Top global smartphone manufacturer and leading provider of ICT infrastructure, Huawei Technologies, has reiterated its commitment to engaging with stakeholders within the Ghanaian media landscape to promote ICT education and development across the country. Addressing journalists during the maiden edition of the ‘Huawei Day with Media’ held at Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, the Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Ghana, Kweku Essuman Quansah, said Huawei intends to use the occasion and meeting as a platform to share with Ghanaians the company’s ideas and plans for joint growth. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations He explained that being a world leader in Information Communication Technology development and technological innovations, the business of Huawei goes beyond the scope of cell phone manufacturing which many immediately associate with the company through the widespread popularity of its smartphone brand. Mr. Essuman Quansah said Huawei is a responsible corporate organisation that has embarked on numerous social responsibility programs including the Huawei ICT Training program which aims to train 10,000 Ghanaians by the year 2024. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The Director for Public and Government Affairs at Huawei Ghana, Jenny Zhou, said Huawei, is a world leader in technology investment as the company commits over 50% of its revenue on Research and Development (R&D). She said the company has launched its Tech4all initiative in Ghana to help improve and expand ICT services accessibility across the country to benefit Ghanaians in line with Huawei’s long-term digital inclusion strategies as well as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Technology Chamber, Derrydean Dadzie, commended Huawei’s initiatives, particularly the Seeds for the Future program, which has benefited several Ghanaian youths. He said aside from building the capacity of participants, the Seeds for the future also inspire entrepreneurship. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Seeds for the Future is an initiative that aims to help cultivate young talent, ensuring that the tech-savvy and change-resilient young people have the skills and mindsets needed to be competitive in the workplaces of the future. An official of the Ghana Telecom University College, which is one of the tertiary institutions that has benefited immensely from Huawei’s ICT Academy in Ghana launched in 2017, commended the company for the impact it has made so far. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The ICT Academy, through a partnership with over 12 leading Ghanaian Universities, has trained over 3,500 students in the latest ICT technologies as part of Huawei’s commitment to the government of Ghana to train about 10,000 Ghanaians in ICT by 2024. Huawei says it will continue to stay committed to ICT development through meaningful CSR projects, to help bridge the digital divide as Information Communication Technologies bring digital to every individual, home, and organization for a fully connected intelligent world. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t The first edition of Huawei Day with the Media also included a virtual tour of the company’s ultramodern Darwin Exhibition Centre in Shenzhen, China, where the selected journalists were informed about how Huawei is employing advanced technology to make the world a better place, as well as the company’s contribution towards the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Below are some pictures: Credit: Citinewsroom

The government is set to construct two new routes on the Accra-Kumasi highway to reduce congestion, Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong made this known. Portions of the highway linking Ghana’s two main cities remain uncompleted despite the increasing volume of traffic on the route. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations On Friday, May 28, 2021, commuters spent unusually long hours in a gridlock on the route due to congestion. Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Seth Acheampong said the hiccups on the highway, particularly the Eastern Regional stretch will be dealt with soon. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “About three weeks ago, the Minister in charge of Roads and Highways was here. He has tasked the Ghana Highway Authority and Urban Roads Department to create emergency congestion reduction routes at Osino and Anyinam, primarily on the stretch between the central corridor of Accra to Kumasi. Additionally, interim measures are to ensure that the exit which sometimes creates delays will be looked into by the Urban Roads Department. Besides these, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service is also helping us with traffic management.” “We are working seriously at it. Ever since I took office, I have been on the neck of the Roads and Highways Minister to ensure that we get proper attention for those roads. In fact, what happened on Friday has awakened us and we are going to work swiftly.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Credit: Citinewsroom

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nana Akufo-Addo, says the Regional sub-body will do all it can to restore peace in Mali. The President of Ghana, speaking at an emergency extraordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Accra on Sunday, May 30, 2021, urged leaders of the bloc to join hands in resolving the political and security situation in the Republic of Mali. “I urge Your excellencies to remain resolute in supporting the people of Mali to finding a peaceful solution and restoring democracy and stability in the country. In this respect, we must critically examine the dynamics of the situation and make informed decisions.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations “I am using this opportunity to reiterate on behalf of ECOWAS our continued commitment to the peaceful transition in Mali, with the basic goal of restoring democratic governance and working for the stability of Mali and our region,” he added. What is happening in Mali? Mali’s Constitutional Court has named the leader of the country’s military coup, Colonel Assimi Goïta, as its transitional president. Col Goïta had already declared himself interim president on Wednesday, two days after seizing power in Mali’s second coup in nine months. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures He led the first coup last August, which saw the elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta forced out of office. The court said Friday’s decision was due to the “vacancy in the presidency”. He defended the removal of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane as necessary because they had failed in their duties and were seeking to sabotage the country’s transition. READ ALSO: https://citinewsroom.com/2021/05/karaga-dces-driver-shot-dead-by-suspected-robbers/ Soldiers arrested and detained the two men after a cabinet reshuffle that Col. Goïta said he was not consulted about. Col. Goïta has now promised that a new prime minister would be appointed within days, and that election would still go ahead next year as planned. Credit: Citinewsroom

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has disclosed that the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC) will cost the country GHS 521 million. Out of this amount, the government has raised and disbursed GHS 467 million for the start of the exercise. Speaking at a forum in Accra, Ken Ofori-Atta said the government will provide the needed funds to make the exercise a successful one. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t “Of the budget of GHS 521.3 million, the government has already disbursed GHS 467.2 million for the conduct of the 2021 Population and Housing Census. We will continue to ensure that the needed funds are provided to ensure a successful implementation.” The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) says the 2021 census will begin across the country from Sunday, June 27. The exercise, which will run till July 11, 2021, is meant to generate data that will be used in decision-making and planning for the development of the country and its citizens. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The census was initially set to begin on March 15, 2020, with the first two weeks expected to be used for listing, a process that comprises the zoning and coding of the number of houses and structures to be covered in the census. However, it was rescheduled to June 28, 2020, before being finally postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The slogan for the 2021 PHC is “you count, get counted”, with the GSS aiming for comprehensive coverage to ensure that no one is left behind. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures President Akufo-Addo has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to participate in the upcoming Population and Housing Census. The President said the exercise is purely a national project devoid of partisanship, hence the need for all citizens to be actively involved. The President was speaking at the launch of the 30-day countdown to the 2021 census. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations “I urge all persons, Ghanaians, and non-Ghanaians who will be in Ghana on the census night to be ready to welcome census officials into their communities and place of residence, and also provide the necessary information.” “The census does not seek to divide or polarise the citizenry,” he added. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Accra Circuit Court has remanded a caregiver, Clara Anyani-Ampah into police custody for her handling of an eleven-month-old baby which allegedly led to the death of the child. The incident of abuse was captured by a Closed-Circuit-Television (CCTV) camera at the Happy Bloomers Crèche, a pre-school at Ashongman Estates in Accra. The CCTV video showed the victim in a neatly decorated classroom with two other babies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures One of the babies was standing in a baby’s cot, while the other was lying on the floor, unattended to, with little Allegra sitting on a stool. In the video, Clara was seen leaving the classroom, returning shortly with a cup, and also cleaning the floor with tissue. She was later seen trying to force porridge in a cup into the victim’s mouth while holding the baby’s hands tightly behind her. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Clara was also seen pushing the baby’s head into the cup in an attempt to get the little girl to drink the porridge, while the helpless baby, who appeared to be suffocating, screamed and threw her legs into the air ferociously. The Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mrs. Effia Tenge, said a docket on the case has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice. She said on May 18, this year, the victim’s father reported to the Agbogba Police that the management of the school had called him to inform him that his daughter was sick and had been taken to the North Legon Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures A team of police investigators went to the hospital, examined the baby’s body, and took it to the Police Hospital morgue. The Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Christiana Atta Kumah, later handed over the CCTV of the day’s activities in the school to the police, which revealed how Clara had handled the baby. The body of the victim has since been released to the family for burial. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Meanwhile, the suspect, Clara Anyani-Ampah is to reappear before the court on June 11, 2021. Credit: Citinewsroom

Veteran Journalist and Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr., says the ongoing military operation against illegal miners appears to be unfocused particularly looking at the indiscriminate manner in which seized equipment are being set ablaze. He believes this has led to the instances of complaints by some licensed small-scale miners that their machines are being damaged although they have not committed any illegality. Whilst in favour of the fight against illegal mining, Mr. Baako Jnr., who was speaking on Joy FM’s News File on Saturday, May 29, 2021, said his main challenge is with the method of burning the mining equipment. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The government is however comfortable with the burning of excavators, with the President even daring persons who are dissatisfied with the seizure and burning of their excavators to seek legal redress. Mr. Baako stressed that the action of burning mining equipment was not backed by law. “The way and manner it is being done in that indiscriminate and unfocused manner are such that even those with valid licenses but are doing the right thing have become victims.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures He suggested that the “President and his government also go to Parliament with a bill to amend” the exiting laws if it felt that the current laws were not deterrent enough. This notwithstanding, Mr. Baako posited that the existing laws were pragmatic enough. “I don’t believe in the burning because the utility value of that equipment could also be capitalised on by the State as the law is saying.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws He added that any excuses defending the burning of excavators were an “expression of institutional impotence.” This remark was in relation to the inability of the government to properly account for the seized excavators over the past four years. What the law says Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995) touches on how excavators seized during illegal mining are to be handled by the state. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Section 7 says “a person who provided or is involved in the provision of an excavator or any other equipment for mining operations contrary to the provision of this [mining] act commits an offense” It thus continues in Section 8 saying, “any equipment used in or associated with the committed with offense and any product derived from the commission of the offense, shall without regard of the ownership of the equipment of product be seized and kept in the custody of the police.” Section 9 says a court “may impose order the forfeiture of any equipment or product seized under section 8 to the State.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco When in the State’s custody, Section 10 allows the sector minister to “within 60 days after the confiscation of the product allocates the equipment or product to the appropriate State institution and publish in the gazette the name of the state institution to which the equipment or product is allocated.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has hinted that ECOWAS will tomorrow, Sunday May 30, be deliberating and taking consequential decisions on the evolving political and security situation in the Republic of Mali in a one-day summit in Accra. According to her, the convening of the Extraordinary Session demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the President of the Republic towards addressing the political situation in Mali. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Addressing Journalists in Accra, she said “As you are all aware, the past few days have witnessed some worrying developments in Mali. The arrest and detention of the President and Prime Minister of the Transition Government by the military has necessitated a re-evaluation of the strategies adopted by ECOWAS to bring normalcy to the country” She added that at the behest of the President of the Republic, an ECOWAS Mediation team, led by H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator for Mali, embarked on a fact-finding mission to Mali from 25th to 26th May, 2021 to assess the situation and explore opportunities for the resolution of the crisis. H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will, therefore, report to the Summit on the outcome of the mission. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures “It would be recalled that barely a week after his assumption of office as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, H.E. the President, convened an emergency Summit, held at Peduase, in response to the military intervention, which saw the ousting of the then President H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on 18th August, 2020. That meeting took important decisions, including a demand on the Malian authorities to ensure that the Transition Government was Civilian-led and should last for a period of eighteen (18) months, with effect from 15th September, 2020. The Summit also affirmed that once a civilian-led transition government had assumed office, ECOWAS within the context of its protocols will assist Mali to return to democratic governance. It is important to note that H.E. the President has since been at the centre of efforts, including mediation initiatives, to bring lasting peace and stability to Mali” she noted. The Sector Minister also hoped that all the political actors in Mali will support the outcome of the Extraordinary Summit to be held tomorrow in order to restore constitutional order in our sister country as soon as practicable. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws She hinted that the outcome of the summit will be critical to sustaining the momentum for the return of democracy and stability in Mali. Stressing on the expected participation in tomorrow's summit, she said “So far ten (10) Heads of State and Government have confirmed their participation. Senegal will be represented by the Foreign Minister. Benin has confirmed participation but yet to indicate the level of representation and countries yet to confirm participation are Guinea and Cabo Verde. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures She said “We are also expecting the participation of the President and Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission” Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey further mentioned that Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS Special Mediator for Mali, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan will be participating in the Summit. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Meanwhile, Supt. William Kwofie Jabialu, who represented the Director General of MTTD at the press briefing told Journalists that they will not block any roads adding that all dignitaries will be escorted by out-riders from the Airport to the venue. "We will not block any roads. However, the dignitaries will be escorted by out-riders from the Airport through Opeibea, 37 to Kempinski where I understand the event will take place" he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/amplified-will-focus-on-amplifying-mentoring-youth-dev-t-activities-in-various-quarters-gov-t He also noted that media personnel without accreditation will not be allowed to access the event grounds. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The spokesperson for Xtra-Gold Mining Company Limited has rubbished claims that the company is involved in illegal mining. Nana Asante said the company is one of the many mining companies doing genuine work and ensuring that they do not go against mining laws in the country. According to him, they have all the required documents and recent events are attempts “to put it into a bad light.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Mr. Asante said, “Xtra-Gold is a Canadian mining firm, has been operating since 2006 and holds five concessions in Ghana and its mother company, Xtra-Gold Resources Corporation, is enlisted on the New York Stock Exchange.” “It has immensely been a reliable source of government’s revenue generation for development by paying its taxes religiously to the state. The company has given jobs to over 700 people directly and indirectly, especially from its catchment communities,” he added. His comment comes after the military task force, selected to clamp down on illegal mining, burnt some 20 excavators while working in Atiwa in the Eastern Region on May 16. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Eight out of those excavators were said to belong to Kate Gyamfuah, the governing New Patriotic Party’s Women’s Organiser. The company in a press release stated that 16 of its excavators and one bulldozer were destroyed. However, the company’s spokesperson said, “Xtra-Gold Mining is a registered limited liability company owned by a group of investors and not the bonafide of Madam Gyamfua as it is being rumored. “The company’s mining site is not close to a river body and the Atewa Forest as it is being alleged. It rather has four dugout wells for its operations and reclaims lands hurriedly after its operations.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws He said, “the invasion of the concession sites by the military on three different occasions to set 20 excavators and other equipment on fire, on suspicion of illegal mining on May 16, is wrong, unruly, and utterly out of place.” According to him, “No Changfang machine was spotted at the sites. Video footages on television and social media channels clearly show the destruction of rivers and water bodies by the use of changfang machines mining in them. “But when the task force went to Xtra-Gold mining concessions, they never showed video footages of the destruction of rivers and water bodies at Atewa. Residents in the concession communities have never complained of any problem against the company destroying their farms.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures He added, “The instigators misled inconsiderate military guys who were interested in carrying out the operation in a manner to satisfy their quest to show power against officials of the company who are diligently doing their work legally.” Mr. Asante said Xtra Gold Mining has been paying royalties and has fulfilled all its obligation as a mining company as prescribed by the mining act. “Our Corporate Social Responsibilities to communities where we operate are outstanding. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures The company has built modern toilet facilities, boreholes and gives out a percentage of the gold mined to communities within its five concessions every quarter. What’s more, Xtra-Gold has built a clinic at Akyem Pameng and a palace. “The reputable company has never, and will not attempt to engage in galamsey as it is wrongfully rumored.” Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Education, Winneba, for his services to education whilst Minister of Education during the first term of President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. The immediate past Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, was also honoured similarly. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations In a welcome address, the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku, stated that the conferment of honorary degrees by the university forms part of its way of honouring men and women, including citizens and non-citizens, for particular roles that they have played in advancing the cause of humanity. It is emerging that since the inception of the university, 22 persons have already been conferred with similar honours READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Among the 22 include; Late President Jerry John Rawlings, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Former Nigerian President, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, former Principal, and first Vice-Chancellor of the University. According to a citation read during the ceremony, the achievements of the education sector during Dr. Prempeh’s tenure as Education Minister included the introduction of the flagship Free SHS programme, rolling out of basic school curriculum, huge investments in technical and vocational reforms, upgrading of Colleges of Education from diploma-awarding institutions to degree-awarding University Colleges of Education together with several others including legislative and institutional reforms, together with massive infrastructural development at all levels of the education system. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The short but impressive ceremony, which took place on the university’s North campus by way of a special congregation, was attended by the Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Opare, who stood in as Special Guest of Honour for President Akufo-Addo, the Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan and Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, among several other distinguished guests. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), says it has noted with great distress the news of the burning of the Tano South Municipal Electoral Commission’s office which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 23rd May 2021. According to the NDC, it considers the incident as a very unfortunate development, especially as recent preliminary investigations reveal that a matchbox, a pinch bar, and door handles were found at the scene of the fire outbreak. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said ‘Indeed credible information of evidential value reveals that the EC building was broken into through the rear door. This undisputed preliminary fact clearly puts the investigation in the direction of a well-calculated case of arson” The NDC says it is convinced that this is yet another clear testimony of a blatant attack on the country’s democracy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-ve-never-cheated-on-my-wife-before-and-will-never-do-that-kumawood-actor-nana-yeboah-video “It may be recalled that there is an ongoing court case involving the Electoral Commission, the NPP MP, and the NDC 2020 Parliamentary Candidate for Tano South in the Wenchi High Court. This court processes shall involve the inspection of critical election materials and documents relating to the disputed 2020 parliamentary elections in the Tano South Constituency” “We hold the view that this case of suspected arson of the office of the Electoral Commission of the Tano South Municipality may have everything to do with the ongoing electoral dispute in the said constituency. Accordingly, we are convinced that whoever perpetrated this dastardly act of arson did so with a criminal intent calculated at destroying evidence or concealing critical electoral documents containing information that could expose the Electoral Commission or the other party in the dispute whose electoral fortunes may be grossly affected by such documents and/or information if exposed in open court” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-need-to-generate-more-energy-napo-urges-pictures The NDC added that it is calling on the Ministry of Interior, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Fire Service, and the national office of the Electoral Commission to speed up the investigations on the fire outbreak in order to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection says she is taking the necessary steps to address the tax placed on imported sanitary items on the Commemoration of the 2021 Menstrual Hygiene Management Day. Prior to the 2020 Elections, Vice President, His Excellency Mahamudu Bawumia, speaking at the Launch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Manifesto at Cape Coast promised Ghanaians that the Government will scrap the 20 percent levy placed on imported sanitary pads which are categorized as luxury products per the Ghana Revenue Authority guidelines. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo in a Solidarity Message on the commemoration of the 2021 Menstrual Hygiene Management stated her intent to accelerate the process of realizing the government's intention of eliminating the tax on sanitary pads which has been of huge concern to girls, women, and Civil Society Organizations "The needs of young girls are of utmost concern to me as a Minister and reducing the stigma around menstrual hygiene management is one that I take very seriously and that is why upon my assumption to the office I have written to the Ministry of Finance for a direct follow up on the removal of the luxury tax on the import of sanitary items" she stated. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures She also expressed the need to promote Menstrual Hygiene management to positively contribute to improved school performance by girls. "Given the challenges that women and girls face, it is important to promote Menstrual Hygiene Management towards safeguarding the dignity and integrity of women and girls to positively contribute to improved school performance" she mentioned READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco She said "It is my hope that through programs like this, we can break the silence, raise awareness and change the negative social norms surrounding Menstrual Hygiene in Ghana so that every woman and girl is empowered to manage her menstruation safely and hygienically" The scrapping of the levy on Sanitary Pads is expected to reduce the cost of imported sanitary pads making it affordable for Ghanaians. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has reiterated the need for Parliament as an Institution to build its capacity in how to effectively make use of data to enhance its effectiveness, particularly in its oversight responsibility over the executive. According to him, this is one sure way to provide returns to the voters who gave them the mandate to be their representatives in Parliament. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures The Data Fair which was on the theme: “Achieving Effective Parliamentary Oversight; The Role of Data and Evidence” was organized by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), and the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP). The event also highlighted the significance of statistical data in supporting Parliament’s performance of its oversight mandate, including MPs oversight of government’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The release was signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith