Parliament has recorded 12 more cases of the COVID-19 virus within its enclave. Most of the cases involve auxiliary members of the House with a few being Members of Parliament (MPs). These persons tested positive after a Coronavirus re-testing exercise was conducted ahead of today’s resumption of parliamentary sitting following the three-week shutdown due to an earlier outbreak in the House. 550 persons comprising MPs and parliamentary staff participated in the re-testing exercise out of which 12 tested positive. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-blast-michael-essien-over-support-for-lgbt-in-ghana The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin announced the outcome of the exercise in his opening remarks on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. “The retesting revealed that out of a total of 550 MPs and staff who retested, only 12 tested positive and are currently in isolation. The majority of them were the auxiliary staff. This represents a positivity rate of 2 percent as compared to the national positivity rate of between 10-12 percent.” He said it is also his expectation that all MPs and staff who are required to re-test actually do submit themselves. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures In the meantime, the Speaker has hinted that the house will also roll out a vaccination program for COVID-19 soon urging members to avail themselves when the time is due. “Following the safe delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, I together in consultation with the leadership of this house will soon a roll-out plan towards the vaccination of honorable members and other staff”, he said. Alban Bagbin also used the occasion to advise members to continually adhere to the safety guidelines in order to slow the spread of the virus within the precincts of Parliament. “As we resume today, I believe we will all adhere to the time-tested protocols that the COVID-19 pandemic requires of us while we are in the offices, and everywhere we find ourselves.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks He added that “let me assure this house and the good people of Ghana that Parliament will not just adhere to the protocols but will also provide proactive measures that will ensure the safety of this house and all others”. Credit: Citinewsroom

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first State of the Nation Address in his second term will be delivered on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. This will be in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution which mandates the President to present to Parliament the address at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before the dissolution of Parliament. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on the first sitting of the House after resuming from its three-week COVID-19 shutdown stated that one of the immediate parliamentary businesses is to receive the President for the presentation next Tuesday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks “The House will be privileged to receive the President who is obligated to deliver the State of the Nation Address. His Excellency has given an indication to me that he is ready to do the obligation on Tuesday 9th March 2021”, the Right Honourable Speaker indicated. President Akufo-Addo’s address will be an overview of plans for his second term in office having won the 2020 general elections. It is expected to cover areas of national development including, security, economy, agriculture, environment, education, and particularly health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the roll-out of the country’s vaccination exercise. 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 Budget presentation Alban Bagbin also disclosed arrangements for the presentation of the annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy of government in accordance with Article 179 of the Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). The budget, he said will be laid in Parliament on Friday, March 12, 2021, on behalf of the President. “In accordance with Article 179 of the constitution, his excellency has given further indication his horse is prepared to present and lay before this house the Budget 2021 on Friday 12 March for consideration and approval”, the Speaker said. Appointment Committee report Meanwhile, the House says it expected to soon receive the report of the Appointments Committee on the vetting of the President’s nominees of various ministerial portfolios for consideration. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures Over 30 nominees have so far been vetted. But reports suggest the Minority MPs had decided not to support the approval of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister-designate for Information; Hawa Koomson, Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture. Five other nominees Kwaku Agyemang-Manu; Minister-designate for Health, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister-designate for Communications; John-Peter Amewu, Minister-designate for Railways; Kwesi Amoako-Attah, Minister-designate for Roads and Highways and Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Minister-designate for Attorney-General and Justice also have their approvals put on hold. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-blast-michael-essien-over-support-for-lgbt-in-ghana Credit: Citinewsroom

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his wife, Lady Julia, took the COVID 19 vaccine publicly on Tuesday at the Manhyia Palace to bolster public confidence and encourage all to participate in the inoculation exercise. The Asantehene did not make any statement after the exercise but was heard telling the nurse, Lydia Owusu Ansah, a public health nurse at the regional health directorate: "have you finished. But this is not painful at all," he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks His jab was to officially commence the inoculation exercise in the Ashanti Region where 150,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines are to be given out. Clad in an all-white cloth to signify "Ekradware da" (cleansing of the soul), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was gleeful all through the short ceremony as the Mamponghene, Nana Osei Bonsu and the Mamponghemaa, Agyakoma Difia, joined him in the exercise. 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 GMA Earlier, the president of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Frank Ankobea, cautioned that the vaccine was not a replacement for the observation of the COVID-19 protocols. He said much as the vaccines were safe, they were not full proof of preventing the spread of the virus. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures The GMA president urged Ghanaians to continue with the regular washing of hands under running water with soap, sanitize their hands, and observe social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. See pictures below: Credit: GraphicOnline.com

LARABANGA MOSQUE The tourism sector is what we call the rough diamond of Ghana. As said by Alba Kunadu Sunmprim,” Ghana is a huge grindstone, and depending on what you are made of, can grind you down or polish you up.” So, the bigger question is, what are we made up of in the tourism industry? For years the tourism industry has been highly patronized by foreigners and due to this pandemic, there has been a big blow on the industry-leading to a major loss in revenue. But one question that keeps lingering on my mind is, where are the Gurus of the land? Where are the people to polish up the tourism industry? Must we lose a lot of revenue because foreigners are not coming in? READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding It’s time to take domestic tourism on a different level, it’s time to make more profit from the industry domestically. It’s time to sell what we have to ourselves and enjoy what we have as well as polish up what we have. The country’s dazzling and breathtaking tourist attractions, hospitable people, and delicious food add to the sublimity of the industry which is fast becoming one of the foremost backbones and capstone of the economy. Comparatively, statistics indicate that international tourist arrivals increased from 956, 375 in 2018 to 1,130, 307 in 2019, and with domestic tourism, arrivals increased from 635,194 in 2018 to 669,311 in 2019. This indicates that irrespective of the increase in domestic tourism from 2018 to 2019, international tourism surpasses domestic tourism. These are equal indications that citizens can help to put domestic tourism in Ghana on a much higher pedestal READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-blast-michael-essien-over-support-for-lgbt-in-ghana KWAME NKRUMAH MAUSOLEUM The need to cushion up domestic tourism emanate from the fact that evidence exists all over the world, and particularly in some African Countries, the industry is overflowing with the prospect of transforming livelihoods through employment and wealth creation. There are strong indications that the potential tourism flourish in transforming economies and empowering livelihoods is maximized through vibrant domestic tourism. Comparatively, Ghana can do more and achieve more if we take the tourism industry seriously by first promoting domestic tourism. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks It is pivotal to note that, domestic tourism as a tool can eliminate poverty, generate employment and upgrade infrastructure in the economy. In a quest to promote domestic tourism, various campaigns have been outlined by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. These include See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana, Ghana Guru, Stay Home Know Ghana, Travel See Snap and Win, just to mention a few. In view of that, the Ghana Tourism Authority appointed thirty Ghanaian celebrities as Tourism Ambassadors under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to spearhead the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana” campaign. The campaign concept draws on re-orienting Ghanaians on a new sense of national pride in its heritage, culture, and way of life. Notable among these ambassadors are Supt. Kofi Sarpong, D-Black, Nana Ampadu, Okyeame Kwame, Fancy Gadam, Agya Koo, Lucky Mensah, Reggy and Bole, Van Vicker, Sena Degadu, and others. The Ambassadors, cut across different creative arts sectors including musicians, actors, radio presenters, disc jockeys, and bloggers, to promote tourism domestically and internationally. 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 The need to be Gurus of our land, can’t be dependent on only the citizens. As such, the Ghana Tourism Authority has reiterated its commitment to boosting local tourism in the Country. Moreover, according to the Ag. Corporate Affairs Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Jones Nelson, in an interview granted to Citi Business News, his “outfit is confident that when more attention is given to domestic tourism stakeholders in the industry will stand a better chance of thriving. The kind of situation we find ourselves in indicates that we need to intensify our domestic tourism to get the yield because the times are rough. If you travel to Asia, for instance, Japan and China, you will realize that domestic tourism is the backbone of their tourism. It fetches them a lot of money. They don’t think about international tourism, they rather focus on domestic tourism. So, we are trying to intensify efforts, and we are also saying that we have to go virtual in addition, so we can boost domestic tourism.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures On the other hand, the President of Ghana Hotels Association, Dr. Edward Ackah – Nyamekye believes that the government has a major role to play in boosting local tourism in order to sustain their businesses. Did you know that patronizing Ghana’s cocoa products contribute to promoting domestic tourism? The light in this is that it introduces Ghanaians to numerous business opportunities to boost the industry and attract investors into the Country. According to Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer of GTA in an interview granted during a presentation of cocoa products and PPEs to the Ghana Medical Association as part of the National Chocolate Week Celebrations ‘there is the need to have a mind shift starting from the hospitality industry. Serving cocoa or chocolate products; and as consumption goes on and improves, demand increases as well, investors would find the need to invest in the processing of cocoa.’ However, it can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that, for investors to move into the industry it's highly dependent on how we patronize the industry and become Gurus of the industry. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics It’s time to discover Ghana with a different lens in this period of COVID-19, as a result, one need not travel now to know about or discover Ghana, to boost domestic tourism. In view of that, the Ghana Tourism Authority’s initiative called “Stay Home Know Ghana”. A campaign was introduced to promote domestic tourism amidst the spread of COVID-19. The campaign is programmed with exciting outlines such as Online Contests. This involves a Pictionary Contest where Participants identify images of attractions, Ghanaian symbols (Adinkra), and artifacts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Games will be run on the GTA social media pages (@VisitGhanaNow and @GhanaTourismAuthority. Participants with the most correct answers will win a cash prize of 100gh and 2nd and 3rd will win Airtime. Not only but also, another outline for this campaign is Know & Eat Ghana Contest, where participants will share four images of different Ghanaian dishes they have tasted. The picture with the most comments or Likes & RTs will win cash prizes or airtime. Also, with the Stay Home, Wear Ghana Contest: Participants would show a ‘before and after’ picture of themselves in any normal clothing and switch up to their traditional Ghanaian clothing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/supreme-court-orders-dominic-ayine-to-retract-and-apologize-over-predetermined-agenda-comments This will showcase the different types of clothes from our various ethnic groups and their way of dressing. Participants are to talk about or promote their clothing on their status. Participants with the most views, likes, and retweets will win cloth pieces from GTP and also cash prizes. Some notable influencers will be leading this campaign. Furthermore, another outline for the campaign is a Radio Contest. Partner radio stations will hold radio contests and award prizes to winners weekly. Partner radio stations include HAPPY FM, YFM KUMASI, CITI FM, YFM ACCRA, JOY ACCRA, YFM TAKORADI. One amazing thing to discover is that the Beyond the Return initiative is a fantastic initiative to boost domestic tourism. It is a “Decade of African Renaissance” and a 10-year project building on the success of the “Year of Return” to grow Ghana’s tourism industry and showcase its investment potential, as well as solidify its Diaspora engagement programs. It is focal to note that, there are seven pillars of Beyond the Return. These Pillars include: Experience Ghana, Promote Pan African Heritage and Innovation, invest in Ghana, Diaspora Pathway to Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, and Brand Ghana. With all these measures put in place to intensify domestic tourism, let us not be spectators in the tourism industry but gurus of domestic tourism. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/live-turn-unto-ghana-oh-lord-and-have-mercy-on-us-aglow-gh-international-video Interestingly, domestic tourism can thrive when citizens develop a keen interest in patronizing our tourists’ sites. It is a well-known fact that Ghana is blessed with some of the most incredible sites in the world. With many of these attractions in their natural state, lovers of nature and eco-tourists will find the country the best to be for some real tourism adventure. It can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that, if Ghanaians see the good in domestic tourism, the industry will flourish and will be a better place to be. As gurus of domestic tourism, let our journey in the industry end in lovers meeting where we can’t do away with domestic tourism. As said by G.K. Chesterton “ The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at least to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” As gurus of domestic tourism, let us travel happily to see the light in domestic tourism. Remember, Danny Kaye once said” to travel is to take a journey into yourself”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/first-ghanaian-policewoman-rosemond-asiama-dies-at-91 And “yourself” is your Country where the love and excitement of your birth began. Be a guru in domestic tourism where all allegiance to one’s motherland begins. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, let us all strive to patronize our own, not forgetting to adhere strictly to all the protocols associated with it. KAKUM NATIONAL PARK Evelyn Adaku Foli National Service Personnel Corporate Affairs Department Ghana Tourism Authority Disclaimer: The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of ThinkNews Online. ThinkNews Online will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

Former Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien has received bashing from scores of social media users after he made a post supporting Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) The former Black Stars player who doubles as an Ex-Chelsea star took to his Instagram accounted and said "We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus Community in Ghana #ghanasupportequality🇬🇭🙏" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks However, in series of tweets sighted by Thinknews Online, Malik Ofori @malikofori said "I’m more concerned about the “we” Michael Essien used in his post" Mr Prεssdεnt @Opresii said "I now understand why Michael Essien played a lot of games under Mourinho cos he had no ass left to sit on the bench" 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 Nsawam Michael Scofield @OkwasiaBiNti added "Michael Essien slack big time. It will cost him more than just losing followers on Instagram" DON SARKCESS BIG BROTHER @princedavid_gh said "Michael Essien will never forget this day.... now every mishap in Ghana will be blamed on him... he has inherited that from Asamoah Gyan now READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures Mempeasem President @AsieduMends noted "See the way the IG influencers dey lash Michael Essien make he delete the post ... if ebi Twitter like he go delete the account sef" See embed tweet and screenshots: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Father of the Late Rufftown Records' Artiste, Ebony, Starboy Kwarteng has slammed Musician, Pope Skinny saying his comments on his late daughter is uncalled for and a shame. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, Mr. Kwarteng said "What came over him to say these at this time. Let's assume it is true, what did he gain by saying this? Which shrine in this country will kill her if she was a lesbian? This is a shame, that boy should come again. That boy can't trend on this" 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 He added utterances like these pushes people to the wall to react adding that Pope Skinny should be mindful of his words. It will be recalled that Musician Pope Skinny openly disclosed that Late Ebony while alive was a lesbian. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures The comment from Pope Skinny has generated heated arguments on social media with lots of people lambasting the Asuoden hitmaker. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 2020 Flagbearer for the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama has together received their covid-19 vaccination injection at the Police Hospital in Accra. The Presidential Candidate of the NDC took the jab after President Akufo-Addo, First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife Mrs. Samira Bawumia had theirs on Monday at the 37 Military Hospital and Police Hospital respectively. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks It will be recalled that Ghana received 600,000 dosages of covid-19 vaccines from the Serum Institute of India (Covishield). According to Government, it is looking at supplying the dosages for 20 million Ghanaians. 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 President Akufo-Addo on Sunday hinted that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) will on Tuesday, March 2, begin the deployment of the vaccines. The vaccines will touch base in 43 districts across the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Controversial Media Personality, Queen Afia Schwar has cautioned that her sons will never marry any girl schooling in her beautiful country called Ghana. In a Facebook post sighted by ThinkNews Online, she said "Let me put a word of advice to every beautiful girl in this country called Ghana. My sons are my investments n so they will not I repeat THEY WILL NOT MARRY ANY GIRL SCHOOLING IN MY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY CALLED GHANA" She added that in case they (girls) feel like giving them (her sons) free p***y, God bless them. Taking a swipe at GH Media school, she said "Stop referring to donors as my in-laws. We don't know them and no one will reject free lunch. My boys are in school to study, not to look for future wife" It will be recalled that pictures and video of one of her son's popped up on social media as he was seen having s*x with his girlfriend. Below is a screenshot of post: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister-designate for the Greater Accra Region, Henry Quartey has promised to grant scholarships to motivate students to study the Ga language. He believes that the provision of scholarships will serve as an incentive to compel more students to develop an interest in the Ga language. “Some other factors may be that the few Ga teachers we have in some cases are transferred to other jurisdictions, Mr. Chairman when given the nod by the grace of God, I will collaborate with the Minister of Education and the Ghana Education Service to ensure that the few Ga teachers that we have, are brought back to teach Ga in the schools. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks “We will fall on other opinion leaders to support us in trying to as it were grant scholarships for people to begin to have interest in learning the Ga language at the Bureau of Ghana Languages,” Henry Quartey told Parliament’s Appointments Committee. The Ayawaso Central MP added that his office will also collaborate with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to secure some funding to provide scholarships for such students. The former deputy Minister for National Security assured that his office will effectively collaborate with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to prioritize teaching and learning of the Ga language within the region. 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 “I will lead a cause to work hand-in-hand with the Ghana Education Service, it should be in the syllabuses but the challenge here is are there enough teachers to be able to teach Ga in the schools and we must make it a priority” the nominee who also doubles as Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central said. The former Deputy Minister for Interior also urged parents to encouraged their children to speak the Ga language. “Parents must also try and encourage their children to speak Ga instead of speaking slangs in Ga and though it is a cosmopolitan area let us also encourage ourselves to also try and speak Ga” urged parents. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures He also questioned why the few Ga teachers within the Greater Accra region are being transferred to other regions, adding that when given the nod by Parliament his office will work with the Education Minister to bring back transferring or posting local language teachers outside their home region. This follows a notice served by the Valley View University Basic Schools to parents that it is phasing out the teaching and learning of Ga, as a Ghanaian language, in their schools. This, according to a notice signed by Director, Beatrice Ama Ntanu, and dated February 3, 2021, is due to the fact that they have been experiencing difficulty in getting qualified teachers to teach the subject. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Because of this, all affected students from Basic 1 to 3 are left with only the option of learning Twi as a Ghanaian language in the school. However, the statement indicated that all other classes from Basic four to Basic nine will continue to have the option of choosing between Twi and Ga as languages to study for their Ghanaian language courses. Following the announcement, there was an uproar on social media after the Valley View University Basic Schools served notice to parents. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/live-turn-unto-ghana-oh-lord-and-have-mercy-on-us-aglow-gh-international-video The school said it was struggling to get qualified teachers to teach Ga and, therefore, was replacing the subject with Twi. Some legislatures and traditional rulers including the Oyibi Gonten Mantse, Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, described the development as worrying to phase out of the Ga language in some schools in the Greater Accra region. Nii Frankwa, therefore, called on the Ministry of Education to make it a priority to train teachers to take up the subject. But appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Henry Quartey said he will ensure all professional teachers posted outside the greater Accra region are brought back to the region and the needed incentives will be provided to the students in the various schools. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/supreme-court-orders-dominic-ayine-to-retract-and-apologize-over-predetermined-agenda-comments Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC) has today held an emergency meeting in Accra. According to its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, the meeting discussed a wide range of pressing issues of national interest. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks In a communique signed by Mr. Asiedu-Nketiah, he said "The meeting discussed among other things, the ongoing vetting of Ministerial nominees and urged the NDC Parliamentary caucus to be firm and resolute in their duties on the Appointment Committee. It urged them to reject insincere apologies rendered by some of the nominees at the Vetting Committee sittings and hold them responsible for their actions and/or statements which violate the obligations imposed on Public Office Holders by the 1992 Constitution" He also added that the NEC meeting noted with concern, the clandestine activities of some security agencies which have embarked on the arbitrary and malicious arrest and detention of citizens for exercising their right to free speech on social media. 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 Mr. Asiedu-NketiahIt urged Ghanaians to rise up against the creeping culture of silence and dictatorship being imposed on the nation. "NEC noted with alarm, the letter written on behalf of the Judicial Service of Ghana through its lawyers, Sory@Law to some media houses which sought to censor their duty to hold public institutions, including the courts, accountable for their actions. We note that the letter from the Judicial Service seeks to limit the right to free speech and press freedom to mere praise-singing of the Judiciary, even in the face of several unjust rulings from the apex Court. NEC holds the view that the Judicial Service has no right or authority to threaten anyone, much less the Media, for performing their constitutionally mandated duties. There are clear procedures laid out in our laws for dealing with specific infractions of media ethics and laws. We find the letter from the Judicial Service an affront to free speech and press freedom which threatens the pillars of democracy that the people of Ghana have nurtured over the years. We condemn it in no uncertain terms and call on the Judicial Service to withdraw same without delay, as a sign of respect for the democratic culture of free speech and press freedom" he mentioned. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures He further hinted that it is the expectation of NEC, that good sense and love for the country will prevail and that, the Akufo-Addo government and other institutions of state will henceforth, abort any plans to terrorize the citizens of Ghana in order to suppress dissent and quell demands for probity and accountability as enshrined in the 1992 constitution. The communique however said "Finally, as Ghanaians await the verdict of the Supreme Court on the election petition, NEC urges all NDC members and supporters to remain calm and resolute. It is the prayer of NEC that the Supreme Court will uphold and promote probity, accountability, and transparency, and give effect to the will of the people expressed on 7th December 2020 in its judgment on the matter. The party will on its part, stop at nothing to rid the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission of its partisan biases and prejudices, and ensure transparency and fairness in national elections" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that Actor Nana Yaw Benson known in showbiz as Funny Face is set to spend more days at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. According to the Ofaakor Circuit Court, the Actor will spend one more month Adom News’ Kofi Adjei reported that the extension was suggested by the doctor attending to the actor, born Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks Speaking in court, the prosecutor said Funny Face’s doctor had written a letter to the police stating that the actor will be unable to appear in court for his case. The doctor stated that the actor was unfit adding he was still having trouble articulating his thoughts among others. He added that Funny Face has been put on a strict treatment that required enough rest. The doctor in his letter pleaded with the court to increase the number of days he should spend in the hospital. 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 The court presided by Ebenezer Osei Darko approved of Funny Face’s extended stay at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. The case has been adjourned to April 1. The comedic act is in court after he was arrested by the police in Kasoa for unlawfully discharging a firearm at a drinking pub. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures The Central Regional Police PRO, DSP Irene Serwaa Oppong said someone had reported Funny Face for causing a disturbance in a bar. She stated that their investigations reveal the actor had gone to the bar where a misunderstanding ensued between him and the owner. Although the two were separated, Funny Face went home, returned with a gun and fired warning shots. Adom News’ Kofi Adjei who was in court reported that Funny Face first pleaded guilty to unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics During the first hearing, the judge committed the actor to the psychiatric hospital for two weeks. The judge said Funny Face may be having a mental crisis and possibly going through depression. Meanwhile, the comedian was reunited with his daughters and their mother was only known as Vanessa while in the hospital. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/live-turn-unto-ghana-oh-lord-and-have-mercy-on-us-aglow-gh-international-video Vanessa said, in the interview, that after seeing Funny Face at the Psychiatric Hospital, she felt the need to forget the past and move on. She said that it is important she fixes her relationship with Funny Face so their children can continue to share a bond with their father. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Minority MPs on the Appointments Committee today voted on the ministerial nominees so far vetted and have unanimously rejected three of the President’s nominees. Information Minister-designate Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson and Minister-designate for Food Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has been rejected for various reasons. Made up of a total of 26 members – 13 each from the NDC and the NPP – the Committee began the constitutionally mandated vetting process on February 10 and is expected to finish on March 9. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks The NDC MPs led by Haruna Iddrisu, a Ranking Member on the Committee, has unanimously decided to reject 3 candidates brought forward by the President out of the 30 candidates so far vetted. Reasons for the rejection Mr. Oppong Nkrumah who appeared before the Committee on February 18, was reportedly rejected on three grounds. The Minority MPs said they were not satisfied with the answers he gave regarding his private businesses. According to them, the Ofoase Ayeribi MP has an 82% share in a company called Oval Market Finance. This finance company is believed to be involved in some suspicious third-party lending. 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 Also, they say he has dealings with MX24 GH, a content creation, digital agency and media production house located in East Legon, which he said he didn’t have anything to do with during his vetting. Overall, the NDC MPs accuse Mr. Oppong Nkrumah of being untruthful with his answers during his vetting. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister-designate, Hawa Koomson, who was vetted on the same day as was turned down mainly for the gun-shooting incident that occurred during the registration of voters in her constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/accra-aglow-ghana-defies-rain-holds-first-intercessory-prayer-after-lockdown-pictures During her vetting, the 55-year-old admitted to firing warning shots in self-defense and apologized to the Committee and Ghanaians in general for her conduct. Although MP for Asawaase, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka questioned the genuineness of her apology owing to the fact that she had failed to follow up on her constituents who may have been injured or lost their property in the incident, Mrs. Koomson stated that she was unaware of any such injuries or losses. Following the incident last year, the Crime Officer who was in charge of investigating the shooting incident was suspiciously transferred from the Central Region. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics According to the Police, the transfer formed part of an ongoing reshuffle in the Ghana Police Service. So far, no further investigations have been conducted into the matter neither has the MP for Awutu Senya East been either cleared of the incident. In light of this, the Minority MPs believe that her violent act cannot be sanctioned by a ministerial appointment. They have, therefore, rejected her nomination. Regarding the Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, Afriyie Akoto, he is accused of unilaterally canceling a horticulture contract with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority on January 11, 2021, without authority. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/live-turn-unto-ghana-oh-lord-and-have-mercy-on-us-aglow-gh-international-video This cancellation according to the Minority Group is unauthorized as he was only a caretaker Minister. Further, the cancellation, they say, will lead to a $50 million judgment debt for the country. Following the rejection of these candidates, their nomination will be presented to Parliament for a vote. Considering the current constitution of Parliament with 137 seats a-piece and one independent candidate, the outcome of the vote according to political analysts should be fascinating. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/supreme-court-orders-dominic-ayine-to-retract-and-apologize-over-predetermined-agenda-comments Parliament is expected to resume sitting tomorrow March 2 after a 3-week suspension due to Covid-19. Credit: Myjoyonline.com