Ghanaian sprinter, Gemma Acheampong, believes Ghana’s 4x100m women’s relay team can qualify for the Tokyo Olympics with less than two months to the games. Acheampong ran the first leg of the relay team that missed out on an automatic qualification slot at the world relays earlier this month. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations With just two places left to fill, the team must run one of the top two fastest times in the world to qualify. Acheampong believes, with the right preparations, the team can make it. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures “With the relay, I think it’s possible but unless we run 42 seconds or something close to the national record,” Acheampong told Citi Sports in an interview. “We’ve done it before but those times we camped for a really long time. So I wouldn’t say all hope is lost; I’d say we’d need to camp as soon as possible and looking at the history of support we’ve got from the country in the past, that’s the only thing that will make it unlikely.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Credit: Citi Sports

Manager Roy Hodgson will leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 73-year-old former England boss said, “the time is right to step away from the rigors of top-flight Premier League football”. Hodgson has been in charge of the Palace since September 2017. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures His final match will be against Liverpool, one of his former clubs, at Selhurst Park on Sunday. “It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace,” said Hodgson. “I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “I have had so much support from my wife and family throughout my career and I have been contemplating this decision for some time, and now I believe the time is right to consider them and to see what the future holds for me.” Hodgson, who supported Palace as a child, replaced Frank de Boer as a manager with the club bottom of the Premier League having lost their first four matches of the season without scoring a goal. Despite losing his first three games in charge, Hodgson guided Palace to an 11th-place finish They have finished 12th and 14th in subsequent seasons and are currently 13th with two games remaining. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco “It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is both a magnificent human and an outstanding football manager,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish. “I know how much it has meant to Roy managing the club he supported as a child, adding to his distinguished and unparalleled career in football management. “His record with us simply cannot be overstated, he is the only Palace manager to secure four years in the Premier League and he has helped give us stability in the most turbulent of times. “We will be forever grateful for his immense contribution.” Credit: BBC

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, says plans are underway to ensure that all Ghanaians with SIM cards re-register them using the National Identification card also known as Ghana card. According to him, the move is part of plans to rid the country’s cyberspace of fraud, monitor and track down persons who use their phones for criminal activities. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The Ghana Card currently has over 15 million bearers who are both resident and non-resident, as well as legally and permanently resident foreign nationals. Speaking at the 5th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, the Vice President noted that any individual who fails to take part in the exercise risks losing his or her SIM card. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures “I expect that the Minister for Communications and Digitalization [Ursula Owusu Ekuful], will soon announce the date for registration of the SIM card. Maybe by the end of June or beginning of July this year, everybody would have to register their SIM with a National ID number.” “We all have to do that otherwise we’ll lose that SIM card. That will really give us a real identity for all MoMo transactions. For example, it takes away fraud that is taking place like SIM box and through MoMo”, he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures The last time a similar exercise was organized was in June 2020. Watch a video below: Credit: Citinewsroom

American carrier, United Airlines, Inc. is commencing direct flight operations to Accra, Ghana. Hospitality giants, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City announced this in a post sighted by African Entertainment on its official Facebook page. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures “We were honored to welcome the United Airlines crew and team to our hotel as the airline begins direct flight operations to the Accra,” the post read. United Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline headquartered at Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations It operates a large domestic and international route network spanning cities large and small across the United States and all six continents. Below is an embedded post: Credit: African Entertainment

Twitter has announced a special partnership with David “Davido” Adeleke, which will see the incredibly talented musician host his first Twitter Space to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his first single and presence in the Nigerian music industry. The Space will take place today, Friday, 14th May 2021 at 6:00 pm (WAT), and will be co-hosted by fellow musician and friend, Adekunle “Mayorkun” Mayowa Emmanuel. The partnership has also seen Twitter launch two custom emojis triggered by the hashtags: #DavidoAt10, #TheBaddest10years, #OBOis10, and #Echoke, a popular term coined by the hitmaker himself. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations On Friday, during the Twitter Space, “OBO” as he is popularly called will engage and answer fan questions and pinning the best tweets to Space. Davido is not only one of the biggest and most celebrated musicians in Africa, but he is also one of the most followed Nigerian users and mentioned account holders on Twitter. Davido’s Twitter Space will enable his fans to connect with him on a new personal level through a live audio conversation for the very first time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Spaces encourage and unlock real and open conversations and discussions with authenticity and nuance, depth and power that only the human voice can bring. It allows for big discussions and intimacy, which allows users to build stronger and more valuable connections with thousands of listeners all over the world. The Twitter space event will feature fellow record label mate Mayorkun, Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, and DMW’s Creative Director, Black Tycoone. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws How Spaces work On Twitter for iOS and Android, when someone you follow starts or speaks in a Space, it’ll appear at the top of your timeline as a purple bubble for as long as it’s live. When you join a Space as a listener, you can react to what you hear with emojis, check out any pinned Tweets, follow along with captions, Tweet or DM the Space, or request to speak. Credit: Citinewsroom

Celebrated Ghanaian music Kwame Nsiah-Apau popularly known as Okyeame Kwame and his wife Annica Nsiah-Apau, have launched their first book titled ‘Love Locked Down’. The book which chronicles their love journey and proffers solutions to some marital and relationship issues was launched on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Ecobank Headquarters in Accra. The launch had reading sessions from dignitaries such as Professor Kojo Yankah, the President of the African University College of Communications; Nana Nyarkoa Yankah, a queen mother at Agona Abodom; Matilda Amissah-Arthur, the wife of Former Vice-President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur; and playwright Uncle Ebo Whyte. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Speaking at the programme, Okyeame Kwame and his wife Annica said their inspiration for writing the book was premised on the numerous calls they got from people who sent them messages to ask for relationship advice. “About four years ago, we decided that why don’t we put all these ideas in a book because, like any other species of animals we fight over the right to mate, we fight over what to eat, we fight over where to live, we fight over everything. But then we realized that the ability to become a human being is to be able to rise above these natural fights so that you’ll be able to solve your all conflicts amicably,” they said. They added that it took them four years to put together the book with the help of Kyei Amoako and Eric Gyekye Amankwah in the United States of America, who organized their thoughts in the book writing process. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures According to Okyeame Kwame, a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of the book will be used to resource some clinical psychologists who have availed themselves on www.lovelockdown.com to offer professional help to people who have relationship problems. The programme which came in two parts had performances from saxophonist Steve Bedi and Okyeame Kwame, and fast-rising crooner SugarLord. Also in attendance were former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Bice ‘Obour’ Osei Kuffour; the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyemang; ace broadcaster Kwesi Kyei Darkwah and highlife artiste Kuami Eugene. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Others were gospel musician Diana Hopeson, social media sensation Moesha Boduong, among others. The ‘Love Locked Down’ books are available at EPP book shops, Shell Shops, selected Total Filling stations, and Kingdom Books. Below are some pictures: Credit: Citinewsroom

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has hinted that the 8-day interruptions in the power supply which affected some residents in Accra has ended today, May 18, 2021. According to ECG, the project was part of efforts to improve power supply reliability and system voltages. 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 "Following the earlier notice of the need to interrupt power supply for eight (8) days from Monday, 10th to Monday, 17th May 2021, to enable the tie-in of the newly constructed Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP) to GRIDCo's 330kV transmission line, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wishes to inform the general public especially affected customers that the program has ended today Tuesday, 18th May 2021 at 6:00 am" ECG thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation during the exercise. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco "Other needed interruptions in power supply to enable contractors to complete the next project, the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point (BSP), will be communicated in due course" it stated. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The embattled Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Ayensu Opare Addo (rtd), has disclosed that members of the supposed disbanded vigilante group, Delta Force, are working as National Security operatives. The pro-NPP vigilante group was supposedly disbanded after the coming into force of the Vigilantism and Other Related Offences Act, prior to the 2020 general elections. But DCOP Ayensu Opare Addo (rtd), who suffered brutalities at the hands of persons who identified themselves as operatives of National Security, has told Citi News that he personally identified two of the operatives who arrested him, as members of the supposed disbanded group. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations This revelation gives fuel to suspicions that the members of some of the vigilante groups may have been absorbed into National Security after the supposed disbandment. “The Delta Force was disbanded, so I knew they would not act again. I never expected the Delta Force to act this way because I knew them, and when I realized that they were not faithful to the government of the day, I disbanded the vigilante group. But they are [now] calling themselves National Security operatives,” he told Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News. DCOP Ayensu Opare Addo (rtd) also recounted his ordeal at the hands of the operatives. He questioned the reasonability of his treatment at the hands of his assailants. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures “I was the one they attacked. They handcuffed me and hit me with an AK-47. I don’t know why a reasonable and sensible senior operative of the National Security will direct junior officers to come and attack me when they can call me and handle this matter reasonably,” DCOP Ayensu Opare Addo added. It would be recalled that a group of persons suspected to be part of the disbanded pro-NPP vigilante group, the Delta Force, were arrested for allegedly attempting to forcibly remove the Regional Security Coordinator from his office last Tuesday. The group stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council purporting to be security officials. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws They then insisted on taking the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, DCOP Ayensu Opare Addo (rtd) out of his office. This created some confusion at the place. Police personnel from the Ashanti Regional Police Command, led by the Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP David Agyemang Adjem, subsequently arrested the said members of the group. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures A police source later disclosed to Citi News that the persons who were arrested had been granted bail. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In 2017, a group of Delta Force members attempted to remove the then Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, just when the Nana Addo government had come into the office. After the hooligans were arrested and sent to court, some members of the Delta Force boldly besieged the court premises to free their colleagues. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Despite the seriousness of that incident, those who stormed the court were only handed fines and cautioned. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is appealing to the general public to debunk claims that it has put out any advertisement for the recruitment of new personnel. According to the Authority, it has also not appointed any agency to conduct recruitment on its behalf. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "The public is to note that all announcements of vaccines will only be published on its official website and the national dailies and applications for employment can be only be addressed to the FDA and no other agency" The statement which was signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, further cautioned the public against any such fake recruitment claims and advertisements and must not be lured into payment of any form of facilitation fees for such purpose. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures "People who choose to engage in such fraudulent activities do so at their own risk. The public is hereby warned" it said. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The AGLOW Ghana International has held its May Monthly Intercessory Prayer for Ghana in Accra. Leading the scores of women, the National Prayer Director of Aglow International Ghana, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie charged the women to pray for the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks Praying on the "Thus Saith The Lord, My Grace Is Sufficient For You, Ghana, she said “As we pray, ask God to strengthen you not to leave his anointing and gift bestowed upon you behind. Let me access your grace to the fullest" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-m-ready-to-offer-my-3rd-girl-s-hand-in-marriage-to-kofi-kinaata-nii-lante-vanderpuye-video "Father, let me know you and know you well that when you say your grace is sufficient, it means you mean what you mean. Your grace is sufficient oh God so why do I need to worry" she added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures The women's group prayed for the Presidency, Parliamentarians, Chief Justices, Media, and the various security agencies in the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Watch the live video and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 39th edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) was a sight of excitement for many Ghanaians as popular Ghanaian musicians Sarkodie and Shatta Wale each won an award for their work and performance in virtual entertainment last year. Among them were also Ghanaian child prodigy Dj Switch and instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah. This brought the total winnings to 4 with two other nominations which included Ghanaian Grammy nominee Stonebwoy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The event came off in Jamaica on Sunday 16 May 2021. Dj Switch has expressed her gratefulness for the award on social media thanking all for the support, while fans of both Sarkodie and Shatta Wale have set social media platform ‘Twitter’ buzzing from the morning with trends focused on the winnings of both Sarkodie and Shatta Wale. Though this would not be the first time a Ghanaian musician has won an award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards, it is the first time a Ghanaian rapper has received such honor. Sarkodie whose virtual music concert ‘Black love Concert’ nearly crashed the official website for its live broadcast last year, due to unprecedented traffic from online viewers, received the award for the ‘Best Virtual Showcase/ Concert of the Year’. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Sarkodie was in the same category as Reggae Dancehall legend Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, and other top brands. Another excitement for the night was when Ghanaian instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah and child prodigy Dj Switch were also announced as the ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ and the ‘Best Young Entertainer of the Year’ respectively. Dj Switch took to her Instagram page to express her gratitude saying, “Thank you all for the love and support”. This would be another feather in the cap for the rising star after being acknowledged by American rapper Jay-Z's Roc Nation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy were both nominated in the category for the ‘Best African Dancehall Entertainer’ award, but we’re not able to win it. However, both fans of the two multiple award-winning acts began celebrating the talents and achievements of both musicians on social media after the winners were announced. The event though virtual, had a star-studded list of nominees and performances from names such as Beenie Man, Gramps Morgan, Buju Banton, Pop Can, Sizzla Kolonji, Spice, Shaggy, Shansea, Anthony B, and others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Other African top acts who formed part of the nominees were Wizkid, Burna Boy, Patorankin, and Diamond Platnumz. Credit: Jerry Wonder

The Academy has released the full list of nominees ahead of the award ceremony billed to hold on April 25, 2021. See the full list of nominees: Best international feature film Another Round – Denmark Better Days – Hong Kong Collective – Romania The Man Who Sold His Skin – Tunisia Quo Vadis, Aida? -Bosnia and Herzegovina READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Best actor in a leading role Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Anthony Hopkins, The Father Gary Oldman, Mank Steven Yeun, Minari Best actress in a leading role Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Andra Day, The United States vs Billie Holiday Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand, Nomadland Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman Best actress in a supporting role Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Movie film Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy Olivia Colman, The Father Amanda Seyfried, Mank Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Best costume design Emma Mank Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mulan Pinocchio Best original score Da 5 Bloods Mank Minari News of the World Soul Best adapted screenplay Borat Subsequent Movie film The Father Nomadland One Night in Miami The White Tiger READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Best original screenplay Judas and the Black Messiah Minari Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best animated short film Burrow Genius Loci If Anything Happens I Love You Opera Yes-People Best live-action short film Feeling Through The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers White Eye READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures Best actor in a supporting role Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah Leslie Odom, Jr, One Night in Miami Paul Raci, Sound of Metal Lakeith Stanfield, Judas, and the Black Messiah Best documentary Collective Crip Camp The Mole Agent My Octopus Teacher Time Best documentary short Colette A Concerto Is a Conversation Do Not Split Hunger Ward A Love Song for Latasha READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/eradicating-poverty-coastal-development-authority-unveils-kayayei-empowerment-policy-pictures Best sound Greyhound Mank News of the World Sound of Metal Soul Best production design The Father Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank News of the World Best film editing The Father Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago 7 READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/bui-power-ceo-is-wrong-the-energy-minister-has-not-been-misled-by-gridco Best cinematography Judas and the Black Messiah Mank News of the World Nomadland The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best visual effects Love and Monsters The Midnight Sky Mulan The One and Only Ivan Tenet Best animated feature film Onward Over the Moon A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Soul Wolfwalkers READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/we-need-to-generate-more-energy-napo-urges-pictures Best makeup and hairstyling Emma Hillbilly Elegy Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank Pinocchio Best original song Husavik, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Fight For You, Judas and the Black Messiah Io Sì (Seen), The Life Ahead Speak Now, One Night in Miami Hear My Voice, The Trial of the Chicago 7 Best director Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman David Fincher, Mank Lee Isaac Chung, Minari Chloé Zhao, Nomadland Best picture The Father Judas and the Black Messiah Mank Minari Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago 7 Credit: Precious A