The Dodofie community has benefited from a newly completed modern community-based health and planning services (CHPS) compound from the Coastal Development Authority (CODA). The project was financed from the Akan constituency’s allocation under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP). The new project is expected to improve quality and access to professional health services in the constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Modern Facility The new health facility consists of a CHPS compound and a residence for two medical staff. The CHPS compound is composed of a treatment room, recovery room, and a midwifery/delivery room. The facility also has a consulting room, family planning center as well as storage and waiting area. The architecture of the new edifice is based on CODA’s model for CHPS compounds. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Akan Constituency The Akan constituency is located within the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region. It is bordered to the north by the Nkwanta South constituency in the Nkwanta District, to the west, the Krachi East in the Krachi East District, to the south the Jasikan District, and to the east, Ghana - Togo border. IPEP IPEP, also known as the one million dollars per constituency initiative, is a flagship program of the Akufo-Addo administration that allocates one million dollars or its cedi equivalent yearly to each constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The funds are used to undertake special projects selected from each constituency’s priorities through stakeholder engagement and needs assessment. Constituencies in the coastal development zone under CODA have benefitted from various projects including but not limited to markets, schools, and health facilities. Other projects include artisanal villages, artificial pitches, and other special initiatives such distribution of outboard motors at highly subsidized prices. The Authority has also established a credit union to support informal sector businesses. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The key objective of IPEP is to accelerate economic and social development. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Management of Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has completed the construction of an ultra-modern community-based health and planning services (CHPS) compound in the Kakumdo community in the Central Region. The project which was financed by the CODA is for the benefit of Cape Coast North as part of the constituency’s allocation under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP). CODA Model Based on the CODA model for CHPS compounds, the facility comprises a treatment room, midwifery/delivery room, and consulting room. It also has a recovery ward, family planning center, storage, and a patient waiting area. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations To ensure the constant availability of medical staff, the CHPS compound also comes with residential accommodation for two medical staff to readily respond to the health needs of residents. The project was selected based on consensus which involved stakeholder engagement and needs assessment. IPEP in Cape Coast North Apart from the CHPS compound, CODA is undertaking other priority projects in the Cape Coast North constituency. Construction of a 20-acre artisanal village is ongoing at Mempeasem to provide a suitable location and environment for artisans in the Cape Coast metropolis to effectively ply their trades. CODA has also completed a steel footbridge in Essuekyir, a project that is so dear to local residents as it connects the community to neighboring communities and facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services within the locality. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme To accelerate economic and social development, IPEP enables communities to make input into the selection of priority projects which are approved and implemented by CODA in the 109 constituencies in the six regions that make up the coastal development zone. Through IPEP, each constituency is allocated one million dollars or its cedi equivalent annually for such special projects. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Research conducted by the Biotechnology and Nuclear Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has revealed extreme resistance to insecticides among Anopheles mosquitoes in the small cocoa-growing village of the Ashanti Region. The research conducted at Atatam in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region showed that there were two major malaria vectors, one dominating during the dry season and the other during the rainy season. Unlike in many communities, where there is only one transmission season, usually the rainy season. The Director of BNARI, Dr. Michael Osae, made this known when he shared the findings with the Chief and people of Atatam last Wednesday, at a Malaria Awareness Campaign to commemorate this year's World Malaria Day. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The campaign dubbed, ‘Zero Malaria – Draw the line against Malaria’, was organized by BNARI, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Education Service (GES), and AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control (AGAMal). As part of the program, the people of Atatam were screened and treated against the malaria parasite. According to the Director, research was ongoing to proffer alternative tools that could fight the malaria vectors or prevent further resistance to maintain the effectiveness of existing vector control interventions. "Our research found out that there are two main types of malaria-causing mosquitoes in the Atatam Community - Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. The populations of both species have high resistance to all classes of insecticides – organophosphates, organochlorines, pyrethroids, and carbamates recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for public health use" he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures He indicated that the ‘super’ resistance to insecticides may be due to the use of pesticides by the people of Atatam on their cocoa farms, and said the research showed that Atatam was a malaria-endemic community, with a heavy infestation of mosquitoes all year round. Dr. Osae thanked partners and sponsors as well as the Chief and people of Atatam for supporting the institute's research activities and the malaria awareness campaign. The Director of Ghana Health Service (GHS) of Adansi Asokwa District, Mr. David Kunta gave some lessons on the behavior of mosquitoes and the dangers it poses to people and added that malaria was on the ascendency in the District. He revealed that malaria topped all hospital cases by 32.5 percent for the year 2020. "Malaria cases for the first quarter of 2021 also stands at 34 percent as we speak," he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Mr. David Kunta, therefore, urged the people to always use an insecticide-treated mosquito net to help prevent mosquito bites and report immediately to the clinic for healthcare whenever they are unwell. The Social and Behavioural Change Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Limited (AGAMaL), Mrs. Alberta Gordon Bosomtwe, who represented the Program Director, called for a united effort and active involvement of everybody to bring the disease under control. "The disease, if not brought under control can affect the school performance of pupils, reduce productivity at workplaces through absenteeism, as work-hours are lost, among others," she noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The Coordinator for the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) of GES, Mr. Columbus Ewusie, representing the Director of Ghana Education Service (GES) expressed gratitude for the selection of the school in the District for the occasion. “The District is always ready to support such programs that target the health and wellness of its pupils,” he added. As part of the campaign, the people of Atatam were screened for malaria, and those who tested positive treated. In all, 125 people were screened, with 68 (54.4%) testing positive for malaria. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures This level of malaria prevalence is far higher than the regional and national prevalence of 15% and 16% respectively. This calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders if we must remain on track for the zero-malaria agenda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has called on all Africans to work together towards fulfilling the pan-African dream of a United Africa. According to him, with all Africans coming on board, the dream can be made possible within this generation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations In an Africa Day Message, President Akufo-Addo said "As I indicated to the Pan African Parliament on Monday 24th May 2021, we have it within us to transform our economies and bring prosperity to our people. So let us join together to make it possible within our generation and let us work together towards fulfilling in our time, the pan-African dream of a United Africa" President Akufo-Addo further added that despite the covid-19 uprising and the challenges confronting the African continent, he believes, Africa is capable of unleashing its considerable energies and huge potentials of her people. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures "So that we make our own unique contribution to the growth of world civilization" he noted. He urged Africans to also rededicate their energies within the confines of the African Union's Agenda 2063 titled "The Africa We Want" to the implementation of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws He reminded Africans that UN Sustainable Development Goals represent the most ambitious plan the global community has yet devised to eradicate global poverty, and hopefully, leave no one behind. "There is no group of persons with a greater stake in the realization of the SDGs than the African peoples for reasons that are self-evident" he concluded. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director of Legal Affairs for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abraham Amaliba, has lambasted the Ghana Armed Forces for the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman, as the Commanding Officer of the 64 Infantry Battalion. Mr. Amaliba insists the appointment is “shameful and an insult to Ghanaians.” The temporary transfer of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman and three police officers to the Ministry was terminated for inappropriate conduct following the arrest and assault of Citi News’ Caleb Kudah, and the harassment of Zoe Abu Baidoo Addo, also a Citi FM journalist. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The statement that announced the decision of the National Security Ministry also directed that Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman and the other officers must be probed further for the necessary actions to be taken. It is unclear for now whether this further probe has taken place. As a result, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman’s new appointment has come as a surprise to many Ghanaians who have criticized it. Mr. Amailiba, speaking on Citi TV‘s Breakfast Daily program on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, called on the Ghana Armed Forces to withdraw his appointment and ensure that he (Mr. Agyeman) is probed and sanctioned for his actions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures “Lt. Col Agyeman’s appointment is not just a disrespect to Ghanaians, but an insult to Ghanaians. Why Am I saying this? This is a gentleman who was seconded to the National Security and committed offenses at the Secretariat and has been released of his duties at the Ministry, and then he goes back to his mother unit, and he is appointed rather than asking him to step aside so that investigations are conducted. This is shameful, an insult, and a disrespect to Ghanaians, and we should not allow this to happen.” About Caleb Kudah’s ordeal Caleb Kudah was arrested for filming some abandoned cars at the Ministry of National Security, a supposed restricted security zone. He was at the Ministry to verify a claim by an official of MASLOC that all the cars had been given out, following complaints about the wastage of public funds on social media. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws A team of heavily-armed SWAT police officers was subsequently dispatched to arrest Citi News‘ Zoe Abu-Baidoo Addo at the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV. This is because Caleb had forwarded the footage he captured to Zoe via WhatsApp. Following his release, Caleb recounted harrowing experiences during his time with the National Security operatives, saying he was slapped several times and kicked in the groin. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Credit: Citinewsroom

French fashion tycoon Bernard Arnault is now the world’s richest man with an estimated net worth of $186.3 billion putting him $300 million above Jeff Bezos, who is worth $186 billion, and Elon Musk, worth $147.3 billion. Whereas Bezos built his fortune as the proprietor of the internet’s “everything store,” Arnault made his name and money from a collection of companies specializing in finely made leather goods, couture fashion, and high-end spirits. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures LVMH is the parent behind a number of globally known names in luxury, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Moët, Hennessy, and now Tiffany. Arnault, 72, maneuvered his way into a controlling stake of the company in the late 1980s, in a saga that earned him the nickname “the wolf in cashmere.” He was instrumental in forging it into what is today the world’s largest luxury seller. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Arnault’s rise to the top of the list of world’s richest comes days after he pushed Elon Musk, worth $147.3billion, out of his spot as the world’s second-richest man after Tesla’s share price sank. Musk dropped out of his spot as the world’s second-richest man after his fortune sank by $3.16billion last week, to $160.6billion. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Over the years, the very top of Forbes’ billionaires' list has been largely dominated by Americans. The number one spot has been occupied by U.S. citizens Bezos, Musk, Gates and Buffett for the best part of two decades, with only Mexico’s Carlos Slim disrupting their dominance for any notable period of time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Credit: Promise Nmesoma

Some Nigerians have taken to Twitter to call out President Buhari for not attending the funeral service of top-ranking army commander Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers who passed away on Friday, 21st May 2021 when their plane crashed in the country’s north. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Reacting to news that the country’s Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Buhari was not present for the funeral procession of the late Attahiru and other senior officers on Saturday, 22 May 2021, the majority of Nigerians on social media called the act of President Buhari as irresponsible, shocking and disappointing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Below are some tweets calling out President Buhari: Credit: African Entertainment

Two suspected blood thieves have been handed over to the Police after the Korle Bu security through a special operation apprehended them. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations According to a press release from the Accra based hospital, the two suspects were arrested “at the surgical third floor when they attempted to steal several pints of blood that they had been mobilized for various surgical procedures” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Below is the Press Release issued by the public relations unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: Credit: African Entertainment

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that a 23-year-old lady whose name was given as Georgina has met her untimely death after she got electrocuted in the bathroom at her residence in Accra. According to sources, the metallic structure which serves as a bathroom for the deceased and other tenants has some illegal cables hidden there. Thinknewsonline.com has also gathered the deceased had earlier in the year reported of an electric shock while bathing but her complain fell on deaf ears. At the time of arrival at the scene, a CID officer from the Kaneshie hospital had arrived with some colleagues to convey the remains to the Police morgue. The unfortunate incident occured on Monday, 24th May, 2021 at 9pm. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Import and Export Control Department of the Food And Drugs Authority says it will from Monday 3rd May 2021 receive all payments through an electronic digital platform. The digitization of the payment process is aimed at reducing the turnaround time of doing business at the various ports of entry. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations All payments under this new initiative will be made through a new platform-Ghana.gov which is linked to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) already in place. This new platform will offer a variety of payment options such as mobile money, bank transfers, and debit card transfers and offer enough flexibility to importers and exporters making the payment process seamless and less cumbersome. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Although this new initiative is to take effect from Monday 3rd May 2021, the project has already been piloted at the Tema port to test the system's readiness. The FDA has already seen a reduced number of visits to its facility for payment purposes which is indicative of how this initiative can reduce congestion at the various offices across the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws A stakeholder engagement is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 28th April 2021 to further brief relevant stakeholders on this new development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel A. Jinapor has called for a closer partnership between Ghana and China to curb illegal mining activities across the country. He said there was an urgent need for the two countries to work closely together to efficiently regulate Ghana’s small-scale mining sector. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The Minister stated this when the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Lu Kun called on him in Accra today 21st, May 2021. Mr. Jinapor indicated that the Ghanaian government will continue to work with the Chinese side for greater development for their respective citizens. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws On his part, Lu Kun mentioned that China was an important partner for Ghana, adding that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries enjoys a sound momentum of growth. Ghana and China relations have been enhanced since they established diplomatic ties 60 years ago. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Credit: African Entertainment

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in collaboration with the United States Pharmacopeial Convention has held a 3-day inaugural meeting of the Working Group on Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM+). According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FDA, Delese Darko, the PQM+ will sustainably strengthen medical product quality assurance in the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations She said “Working with medicines regulatory authorities like the FDA and other stakeholders in this program will increase the supply of quality essential medical products through capacity building of local manufacturers towards WHO pre-qualifications and Ghana Standards Authority criteria” She further detailed that, the PQM+ plans to help improve the capacity of the FDA to conduct post-market surveillance by introducing a new risk-based approach that requires the participation of diverse groups that play a critical role in the quality assurance of medicines in the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The project seeks to support and assess the level of progress of three selected local manufacturers of Artemether/Lumefantrine and improve the quality of oxytocin and iron + folic acid supplements on the Ghanaian market. Madam Darko encouraged members of the working group to seize the opportunity to build their capacity in the management of the quality of health products marketed in Ghana and contribute their quota to fight against substandard and falsified medicines. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The Deputy Chief Executive (DCE), Technical Operations Division, Akua Amartey, on her part said “The adoption of this new approach to Post-Market Surveillance is key to ensuring quality medical products on the market” She pledged the support of the FDA and lauded the efforts by the stakeholders to implement strategies of this new approach. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The program was attended by representatives from the FDA, National Malaria Control Program, National AIDS/HIV Control Program, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Expanded Programme on Immunization, Pharmacy Council, National Health Insurance Authority, Ghana Health Service, and the PQM+ West Africa Team. The program which was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was held from the 14th to 16th of April 2021 at the African Regent Hotel in Accra. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith