The Management of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it is reminding the only covid-19 vaccines authorized for use in Ghana are 'Sputnik V and Covishield. According to the FDA, the importation and deployment of these two vaccines in the country are under the control of only the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, respectively. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video In a communique signed by its Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Delese Darko, it said "This alert has become necessary as a result of reports of the seizure of fake covid-19 vaccines in South Africa. The FDA wishes to caution the general public that online advertising, offering for sale, and supply of medicinal products including the Covid-19 vaccines are strictly prohibited" It added that the general public should not purchase any covid-19 vaccines online. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him The FDA also cautioned public and courier services including shippers and freight forwarders that any unauthorized imports of vaccines will be in contravention of Sec 118 of the Public Health Act and the FDA's Guidelines for Emergency Use Authorisation of Medical Products (FDA/GEN/GL-EUA/2021/04). Covid-19 Vaccines are to be expressly imported only by and through the Ministry of Health. Below is a copy of the communique: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Twenty unidentified children are feared dead after they went swimming in the sea at Apam Sea, in the Central Region, Monday. According to Adom News’ Kofi Adjei, the District Police Commander, DSP Moses Osakono, who confirmed the incident said eight bodies have so far been retrieved from the sea. DSP Osakono said the police and a search team have been dispatched to the scene in hope of retrieving the remaining bodies. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video “We were able to retrieve six bodies in the morning. We are collaborating with the DCE. My investigator is also there. So very soon, we will mobilize the bodies to see how many we have lost,” he said. According to him, the Apam sea has been inaccessible to the public since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. “No one has been visiting the sea. We made a clarion call to ensure no one goes to the sea. We were shocked. It was a shock to us this morning,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video DSP Osankono stated that after talking to the community leaders, it has been established that the children were not seen as they made their way to the sea. “They (the children) did not use the usual route that leads to the sea. They said the children used the path near the Apam river to the sea. Even those who are around the area could not see them.” He revealed that there were rumors on Sunday evening that someone had drowned but the police were informed this morning of the incident, which turned out be that of the said 20 children. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals After further search, 4 more bodies have been retrieved bringing to 12 the total number of deaths so far. Three other people are in critical condition and have been sent to the hospital for treatment. According to the police, the 12 deceased are between the ages of 14 and 17. Their bodies have been deposited at the morgue of the Apam District Hospital for autopsy. See the pictures below: Source: Myjoyonline

The National Women’s Wing of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has marked International Women’s Day to reaffirms its commitment to champion women's agenda in the country. The ceremony held at the party headquarters in Accra called on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin to ensure justice is delivered for those who lost their lives during the 2020 general elections. Speaking on the theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World” the National Women’s Organizer of the party, Dr. Hannah Bissiw outlined a number of women like Betty Mould Iddrisu, Gloria Amo Nikoi, Charlotte Osei, former Speaker, Joyce Bamford-Addo including recent running mate of the flagbearer, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang among others that were appointed by the erstwhile Presidents of the party during their turner in office. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video She said the NDC party has demonstrated commitment in giving women the opportunity to serve in a high office of governance unlike the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). “It is worthy to note that, the NDC allowed the first female chief justice to continue to work her turner of office, this goes to demonstrate the commitment of the party towards women”, she added. She further condemned Nana Akufo Addo’s government for acting inversely against women like former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei who was truncated, molested, embarrassed, and forced out of office. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Dr. Bissiw again said, President Nana Akufo-Addo never believe in the intellectual capacity and capabilities of Ghanaian women based on the statement he made at Vancouver during the women's conference. She recalled the fatalities and wanton violence meted on some innocent Ghanaians during the just-ended elections, who happened to be the breadwinners, making it impossible for their wives and children to feed. “ Regardless, we stand to sympathize and share the pain with all our women who lost their husbands, children, and siblings in the just-ended elections. We assured them of our strongest, capabilities and togetherness in these hard and trying times”, she noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals She noted that the NDC in their commitment towards the fight against the pandemic, has played a major role by setting up a committee made up of health experts to help the government but their technical advices were downplayed. The NDC National Women Organizer again accused the ruling government of its inability to champion a single policy that seeks to protect women and children in the midst of the pandemic since the announcement of the huge COVID-19 relief package for Ghanaian business. She, therefore, charged women to continue the fight against inequalities and economic challenges, adding, even though much has been done to change the circumstances of many women for the better. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video Credit: gpnews

President of the Full Gospel Church International, Bishop Samuel Noi Mensah says it’s high time the church developed manuals to educate children in Sunday Schools on the activities of the LGBTQI community. Speaking on JoyNews’ program “A Walk With Jesus”, he indicated the initiative will help Christian children know the difference between right and wrong. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video According to Bishop Mensah, the reality of the activities of the LGBTQI community has dawned on the church and it tells the kind of problems the church is going to face. He added that now is the time for the Church Councils to sit down and formulate manuals and training that will educate children from Kindergarten to Senior High School level about the challenges of these social issues and the activities of the LGBTQI community. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him “While the church is fighting to ensure that there is a law, the church would also develop these training materials, so that in our Sunday school departments, we would start teaching the children that in the beginning, God created a male and female but when you go to the outside world, they are saying a male can become a female and a female can become a male”. The President of the Full Gospel Church International is convinced that although the clergy is teaching the right word from the pulpit, it needs to teach it academically so the children will understand what the Bible teaches. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Bishop Mensah also reiterated that parents must also partake in the education of their children about the reality of the activities of the LGBTQI community and not shirk their responsibilities to only teachers. The executive member of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), believes that the church is still the conscience of the nation because if not for the church, there would be a lot of evil and moral decadence. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video Bishop S. N Mensah is happy the church is putting pressure on the government through MPs to ensure there’s a definite law to spell out the fact that same-sex marriage is not accepted in our country. Credit: GhanasOnline.com

Human rights advocacy civil society body, Amnesty International has questioned the death penalty sentence dished out to the two convicted persons in the matter of the kidnapping and murder of the Takoradi girls. The two, Samuel Udeotuk Wills and John Orji, were found guilty by a Sekondi High Court on charges of conspiracy to murder and murder. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video But speaking to Citi News, the Campaign Coordinator of Amnesty International Ghana, Samuel Abotsey questioned the country’s continuous reliance on the death penalty when it has actually never been executed since 1992. “In Ghana, the law still permits the judges to make that pronouncement and so we cannot force the judges or the country but we believe that the continuous use of the death penalty is not the way to go because evidence has shown that — there could be mistakes in evidence gathering, there could be mistakes in the investigation, the wrong people could be charged.” Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Mr. Abotsey also added that it will be better to rely on life sentences or fixed-term sentences in case of fresh evidence affecting cases. “There have been people that have been sentenced to death, some actually killed but fresh evidence showed that they were not guilty of that crime. So, our belief is that it is better for us to keep the people on the life sentence or a fixed-term sentence so that if there is fresh evidence emerging tomorrow, these people can be exonerated,” he stated. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals The two convicts have a right of appeal within a 30-day window. Credit: GhanasOnline.com

Ghallywood Actress, Juliet Ibrahim has weighed in on the explosive Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview. Like most, the movie star is in awe of what fans have termed ‘bravery’ following the CBS interview hosted by Oprah Winfrey. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video In an Instagram story post, Ibrahim declared the Duke of Sussex her man crush Monday while listing how his actions left her amazed. She wrote: “So many men will emulate this and learn to live for themselves and please themselves moving forward! Thanks for leading by example. A true King & Leader.” Juliet’s comments join the thousands of social media users sharing their thoughts on the recently televised interview where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made some damning revelations about the British royal household. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video See pictures below: Credit: The African Entertainment

The CitizenGhana Movement, a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) says it is dismayed by President Akufo-Addo's decision to constructively and forcefully retire the Auditor-General, Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, without recourse to him on the basis that he has reached the age of retirement. In a statement sighted by ThinkNews Online, it said "Mr. Domelevo’s passport, an official Government of Ghana identification document used to verify the biodata of Ghanaian citizens by local and foreign authorities alike, lists his date of birth as 1st June 1961. Mr. Domelevo’s birth certificate and baptismal certificate also note the same date of birth. According to these records, Mr. Domelevo is 59 years old and remains eligible to hold the office of Auditor-General." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/yaw-tog-features-kwesi-arthur-and-stormzy-on-sore-remix-video The communique also revealed that the Audit Service Board’s investigation into Mr. Domelevo’s date of birth was inconclusive and neither the Board nor the Presidency has the authority or the expertise to decide his date of birth. It added that the correct forum for determining the truth in the matter is a court of law adding that in the absence of a final judgment by a court, President Akufo-Addo's retirement of Mr. Domelevo was premature and arguably unlawful. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals "The haste with which you retired Mr. Domelevo, following your arguably unconstitutional order directing him to proceed on accumulated leave last year, which is presently the subject of a number of lawsuits at the Supreme Court, lend credence to Ghanaians’ widely held suspicion that your government embarked on a premeditated witch hunt against Mr. Domelevo to stop him from uncovering corrupt schemes" it stated. The communique said "By preventing an independent constitutional officer from exercising his lawful duties, your government launched one of the gravest assaults on the 1992 Constitution and the fight against corruption since the advent of the 4th Republic. It is a sad reality, that on the eve of the anniversary of our independence, we have to contend with such setbacks in our pursuit of a more just and accountable government. If we combine this to the debacle regarding the Special Prosecutor, and the lethargy of other anti-corruption agencies over your tenure, it appears you are working to silence all persons and institutions that demand accountability, in a manner characteristic of a dangerous constitutional dictatorship" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 It is emerging that given the brazen disregard for citizen views regarding the Auditor General, the Citizen Ghana Movement says it would be surprising if President Akufo-Addo heeds the call. "We the CitizenGhana Movement (CGM), whose members were very instrumental in helping remove the previous government through our Occupy Flagstaff House, and Dumsor Must Stop street agitations, feel let down by this trend in your administration. Like many others, we took you at your word and believed that you would fight corruption, but we have been sorely disappointed" it noted. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Below is a copy of the release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The President of the Republic of Ghana Jubilee House Accra, Ghana 5 March 2021 Your Excellency, CONSTRUCTIVE FORCED RETIREMENT OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL We are deeply dismayed by your decision to constructively and forcefully retire the Auditor-General, Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, without recourse to him on the basis that he has reached the age of retirement. Mr. Domelevo’s passport, an official Government of Ghana identification document used to verify the biodata of Ghanaian citizens by local and foreign authorities alike, lists his date of birth as 1st June 1961. Mr. Domelevo’s birth certificate and baptismal certificate also note the same date of birth. According to these records, Mr. Domelevo is 59 years old, and remains eligible to hold the office of Auditor General. At best the Audit Service Board’s investigation into Mr. Domelevo’s date of birth was inconclusive and neither the Board nor the Presidency has the authority or the expertise to decide his date of birth. The correct forum for determining the truth in this matter is a court of law. In the absence of a final judgment by a court, your retirement of Mr. Domelevo is premature and arguably unlawful. The haste with which you retired Mr. Domelevo, following your arguably unconstitutional order directing him to proceed on accumulated leave last year, which is presently the subject of a number of lawsuits at the Supreme Court, lend credence to Ghanaians’ widely held suspicion that your government embarked on a premeditated witch hunt against Mr. Domelevo to stop him from uncovering corrupt schemes. By preventing an independent constitutional officer from exercising his lawful duties, your government launched one of the gravest assaults on the 1992 Constitution and the fight against corruption since the advent of the 4th Republic. It is a sad reality, that on the eve of the anniversary of our independence, we have to contend with such setbacks in our pursuit of a more just and accountable government. If we combine this to the debacle regarding the Special Prosecutor, and the lethargy of other anti-corruption agencies over your tenure, it appears you are working to silence all persons and institutions that demand accountability, in a manner characteristic of a dangerous constitutional dictatorship. Given your brazen disregard for citizen views regarding the Auditor General, we would be surprised if you heed this call, but we will still make it. We appeal to you to rescind your decision to forcefully retire the Auditor General. It is a blight on your administration and would be a negative stain on your legacy. We the CitizenGhana Movement (CGM), whose members were very instrumental in helping remove the previous government through our Occupy Flagstaff House, and Dumsor Must Stop street agitations, feel let down by this trend in your administration. Like many others, we took you at your word and believed that you would fight corruption, but we have been sorely disappointed. We took to heart your urge that we be citizens and not spectators, and say that we will continue to fight for a better Ghana and resist all those who set her progress back as is happening now. Like Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, Private Odartey Lamptey, and the millions of other everyday Ghanaians who fought for our nation’s independence, we will resist oppressors’ rule with all our will and might forevermore. So help us, God. ----Signed---- CitizenGhana Movement #letthesystemwork #Domelevo H Kwasi Prempeh, Kwaku Azar, Steve Manteaw, Anny Kareem-Abdi Osabutey, Ato-Kwamena Dadzie, Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Manasseh Azure Awuni, Thelma Tawiah, Sekyi-Brown Reginald, Selorm Branttie, Kinna Reads, Brigitte Dzogbenuku, Sara Asafu-Adjaye, Kofi Bentil, Kojo Boateng, Kojo Yankson, Dziffa Akua, Mawn Van Boven, Arabee Middleton Botchway, Selorm Branttie, Kwame Kyei-Baffour, Edward Boateng, Esi Arhin, Lolan Ekow Sagoe-Moses, Theo Acheampong, Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, Umaru Sanda Amadu Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

It’s finally here! After weeks of anticipation, the remix of Yaw Tog‘s Sore’ featuring Stormzy and Kwesi Arthur has finally been released. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-gifts-skit-comedian-kyekyeku-2-000-ghc11-470-00-video The remix was first previewed in the early hours of January 1, 2021, at the UPP Festival. Stormzy, Tog, and Arthur later that week traveled to Kumasi to shoot the official video of the remix. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him “Big Mike on the remix, you don’t live the life, you just dream it /Don’t mind ’em boys, they don’t mean it,” raps Stormzy. Now, we present the official video for the ‘Sore’ remix by Yaw Tog, Stormzy, and Kwesi Arthur. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Watch the video below: Credit: Ghanaweb

Controversial Social Media Influencer, Tracey Boakye has gifted Skit Comedian, Kyekyeku $2,000 which is equivalent to GHc11,470. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals It is emerging that the Actress invited the Skit Comedian over to her residence and pulled the surprise. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Left in a state of shock, Kyekyeku thanked Tracey Boakye and asked for God's blessings upon her. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Information-designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has hinted that President Akufo-Addo and his Executives will commence their official duties this week. According to him, the President is confident his team will deliver in his second term. Speaking at a press biefin at Peduase Lodge, he said "President Akufo-Addo and his Executives will start work this week" Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him The Minister of Information-designate further explained that President Akufo-Addo on Friday swore into office 28 Executives on Friday. "President Akufo-Addo wishes every Ghanaian woman a happy international day. President Akufo-Addo and the executive will start work this week. He swore into office his the central government on Friday" The Minister for Information-designate also explained that the 3-day retreat gave the Ministers the opportunity to report on major developments and the state of the sectors they have been assigned to. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 "The president outlined his policies for the 2nd term. First on his agenda is winning the fight against covid-19. Implementing a robust economic recovery program to fight against covid. Also, a key issue addressed was on the covid and the effect on the economy" he explained. The Information Minister-designate however noted that President Akufo-Addo will on Tuesday, March 9, deliver his state of the nation address at 1 pm. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah also revealed that Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu will be delivering the President's budget on the post covid recovery program on Friday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals He later clarified that the President'ial budget is different from that of the Minister of Finance. The Information Minister-designated also disclosed that President Akufo-Addo has charged his Executive to attach seriousness in all of their endeavors under his second term. Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye has revealed that about 202,252 persons have been vaccinated with the covid-19 vaccine in the country. According to him, the Greater Accra Region have been able to vaccinate 128,088 people out of the total 202,252. Speaking at a press-briefing at Peduase Lodge, he said "202,252 people have been vaccinated. Greater Accra has 128,088 people, Ashanti Region has 69,325 whiles Central, 4,639" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals Explaining further, he revealed that out of the 128,088 vaccinated in the Greater Accra Region; 66,735 are males while 31,353 are females. He hinted that the Ashanti has seen about 37,527 females taking the jab as against 31,798 being males. "46,780 have were vaccinated as at Friday March 5. The sexs are 50:50. Ashanti Region has 31,798 males vaccinating while 37,527 are females. Central has seen 2,603 males taking the jab while 2,036 females have also had their fair share. 66,735 males have injected while 31,353 females have also taken the injection in the Greater Accra" he noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 The Director-General also mentioned that all 43 districts are actively vaccinating. He also noted that active cases of covid-19 have declined from 8,000 to 5,000. Speaking on the segmentation of people to be vaccinated, he hinted that about 51,418 adults who are above 60 years have been vaccinated Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him On the outlook, he said "The downward decline in covid-19 cases remains steady. We have recorded 86,737 acasesnd 929,189 tests done, 656 deaths, total active cases are 4,782 while 81,299 have been discharged" Updating the media on covid-19 cases in schools, he said "281 schools have recorded cases of covid-19. 1,709 cummilative cases recorded" Dr. Kuma-Aboagye also noted that out of the 16 regions, it is only North-East Region that has not recorded any cases of covid-19 in its school. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/my-surname-is-john-not-rawlings-ex-prez-rawlings-reveals On next-steps, he said "In May, we are looking at receiving some 2 million vaccines. Sustain public education on adherence to safety protocols and vaccine uptake and Vaccination App (locally made) to be used for appointment and pre-registration" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

UN Women announces the theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2021 (IWD 2021) as, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also aligned with the priority theme of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, “Women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”, and the flagship Generation Equality campaign, which calls for women’s right to decision-making in all areas of life, equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an end all forms of violence against women and girls, and health-care services that respond to their needs. https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/int-l-women-s-day-spotlight-on-linat-osman-kundaribuo-a-gender-activist-and-campaigner-for-women Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers, and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry. Women leaders and women’s organizations have demonstrated their skills, knowledge, and networks to effectively lead in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Today there is more acceptance than ever before that women bring different experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and make irreplaceable contributions to decisions, policies, and laws that work better for all. The majority of the countries that have been more successful in stemming the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to its health and broader socio-economic impacts are headed by women. For instance, Heads of Government in Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand, and Slovakia have been widely recognized for the rapidity, decisiveness, and effectiveness of their national response to COVID-19, as well as the compassionate communication of fact-based public health information. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/j-j-rawlings-goes-home-on-january-27 Yet, women are Heads of State and Government in only 20 countries worldwide. In addition to persistent pre-existing social and systemic barriers to women’s participation and leadership, new barriers have emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the world, women are facing increased domestic violence, unpaid care duties, unemployment, and poverty. Despite women making up a majority of front-line workers, there is a disproportionate and inadequate representation of women in national and global COVID-19 policy spaces. To uphold women’s rights and fully leverage the potential of women’s leadership in pandemic preparedness and response, the perspectives of women and girls in all of their diversity must be integrated in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in all spheres and at all stages of pandemic response and recovery. Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-addo-kufuor-turns-80-ministry-of-interior-ghana-medical-association-celebrates-him Additional information related to the United Nations Observance of IWD 2021 will be made available on UN Women’s website closer to the date. The hashtags for social media will be #IWD2021 and #InternationalWomensDay. Credit: ECA