The 21-year-old US man, Robert Aaron Long, of Woodstock, Georgia, who allegedly killed eight people including six Asian women, has confessed to being a sex addict, US police say. Briefing the media on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in a televised address monitored by African Entertainment, Cherokee County Sheriff, Frank Reynolds, disclosed that the suspect may have been a patron of the spas where the mass shootings happened. According to him, the suspect has claimed to have a “sex addiction”. However, he said the suspect denied that the killings were motivated by race. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Identities of victims Police have identified at least four of the eight people killed in the shooting spree at spas in the US state of Georgia. Police said those killed include: Ashley Yaun, 33; Paul Andre Michels, 54; Xiaojie Yan, 49; and Daoyou Feng, 44. Elcias R Hernandez-Ortiz was identified by the police as sustaining injury. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him At least six Asian women were killed, the police told a news conference on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The suspect was arrested in Crisp County, about 150 miles (240km) south of Atlanta Police had earlier announced that the fatal shootings happened at a massage parlour in Acworth, a suburb north of Atlanta, and two spas in the city itself. Following the shootings on Tuesday evening, March 16, 2021, READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals South Korea confirmed that four of the victims were Koreans. African Entertainment understands the first shooting took place at about 17:00 (21:00 GMT) on Tuesday at Youngs Asian Massage Parlor in Acworth, Cherokee County and Sheriff’s office spokesman, Capt Jay Baker, reportedly indicated that two people died at the scene and three were taken to hospital, where two more died. Those victims were confirmed to be two Asian women, a white woman and a white man, and that a Hispanic man had been wounded. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Credit: Reuters

Presidential candidate aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joe Ghartey, has condemned the stereotyping of Voltarians on the floor of Parliament. According to Mr Ghartey who prides himself as “a Voltarian by choice,” an end must be put to the stereotyping of Ewes and everyone for that matter. The Member of Parliament for Essikado Ketan Constituency made the call while contributing to debate regarding the controversial textbook that sought to denigrate Ewes, on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Mr Ghartey, the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice who introduced the Justice for All Programme in Ghana, said “the unity of Ghana is above politics.” Badu Nkansah Publications, the publishers of some textbooks meant for basic school pupils have been widely condemned over portions of the books said to have denigrated the Ewe ethnic group in Ghana. One of the textbook – History of Ghana, Text Book 3, was authored by Badu Nkansah and Nelly Martinson Anim. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 Another textbook: Golden English Basic 4 was authored by Okyere Baafi Alexander both of which were said to contain bigoted content targeted at Ewes. According to the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA), the three textbooks: “History of Ghana for Basic 6 by Golden Publications, which carries distasteful information about Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP; History of Ghana Textbook 3 by Badu Nkansah Publications, which features a song that shows the Ewes identity; Golden English Basic 4 by Golden Publications, which displays ‘Efo agrees to prepare the juju for the players’ on page 17,” are all unapproved. But Mr Ghartey says Voltarians need not be stereotyped for whatsoever reason, noting emphatically that the textbooks saga cannot be handled with politics. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him He said the first presidential election in Ghana was between Joseph Boakye Dankwa and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and that Voltarians voted for J.B. Danquah, who is one of the forebears of the NPP. Therefore, he said that because Voltarians vote for NDC today should not be used to stereotype them because if they voted J. B. Danquah in the past, they could also vote for NPP tomorrow. He stressed the need for Ghanaians to unite and do away with stereotyping one another. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Watch the video below: Story by: News Desk Report

The American Ambassador, Her Excellency, Stephanie Sullivan has congratulated the Appointments Committee of Parliament for a successful vetting process. According to her, the manner at which the Appointment Committee conducted its business has sent a strong signal that Parliament’s work will not only center on business but also take scrutiny duties very seriously. In a statement signed by Madam Kate Addo and sighted by ThinkNews Online, she said “She also spoke about the need for strong trade relations, referring to an statement made by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu which stressed the need to strengthen the private sector since it is the engine of growth” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The Ambassador, Stephanie Sullivan also congratulated Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on his ascension to the high office of Speakership. The two spoke about a number of key issues pertaining to the development of their respective countries adding that their conversations were also centered on health, agriculture and environmental issues. Speaker Bagbin expressed gratitude for the good relations between Ghana and the United States and made reference to the fragility of Ghana’s democracy, saying that a look at the country’s political make up points to the fact that Ghanaians are no longer interested in partisan politics and that they expect the two main political parties to put the interest of the country first and to collaborate more for the ultimate good of the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 The Speaker of Parliament also added that accountability is a key ingredient for Ghana’s progress. He underscored the need for Members of Parliament to be given offices and personnel in their constituencies for ease of consultation and work in the constituencies. It will be recalled that the Majority Leader spoke about the benefits of the many knowledge exchange programmes between the two countries and emphasized the need for improved trade relations and a further strengthening of the private sector since it is the engine of growth for any economy. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him However, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu also spoke about the indicators used for measuring child labor and child trafficking which shows Ghana in a bad light. Mr. Iddrisu urged the US to posit the phenomenon in its proper context adding that by the country’s culture, Ghanaian children do assist their parents and relatives in their economic endeavors. He also mentioned the need to make state institutions more responsive to the Covid-19 pandemic than they are being. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Below is a copy of the release and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Prince Charles has admitted that he is "thrilled" after his father Prince Philip was discharged from hospital on Tuesday morning. The Duke of Edinburgh, who turns 100 years old in June, spent a combined four weeks at the King Edward VII and St Bart's in London for treatment of an infection and a pre-existing heart condition. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals As he left hospital, Philip stood from his wheelchair to get into his waiting BMW and waved to well-wishers before departing. A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII's Hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes." Asked about his father during a visit to a vaccine centre, Charles told reporters: "I am thrilled about it. I have spoken to him several times." Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Philip has spent much of the last year in lockdown with The Queen and a small number of staff at Windsor in what has become known as "HMS Bubble". Credit: Neil Wilkes,

The LGBT+ group in Ghana is gathering momentum online to raise funds to acquire a permanent administrative office space in Accra. This was after the opening and subsequent closure of their office in Ashongman in Accra last month. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ken-ofori-atta-attributes-his-speedy-recovery-to-god-and-prayers-from-ghanaians The group on its Twitter page has indicated that it had managed to raise $37, 000. According to them, the target is to raise $100, 000 to enable them purchase an office space. Ever since their public appearance, while some say the practice when allowed will serve interests that are abhorrent to the culture and values of the Ghanaian people, others have insisted that the rights of LGBTQIs must be protected like anyone else. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Many religious bodies, Parliamentarians, Ministers-Designates, human right advocates, supporters of the movement and other relevant stakeholders, in particular, have all waded into the debate for the legalization or criminalization of homosexuality in Ghana. But the President, Akufo-Addo has said it will not be under his presidency that marriage between persons of the same sex will be legalized in the country. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him “For same-sex marriage to be legalized in Ghana, it will not happen in my time as President”, Akufo-Addo stated emphatically. “I have said it before, and let me stress it again, that it will not be under the Presidency of Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legal”, he stressed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 Credit: Modern Ghana

The Ayawaso North Council of Zongo Chiefs have on Tuesday, March 16, honoured the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Aminu Zakari for his hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity and generosity in the development of the constituency. According to the Ayawaso North Council of Zongo Chiefs, the special award forms part of measures of appreciating and acknowledge the MCE's good works in the constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals In a solemn ceremony, the Chairman of the Ayawaso North Council of Zongo Chiefs, Chief Alhaji Imoro Baba Issa said "As the premier Chief Executive of the newly created Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, you assumed office at a time the Municipality was bedevilled with a multitude of challenges ranging from Justice, Security, Sanitation, Education through to Health" Chief Baba Issa added that the MCE rose above partisan politics were necessary for the course of his work to engage all stakeholders of the assembly in bringing peace. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 He said "You rose above partisan politics where necessary in the course of your work as Chief Executive probably inspired by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's leadership style to engage all stakeholders, namely Ayawaso North Council of Zongo Chiefs, Imams, GPRTU, Academia, Market Women, Political Parties, Security Services among several others in the decision-making process which undoubtedly has led to very impressive achievements in Infrastural developments, relative peace and stability in the municipality to mention a few" Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s Covid-19 deaths Tuesday surged to 698 following the confirmation of seven more deaths by the Ghana Health Service (GHS). The latest update from the country’s health management body also confirmed that 48 other people were in severe condition with 18 more in critical condition. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals It added that an additional 243 new cases of infections had been recorded out of which 28 were active, pushing the country’s active cases to 3,701 from a previous 3,673 as of Monday, March 15. These cases, the GHS said, were being managed at treatment sites and isolation centers across the country, while some were under home management. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The new infections were from tests conducted as of March 12, 2021. So far, a total of 83,829 people had recovered and discharged. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has handed three Black Satellites players an invitation to the Black Stars ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe this month. The trio – goalkeeper Ibrahim Danland, right-back Philemon Baffour and Fatawu Isshaku, an attacking midfielder, have been rewarded with senior national team call-up after excelling at the U-20 Afcon in Mauritania. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals They were to key Black Satellites winning the tournament for the fourth time. Isshaku was adjudged as the tournament’s most valuable player, Donald won the best goalkeeper award and Baffuor was rock solid. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 The three players will team up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday, March 16, to continue preparation for the two remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana will take on South Africa on March 25 before hosting Sao Tome and Principe four days later. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The Black Stars sit at the top of Group C with 9 points and need a point from their final two games to qualify for Cameroon.

Sincerëly Ghana Limited, led by Menaye Donkor Muntari in collaboration with project BRAVE, spearheaded by Tracy Owusu Addo has donated Sanitary Pads to underprivileged young women in a deprived community in Keta in the Volta Region to mark Women’s month. This follows similar donations to some head porters, popularly referred to as “Kayayei” across the country, and some young women in a deprived community in Prampram. The donations are being done through the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Sincerëly Ghana, “Sister-2-Sister” and it forms part of the company’s national rollout plan to help end period poverty and educate girls and young women on personal hygiene in the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Under the Sister-2-Sister initiative, a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Sincerëly products goes into providing free sanitary pads for girls in deprived areas in Ghana. Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of Sincerëly Ghana Limited, Menaye Donkor-Muntari said the objective is to continuously provide quality, affordable sanitary pads as well as menstrual health education in an engaging manner primarily for adolescents, young adult females, and mothers from 10 to 50 years. “Period poverty affects women and girls all over the World. It is a global issue affecting women and girls who do not have access to hygienic sanitary products during their menstruation” she noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 ABOUT SINCERELY Sincerëly is a brand that is built around a lifestyle of confidence and freedom derived from a solid education on menstruation, feminine health, and hygiene designed. We aim to provide quality feminine products at affordable prices for all. It seeks to be one of the most valued brands of genuine quality personal hygiene products, complemented by sincere menstrual health and hygiene education throughout Ghana as well become a voice of authority on the continent, and ultimately in the world on Menstruation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Credit: Myjoyonline.com

There is growing tension between the Coalition of La Association, the umbrella body of youth groups, and the Ghana Armed Forces as they accuse the military of unlawfully taking over their lands. The chiefs and people of La are demanding the release of a 250-acre land occupied by the military near Burma Camp. They accuse the military of unlawfully occupying the land which was released to them by the government in December last year. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ken-ofori-atta-attributes-his-speedy-recovery-to-god-and-prayers-from-ghanaians They want the government to hand over documentation of the land to the stool coupled with authorization to reclaim the lands. Holding placards with inscriptions: Military thieves, Give us back our lands among others. They marched from the La Traditional Council to the newly constructed La Military Cemetery at Burma Camp to make their case heard. They invoked the gods of the land to punish those unlawfully taking over their lands. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The Coalition says the parcel of land in contention was leased to the government in 1953 to serve as a Giffard Camp for soldiers after the world war. The lease they claim expired in 1963, but to date, the military has failed to give them back their lands. “The military has now sold some of our lands when they are not supposed to be dealing in lands. Where in the world will you see this happen?” Jeffery Tetteh spokesperson for the group said. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him “We have invoked the 99 gods of la to take action,” he added. They want the government to hand over documentation of the land to the stool coupled with authorization to reclaim the lands. The Angry youth then stormed the Lands Commission demanding an audience with the Lands Minister Abu Jinapor who was on a working visit. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 Soon the police were invited who tried reasoning with leaders of the groups to no avail. Finally, the Lands Minister came out and assured the leaders of the group that their concerns will be addressed. “Let us all be patient…I am assuring you that we are working to ensure that these old age disputes are resolved,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Finance Minister nominee Ken Ofori-Atta is attributing his recovery to God and prayers from Ghanaians. Speaking at the Virtual PwC Post Budget Forum Tuesday, from his base in the USA he noted that doctors who were “handling” him are even surprised with his fast recovery rate. He also thanked the President’s special representative at the Finance Minister, Charles Adu Boahene and the personnel at the ministry for how they handled the budget preparation and presentation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The Finance Ministry on February 14, announced that the President’s nominee, Ken Ofori Atta will travel to the US for a special medical review based on doctors advice. This was as a result of the medical complications he suffered after recovering from Covid-19 in December last year. Mr Ofori-Atta requested another time to be vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee as his condition did not make it possible for him to face it. He was, however, expected to return in two weeks, but could not make it on time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 Speaking from his base in the USA, the Finance Minister nominee also maintained the various programs and policy measures outlined in the 2021 Budget presents a fine opportunity to quickly turn things around. On the GhanaCares program, he noted that a committee will soon be put in place to help with the implementation of the initiative and give more details on the areas that will be targeted and supported that will help in stimulating economic growth. Government is looking at raising about ¢72.4 billion in revenue and grants. It is expected that ¢55.6 billion will come from taxes. However, some analysts and tax consultants have raised issues with these policy measures. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him The Finance Minister-designate noted that these tax measures are noted in the short to medium term to quickly stabilise the revenue situation in the country, whiles it working to deal other concerns that have been highlighted by some stakeholders. Mr Ofori-Atta was optimistic that measures outlined in the budget can bring about the needed recovery and deal with the associated shocks of the Covid-19 on the economy. Speaking at the same program, Country Senior Partner, Vish Ashiagbor, was optimistic that government will be able to hit its projected economic growth of 5 per cent for the year. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals However, the firm’s Tax Partner, Abeiku Gyan-Quansah was worried about some of the tax measures that have been announced in the 2021 Budget. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCO) has revealed plans to ration power to parts of the Volta and Oti Regions over the next few days. In a notice to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), GRIDCo requested that the outages come into force from Thursday, March 18 to Monday, March 22, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The move, according to GRIDCo, is to enable it to undertake repair works on transformers supplying the two regions. Areas affected include parts of Ho, Adaklu Ahunda, Sogakope, Akatsi, Keta, Adidome, and its environs are expected to experience power outages. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 This comes on the back of speculations by a cross-section of Ghanaians about a seeming return to the days of erratic electricity supply, popularly known as ‘dumsor,’ following a March 7 scare. The CEO of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Jonathan Amoako-Baah allayed the rising fear explaining that the “nature of the power system value chain, makes that impossible.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals “As a crucial part of the entire value chain, overseeing matters on the transmission aspect of the process, GRIDCo wants to assure the country and all related stakeholders that none of the key participants in the value chain is resting on their oars, in an effort to maintain stability, accessibility, consistency, and reliability of power supply at all times,” he stated on March 14. Below is the full list of areas to be affected: Credit: Myjoyonline.com