Cracking a joke about his fear of needles, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday became one of the first people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the country that has by far the highest confirmed virus caseload in Africa. “Can I close my eyes?” Ramaphosa bantered as a health worker injected him with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in a live broadcast on South African television. Staff at the district hospital in Khayelitsha, a poor township near Cape Town, applauded. Minutes later, Ramaphosa urged South Africa’s 60 million people to have confidence in the vaccines despite a bumpy start to the inoculation campaign marked by a last-minute switch of vaccines. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec The first phase of vaccinating the country’s health care workers will now begin as an observational study because the J&J shots are not yet authorized for general use here or anywhere in the world. “I must say that at first, I was a bit terrified of this long needle that was going to be embedded in my arm, but it happened so quickly and so easily,” Ramaphosa said. “This day marks a milestone for South Africa. Finally, the vaccines are here, and they are being administered. “I’d like to invite South Africans to take this up so that we can all be safe and we can all be healthy.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Only a week ago, South Africa’s minister of health announced the country would not roll out AstraZeneca vaccines after months of preparation because a small study showed they were not as effective against the variant that is now dominant in Africa’s most developed economy. Instead, South Africa switched suddenly to the J&J vaccines and only received a shipment of 80,000 doses flown in from Belgium late Tuesday night. Those vaccines were taken straight to a secure facility and shipped to vaccination centers across the country overnight to be ready for the rollout on Wednesday, the government said. Ramaphosa said he was relieved when his minister of health sent him text messages and photos confirming the late-night arrival in Johannesburg of the jet carrying the vaccines. South Africa has put its faith in the J&J vaccine after a large international clinical trial showed it to be effective in offering protection from the variant first identified in the country in December. Early results from that trial showed it had 57 percent efficacy against moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 caused by the variant, and a higher efficacy against severe illness and hospitalization. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-praises-adwoa-safo-over-comments-on-lgbt Ramaphosa was the sixth person to be vaccinated at the Khayelitsha hospital, he said. Five health care workers were given shots before him, with a nurse the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in South Africa. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize was also vaccinated. Jabs were given in all the country’s nine provinces. South Africa has nearly 1.5 million reported coronavirus infections, including more than 48,000 deaths. It has approximately 40 percent of all the cases reported by Africa’s 54 countries, underlining the need for a successful and rapid vaccine rollout. A resurgence of the virus spiked in January and nearly doubled the country’s cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Experts warn the third surge of infections is likely to hit the country in May or June when the Southern Hemisphere winter begins. A successful vaccination drive in South Africa could also embolden the rest of the continent, where fears that poor countries are being left behind in the vaccine race are keenly felt. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Only a handful of other African countries have received vaccines. Zimbabwe hopes to start its program using China’s Sinopharm doses this week. Egypt and Equatorial Guinea have also received Sinopharm vaccines from China. South Africa has stated it plans to vaccinate around 40 million people by the end of 2021 although government critics say that goal is unrealistic. At least 380,000 health workers have registered online to receive the first shots as part of the drive to vaccinate the country’s 1.25 million health care workers in the first phase. South Africa is expected to receive an additional 500,000 doses of the J&J vaccine within the next four weeks and has secured 9 million doses of that vaccine and may increase that to 30 million, according to health experts. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/coffee-federation-asks-akufo-addo-gov-t-to-fulfill-promise-video South Africa has also secured 20 million Pfizer vaccines, and might also acquire China’s Sinopharm and Russia’s Sputnik V vaccines, Mkhize has said. He told parliament this week that the country has secured all the vaccines needed to inoculate 67 percent of the population, to achieve herd immunity. Ramaphosa and Mkhize got their jabs publicly “to demonstrate our confidence in this vaccine and help allay any fears that people may have,” Ramaphosa said before his vaccination. The J&J vaccines will be given as a large-scale test, in which no placebo shots will be given and the health and future infections of all participants will be tracked, say, health experts. The vaccine is currently authorized only for tests by South Africa’s regulatory body, meaning Ramapahosa effectively became part of a large-scale study. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/let-anybody-dare-push-me-out-of-ndc-and-we-ll-see-what-will-happen-koku-anyidoho Credit: The Globe And Mail

Former Deputy Attorney General under the Mahama administration Dr Dominic Ayine has been cited for contempt by the Supreme Court over comments he made against the apex court. In a post-trial media interview this week, Ayine said the Supreme Court’s basis for dismissing Mahama’s motion to reopen his case in the ongoing election petition hearing smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday He said: “It is not true that there is only one issue that needs to be determined in this matter. I am surprised that the Supreme Court itself has set down five key issues to be determined is now reducing the issue to one, which is whether the extent to which the evidence that we have led shows that no one got more than 50% of the votes in accordance with Article 63 of the Constitution.” “We have made it abundantly clear in the petition that there were a number of infractions, we are contesting even the constitutionality of the declaration that was made. We are saying that she violated Article 23 because she is an administrative body, we have also said the exercise of discretion was contrary to Article 296 of the Constitution,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec He added: “These are all germane issues under the constitution and laws of Ghana. And to reduce the petition into a single issue petition is rather unfortunate and smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner in this matter”. The seven-member court views those comments as prejudicial and Dr Ayine will be served with the process to start the contempt process by appearing before the court. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Source: Daily Mail GH

The Coffee Federation of Ghana has reminded President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Government to fulfill their promise of increasing investments and transforming the coffee sector in Ghana. In its first engagement with the media, the Federation said it was important that the Government honored its promise so as to help meet the set targets for the sector. President of the Coffee Federation of Ghana, Chief Nathaniel Ebo Nsarku, who made the call on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, in an address delivered to the media in Accra, indicated that at the 2020 Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO) conference held virtually in Accra, President Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that Ghana has a set target of realizing $2 billion by 2030, “and that means farming up to 220,000 hectares of coffee in order to harvest about 900,000 tonnes.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec According to him, the government tree crop policy has identified coffee as one of the six tree crops to be supported to reduce the country’s over-reliance on cocoa. He indicated that the policy was expected to boost the coffee sub-sector to ensure that the crop generates approximately $2 billion in foreign exchange annually. Chief Nsarku indicated that “in this regard, COCOBOD and MMDAs have been tasked to improve access to good planting materials, extension services, and other conditions to help move the sector to the next level. In addition, they are to ensure competitive and growing local market characterized by high demand for the produce, reliable and increasing farm gate prices, increasingly higher farmer motivation and growing interest among the youth.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday According to him, “the Ghanaian coffee sector today presents enormous opportunities for the youth and farmers in general as the new policy direction of government will provide impetus to transform the sector immensely.” As a result, he explained that the needed investments must be in place to help transform the coffee sector. The President observed that currently, Ghana’s coffee production is estimated at about 1.4 tonnes per hectare which for him is far from the target of 4-5 tonnes per hectare. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-praises-adwoa-safo-over-comments-on-lgbt He said there was the need for expediting action on the creation of the division for coffee to facilitate the engagement of actors in the sector towards its transformation. He indicated that “as the Coffee Federation of Ghana, we will want to work directly with COCOBOD since coffee was not included in the Tree Crop Authority.” He explained that the industrialization of coffee was simpler than cocoa, adding that “with coffee, a little support Ghana could process it domestically for consumption.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics Watch the video below: Credit: African Entertainment

Suspended Former Deputy General Secretary for the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho says anyone who dares push him of the NDC, will see what will happen. According to him, those who claim to have suspended him are only bluffing. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-praises-adwoa-safo-over-comments-on-lgbt Mr. Anyidohu said "Let me state unequivocally, nobody, nobody can kick me out of the NDC, let anybody dare push me out of the NDC and we'll see what will happen. Anybody who's attempting is bluffing" He further stressed that he has still not received the much-talked-about suspension letter. 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've not received any letter, I say they are bluffing. All I'm saying is that I will not destroy the NDC, in the same way, we'll work hard to ensure that the legacy of late President Mills and Rawlings and all the cadres who have suffered will not be in vain" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News reaching ThinkNews Online indicates that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Richard Dombo has died after contracting covid-19. It is emerging that the sad incident occurred on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Further checks reveal that Late Dombo was battling with his health after contracting the deadly virus. ThinkNews Online can also confirm that the deceased CEO before being employed as the Railway Authority worked as Operations Manager for Southwest Rail in the United Kingdom (UK). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-praises-adwoa-safo-over-comments-on-lgbt Late Richard Dombo's father was one of the founding fathers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some social media users have taken to their Twitter handles to commend and praise the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection-designate, Sarah Adwoa Safo over her comments on the approval of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) in Ghana. In series of tweets sighted by ThinkNews Online, John Ntim Fordjour MP @NtimFordjour tweeted "The position of Hon Adwoa Safo Minister Designate for Gender, Children & Social Protection on LGBT was brilliant and impressive at vetting today. We cannot watch LGBT glorified in a country whose cultural, religious & legal orientation without ambiguity, abhor LGBT #SayNotoLGBT" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/criminality-on-lgbt-is-non-negotiable-and-our-cultural-practices-frowns-on-it-adwoa-safo-pics King Hyde @kwasia_bi said "Well said Madam Adwoa Safo" B.You by Berla Mundi @berlamundi added "The vetting is over? That was quick!! I think generally, they like Hon. Adwoa Safo" 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 joseph @briljoseph1 also mentioned "I'm against adwoa safo's decision for getting pregnant for ken, a married man but for the fact she's been ridiculed for stating the law against LGBT, I support her, in standing for the truth. In Ghana, we are against the LGBT .. Period. Our laws say so!" No Love Like Mama's Love @UnrepentantGay added "When it comes to LGBT - thieves, corrupt leaders, hardened criminals, et al. all come together to stand against. Just imagine Adwoa Safo...an mp who didn't do shit in her first term, took government scholarship meant for the poor" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks Below are some embed tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Gender, Children & Social Protection-designate, Sarah Adwoa Safo has revealed that the criminality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) is non-negotiable as Ghana's cultural practices frown on it. According to her, the populace cannot watch LGBT be glorified in a country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks Taking her turn at the Appointments Committee in Parliament on Wednesday, she said "Criminality On LGBT Is Non-Negotiable And Our Cultural Practices Frowns On It" She added that when the issue of LGBT, when mentioned, creates some form of controversy adding that Ghana's laws are clear on such practices. 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 "These are two strong stances on the matter. And this is what I stand for" she said. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The concept originated by the Roman Catholics somewhere in the 6th century. Though the exact origin of the day is not clear, the custom of marking the head with ashes on this Day is said to have originated during the papacy of Gregory the Great (590-604). There is no mention of Ash Wednesday in the Bible. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec But there is a tradition of donning ashes as a sign of penitence that predates Jesus. In the Old Testament, Job repents “in dust and ashes,” and there are other associations of ashes and repentance in Esther, Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them. In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in order to replicate the account of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's journey into the desert for 40 days. This is known as one's Lenten sacrifice. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Many Christians also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar, to draw themselves near to God. The Stations of the Cross, a devotional commemoration of Christ's carrying the Cross and of his execution, are often observed. Many Roman Catholic and some Protestant churches remove flowers from their altars, while crucifixes, religious statues, and other elaborate religious symbols are often veiled in violet fabrics in solemn observance of the event. Throughout Christendom, some adherents mark the season with the traditional abstention from the consumption of meat, most notably among Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and Anglicans. 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 Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days, in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, before beginning his public ministry, during which he endured temptation by Satan. Depending on the Christian denomination and local custom, Lent ends either on the evening of Maundy Thursday or at sundown on Holy Saturday, when the Easter Vigil is celebrated. Regardless, Lenten practices are properly maintained until the evening of Holy Saturday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sheila-bartels-others-told-to-concentrate-on-their-disloyal-cheating-husbands-not-side-chicks Credit: News Desk Report

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed a former deputy finance minister, Charles Adu Boahen, to act as his representative at the Ministry of Finance as the minister-designate, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, is away in the United States for medical treatment. Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to be away for, at least, two weeks for medical care as a result of complications he has suffered from treating COVID-19. 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 A letter from the chief of staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare to Mr. Boahen, read: “Pending the absence of the president’s representative at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, I am directed by H. E the President to request that you act as his representative in the Ministry. “This directive is in accordance with section 14 (5) of the Presidential (Transition) Act, Act 845, (2021).” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc “You are to take note of the provision of section 14 (5) which states that you; shall not make a decision involving a policy issue. Also, you are to act in accordance with letter no. SCR/DA555/01 dated 21 December 2020 which gives directives on financial commitments, recruitments among others”. Meanwhile, the finance ministry says Mr. Ofori-Atta is well and in good spirit. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Mr. Ofori-Atta was scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, 16 February 2021. The leadership of Parliament has been duly notified for a new date to be fixed upon his return. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Credit: Pulse

The Leadership of the National Chapters Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak has sent a strong warning to the Board of the club saying if they do not adhere to their demands, the running of the team will be very uncomfortable. According to its Chairman, Elvis Herman Hesse, it is fed up with how the club is being handled adding that the right things must be done. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Herman Hesse said "If the Board fails to adhere to our demands then they should not underestimate us, we are going to make the running of Hearts Of Oak Sporting Club very very uncomfortable." He added that the supporters are fed up with foreign managers stressing that they have not been of any good help to the team. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday “We are demanding that the club will appoint a local coach when it decides to appoint a successor to Kosta Papic. Over the years, we have seen management members appointing expatriates and it didn’t work so we don’t want any more of them,” Mr. Hesse said. Mr. Hesse also explained that "We are ready to die for our dear club today & to die for Hearts of Oak forever!" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Hearts sits at the 11th position on the league table. The Phobians will clash with Ebusua Dwarfs at the Accra Stadium on Sunday. 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 Board is expected to meet later today to address some keys issues affecting the club. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

442gh.com can confirm that Accra Hearts of Oak have lost two more of their working staff as the first team’s Equipment officer Alhassan Abdulrahman and Team driver Julius Abloah joins the list of departing members of staff. Mr. Abdulrahman, who’s worked with the club for close to 2 decades, according to our close sources within the club is leaving because of poor salary by the club. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec The source says, the ‘workaholic’ equipment officer has complained without a number for his salary to be revised, but the club’s management would have non of that. Our investigations reveal the long-serving officer receives just a little above the National Minimum wage as salary, an amount he’s complained about over the years as too low for his duties with the club. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday On his part, driver of the team bus Julius Abloah, who our source said was yet to tender in his resignation letter, did not give the immediate reason for his decision to leave, but its believed to be in connection with the recent ‘crisis’ in the club that has seen the resignation of virtually all members of the technical team. Mr. Abloah, who’s been the club's driver for decades will be the last straw to break the camel’s back’ if he finally tenders in his resignation letter, to mark the end of an era with the current staff of the club. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Hearts of Oak have suffered mass resignation from members of the technical team in the last 2 weeks, citing several reasons for their resignation, many of which are attributed to interference in their job. Credit: 442gh.com

The Ofaakor Circuit Court presided by his Honor Ebenezer Osei Darko has ordered Ghana Police to send Popular Ghanaian actor and comedian Funny Face to Accra Psychiatric Hospital for two weeks. Funny Face was arrested again on Sunday. Per a new video shared on his Instagram handle, the screen icon born Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng was seen seated at the back of a p olice van with an officer beside him. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-was-invited-by-antoa-fameye-confirms He has asked his fans to share the video so that he can be given justice. “GYE NYAME" Jailed again yesterday afternoon .. till dis morning .. being taking to Ofankor circuit court .. GOD is in control ….@funnyfans spread dis video .. justice for funny face”, he wrote. He revealed in the video’s caption that he was picked up yesterday and that he was sent to the Ofankor Circuit Court." he posted READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/richie-and-guru-smokes-peace-pipe-vows-not-to-beef-again Hotfmghana.com is reliably informed that His Honor Ebenezer Osei Darko, who presides over the Ofaakor Circuit Court ordered that the celebrated actor and comedian be sent to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital for two weeks. Credit: Hotfmghana.com