The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has asked Ghanaians to brace themselves up for hike in prices of goods and services. Mr. Iddrisu says the introduction of new taxes by government in the 2021 budget statement is clear indications that prices of commodities will go up. According to him, the 2021 budget presents no hope for the Ghanaian worker. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga Mr. Iddrisu in a Citi News interview also chided the Akufo-Addo government for seeking to increase the ESLA levy. According to him, while in opposition, the NPP described the ESLA levy as a nuisance tax but are now enjoying it as a credible source of revenue. “There is no hope. Ghanaians must brace themselves up for increased hardship and increased suffering because it means that there will be petrol hikes with ESLA that they [NPP] described a few years ago as a nuisance tax. But they are back to it as a credible source of revenue which is a lack of principle.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today In a related development, Mr. Iddrisu said the non-determination of the minimum wage for the 2021 fiscal year will be a source of worry for public sector workers. “The workers of Ghana will be disappointed because minimum wage has not been determined, public sector wage has not been determined and it is the first time this has happened since 2014. So it means that compensation is likely to erode any gains that we are likely to make but at least now debt to GDP is 276%.” About the new taxes Government is seeking to introduce four new levies and increase other existing ones this year. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Some of the levies in question are COVID-19 health levy, Petroleum levy, Sanitation and Pollution levy as well as financial sector clean up levy. These according to the caretaker Finance Minister, Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu are to cater for the difficulties faced by the economy due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the financial sector clean-up. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Kaneshie District Police has gunned down a suspected robber at the Awudome Cemetery. According to the police, he was shot after stabbing a passer-by and attempting to rob another. Police in a statement noted that the suspect was rushed to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead upon arrival. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga Prior to his death, he had attacked a victim and collected a black bag with GHS250, spare parts and a phone. They add that after the attack, they had to lay ambush for him until he came out of the cemetery in a bid to attack another person. Meanwhile, his accomplice managed to escape. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today The police disclosed this in a press statement issued today, Saturday, March 13, 2021. The statement disclosed the incident happened on Friday, March 12, 2021, around the SSNIT heading towards Obetsebi Lamptey Circle. Recently, two robbers were also gunned down after stealing over GHS100,000 at Tema. The two robbers trailed their victims who had gone to cash the said amount from the Tema Community One branch of the Zenith Bank. Narrating the circumstances under which the robbery occurred, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Paul Kissi Frimpong said luck eluded the two robbers after the Police patrol team pursued them until they were killed in a fire exchange on Thursday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals “A robbery took place in Tema here. A businessman had gone to Zenith Bank to withdraw over GHS100,000. As they left the bank, these two robbers on a motorbike who chased him, immobilized his vehicle by shooting at the tyres then succeeded in taking his money away.” “An alarm was raised and the information got to the Police. Our patrol team pursued them and eventually had the two of them killed by an exchange of fire. The money also scattered on the street. People had to scramble for the money so eventually, we had only GHS2,500 out of the 100,000 cedis,” he said. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Spokesperson for the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Gideon Boako has confirmed that the second gentleman of the land has only one wife. According to him, the general public should ignore the fabricated Ramatu story making waves on various media portals. In a communique sighted by ThinkNews Online, he said "The attention of the office of the Vice President has been drawn to stories and pictures circulating of a woman supposedly named 'Ramatu' who is being claimed as a wife of the Vice-President" He added that the Vice President has never met or seen the purported Ramatu let alone take her as a wife. Mr. Boako said "For the avoidance of doubt, the Vice-President has only one wife, his dear Samira Bawumia and they have been married for 17 years even though his religion permits him to marry up to four wives" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Major Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has revealed that the local currency performed better in 2020 as compared to 2019 due to the covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the external sector performance was also impacted by the COVID19 pandemic through the trade and financial channels. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, the Majority leader said "Mr. Speaker, the external sector performance was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the trade and financial channels. The trade account recorded a lower surplus of US$2.0 billion or 3.0 percent of GDP in 2020 compared with US$2.3 billion, equivalent to 3.4 percent of GDP in 2019" He also revealed that the decline in the surplus was driven largely by a 7.8 percent contraction in total export receipts, especially from crude oil exports, which declined sharply by 35.2 percent. The Majority Leader further explained that the value of total imports contracted by 7.3 percent, reflecting a slowdown in import demand due to the pandemic. "The lower trade surplus coupled with higher services outflows resulted in a current account deficit of US$2.0 billion, equivalent to 3.0 percent of GDP in 2020 compared to a deficit of US$1.9 billion, equivalent to 2.8 percent of GDP in 2019. These developments resulted in an overall Balance of Payments (BOP) deficit of US$630 million in 2020, compared with a surplus of US$1.3 billion in 2019" he added. The Majority Leader also mentioned that the deficit in the BOP was on account of a marginal worsening of the current account deficit and the decreased net capital inflows in the capital and financial accounts. Mr. Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, however, hinted that the Gross International Reserves (GIR) stood at US$8.6 billion, equivalent to 4.1 months of imports cover, at the end of December 2020 from a stock position of US$8.4 billion, equivalent to 4.0 months imports cover, as at end-December 2019. "Mr. Speaker, the foreign exchange market was relatively stable and the local currency performed better in 2020 than in 2019. Pressures from corporate demand, energy-related forex demand, and pandemic-induced portfolio outflows were offset by improved forex inflows mainly from the Eurobond issuance and the IMF Rapid Credit Facility. These were complemented by the substantial reserve build-up by the Bank of Ghana at the end of 2019" he said. "Cumulatively, the Ghana Cedi depreciated against the US Dollar, the Pound Sterling, and the Euro by 3.9 percent, 7.1 percent, and 12.1 percent, respectively. This compares with larger depreciation rates of 12.9 percent, 15.7 percent, and 11.2 percent for the US Dollar, Pound Sterling, and Euro, respectively during the same period in 2019. It is worth noting that, the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar in 2020 is the lowest recorded in the Fourth Republic, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic" he mentioned. Speaking on Fiscal developments, the Majority Leader explained that the 2020 fiscal policy objectives were adversely affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the recalibration of the 2020 fiscal framework during the 2020 mid-year fiscal policy review to accommodate the unanticipated shocks and enable Government to implement policies and programmes to ensure that both lives and livelihoods were protected. "Mr. Speaker, Total Revenues and Grants was revised downwards by GH¢13.4 billion to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenues while Total Expenditures were revised upwards by GH¢11.8 billion to accommodate COVID-19 Related expenditures, resulting in a revised budget deficit of 11.4 percent of GDP for 2020" he averred. The Majority Leader also hinted that the unprecedented impact imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the suspension of the set of fiscal responsibility rules for the 2020 financial year in accordance with section 3 (1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982). He added that despite the adverse impact of the pandemic on the Ghanaian economy, especially in the first half of the year, implementation of the 2020 revised budget was largely on track. "The provisional data on Government’s fiscal operations from January to December 2020, indicate that, Total Revenue and Grants exceeded the revised target by 2.7 percent, amounting to GH¢55,132 million while Total Expenditures including arrears clearance amounted to GH¢100,052million, exceeding programmed expenditures by 2.4 percent" he said. He was of the view that the consequent modest increase in total expenditures, despite the force majeure imposed by COVID-19 induced expenditures, was a clear indication that Government adopted prudent expenditure management measures over the period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Energy, Dr, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has declared that President Akufo-Addo is keen to see the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) revitalized, create jobs and position itself as a market leader on the African continent. The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, made these remarks during a meeting with management and staff of the refinery in his first official visit to any energy sector agency since taking office as Minister. "The President does not want Tema Oil Refinery sold on his watch', the Minister stated, and added " TOR is a strategic national asset, and it is the duty of management to keep it healthy. Management's activities must not  lead to the loss of workers'' jobs" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga He made it clear that his visit was in support of the refinery's issues, and that at the end of the day, all stakeholders, including government, management and staff must come together and commit to making TOR a better and viable institution, adding that a collapse of the refinery would have clear, direct impact on the jobs and livelihoods of all staff at the refinery. The Managing Director of TOR, Mr. A. T Boateng noted in his remarks at the event that in selecting TOR as the first sector agency to visit, the Minister had underscored his commitment to seeing the refinery flourish, and that he and management were prepared to play their part in ensuring that the refinery lived up to its expectations and delivered its mandate for the growth and development of the energy sector in particular and Ghana in general. The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Limited is the only refinery in Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today It is authorized by its regulators to process crude oil and market petroleum products. The refinery is situated in Tema about 24 kilometers east of the capital, Accra. It was 100% owned by the ENI Group (Ente Nationalie Indrocarburi) of Italy. The Government of Ghana bought all the shares of GHAIP in April 1977 and became sole shareholder. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals In 1990 the name was changed to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Over the years the refinery has been plagued with debts, infrastructural challenges and difficulties in trying to pay its workers, which has resulted in several agitations by workers of the company. It is expected that Dr. Prempeh will be able to bring all parties together to resolve the challenges and chart a new path for the refinery to sustain jobs and contribute to the economy. Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching ThinkNews Online indicates that the Ghana Education Service (GES) is considering sanctioning a young female teacher at the Aninkrom D/A Primary One in Adankwame District in the Ashanti Region for going against its rules and posting pictures of her school pupils on social media. According to sources, the GES is upset with the gesture of the teacher adding she is using the pictures to solicit money for personal gain on social media. It is emerging that the female teacher whose name was given as Madam Abenah Serwaah Mankosa has accused of using the school feeding program to deceive the public. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him ThinkNews Online has also gathered that Abenah has been invited by the GES to explain her actions and to provide documents that validate her decision to feed the pupils with her own money. It will be recalled that news broke of a young female teacher who was feeding her pupils with her own money. The gesture of the young lady gained lots of attention on social media which led to BBC Pidgin giving her mileage. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video The young female teacher explained that her gesture was part of ways of encouraging the children to learn. After being invited for questioning by the GES, Madam Abenah Serwaah Mankosa took to her facebook page and wrote "I just don’t know any GES rules that is against taking pictures of children,so we can’t reach out to the less privileged in the society in peace Can the community turn against me that they don’t like how I treat my children under influence of any power Ghana is sweet Daddy said am stronger than this Final verdict at my district education office I love my country Have just lost appetite So will Ghana ever develop" The call by the GES to sanction Madam Abenah Serwaah Mankosa has generated mixed reactions on social media. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/energy-minister-napo-tasks-ecg-gridco-to-identify-causes-of-dumsor Below are screenshots: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikoi South Constituency, Darkoa Newman has penned down a lovely 70th birthday message to the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo. According to the MP, she is grateful to the First Lady for her unflinching support to the advancement of the Okaikoi South Constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/pastor-kwame-osei-manukure-set-to-launch-maiden-gospel-album-woye-mame-on-march-21 In a birthday message sighted by ThinkNews Online, she wrote "On the joyous occasion of your 70th birthday, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks to you for your unflinching support to the advancement of Okaikoi South" The new Member of Parliament also revealed that Mr. Akufo-Addo's belief in her vision to develop the Okaikoi South Constituency spurs her on. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/energy-minister-napo-tasks-ecg-gridco-to-identify-causes-of-dumsor She further described the First Lady as compassionate adding that the First Lady feels the pain of others and over extend herself to ease their plight. "The significance of this day is beyond just your birthday. It is a celebration of a wonderful woman that is loved and greatly admired for her exemplary leadership and unrivaled philanthropy" she added. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Darkoa Newman also described the heart of Ghana's First Lady, as truly made of pure gold. Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Luck eluded 64-year-old Emmanuel Noi and 49-year-old accomplice Christopher Nii William Offei when they were arrested at a mobile phone shop at Circle tiptoe lane in an attempt to steal a phone after undertaking similar operations at Spintex. Christopher William Nii Offei engaged the shop attendant in a conversation to distract him whilst the other suspect attempted to steal an iPhone but luck eluded them when the shop owner Collins Dwamena suddenly appeared and they were arrested. He took them to the Tesano Police station. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/pastor-kwame-osei-manukure-set-to-launch-maiden-gospel-album-woye-mame-on-march-21 The complainant stated that he was able to identify them from CCTV footage which was circulated sometime ago which captured the suspects using same modus operandi to steal a laptop from a shop at Spintex. Upon their arrest, one Theresah Afful manager of Franco Trading Osu branch came to the station and reported that in the month of september 2020, the same men were captured on their CCTV footage stealing an HP laptop computer valued GH¢2,700. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video The two suspects are in police custody assisting with investigations. They will be processed for court as soon as investigation is done. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/energy-minister-napo-tasks-ecg-gridco-to-identify-causes-of-dumsor Credit: Ghanaweb

Radio Pastor of Oman Fm and former employee of Multimedia Group Limited, Pastor Lawrence Kwame Osei Manukure, is set to launch his maiden gospel album dubbed ‘Woye Mame’. The album, which literally means ‘He is good to me’ features multiple award-winning artists including Elder Mireku, Celestine Donkor and Uncle Ato among others. The grand event is slated for March 21 at 'My Father's House' in Dansoman, Sahara, Accra. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga Making the revelation in an interview recently, Pastor Manukure said the title of the album which comprises songs including praise and worship medleys was chosen as a result of how good God had been to him throughout the changing scenes of his life. He stated that without the unending mercies and grace of God almighty, he would not have been able to succeed in life, especially on the field of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. “It was during some days of fasting and prayers with my church in January last year that the Lord directed me to put this together and also feature Elder Mireku on this album. I will forever remain grateful to him for his love towards me and my household. Indeed, ‘woye mame’, he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today According to him, music was his talent and passion, adding that he practically got sick when he went days without singing to glorify the name of the Lord. He also revealed that he used his ten years experience on radio to learn the rudiments of radio broadcasting and all there was to know, adding that there was virtue in patience. Pastor Kwame Manukure started from a humble beginning. He started singing at age 14 in the church choir of Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International. His elder sister who was an usher in the church then practically ensured that he joined the choir. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Bishop Owusu Ansah saw his potentials and decided to mentor him by taking him under his umbrella. He ensured that Ps. Manukure was on the right path. At a point in time, his parents entrusted him in the care of Bishop Owusu Ansah. He was engaged in everything music. He packed instruments and speakers. Music has always been his passion and first love. He practically get sick if he doesn't sing on Sundays. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Due to his humble nature, respect for everyone and the enthusiasm to learn more, he was also introduced to radio by Bishop Yaw Owusu Ansah at Joy Fm and Adom Fm. For 10 years he never coughed on radio and yet, he never complained because he believed that there was time for everything and that his time would surely come. He used that opportunity on radio to learn the rudiments of radio broadcasting and all there is to know. Indeed patience is a virtue. Through his singing/music ministry, he has been on a lot of local and international platforms. He was on the same stage with Bishop Owusu Ansah when he led the praise and worship session during Benny Hinn's crusade in Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video In God's own time, He makes all things beautiful. After singing for 31 years in the church, it is now time for the whole world to hear of him through this maiden album. Currently, he is the Resident Pastor at Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International, My Father's House, Dansoman. He is also the founder of Jabez Prayer Network, a non-interdenominational prayer group. He is married to Mrs. Doreen Ofori Manukure and together have three children; Hillel Kobby Addo Manukure, Nahna Akua Akyede Owusua Manukure and Maame Akua Akyaa Aseda Manukure (Akua Aseda). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/energy-minister-napo-tasks-ecg-gridco-to-identify-causes-of-dumsor Below are pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Member of Parliament for Kubungu Ras Mubarak has asked the people of Ghana to ignore his ex-wife Rasheeda Adams over claims that he abused her while they were married some years ago. Rasheeda in an attempt to educate women on the need to leave their marriages if their partners are abusive used her marriage to the MP as an example. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga She indicated that after several years of enduring the pain, she left in order to have her sanity indicating that it was a turning point in her life. Rasheeda indicate that although society did not support her throughout the divorce process, she came through it and that has made her a better person. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today However, Ras Mubarak who is at the center of all these allegations has responded in similar regard detailing the issues regarding the break in their marriage. He indicates that they are all falsehoods and that he is not shocked that his wife who is clearly a man hater will peddle untruths about him because she hated her father so much so that he didn’t invite him to her wedding neither did she go to his funeral. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Ras Mubarak denied ever abusing Rasheeda physically, emotionally and financially like she has made the world to believe. Below are screenshots: Credit: Ghanaweb

The Immediate past Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has indicated his satisfaction that his ultimate act in support of teachers when he was in office was striking a deal to provide every public school teacher with a laptop to support their work. Dr. Prempeh made these remarks at a farewell event organized in his honor by heads of the various heads of agencies under the Ministry of Education during his tenure at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra yesterday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga "The deal is done, and I am very proud that this last major act in office was to support teachers in this country" he declared. He further thanked the agency heads, some of whom have moved on to become Members of Parliament for their incredible support and hard work, which made it possible for the sector to chalk up very remarkable successes. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today "I will forever cherish the friendships I have formed and I appreciate you all", he continued to loud applause. The heads presented a glass plaque to their former boss as a mark of deep appreciation for his support over the years. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, says he has tasked the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to identify the causes of recent power outages popularly known as dumsor in the local parlance. He made this known in a statement on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, following his meeting with GRIDCo and ECG. In his statement obtained by African Entertainment, Dr Opoku Prempeh says ”I have requested that these key institutions in charge of electricity identify the causes of the frequent outages and nip them in the bud. The Energy Ministry is ready to support them to resolve this issue as soon as possible.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yea-disassociates-itself-from-akatsi-murder-saga “The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Volta River Authority (VRA) have assured me that they are working hard to resolve all technical issues that have led to frequent power outages across the nation that have peaked in the last few days. This was at a meeting held in my office this evening.” “Constant electricity supply is crucial for our daily activities and economic growth. I have requested that these key institutions in charge of electricity identify the causes of the frequent outages and nip them in the bud. The Energy Ministry is ready to support them to resolve this issue as soon as possible.” “In relying on the technical expertise of our power generators, transmitters and distributors, I entreat all Ghanaians to be patient as the issues are promptly resolved.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/kyei-mensah-bonsu-to-present-2021-budget-today Ghana has in recent days been experiencing dumsor. On Sunday afternoon, March 7, 2021, the entire country suffered electricity outage. At about 2:10pm on Sunday, the whole nation was without power, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has confirmed in a statement. GRIDCo says at about 2:10pm on Sunday, March 7, 2021, a challenge in the power system led to a total system shutdown. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals “This led to an interruption in power supply to all parts of the country,” according to GRIDCo. GRIDCo added that “the Technical team is currently working to restore power supply to all Bulk Supply Points (BSPs) in the country.” In Accra, areas like Spintex, Adenta, Madina, East Legon, suffered the blackout. In the Central Region, residents of Kasoa reported suffering blackout. Dumsor became a popular term in Ghana between 2013 and early 2017 when the country suffered severed electricity crisis. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Several businesses collapsed and workers were laid off during the peak of the dumsor era under then President John Mahama. Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo addressed the problem in his first term of office which spanned the period January 7, 2017 to January 7, 2021. But the early days of his and final term of office have seen the electricity crisis returned gradually, resulting into the total blackout nationwide. The main power distributor in the country is the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video Credit: African Entertainment