women in the service. Below are videos and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Health Service has warned of a high risk of the severe third wave of COVID-19 infections across the country raising concerns of serious implications for public health. According to Service, this is a result of a sharp rise in cases similar to the curve in the early days of the pandemic. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case Ghana is currently battling with an active case count of 4983 with 832 deaths. The latest surge in figures according to the Ghana Health Service is due to the increasing disregard for COVID 19 safety protocols. The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kum Aboagye has been shedding more light on the measures being taken to fight the pandemic while outlining the schedule for the arrival of new batches of the vaccines. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc Meanwhile, the Health Service is also denying rumors that safety checks at the Kotoka International Airport have been compromised. In a viral video on social media, a woman was seen over the weekend impugning the integrity of the testing regime at the airport. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey However the Head of Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Dennis Laryea has denied the claims and asked the public to disregard such assertions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Manager of the Vector Control Unit of Zoomlion, Rev Ebenezer Kwame Addae, has underscored the need for massive disinfection across all public places in the country in the wake of an imminent third wave of the malignant coronavirus (Covid-19) disease. He explained that such an exercise was necessary to help mitigate the spike in what appears to be a third wave of the deadly Delta variant. Ghana, according to reports, has recorded the deadly Delta variant in some schools across the country, a situation he described as worrying and unfortunate. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco He noted that nationwide massive disinfection of all public places in the country will complement the government in halting any further surge in the virus. Rev Addae made the call on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, during the scheduled monthly disinfection of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). According to him, aside from strictly adhering to the safety protocols, which he said was personal, massive nationwide disinfection of public places would augment the safety of the nation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t With regards to the potency of the chemicals used to combat the Delta variant, he disclosed that his outfit currently uses a chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide properties. He further explained that the company had not settled on one particular chemical but all chemicals prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as potent enough to combat the virus. "Due to the severity of the Delta virus, we use a chemical which can combat it. We started with Hypo Chlorine, viral oxy, one drop plus all of these are strong but we change as and when the virus changes," Rev Addae said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey On the use of hydrogen peroxide, he explained that it has a residual effect that enables it to last for six months or more rather than the earlier hypo chloride. The sprayers from Zoomlion carefully disinfected terminals 1, 2, and 3 with particular focus on door handles, touchable surfaces as a measure of containing the spread of the disease. The exercise, which was strategically scheduled, commenced at 10:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, which saw the team of sprayers use knapsack sprayers to get rid of all possible disease-causing deadly viruses. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc At the terminal 1, 2 and 3, while some the team of sprayers took turns to disinfect the ground, chairs, and tables, others dusted surfaces machines and devices at the airport. Open spaces of the KIA were also not left out. With the help of an atomizer, the airport environment was thoroughly disinfected to ensure the safety of both airport staff members and passengers. Places disinfected included departure and arrival halls, washrooms amongst others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

“Our Revenue Generated For 1st Half Of 2021 Is Better In The Last 5 Years” - GRA The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has touted its success chopped in the revenue collection for the first half of 2021 between January to June as they believe their performance has been best as compared to the last five years. The Revenue collectors are of the view that their performance for the first half of the year has been a great one even though they have not been able to reach their estimated target and that of their main target. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) made their achievement known during a press conference held at the Information Ministry today. Speaking at the Meet the Press series of the Information Ministry, the Deputy Commissioner, Strategic Research Policy at the GRA, Dr. Charles Addae stressed that, looking at the past five years, the average collection for the 1st half of the year from January to June was 46% but for this year 2021 they have been able to make collections of 46.7% which shows that, they have made gains in the collections for the year. 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 even though they could not reach their expected collections for the 1st half of the year but it is better than the previous year but says there are more they could do. Dr. Addae breaking down the revenues collections for the various regions revealed that Greater Accra contributed about 89% of the entire revenues generated with the other regions raising the remaining 11%. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-ve-total-confidence-in-the-new-educational-curriculum-peter-boateng-video Below are some pictures and a video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

I have taken notice of a decision by the Cape Coast High Court that has annulled the Assin North Parliamentary Election, held on December 7, 2020. 1. First and foremost, let me condemn in no uncertain terms, the shameful manipulation of court processes by the Registrar, Ustaz Hamza of the Cape Coast High Court and other judicial officers of the Court that frustrated and prevented the filing of a formal application by lawyers of the Assin North MP this morning, for the trial Court to refer the Consitutional questions that have arisen in the conduct of the case to the Supreme Court for determination before proceeding to give judgement. It is reprehensible and appalling to say the least, that Judicial officers who are paid by the State and are supposed to exhibit independence, impartiality and professionalism in their work have compromised their integrity and lent themselves as pliant tools for the manipulation of judicial processes in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party. The day of reckoning and accountability for those unprofessional and partisan judicial officers will surely come. 2. Let me make the point that the judgment of the trial Court is fraught with many errors of law which have ccasioned a gross miscarriage of justice to the people of Assin North. The decision by the trial judge that Hon. Quayson was not qualified to contest as MP in the December 2020 elections is contrary to section 20(1)(d) of the Representation of People’s Law, PNDC Law 284 and a true a proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, both of which provides in effect that, a person must be qualified to contest as MP at THE TIME OF HIS ELECTION and at the time of him becoming an MP (that’s at the time of swearing in) respectively. 3. It is the considered view of the NDC, that Hon. James Quayson was qualified to contest as MP in the December 2020 elections by virtue of the fact that he applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship before he filed his nominations to contest as MP in October 2020. He was actually issued a certificate of renunciation in November 2020 before the Parliamentary Election on December 7, 2020. He was therefore qualified to be MP at the time of his election as required by section 20(1)(d) of PNDC law 284 and at the time of his swearing-in, as prescribed under Arricle 94(2)(a) of the Constitution. The December 2020 Assin North Parliamentary election in question was therefore lawful and valid in our view and we think the trial judge has erred in annulling same. 4. The claim by the trial judge that the Supreme Court has determined in the “Zanetor case” that a person must be qualified to be an MP at the time of the issuance of the Notice of Poll/opening of nominations by the Electoral Commission and that Hon. Quayson was not qualified to contest as MP because even though he had applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship, he had not been issued with a renunciation certificate as at the time of Nominations in October 2020, is palpably misconceived. This is because the Zanetor case bordered Article 94(1) of the 1992 Constitution relative to the requirement for a person to be a Registered Voter before he can become an MP. The Assin North case on the other hand borders on Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution which provides that a person shall not be qualified to be a Member of Parliament, “if he owes Allegiance to any country other than Ghana”. We therefore hold the view, that the two cases are materially distinguishable. 5. Note that Section 20(1)(d) PNDC law 284, provides clearly that a person must be qualified to contest as MP at the time of the election relative to the issue of allegiance to a country other than Ghana. Also, note that Article 94(2)(a) was not interpreted by the Supreme Court in the Zanetor case which is the ratio the trial Judge appears to have applied in the Assin North case. 6. More importantly, the whole Assin North Election Petition borders on the interpretation and enforcement of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution which falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. That Article has never been interpreted by the Supreme Court before. As we speak, an action has been filed by a citizen of Assin North, Mark Nti to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for an interpretation of that same provision, Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution. The judge should have therefore referred these constitutional questions that to the Supreme Court for determination as he is enjoined to do by law. 7. It is instructive to note, that when Hon Quayson filed his nominations in October 2020, some NPP people within the Assin North constituency petitioned the District Office of the Electoral Commission for him to be disqualified on grounds that he is a citizen of, and owes Allegiance to Canada. The District EC officer then referred the matter to the Headquarters of the EC for determination. The EC demanded that Hon. Quayson provides or adduces his certificate of renunciation of his Canadian Citizenship which he did. It was on this basis that the petition was dismissed and Hon. Quayson cleared to contest. 8. Let me put on record that the NDC is not afraid of any by-election. We are confident of victory in any by-Election if we get to that stage. All we want is for justice to be done. And we will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is done. 9. Our lawyers will apply for a Stay of Execution of the orders of the trial judge and Appeal the flawed judgment ASAP. This travesty of justice will not be allowed to stand. 10. The NDC is also determined to formally petition the Judicial Service for disciplinary action to be taken against the Registrar and other Judicial Officers of the Cape Coast High Court who engaged in those shameful gymnastics earlier this morning. Such partisan and unscrupulous persons are not fit to serve in that respectable independent arm of government. Credit: Sammy Gyamfi Esq, National Communication Officer, National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly, Boye Laryea has stated emphatically that he will order the police to shoot and kill anyone who attempts to steal items at the newly commissioned ICT/ Library facility at the Fadama Cluster of schools in Accra. According to him, the Municipal Assembly together with the police will not spare anybody found culpable for such kind of attitude. Speaking at the commissioning of an Ultramodern ICT and Library Facility at the Fadama Cluster of schools in Accra, he said "The thieves around who came to steal the Air-condition that we fixed, let me sound a warning to them that they are not going to have a free day any longer and I am going to tell the police, to put their eyes closely on this facility. I can tell you that we are not going to spare anybody that we find culpable for this kind of attitude" 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 if such behaviors are not stopped, the worse will happen. "I will give orders and we will shoot and kill whoever will attempt any stealing on this facility" He stressed that Ghanaians have time to develop their country thus the vision of the President in his quest for quality education. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "Therefore as MCE for the Municipality, I am not going to sit down unconcerned to certain unscrupulous people who don't want development in this Municipality," he said. He charged the residents to be watchmen and ensure that the facility serves its intended purpose for the community, school, and teachers. The MCE also said "Let me say that, this assembly has brought a significant development since it stood alone" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco "I am also happy to announce to you that there are so much that we want to offer in this municipality and one of the things is what we are seeing today" He stressed that the newly commissioned ICT and Library Centre will help in making teaching and learning at Fadama Cluster of schools and its environments conducive. He thanked the teachers, children likewise the chiefs for their support. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t On her part, the Director of Education, Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly, Madam Cynthia Aboni said "Indeed information and communication technology (ICT) is moving the world and has become an essential tool in our everyday activities. ICT education is a policy in Ghana Education Service which was implemented in the year, 2007 as the state recognized the need for every student from basic to the tertiary level to acquire some basic knowledge and the use of these technologies which are speedily becoming part of our daily lives" She stressed that some of the objectives of the ICT policies were to ensure that ICT Literacy and skills from basic to tertiary level of education and to provide guidelines to integrating ICT tools at all levels of education as well as a means of standardizing ICT resources for all schools. She mentioned that it will also promote the learning of ICT for school academics at all levels. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey "We are happy to say that today, as we commission this facility, I wish to assure all of us that it will be put in good use" Madam Aboni on behalf of the children, teachers, and stakeholders expressed their appreciation to the Municipal Assembly. "In this covid period, we have received PPEs and furniture you have used to equip some of the classrooms on this compound" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc The Director of Education appealed to the Assembly to use its good office to ensure that some of the challenges they are having are dealt with. She cited the playing of football on the compound by footballers adding that it disturbs teaching and learning. "We are of the firm belief that the Assembly will expedite action on the completion our Millennium building and all other structures to enable learners to have a conducive atmosphere for learning" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has sacked its former Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho from the party for indiscipline. According to FEC, it considered a report and recommendations of the National Disciplinary Committee on the case of misconduct and anti-party behavior brought against Mr. Samuel Koku Anyidoho pursuant to article 48 (1) (9) (a) of the NDC Constitution. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In a communique signed by its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, it said "The Committee’s report (which is attached for your perusal) found you guilty of the said allegations of misconduct and anti-party behavior and recommended your outright expulsion from the Party" FEC added that acting in compliance with article 48 (1) of the NDC Constitution unanimously adopted the report and accepts full responsibility for his expulsion from the party. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case "You are, therefore, by the decision of FEC expelled from the National Democratic Congress, and for that matter, you are no more recognized as a member of the Party and cannot carry yourself as such," it said. "You are by this letter and pursuant to Article 48 (10) of the Party’s Constitution directed to return any party property that may be in your custody and you shall also forfeit any monies, dues, or subscription fees that you may have made to the party" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-ve-total-confidence-in-the-new-educational-curriculum-peter-boateng-video Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Reinstated Regional Chairman for Greater Accra Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Ransford Kofi Nsiah Lolih has assured delegates that his government is more poised and challenged to do more for teachers in the region in his second term in office. According to him, his government is more than committed to justify the confidence reposed on them. Speaking at the swearing-in of new executives at the just ended Greater Accra Regional GNAT Elections, he said "In fact, the future is brighter. We are now more poised and challenged to do more for the teachers in the Greater Accra Region. We are more than committed and resolute to justify the confidence reposed in us" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case He also added that not only did the delegates vote him into office but they voted for truthfulness, integrity, and all-inclusive participation in the union democratic space. The Regional Chairman was confident that his re-election into office is for the betterment and progress of Greater Accra GNAT. "Our doors are opened to all forms of suggestions and constructive criticisms to help shape this mandate into positive developments for the betterment of our dear members in the region" he noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, the Regional Chairman said "We have delivered. Our colleagues have seen what we have done therefore, they have renewed our mandate, our second term. For now, I can say that we have laid the foundation. Together with the team that is going now, we have been able to lay a good foundation to build on" Speaking on development projects, he explains that the constitution mandates the executives to touch lives adding that the focus for his second term is on how to improve the livelihood of teachers. He also revealed that in his first term, his government could not embark on enough visitations to school however, his government will ensure that is being done in his second term. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey "Internal wranglings are some of the things that came about because as the Regional Chairman and my executives, we thought that we had to work in unity and harmony and then we had to also ensure that our names are not dented so there were some activities that were on-going that some people thought that it was the other of the day" Responding to the government's 100,000 infrastructure for teachers, he said "Well, when politicians talk, we have to try and ask ourselves that what has been the residence of such statements or promises. We have affordable houses all over that some are being developed. When they develop it and teachers move in to go and buy, they are not getting it. Tema has one, other places, we have these structures there" He hinted that if teachers are not being considered, such promises on platforms will be considered as rhetoric. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t He urged all members who might not have supported any member of the newly elected executive to still come on board since the union, GNAT is the winner. The Regional Chairman was highly indebted to all individuals, committee members, and delegates who played various roles in ensuring that the conference was successful. After a three-day Regional Conference in Accra, delegates from the Greater Accra Region of GNAT elected into office new leaders whom they believe will help steer the affairs of the Institution for the next four years. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The fiercely contested elections saw some big shots losing their seat whiles some incumbents maintained theirs. Although the elections started very late, the delegates queued up in their numbers and voted for their favorite candidates. Representative to the National Executive, Enor Yaa Asor-Kyei told Thinknewsonline.com, although she contested unopposed, she recorded 2 rejected ballots after the elections. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures "It means that we have to work harder for the Greater Accra GNAT. In fact, I went unopposed even with that I had 18 no votes, 2 rejected, and 251 yes. It means that not everybody likes you so whatever that went on that was not good, I will improve on it" She charged the national executive to be proactive with the concerns of teachers adding that the agitations tell, things are not going well. Madam Oye Wiredu said "Yes, my competitor gave me a run for my money but because I am a woman, they were thinking that as for women, I cannot compete because he is the incumbent as well but I really fought him. I started long before they asked us to file. I made underground checks before I came out" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-future-of-gnat-in-the-smooth-dispensation-of-education-cannot-be-overemphasised-kojo-armah She assured teachers that there will be quality, dedication, and loyalty under her tenure. Speaking on the 4%, she hinted that although it is not good, she trusts the leadership to work on improving it to a much better percentage. Aside from the swearing-in of the Regional Chairman, other executives also committed to serving GNAT in the best interest of the organization and the people. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-ve-total-confidence-in-the-new-educational-curriculum-peter-boateng-video Some Executives who won include; Sarah Oye Owiredu - Vice Chairman Philip Sakpetey - Treasure Maxwell Inkoom - Trustee Jonathan Daitey Agorvor - Youth Coordinator Michael Austen Kuglenu - Trustee to the Teachers Fund Board Ruth Amoako - GNATLAS Coordinator Ferguson Kwame Atseku - Basic School Rep Edith Otchere - SHS/SHTS Rep Rejoice Asiwone Agudah - Educational Admin Rep Eno Yaa Asor-Kyei - Representative to the National Executive Below are videos and pictures: Click on the link to watch the video: https://fb.watch/70wWYzyPZe/ Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Finance has reiterated that government has not granted any 15% increase in base pay to any public sector institution on the Single Spine Salary Structure. According to a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "We wish to reiterate that government has not granted any 15% increase in base pay to any public sector institution on the Single Spine Salary Structure and that the only adjustment on the base pay for the public service still remains the 4% for the 2021 financial year" The statement also added that no new agreement has been reached on the payment of premium. "The attention of government has been drawn to media publications and agitations within the public domain in respect of the Ministry's letter dated 12th July, 2021 on the payment of fifteen percent (15%) interim to staff of Civil and Local Government Services (CLOSAG)" it said. The statement further hinted that the agitations, it believes have arisen because the public consider the above-mentioned approval to be a new agreement. The Ministry of Finance wishes to clarify that it is not a new agreement as it has been in existence since 2016 and fully implemented in 2020. The statement also hinted that since the interim premium of 15% is on the base pay adding that it has become necessary to do the relevant adjustments to reflect the negotiated 4% increase in the public sector base pay for the 2021 financial year. Below is a copy of the press release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Lecturer at the Department of Data Science and Economic Policy, School of Economics at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Mark Kojo Armah has stressed that the future of GNAT and its role as a catalyst in the smooth dispensation of education in Ghana cannot be overemphasized. According to him, as the country celebrates the hard work of the stakeholders, they need to reflect on the future of GNAT and its membership. Speaking at the 6th Quadrennial (53rd) Greater Accra Regional Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra, he said "It is in this regard that I invite this august house to join me to congratulate all the members and the leaders-both past and present on how far GNAT Greater Accra has come and to celebrate this momentous milestone with you" He added that being 90 years is a clear indication of the tenacity of the association especially considering the myriad of challenges that came along the way that had threatened its very existence. Mr. Armah also mentioned that the country celebrates ninety years of existence of such a venerable association, it is important to acknowledge the hard work of not only the forefathers and the regional executives. "But also the entire leadership, staff, teachers, and other stakeholders of GNAT who have worked assiduously to make the union what it is today" Touching on the brief history of GNAT, he said "Mr. Chairman, I will like to crave your indulgence to allow me to cast our minds back at how the journey of GNAT all began. The history of GNAT has been well documented in the various manuals and books (Bediako, 1970; Akrofi, Osae and Amoako, 2012; Darkwah, 2018)" He noted that the association began with the name Ghana school Teachers Association (GSTA) and later became the National Union of Teachers (NUT) during the colonial era under Governor Gordon Guggisberg in 1925 or thereabout Mr. Armah further explained that as at the time, the unions were largely dependent on the government of the day for subvention in order to undertake their activities. "Their object around the time was to fight for recognition by the colonial administration and also to express their displeasure on the disparities in their incentives and salaries. Mr. Chairman, the event that brought to bare the labour and welfare negotiation skills of the association was the proposed 29% cut in salary of teachers in the Gold Coast in 1931. The government attributed to the trade slump the world economy experienced in the aftermath of the First World War" He stated that Mr. James Topp Nelson Yankah and the leaders used trade union strategies including demonstrations, lobbying and good negotiation skills to force the government to change its policy and subsequently, the salary cut was reduced by 5% for all government workers instead and not for only teachers as previously proposed. This he said strengthened the work and position of the association as the mouthpiece and the chief welfare advocate of teachers. "In the light of the success chalked, it became crucial for teachers to chart the path of unification which eventually saw the light of day when all the splinter teacher unions amalgamated into what is now Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on 14th July, 1962. Bediako (1970) documents that at its inception, all teachers in the pre-University institutions were members with the exception of pupil teachers who were associate members. The membership was thus, compulsory. Today this has changed. GNAT has competitors and is in competition with the other teacher unions for the recruitment and retention of members. Indeed, it is the truth that these other teacher unions were formed out of GNAT. Teachers (trained and trainees) have now the option to decide  either to be part of GNAT or any of the other teacher unions to wit; NAGRAT, CCT, etc." He reminded the gathering that GNAT is the most vibrant Pre-Tertiary Education Teacher Union in Ghana ahead of its competitors. He noted that it has over 75% of the membership of the teaching personnel of the Ghana Education Service and is registered as a Trade Union under Section 84 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). He noted that GNAT is also registered as a Professional Association with the National Teaching Council in line with the New Education Act of 2008, (Act 778). "Its present vision is to be the most Proactive, Vibrant and Results Oriented Teacher Union that champions the progress of teachers and the quality of education delivery in Ghana. It aims at securing better conditions of service for teachers (members), promoting high academic standards and professionalism among its members. GNAT currently holds the Collective Bargaining Certificate, and that gives it the mandate to continue to lead negotiations with the government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) on bargaining and non-bargaining issues on behalf of teachers in Ghana" Highlighting some challenges facing GNAT, he said "Union pluralism and the control of members as a professional body. The proliferation of ‘rival’ unions such as NAGRAT, CCT should be seen as an opportunity for GNAT to be strong, growth-oriented, and be  more focused in galvanizing and marshalling resources for effective mobilization of its members" The Prof also explained that higher expectations of members beyond the means of the union as also part of the challenges. "Poor commitment on the part of the government to implementing teacher-friendly and welfare policies and programmes. For example, collective agreements are rarely implemented. No promotion scheme for the staff of GNAT. This situation can provoke attrition of critical staff. Internal wrangling within the administrative and political structures of GNAT (displayed in the media)" he said. On the way forward, Prof. Mark Armah hinted that a call for increased broader membership participation is not one-sided adding that it demands the collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders within the GNAT fraternity. "It demands that members, as well as leadership of GNAT, play their roles in making this call a reality. In this regard, I will want  to first share some of the key roles that GNAT has to play and then proceed to highlight  that of membership to ensure broader participation" On his part, Representing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive of Krowor, Nii Bortey Joshua commended teachers in deprived communities for their immense contribution in educating children and adults in the country. He assured them of the Government's commitment of targeted incentives to teachers to accept postings to such areas. "The aim of Government is to provide quality education for all. As a result, we will continue to collaborate with MCE and MMDCEs to provide infrastructure facilities at all levels" "Government launched reforms to support teacher training and Free SHS. We have taken measures to improve the conditions of teachers. The provision of decent accommodation and enhanced retirement benefits" He mentioned that it will motivate them to work well. He mentioned that agreements have been far reached for Government to construct 100,000 affordable housing units for teachers. A Representative from the Trader Union Congress, Freda Frimpong said "For the infamous 4%, I want to appeal to you to have confidence in the leadership for your interest is at heart. The covid has been critical on all. We know that you impact so much in others." She charged the government to look into the 4% allocated to teachers adding that they need more. "Now that there is digital learning, what impact will the teacher make during this covid period. This is the best time to form a great alliance with other sister unions to fight together" she added. Some teachers who spoke to Thinknewsonline.com on anonymity appealed to Government to reconsider the 4% allocated to teachers. They also called for logistics to improve teaching and learning. Below are pictures and video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith