The maiden edition of Ghana Father's Day Awards & Dinner Night is set to come off tonight, June 21st. According to the organizers, the event will stream live on YouTube & Facebook via accounts; Abeiku Santana & Think TV. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle The Ghana Father's Day awards and dinner night is an annual celebration event presented by Wilmar Africa Limited, Ghana (producers of Frytoil) and powered by Kaya Tours Ltd. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the event seeks to honor fathers and fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker It is celebrated to honor a father and other father figures, including grandfather, big brother, and any such male guardian. Harsh tags for the event include #ghanafathersdayawards, #wilmarafrica, #kayatoursghana, #kayamanagement, #abeikusantana, #mrtourism, @abeikusantana, and @godwin_lumengh. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks Story by: News Desk Report

Wouldn’t you love to relax and enjoy a scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of your body, consisting primarily of manual (hands-on) techniques such as applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and moving muscles and body tissues? If yes, then let me take you on a journey to one of the finest and the best massage parlors in Ghana. Located at the heart of the capital, Korkor’s Massage Parlour does nothing but gives you one of the oldest healthcare practices known. With great loci to massage are found in ancient Chinese medical texts written more than 4,000 years ago. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/empire-star-bryshere-gray-sentenced-to-jail-in-domestic-violence-case Massage has been advocated in Western healthcare practices since the time of Hippocrates, the "father of medicine." Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement to parts of the body. While massage therapy is applied primarily with the hands, sometimes the forearms or elbows are used. These techniques affect the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-suspect-arson-targeted-at-destruction-and-concealment-of-material-evidence-at-tano-south-ndc The basic philosophy of massage therapy embraces the concept of vis Medicatrix naturae, which means "aiding the ability of the body to heal itself." Touch is the fundamental medium of massage therapy while massage can be described in terms of the type of techniques performed, touch is not used solely in a mechanistic way in massage therapy. Because massage usually involves applying touch with some degree of pressure and movement, the massage therapist must use touch with sensitivity in order to determine the optimal amount of pressure to use for each person. For example, using too much pressure may cause the body to tense up, while using too little may not have enough effect. Touch used with sensitivity also allows the massage therapist to receive useful information via his or her hands about the individual's body, such as locating areas of muscle tension and other soft tissue problems. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/summit-will-enable-authority-deliberate-take-decisions-on-political-security-in-mali-s-botchwey Because touch is also a form of communication, sensitive touch can convey a sense of caring to the person receiving a massage, enhancing the individual's sense of self and well-being. In practice, many massage therapists use more than one technique or method in their work and sometimes combine several. Effective massage therapists ascertain each person's needs and then use the techniques that will best meet those needs. Here are some of the types of massages being given at Korkor’s Massage Parlour; Swedish Massage At Korkor’s Massage Parlor, we say, it is probably the most well-known form of massage. It’s meant to relax the body and increase circulation by massaging the soft tissues, according to the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy. Massaging strokes include kneading, rubbing, vibration, and even stretching and bending of the joints. Swedish massage focuses on relaxing your muscles and joints without going very deep. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Deep tissue massage This type of massage uses more pressure to reach deeper into muscles and tendons. It targets the network of connective tissues that surround, support, and inhabit muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. Deep tissue massage can help relieve chronic pain, according to the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario. It can also help with pain and stiffness from arthritis. Hot stone massage A hot stone massage uses heated stones to massage and relaxes sore muscles with or without pressure. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco During this type of massage, the RMT will place smooth, flat stones on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually basalt, a type of volcanic rock that holds heat. RMTs using Swedish massage techniques sometimes use hot stones too. Infrared therapy Infrared therapy is a new and innovative light-based method to treat pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. Unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin, infrared light enhances cell regeneration. Infrared light is delivered to the site of injury or inflammation at certain wavelengths, promoting cell repair. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The key characteristic of infrared light is its ability to penetrate even the deep layers of the skin, providing better pain relief. Also, infrared light is safe, natural, non-invasive, and painless. Thus it may be able to provide a broad range of health benefits. Faradic Muscle Toning Well known as electrical muscle stimulation, this treatment is used to tone and tighten the muscles of the body. This treatment is known under many trade names all offering a faradic treatment. The great thing about this treatment is that the client lies on the couch and the muscles are exercised for them. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws In addition to that, the treatment can treat muscles in one area creating an intensive effect. So for those of us who do not enjoy physical exercise, this is the answer. One important point, this treatment will not increase the heart rate therefore cannot be classed as a cardiovascular form of exercise. The treatment involves pads strapped to the area to be treated. The pads deliver a low faradic current into the skin and muscles stimulating nerve ending to provide a muscle contraction. The muscles will contract at regular intervals as selected by the Therapist. The treatment is comfortable, many clients finding the sensation relaxing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws It is necessary to have regular treatments to reinforce the effects. It is an advantage for the client to follow an exercise routine to reinforce the effects of this treatment. G5 Massage With G5 massage, it is a mechanical massager that goes much deeper than the therapist can. Different heads are used to mimic different massage techniques. The massage head is driven to turn in gyratory motions, moving round and round, up and down, and side to side with pressure, providing a deep massage. Cupping therapy Talking about cupping therapy, it is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. The cups may be made of; Glass, Bamboo, Earthenware or Silicone Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/a-role-of-a-teacher-is-not-bad-take-up-the-profession-it-s-a-calling-good-thing-krowor-mp One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C. Sports Massage Therapy Sports massage is a manual manipulation of the muscles geared specifically toward helping people who have physically demanding lifestyles and/or hobbies. This kind of therapeutic massage considers the impact of certain activities on specific joints, muscle groups, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue groups. The conscious focus of sports massage therapy maximizes the benefit of certain massage techniques and supports further physical exertion and activity. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/the-female-coup-plotter-who-wanted-prez-akufo-addo-eliminated An initial assessment is used to create a specially informed massage therapy plan that will meet each individual athlete’s specific needs. Foot and back Heat Massage A portable massager for a full-body massage. ... Heat Therapy – The foot massager has heat on shiatsu balls and a heating pad for the foot toe and heel. It can quickly heat up and warm your fully feet, makes your feet massagers more relaxing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ghana-s-participation-on-un-security-council-is-a-blessing-to-africa-shirley-ayorkor-botchwey It helps improve foot circulation, relieves muscle tension, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis. Take a listen to the CEO and staffs on what positives and negatives of being a massage therapist: Story by: News Desk Report

From the time it was discovered, which was thousands of years ago, dates were known to have healing powers. And while science has proved that for sure, we love to eat them mostly because of how delicious these dark fruits are. According to history, date palm is known to have come from what is now Iraq, however, Egyptians were known to have made wine with dates a lot earlier as well. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle Thanks to trade, dates traveled to southwest Asia, Spain, northern Africa, and were later also taken to Mexico and California. Today it continues to be one of the most important ingredients in Middle Eastern cuisine. While there are at least 30 kinds of dates that are found around the world, they pretty much fall under three broad types - soft, semi-dry, and dry, and the differentiation is made according to the glucose, sucrose, and fructose content. One of the most coveted dates incidentally is found at The Gaza Strip, as their product is known to be exceptionally red, and sweet. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker Some of the other popular varietals are the Zaghloul, found exclusively in Egypt. It has dark red skin, is longish in structure, and crunchy in texture. It's also quite high on the sweetness scale. The Sukkary from Saudi Arabia is one of the most expensive kinds of dates. It has dark brown skin, soft flesh, and uniquely sweet. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks And then there's the Khadrawy, a soft and dark date that's also quite popular among the Arabs. And this is just the beginning; it's said that Iraq has more than 100 kinds of dates available! Cuisines across the world use date in small and large quantities, but it's also important to note that the fruit of the date palm tree also comes with a lot of health benefits. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t The umpteen health benefits of dates have made the delicious fruit of the most sought-after foods in the world of health and nutrition. Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, energy, and fiber. It also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It is also dubbed as the healthier substitute for sugar, as unlike sugar it does not contribute empty calories. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Health benefits of dates: Here are only a few of the reasons why you should eat dates regularly: 1. Lowers cholesterol Did you know that dates are free from cholesterol and contain very little fat? Including them in smaller quantities in your daily diet can help you keep a check on cholesterol level, and even assist in weight loss. So start loading up on dates today. 2. Protein-rich Looking to load up on proteins. Adding some dates in your diet may help. Dates are a strong source of proteins that help us in staying fit, and even keep our muscles strong. A lot of regular gym goers are asked to eat a couple of dates every day as part of their daily routine. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures 3. Rich in vitamins Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and B5, as well as A1 and C. If you have a few dates every day, you won't have to take vitamin supplements. Not only will it keep you healthy, but there will also be a noticeable change in your energy levels as well because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, too. So it works really well as a quick snack. 4. Improves bone health Dates could do wonders for your bone health too. Yes, you heard us. Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required when it comes to keeping our bones healthy and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis. 5. Strengthens the nervous system Dates are loaded with potassium, and yet contain little sodium, and that goes a long way in keeping your nervous system in order. The potassium helps to reduce cholesterol and keeps the risk of a stroke in check. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws 6. Rich in iron Apart from the fluorine that keeps your teeth healthy, dates also contain iron, which is highly recommended for those who suffer from iron deficiency. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may cause fatigue or tiredness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Plus it's great for blood purification as well. 7. Promotes digestion If you soak a few dates in water and chew on them daily, your digestive system will behave very well. Due to its high fiber content, it is also recommended for those who have trouble with constipation. 8. Improves skin The vitamins C and D works on your skin's elasticity and also keeps your skin smooth. Plus, if you suffer from skin problems, incorporating dates into your diet might help you in the long run. Plus dates also come with anti-aging benefits and prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/pest-and-vector-control-association-pevag-launched-to-regulate-its-activities-pictures 9. Fixes hangovers While we haven't exactly tried it out, but it's said that dates are an excellent way to control inebriation. And similarly, it also helps to cure hangovers. But for best results, you have to rub the skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then eat it. 10. Assists in weight gain. The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in the fruit help in weight gain, especially when you need it. Incidentally, it's said that when eaten with cucumber, dates help to keep your weight at a normal level. Now that's what we call flexibility! 10 Ayurvedic Tips To Gain Weight​) The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in dates help in weight gain. Cooking with Dates. Dates are best eaten by themselves. The sweet fruit makes for an excellent breakfast snack, or in cereals and porridges. Plenty of people have even switched to date syrup instead of refined sugar. Jaggery made from date palm tastes delicious with black coffee, and dried dates can be added to cakes, bread, and other dishes. Keep a box of seeded or seedless dates in your refrigerator, and make sure to have a few every day. It will also prevent you from overeating. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ecg-will-not-demand-payments-for-services-through-mobile-money-ecg-warns-public (This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. Credit: food.ndtv.com

Customs officials at the Tema Port have intercepted three assault rifles concealed in consolidated cargo declared as containing personal effects and vehicles. The rifles, made up of a 10-millimeter Aero Survival Rifle, fitted with binoculars, an HK 416 semi-automatic rifle, and a 4 x 32 premium scope cross bolts dead silent rifle, were detected yesterday during a physical examination on the consignment which arrived from the United States of America in a container numbered MEDU4810912. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle The container had on board four vehicles and personal effects loaded in blue barrels, one of which was found to be holding the weapons. Arrest According to customs officials, an agent, Mr. Bernard Adjei Kwarteng, who processed the container for clearing, was assisting them in investigations. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker A seizure notice has been placed on the weapons and conveyed to the State Warehouse facility at the port. No permits A Principal Revenue Officer of the Ghana Revenue Authority in charge of the Golden Jubilee Car Park at the Tema Port, Mr. Cyril Ekahe, told the Daily Graphic that the importation of the weapons contravened customs regulations which required importers of weapons to secure the necessary permits before bringing them into the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks He said the diligence of the examination officer led to the detection of the weapons since the container scanners were usually not able to vividly determine nor isolate items in containers arriving at the ports. "The scan images are not able to determine nor isolate items in the container and if the physical examination had not been done, we wouldn't have detected the weapons because the container was also meant for door-to-door delivery,” Mr. Ekahe said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t A report on the incident, he indicated, had been submitted to the Tema Sector Commander for the necessary action. Credit: Daily Graphic

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has sent a strong warning to the general public to desist from making payments to them via mobile money transactions. According to ECG, the new move will help save them from the fraudulent activities of scammers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle In a statement signed by the company, it said "These fraudsters call, send SMS or WhatsApp messages to unsuspecting customers, demanding payments for various services including service connection and electricity consumed, through mobile money (MOMO) transactions” It however added aside from its client personally initiating transactions through its ECG Power Mobile App or shortcode *226#, “ECG will not demand payments for services through mobile money.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker ECG also stated that it is collaborating with security agencies to bring perpetrators to book. The power provider further charged the public to stick to the usual payments at its various ECG outlets adding that customers should demand for receipts after each transaction. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks Below is the press statement: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Police Officer and Driver on Thursday escaped death at Gomoa Okyereko on the Kasoa-Winneba road after their bullion van was attacked by some unknown armed robbers. This incident comes barely four days after a similar incident at Adedenkpo, near James Town in Accra, resulted in the death of a police officer, Constable Emmanuel Osei and a hawker, Afua Badu. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle According to Adom Fm reporter, Kofi Adjei, the robbers shot at the front passenger seat, where a police escort was sitting, shattering the window in the process. He said, the police escort, subsequently ordered the driver to speed off while he called for reinforcement. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker The Winneba Police Patrol team dispatched to Mpata Junction rushed to the scene and started a gun battle with the robbers, but they fled the scene. All passengers in the bullion van escaped unhurt. The money in the van remained intact. Ghana has recently recorded a surge in daylight robberies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks Apart from the James Town incident, another policeman was killed while on escort duty on the Adansi Fomena road in the Ashanti Region. The armed men, numbering about 10, allegedly shot Lance Corporal Martin Babah during an attack on the bullion van he was escorting. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Below are pictures: Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has locked the meat section of Shoprite, a local grocery store and supermarket at Accra Mall for selling imported frozen chicken as locally produced ones. According to FDA, it took such after it confirmed from its investigation that the company was indeed defrauding its customers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of FDA, Akua Amartey said “Apart from it being deception, it also has some health implications, because we all know that you don’t actually thaw a frozen product and then put it back into the freezer for it to freeze,” Madam Amartey also hinted that aside deceiving the public and selling such products to them, the Accra Mall branch of Shoprite has been toying with the health of its customers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker She also said “And most people who patronize these products think they’ve bought fresh chicken, some of them will definitely also freeze and you know what happens, when products are thawed at certain temperatures, micro-organisms start brewing in them and they produce toxins.” The Deputy CEO said “So someone will say but you boiled the chicken, yes you boiled it, the micro-organisms will die but the toxins they’ve already produced are still in the meat and that is where when you consume food prepared from such means, you have some form of health challenges,” she averred. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks It is emerging that the FDA slapped the local grocery shop with a fine for deceiving ts customers. Thinknewsonline.com has also gathered that the meat section of the local grocery store has been locked until further notice. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t "They must decide to sell frozen chicken as frozen chicken. If they want to sell fresh chicken then they should let us know which farms they are getting the fresh chicken from, what documentation comes in, what inspections they are producing, when they receive consignments of fresh chicken; which freezers they will put them in. How they are going to dispose of [the chicken] after the shelf life so that they do not end up freezing them and selling them as fresh chicken. So there are so many things we need to work hand in hand with them on including training their staff.” The Deputy CEO has hinted that it will be storming the other branches of Shoprite among other companies and clamp down on such deviant behaviours. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Aside locking the Shoprite at the Accra Mall, it is emerging that the freezers at the Junction Mall branch has also been locked up. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A 52-year-old farmer, whose name has been given as Issifu Yeliwa in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region has had his vanished penis returned to him and in its normal state, but it is yet to start functioning. According to the younger brother of Issifu Yeliwa, who narrated the horrific ordeal, they were at the funeral when an unknown person came to them and complained that he was hungry. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco He said when they were serving him food to eat, the man suddenly touched his senior brother’s manhood. Shortly after that, Mr Yeliwa’s manhood vanished. Speaking in an interview with Adom News’ Obrempongba K Owusu, the brother to the farmer, Akwasi Michael, who doubles as a fetish priest said the penis has returned. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “It has returned but I can’t tell if it will function as it used to or not,” he said laughing. According to him, although the vanished penis has returned after search and traditional performance he has been given some days to abstain from sex to enable the progress of work. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws “He has not been permitted to have sexual intercourse at the moment,” but was optimistic that after the numbers of days given, the penis might start working again as never before. The suspect at the time, who was identified as Adams Kwasi, was taken to the police station for investigations when all efforts to bring back the manhood failed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle However, the Krachi East Municipality Police commander, DSP Aboagye, said the police hierarchy does not deal with spiritual matters but rescued the suspect from being assaulted. Story by: News Desk Report

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), has unanimously elected the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Professor Alex Dodoo as president of the continental standards body for the term 2022-2025. Prof. Dodoo won the bid to lead the organization after an election yesterday, (Wednesday, June 16) at the 26th ARSO Hybrid General Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, and online as well for non-Council members. He becomes the second Ghanaian to lead the prestigious continental association following in the footsteps of Dr. Emmanuel K. Marfo who was ARSO president from 1992-1994. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle Appropriate time In his first speech as President-elect of ARSO, Prof. Dodoo said the agenda for his presidency, was to leverage the image and position of ARSO to change the narrative by expanding intra-Africa trade within the purview of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) with a focus on improving trade in ‘Made in Africa’ goods locally, regionally and globally. “Having been appointed as the ARSO Goodwill Ambassador to the AfCFTA Secretariat, I must admit the appropriateness of the time that Ghana takes up the mantle for the next President to guide this great Organisation through its 4th decade. This is especially so since the AfCFTA Secretariat is based in Accra and thus there is opportunity to use proximity to the Secretariat to further the aims of ARSO now that the AfCFTA is in its early stages,” he noted. Agenda Prof. Dodoo explained that each and every action and activity under his leadership of the organization would be in line with four broad strategies including the sustainability of ARSO, its financial stability, development, and expansion. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker He said it would also include boosting intra-Africa trade through industrialization, use of standards, mutual recognition arrangements, and any other means that will allow Africans to trade with one another within our continent. “Boosting intra-Africa trade within the AFCFTA: one continent, one standard, one test, one certificate, accepted everywhere,” he said. He said his focus, would also be on deepening regional self-sufficiency by supporting governments to invest in and maintain a solid sustainable quality infrastructure for standards, measurement, testing all based on a ‘Regional Quality Infrastructure Policy’. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks “Highlighting African leadership in the post-Covid-19 trading economy, especially in areas of competitive advantage like the use of digital platforms for payment services and health delivery, M-PESA and Zipline come to mind, Africa can lead in digitization,” he added. Tribute He paid glowing tributes to the outgoing president of ARSO, Mr. Charles Booto a Ngon, who steered the organization through the challenging pandemic period. “Your distinct progressive agenda has made significant long-lasting contributions to this organization and my determination is to consult widely on how to build upon your legacy and uphold the highest aspirations of this notable organization,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t Background The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration presented the candidature of Prof. Dodoo as the country’s nominee for the position of ARSO president in April this year to the ARSO headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Prof. Dodoo’s candidature was also endorsed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in a letter to ARSO in which the ministry said, Prof. Dodoo had provided strong and remarkable leadership in the transformation of the GSA, culminating in its high visibility. “He played a critical role in the National Standardisation and Accreditation Programmes which underpin Ghana’s quality infrastructure and has helped in building trust in the quality of products and services in the country,” the letter stated. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Credit: Kester Aburam Korankye, Journalist

Findings from the UK- Ghana Chamber of Commerce’s (UKGCC) 2020 Business Climate Survey Report indicate that Ghana’s business environment is generally challenging, encumbered by such factors as limited access to capital; logistics partners, and other service providers; quality infrastructure; tedious and onerous government processes; taxation policy; and regulatory framework. According to the report, the requirements businesses need to meet to obtain credit for investment are usually daunting. In some cases, it said the financial system may have its own challenges, especially with capitalization, as the recent financial sector clean-up showed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle By end of 2020, the report indicated that the financial system was deemed to be back on track with a well-capitalized banking system posting assets of GHC 149.3 billion, up from GHC 129.0 billion in 2019. However, it said new loan advances dropped sharply year-on-year from 23.8% in 2019 to 5.8% in 20201, saying “This reflects the perspectives of businesses regarding access to capital. Nearly half of survey respondents rated access to capital as very poor, requiring urgent attention.” It added that “the perspectives on access to capital vary by size of the company. Micro and small companies with less than 50 employees were more likely to rate access to capital as very poor. 58.1% of micro-companies and 25.8% of small companies rated access to capital as very poor. This is not surprising since bigger companies are usually better placed to access credit from the financial system due to their potential bigger asset base.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker Covering a variety of themes, the survey sought to capture the perception of businesses on recent policy and regulatory developments, economic and investment outlook through the analysis of 10 business environment components. The survey also assessed the performance of businesses in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the preparedness of businesses for the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Respondents, however, cited access to telecommunication facilities, utilities (water and power), security, crime-free environment and the effectiveness of the legal system; and quality labor as ameliorating factors to doing business in Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks The Report recommends increased efforts in addressing both access to and cost of capital to enable businesses to increase production and recover faster from COVID-19 shocks. It also recommends lowering of taxes to lessen the burden of operational costs to attract more investments, and0 continued dialogue with the private sector to ensure they thrive under the AfCFTA. About the UKGCC The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) was established in 2016 to promote bilateral trade between the UK and Ghana. It is the leading UK business support organization in Ghana. The UKGCC provides exceptional support for its members through the sharing of knowledge and ideas, creating platforms for building stronger networks, and providing linkages with Government and its agencies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t One of its key focuses is to see Ghana become a significant economic partner for the UK as an export market, import source, investment destination, and vice versa. It exists to further the business interests of its members across both countries and create more business opportunities. Credit: Melvin Toure, Journalist

A group of young men who flaunted side arms and a pump-action gun in a video that has gone viral on social media have broken their silence. According to reports, the men mistakenly sent the video into a WhatsApp group but before they could delete it some people had already downloaded it. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks Some persons have also alleged that they are the actual robbers who attacked the bullion van and killed the police officer before bolting with an unspecified amount of money. Well, the men, whom one of them has been identified as Obour Belling, have spoken for the first time and they claim they are not armed robbers as purported. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t According to them, they are into illegal mining (Galamsey), and the guns they brandished are weapons they use to protect themselves at the mining site. They also claim that photos of them with bundles of different currencies that are in circulation are old photos. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Watch the video below Credit: Talksghana

An education think tank, Africa Education Watch, has confirmed that the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) questions leaked to candidates. The education think tank after its independent assessment of the examination stated in its report that the questions were leaked on the dawn of each paper and sent to various social media groups. “At around 2:00 am on the 17th of August 2020, copies of the Core Mathematics (2) paper were circulating on Social Media,” it reported, explaining that the questions were leaked around the time they were being transported from the WAEC depots ahead of the exams. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/unless-he-is-100-gay-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-man-and-woman-being-besties-princess-shyngle “In its statement of August 19th, 2020, WAEC indicated that the questions leaked outside their strong room/depot, suggesting the questions were then within the custody of the GES and Police who were responsible for handling the question papers from the depot to the Centre. Our investigations could not establish the exact stage within the examinations value chain where the leakage occurred.” “Furthermore, the fact that all questions leaked unto the social media platforms at the dawn before the exam (the very time questions are transported from the WAEC depots) lends some credence to WAEC’s position that questions leaked when they were in the custody of the GES/Ghana Police after they have left their custody (strong rooms). This corroborates a June 2014 police investigative report which cited Lance Corporal Prince Opoku for complicity in leaking examination papers when detailed to escort WAEC examination materials from Konongo depot to examination centres at Asiwa. “It is most likely that shots of questions were taken immediately after moving them from the strong rooms and transmitted through WhatsApp and telegram, which eventually found their way onto the various examination questions trading platforms,” the report noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-the-james-town-bullion-van-attack-a-sad-story-of-a-police-officer-and-a-hawker The think-tank also faulted some social media pages including Telegram groups for being another source of leaked questions. “The Secondary Sources of Leaked Examination Papers Platforms for trading in Questions and Answers – Rogue Social Media Pages As earlier indicated, our investigations confirmed a telegram page called “HOT STAGE” to be one of the widely patronized sources of leaked examination papers during the 2020 WASSCE. The social media platform, which had 70,000 subscribers at the time of the 2020 WASSCE examinations (now over 160,000 subscribers), released questions and answers at the dawn of the ensuing exams. The platform operators usually released the first batch of questions and answers to paid members much earlier, after which a free version was released in the morning, as late as 7:00 am, barely an hour to the commencement of examinations. There were other Facebook pages that also serialized questions. They included “WAEC Secret Room for All Exams”, “Free Exam Answers – WAEC” and “WAEC Strong Room”. These pages were used for adverts, after which one was directed to a WhatsApp platform where members were required to pay for questions.” Africa Education Watch also noted that students often paid for the leaked questions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/provide-fortified-armoured-vehicles-for-carting-currencies-or-lose-police-escort-igp-warns-banks “In selected schools where we monitored, students were operating WhatsApp groups where the questions and answers, once ready, were shared. Some teachers we spoke to observed the jubilant mood of most students at dawn, anytime questions and answers arrived, and immediately after examinations, once questions proved genuine. Students, we learnt, contributed to purchase the questions. It is worth mentioning that, after our initial complaint to the Police about the operations of these rogue social media platforms where 2020 WASSCE questions were traded, it became even more obvious that these social media sites were not new to the security agencies and WAEC. Indeed, WAEC confirmed having reported the said platforms to the Police as far back as 2018 for similar activities. However, information gathered suggested the Police had technical challenges in apprehending the operators, as their IP addresses kept changing,” the report stated. As part of several recommendations, the Africa Education Watch wants the government of Ghana to take steps to break the monopoly enjoyed by the West African Examination Council, WAEC, in assessing students and conducting examinations in Ghana by regulating the powers of the council. Credit: Citinewsroom