Director of Elections for opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has hinted that the Electoral Commission's (EC) decision to change the closing time of polls from 5 pm to 3 pm in the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections is baffling and mind-boggling. According to him, since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5pm adding that it has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. Addressing Journalists in Accra, Mr. Ankrah said "Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5pm to 3pm in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5pm. This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It, therefore, beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures He added that even the 5pm-close sometimes becomes a problem since some centers experience delays in electoral materials and other technical challenges. "Ghanaians will recall how a similar hasty decision by the EC to declare results within 24 hours after closure of polls in the 2020 elections failed miserably and led to the rushed declaration of patently flawed results that yielded a percentage aggregate of more than 100%, by the Returning Officer, Mr. Jean Adukwei Mensah. One would have thought that Jean Mensah would have learned the right lessons by now but that appears not to be the case" "Friends from the media, our position on this proposal is simple. The current arrangement of closing polls at 5 PM has worked perfectly in seven (7) general elections in this country and does not require any fixing. Like the Chairperson said in her speech, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” he noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Further stressing on the reforms proposed by the Electoral Commission, the Director of Elections charged the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and her deputy, Bossman Asare to first reform and change their attitude of arrogance and bias. Touching on the substitution of periodic mass registration with continuous registration, he said "We wish to remind the Electoral Commission that the all-round continuous registration of eligible voters is not new. The law requires that the Commission put in place mechanisms to ensure that at any time that citizens become eligible to vote, they can be registered. He stressed that continuous registration cannot be a substitute for periodic nationwide registration because the all-round registration can only be done at the district offices of the Electoral Commission. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws "Secondly, political parties always assign agents to observe the voter registration process. It will therefore be ludicrous for the EC to suggest that political parties should employ permanent agents at their district offices to observe the registration of eligible voters all-year-round" The NDC hinted that the proposal also comes against a major challenge of transparency in verifying the claims of prospective registrants at the district office level. Highlighting the introduction of all-year-round voter exhibition exercise through the use of technology, he said "The proposal by EC to have a year-round exhibition is a laudable idea but cannot be a substitute for the periodic exhibition exercise of the voter's register that is normally done after voter registration. This is simply because the Voter exhibition exercise is not only intended to allow voters to verify and confirm their details but to also ensure ineligible registrants (minors and foreigners) are challenged and removed from the register" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Hammering on restricting data entry of election results to the constituency collation level and generate regional and national reports, the NDC argued and said "The proposal to have the entry point of data done only at Constituency Collation Centres will introduce another opportunity for rigging through hacking and other means of manipulation of the results. The way to build further efficiencies into the collation process and eliminate inaccuracies is to hire and train competent EC staff to ensure accurate data entry and collation and not to throw away the time-tested practice of collation at the national level" The party also noted that data entry and collation must be done at the constituency level and sent to the national collation center for aggregation by the Returning Officer and political party representatives' participation. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah explained that that will ensure accuracy and transparency in the ag READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over what he says is his lack of political will to make structural changes to the country’s national security setup. The MP says the failure of Nana Akufo-Addo to implement recommendations of the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry report clearly puts into question, the President’s commitment to rid the National Security of undesired elements. Sam George’s criticisms come after the recent assault on Citi FM and Citi TV journalist, Caleb Kudah by National Security operatives, and the invasion of the station’s premises by armed personnel. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Speaking on the Point of View on Wednesday, Mr. George maintained that until the President and his administration take bold steps to review the operations of National Security, the outfit’s personnel will continue to be emboldened to attack citizens and infringe on their fundamental human rights. “There is a framework to reform National Security from 2019. President Akufo-Addo could have positioned himself in glowing light for posterity to always look at him in a good frame if he had gone through the report and reforms. But the lack of political will to do this is the reason why we are where we are.” “Why did we set up the Commission of inquiry? But the President basically has said in the white paper that, all they have said, he will not work with it,” the MP noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Sam George, who personally suffered some form of brutality at the hands of National Security operatives during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, disclosed that a future National Democratic (NDC) government, will implement recommendations of the Emile Short Commission. “I would expect a future NDC government; God willing in 2025, to implement this, and I will speak about this whether I find myself in that government or not.” The MP hopes that commitment from political parties could help restructure the National Security. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws This he says can be done if recruitment into the national security architecture of the country is not done as a means of rewarding party loyalists. “I believe that as political parties and those who sit at the top of political parties, we must take the hard decision and say, National security must be a no-go area for party faithful reward and recruit persons who are qualified and meet the standards of National Security”, Sam George suggested. Credit: Citinewsroom

Happy Eid-ul-Fitr to my Muslim family. May Allah receive our prayers. On Wednesday, I saw a video of a man wickedly shot in the groin, his intestines were out and scattered, with his left leg hanging and falling. I have seen another, where a young man was on the ground weeping uncontrollably while an excavator was in flames READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations In all these, we have been informed, directly or indirectly that the government knows all those involved in this galamsey. Why will a president take all its citizens for fools? May all those who have lost their lives rest in peace. You were just killed for cosmetic reasons to show that something is being done, to cover their shame. We are under the leadership of an insincere leader with no morals. All his morals if any, are centered on himself, his family, and friends or party. Sad !!! READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Shamefully, speeches are being written for chiefs to read, then given to selected media houses to publish, sycophantic newscasters and show hosts will be called on to amplify. The hollow communicators and serial callers will be on set saying, this call is from a chief, a statesman, etc, and not a politician so let's unite and fight this menace, while they import excavators for the same thing, the irony of it. We will be looking out for Chiefs with prepared speeches. This stupidity must stop. Betraying your kinsmen for peanuts. Thank you Asantehene for your honesty. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws I have given up on this galamsey fight under Nana Addo. I can now confidently confirm that a decorated donkey is still an Ass. The Ghanaian will continue to suffer for nothing. In all this, no foreigner has suffered any brutality. Aisha Whan and Osafo Marfo on my mind. For me, it's only an idiot who will believe in this administration or an NPP person who wants to believe in their own lies. I move, waiting to see the better days ahead. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Kun fa Yakun Credit Godwin Ako Gunn, NDC's Deputy National Communications Officer

The General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah has condemned in the strongest possible terms the degradation of the country's democracy by the Akufo-Addo government. According to him, the NDC also condemn the continuous abuse of the rights protected by the Constitution by the marauding and wayward administration of President Akufo-Addo. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "It is this unprecedented attack on the people of Ghana and the apparent helplessness or connivance of the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo that threatens the foundation of our democracy and the well being of our fellow countrymen and women. Accordingly, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this degradation of our democracy by the Akufo-Addo government. We condemn the continuous abuse of our rights protected by the Constitution by the marauding and wayward administration of President Akufo-Addo" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws He also added that Ghanaians have the right to live in safety and security as they go about our daily lives. The General Secretary further hinted that the populace ave every right to live and breathe under the current regime even in the face of the challenging economic situation brought about by the unbelievable incompetence of the Akufo-Addo government. "We shall not sit idly by as President Akufo-Addo takes our citizens for granted, even as he has demonstrated utter cluelessness in attending to the welfare of Ghanaians." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures It will be recalled that there have been recent attacks on journalists from the Citi FM and the Ashanti Regional Coordinator by National Security personnel and vigilante elements in Kumasi. According to the NDC, coming in the heels of the invasion of Parliament by the military during the election of the Speaker, these developments portend a dangerous erosion of the democracy that all our citizens have come to cherish since the inception of the 4th Republic in January 1993. "The genesis of these trends is not hard to identify. The needless invasion by state-sponsored vigilantes of the voting process during the Ayawaso Bye-election in January 2019, the virtual militarization of the registration of voters process last year, and the unprecedented violence that accompanied the election proper last December, culminating in the untimely death of eight innocent Ghanaian citizens. Many were our citizens who erroneously decided to remain quiet because they assumed that we in the NDC were making unnecessary political noises. For those of our citizens who formed that opinion, their silence only served to encourage the Akufo-Addo government that Ghanaians are weak and do not care enough about our democracy" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations "In the brutish assault of Mr. Caleb Kudah of Citi FM and the harassment of his colleague, Ms. Zoe Abu-Baidoo, the Akufo-Addo government has now demonstrated clearly that it does not believe in the rule of law nor common human decency, as the continued presence of Deputy Superintendent of Police Samuel Kojo Azugu in the National Security apparatus and the brutish conduct of Lt. Colonel Agyemang fly totally in the face of the solemn recommendations of the Emil Short Commission of Inquiry" The statement also urged the President to sit up and do the work for which he was allegedly elected to do adding, he must do that work with full respect for the rights and welfare of the populace. STATEMENT ON THE ATTACK BY NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL AGAINST JOURNALISTS. The National Democratic Congress has noted with concern recent attacks on journalists from the Citi FM and the Ashanti Regional Coordinator by National Security personnel and vigilante elements in Kumasi. Coming in the heels of the invasion of Parliament by the military during the election of the Speaker, these developments portend a dangerous erosion of the democracy that all our citizens have come to cherish since the inception of the 4th Republic in January 1993. The genesis of these trends is not hard to identify. The needless invasion by state-sponsored vigilantes of the voting process during the Ayawaso Bye-election in January 2019, the virtual militarization of the registration of voters process last year, and the unprecedented violence that accompanied the election proper last December, culminating in the untimely death of eight innocent Ghanaian citizens. Many were our citizens who erroneously decided to remain quiet because they assumed that we in the NDC were making unnecessary political noises. For those of our citizens who formed that opinion, their silence only served to encourage the Akufo-Addo government that Ghanaians are weak and do not care enough about our democracy. The sycophantic elements in society who descended heavily on Sir Sam Jonah for speaking up on the sorry state of Ghana's democracy must be revising their notes by now. In the brutish assault of Mr. Caleb Kudah of Citi FM and the harassment of his colleague, Ms. Zoe Abu-Baidoo, the Akufo-Addo government has now demonstrated clearly that it does not believe in the rule of law nor common human decency, as the continued presence of Deputy Superintendent of Police Samuel Kojo Azugu in the National Security apparatus and the brutish conduct of Lt. Colonel Agyemang fly totally in the face of the solemn recommendations of the Emil Short Commission of Inquiry. And as if these events are not enough, elements of the much dreaded NPP vigilante group, the Delta Force actually raided the office of the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator and handcuffed him, claiming that his tenure of office had come to an end. It is this unprecedented attack on the people of Ghana and the apparent helplessness or connivance of the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo that threatens the foundation of our democracy and the well being of our fellow countrymen and women. Accordingly, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this degradation of our democracy by the Akufo-Addo government. We condemn the continuous abuse of our rights protected by the Constitution by the marauding and wayward administration of President Akufo-Addo. We have a right to live in safety and security as we go about our daily lives. We have a right to live and breathe under this regime even in the face of the challenging economic situation brought about by the unbelievable incompetence of the Akufo-Addo government. We shall not sit idly by as President Akufo-Addo takes our citizens for granted, even as he has demonstrated utter cluelessness in attending to the welfare of Ghanaians. We urge the President to sit up and do the work for which he was allegedly elected to do. He must do that work with full respect for our rights and welfare. We shall not sit unconcerned as the President lurches from one scandal to the other. Ghana and Ghanaians deserve far better. LONG LIVE THE NDC LONG LIVE GHANA ......... (HON. JOHNSON ASIEDU-NKETIAH) GENERAL SECRETARY Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association says its members have packed out of their concessions to avoid harassment by military personnel under the government’s ‘Operation Halt’ exercise. The Association has raised concerns about the government’s approach in the fight against illegal mining, claiming that the destruction of mining equipment has affected some of its members who are duly licensed to operate. The National President of the Association, Kwadwo Peprah, indicated in a Citi News interview that ‘Operation Halt’ may affect innocent legal miners, for which reason they have decided to pack out temporarily. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations “As a matter of fact, all small-scale miners have packed out because per the order of the Minister, he said the military has been given the mandate to clear all persons mining in forest reserves and people working on the various water bodies. “As we speak, there is no technocrat among the military to ascertain whether you have your license or not. In order not to fall victim to whatever is happening, we have decided to pack out and see whatever action we can take.” The government has already justified the burning of seized excavators used for illegal mining in some parts of the country, despite growing concerns about the approach. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has said his outfit will use any means necessary to curb illegal mining. “They are demobilizing the excavators and making them incapable of being used for the illegality they are involved in. What will an excavator be doing on River Pra or River Offin? The destruction you have seen [only means that] extraordinary times require extraordinary measures,” the Minister told Citi News. The government has also explained that it is not going after mining licenses, but rather going after the illegality being perpetrated by both licensed and unlicensed miners. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Credit: Citinewsroom

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, has been honoured with the Women Leadership Excellence Award at the just-ended Ghana CEO’s Network Summit held at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra. The award is in recognition of her remarkable contribution to the advancement of the telecommunications industry since she took over the reins of Vodafone Ghana two years ago. Patricia was acknowledged for her remarkable leadership, drive, and passion for creativity and innovation. She is celebrated for introducing several sustainable initiatives that are positively impacting the lives of Ghanaians, in line with her vision of driving Ghana’s digitalization agenda. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations She is also known for her continuous advocacy for more female involvement in STEM-related roles and drive for the youth to acquire digital skills. This recognition is the latest among a long list of local and global honors that Patricia has amassed so far in her role as Vodafone Ghana CEO. An engineer by profession and a former Chief Technical Officer (CTO) as well as acting Director of the Commercial Business Unit (CBU), Patricia has brought her technical and commercial expertise vis-à-vis her remarkable people skills to bear as Chief Executive of the technology communications firm. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Under her leadership, the telco has seen steady commercial growth and a significant restructuring process aligned to the company’s shift in ethos from a traditional Telco to a digital technology services company. She is presently the Telecom CEO of the Year at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (GITTA). She has also won several awards including Best Female Technologist at the Ghana Telecom Awards, STEM Leadership Award at the Sustainability and Social Impact Awards and Telecommunications Personality of the Year at the National Communications Awards. Founded in 2016, the GHANA CEO SUMMIT is the foremost business conference for decision-makers, CEOs, Heads of State, entrepreneurs, business leaders, shareholders, investors, ministers, heads of financial institutions, top consultants and policymakers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws It is designed to provide a common platform for deliberations, review, and development of the business terrain in Ghana. It also rewards and celebrates businesses and individuals who have excelled within the year under review. Credit: Citinewsroom

Known for their experience in operating and managing industrial trucks to load, unload materials, deliver, transport them to and from storage areas, machines, and loading docks, into railroad cars or trucks or storage facilities, forklift operators and their operations have become a fast-changing business in most harbors and organizations in the country. Meet Godfred Okai Brako, popularly known as Shelewajnr, one of the finest forklift/storekeeper operators who is turning heads around at the Tema Heavy Industrial Area. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-sarkodie-sips-malta-with-swag-video Mr. Brako was born and bred in Nima, a Zongo residential town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. As a young man, he was inspired by his parents to work hard and not feel comfortable in his comfort zone. Godfred is fluent in the English Language and four local dialects which are; Twi, Ga, Ga Adambge, and a bit of Hausa. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-i-will-turn-nafti-into-a-multimedia-university-mahama Gofred Brako began his education at Deks Junior High School, a private school located at Tema Community 8 then furthered to Koforidua Secondary Technical, one of the best technical school located in the Eastern Region in southern Ghana and later to Central University College (CUC), a privately owned university college in Ghana owned by the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC). Although a social media freak, Godfred has developed an attitude of observing posts and comments following the recent cyber bullying which is taking over the internet. Godfred is married with three beautiful 3 kids. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-spotlight-on-lisa-joy-ale-jay-youtuber-beauty-content-creator According to Mr. Brako, one will never prosper in life if he/she decides to sit and allow the hardships of life to overshadow him/her. Godfred believes that there is nothing called regret in life rather thus everything happens for a reason and serves as a lesson and growth. The industrious forklift operator says his most embarrassing moment was when he had a confrontation with a lady and the scene she caused was one he will never forget in his life, however, the very day his wife gave birth to his first baby brought a unique feeling as a dad. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws In advising the youth, Godfred Brako said "Put God first in anything you do, work hard, there are no shortcuts to success for even the Bible says the hand that does not work must not eat. I believe in 'no pain no gain' ” Below are some pictures of Godfred: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), has backed its Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) chapter’s decision to embark on a one-week sit-down strike effective Thursday, May 20, 2021. The KATH chapter declared the strike on Wednesday to protest over the failure of management to reassign two specialists who were posted to the department two years ago. GMA in response to this development warned that it will be forced to take action if the management of the hospital and the Ministry of Health give in to the demands of laboratory scientists. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The Medical Association argued that the lab scientists do not have the prerogative to decide who should be assigned any responsibility or where staff are to be posted to, hence cannot insist that the two medical specialists should be moved from the LSD and the Haematology Unit. Reacting to GMA’s comments in a statement, the GAMLS stressed that it is an autonomous body and will not accept any form of control. “As a professional body we have made our position clear, and have consistently emphasized the autonomy of our profession from any form of control from whatever source. The headship and the professional leadership of medical laboratory professionals cannot be compromised in any way. The leadership of medical laboratory science in Ghana is the sole responsibility of medical laboratory scientists. Physicians in Ghana report to and are led by physicians. Why would the GMA think medical laboratory scientists should not be led by medical laboratory scientists?” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures It accused GMA and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) of plotting to micro-manage the medical laboratories even to the district level. The laboratory scientists further clarified that they have no problem collaborating with any group of health professionals to advance the course of patient care, only that they will not accept any form of control or capping. “No threat in any form will compel us to change our position. The days where physicians take control of all aspects of the health profession are over,” it stressed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws It urged all members across the country to be on hold for directives as the leadership solidarities with colleagues at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. “It is unfortunate that the statement did not address the main issue that is fuelling the impasse. We entreat all our members to be on hold as we solidarize with colleagues from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. No one should be intimated in any way. We will fight and use all avenues available to defend the autonomy of our profession and members as well,” the statement said. Here is the full statement; Credit: Citinewsonline.com

The Authorities of Miracle Schools Junior and Senior High School have confirmed that the death of Miss Leticia Kyere Pinaman, a final year student of the Institution. According to the School Authorities, the remain of late Leticia was found hanging at the school's dining hall. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "We are deeply saddened to announce that on Monday, 17th May 2021, at 7:30 pm, the body of the late Leticia Kyere Pinaman. A final year student, who was preparing to sit for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) was found, hanging at the dining hall. Prior to this, she was seen at the auditorium for our weekly Monday Bible Studies. The statement further added that Late Leticia went out on the assumption of her going to the washroom. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The school through the letter hinted that it has reported the case to Sunyani Municipal Police Station "As of now, we do not know the cause of her death, therefore, we are waiting for the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The school is cooperating fully with the police to assist in this investigation. A communique will be issued when the school knows more. This is truly a sad day and has shocked the institution to the core" it noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The school added it is sending its condolence to the family, friends, and all who knew her. In other developments, the Old Students Association of Miracle JHS and SHS said "We as old students of Miracle School wish to express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, with regards to the incident which happened on Monday 17th May 2021 at Miracle Preparatory School in Sunyani" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The old students hinted that although the incident was unfortunate, that is not what the school stands for. Below are copies of the releases: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Banana Banana is one of the best foods to increase energy and stamina. One medium-sized banana contains 105 kilo-calories of energy, 27 g carbohydrates, and 3 g of fibre. The magnesium in bananas helps boost metabolism and is a cost-effective energy source that increases exercise endurance. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Nuts Nuts are considered to be instant-energy food. A fistful of nuts is a powerhouse of proteins, bioactive compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is a healthy snack to build stamina. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help build exercise endurance and increase blood flow to the working muscles. Omega-3 fatty acids act as an ergogenic to improve the health and energy of muscles for exercise efficiency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Brown Rice Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy to keep you active throughout the day. 100 g of medium-grain brown rice contains 112 kcal of energy, 2 g of fibre, 2 g of protein along with essential vitamins and minerals. Brown rice is lower in starch and higher in fibre. This keeps the stomach full for longer, energizes the body, and helps maintain stamina levels. High-carbohydrate foods relax your muscles and tissues and offer recovery from fatigue after strenuous exercise. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Fatty Fish Fish is incredibly nutritious. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. 100 g of wild salmon contains 142 kcal of energy, 20 g of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. A study showed that a decreased level of omega-3 fatty acids causes chronic fatigue and reduces immunity. Salmon contains 3 mg of vitamin B12, and tuna (a fatty fish) contains 2 mg of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps in energy metabolism, reduces fatigue, and increases stamina. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Eggs Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods and a great source of protein. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Protein-rich foods help build stamina, maintain positive energy balance, improve exercise endurance, and recover muscle protein remodelling and recovery after a workout. Leucine, an amino acid abundant in eggs, helps in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Chicken Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. A whole skinless chicken contains 19 g of protein and 110 kcal of energy. High-protein food provides satiety, which leads to lower calorie and carbohydrate intake. It helps build endurance, energy, and stamina in athletes. A study showed that chicken essence (a liquid extracted from chicken) helps improve health, metabolism, and exercise performance and provides relief from fatigue. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Apples Apples are loaded with energy-giving calories, carbohydrates, fibre, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Quercetin – a polyphenol found in apples – boost immunity, fights inflammation, and keeps you energetic for longer. Apples are high in fibre. Soluble fibre increases satiety, which keeps you feeling full and energetic for longer. Credit: Talks Ghana Media

The Ministry of Finance and the European Investment Bank have signed an agreement for the provision of a €170 million facility for the establishment of a new national bank, the Development Bank Ghana (DBG). DBG is an integral feature of the GH¢100 billion Ghana Cares ‘Obaatampa’ Project, which is seeing to the revitalization of the Ghanaian economy following the onset of COVID-19. This event took place on Wednesday, 19th May 2021, when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, held a meeting with the President of the European Investment Bank, Dr. Werner Hoyer, as part of his official visit to Belgium. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The €170 million facility, according to Dr. Hoyer, is the largest facility provided by the European Investment Bank for the establishment of a development bank in Africa or for any other project, for that matter, on the continent. Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Akufo-Addo noted that “the Development Bank Ghana is going to play a very important part in the rapid economic transformation of Ghana, following the onset of COVID-19.” According to him, “We want to restructure the economy and move it from being a mere producer and exporter of raw materials to one that places much greater emphasis on value addition activities. We see this Bank (DBG) as one that will play a pivotal role in this”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The President indicated that the design and operation of the Bank, “which has been on the drawing board for the last two years”, will satisfy the highest standards, scrutiny and best practices of Development Banks across the world, assuring further that the €170 million facility from the EIB will be used for the purposes for which it was sought.” President Akufo-Addo reiterated that the provision of this facility signals the determination of Ghana to continue partnering with the EU, with the President informing Dr. Hoyer that Ghana will fall on the EIB to continue to finance other projects in the pipeline, as the country works to recover from the impact of COVID-19. The Minister of State-designate for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, who was also present at the signing ceremony, explained that the focus of Government, since the onset of COVID-19, has been to put in place the building blocks for an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws “With the overall objective of creating a favorable environment to spur private sector-led growth, the Government of Ghana recognizes the importance of a substantial allocation of development capital to critical economic sectors at sustainable interest rates and longer tenures. Accordingly, there has been a heightened need to establish the Development Bank of Ghana. He stressed that the Development Bank Ghana will be a central player for Ghana’s economic recovery and structural transformation, “especially given the importance of counter-cyclical support in stimulating private enterprise.” Dr. Hoyer, on his part, was confident that the establishment of Development Bank Ghana will help unlock opportunities for growth in Ghana, as well assist in the rapid recovery of the Ghanaian economy from the ravages of COVID-19. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures He noted that the establishment of the Bank is in line with the objectives of the European Union, and will help develop Ghana’s private sector, agri-business, manufacturing, and ICT initiatives. Whilst describing the decision to establish DBG as “a wise one”, the EIB President added that the Bank sees the partnership with Ghana as a fruitful one, indicating that the EIB will follow keenly the development and workings of DBG in Ghana. Below are some pictures:

On the surface, finding yourself a friend with benefits can seem like a win-win for everyone. Neither one of you has to worry about heartbreak because, technically, you're "just friends," and you have someone you can hit up whenever you want to have a horizontal party. But too often, the problem with being friends with benefits is that the situation gets complicated when feelings get involved. Sure, you may have gone into the arrangement thinking you were just going to have some no-strings-attached sex, but nothing sucks quite like realizing you've developed feelings for someone, and they don't reciprocate. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Before you decide to dive into friends with benefits situation, consider doing some serious introspection. "Make sure it's right for you," Pricilla Martinez, CEO of Regroop Online Life Coaching, tells Elite Daily. "The partner you choose should be on the same page as you around expectations. Do not choose this type of relationship because you are avoiding the risks that come with allowing yourself to really care about someone else, there are risks with all relationships." So, maybe don't hit up your BFF for a sex sesh just yet. I spoke to several relationship experts for their take on the biggest issues that might arise from being FWB. Here's what they had to say. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures It goes against core human interaction. The FWB process goes against one of the very core processes [of] human interaction. Physical intimacy is designed to create an emotional bond that is fundamentally different than that of platonic friendships. So, when we are in an FWB situation we are going to fight evolution. The more physically intimate the relationship, the more satisfying that relationship, the more likely we are to develop deeper, more intimate feelings for the "friend." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws We can tell ourselves anything we like, we can deploy defense mechanisms consistently, but when we are connected emotionally to an individual, being jealous of them dating others is normal and healthy. All of this happens no matter what we "declare" our relationship is. There is a strong likelihood that, at some point, one of you may very well start to develop more romantic relationship feelings. If the other FWB does not feel the same way, then this could wind up being a painful experience for you or them. This is especially true [if] you face a situation where sex and emotional attachment occur at the same time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures You really have zero control if you or your partner will develop stronger feelings or want a deeper commitment. People set up rules for how they interact or establish boundaries that, in the end, mean nothing because it can be very difficult to control your emotions if the lines are blurred. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely believe that this type of relationship can work with the right boundaries and clear communication around what you both want. However, if you are getting the girlfriend/boyfriend experience, which means you're spending time together and possibly engaging in other social activities, then you are at risk of creating a confusing and possibly painful situation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures If you're getting companionship from someone, even in a limited way, you may close yourself off to meeting someone with the potential for a long-term commitment. If this isn't something you're looking for, fine, but if you ultimately want to be in a relationship then you could be creating an issue for yourself. If your time and attention are wrapped up in someone else, then you may not even be aware of the advances others are trying. You may totally be sending out the vibes that you're not looking or interested in, so why would anyone bother trying? READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco The biggest problem with friends with benefits relationship is raising the risk that you will taint, destroy, and lose the original friendship. Feelings change. Once you add physical affection, nudity, and sex to a friendship, the relationship changes. If you decide that a friends with benefits situation is something you and your partner can handle, go for it! If, on the other hand, you think it may do you more harm than good in the long run, perhaps re-consider entering this type of arrangement. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-need-to-generate-more-energy-napo-urges-pictures There is no right or wrong way to date, as long as everything is consensual. Credit: elitedaily.com