News coming in indicates that 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) of Ghana's Parliament have tested positive for covid-19 in the country. According to sources, 56 other Parliamentary Staff have also contracted the virus. It will be recalled that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin threatened to reveal the identity of the MPs who have contracted the virus if they do not stop coming to the chamber. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The Speaker also added that due to some MPs contracting the virus, the house will sit twice a week to help reduce the spread of the pandemic. ThinkNews Online can confirm that Parliament is at the moment using its temporal structure as meeting grounds. It believes it will help reduce the spread of the covid. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture However, the Members of Parliament have challenged the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin saying he has no right to disclose their medical report. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A total of twenty-nine (29 ) persons made up of 26 students and 3 teachers have tested positive for COVID-19 at Akosombo International School (AIS) in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region. This was after results of mass testing of students, teaching and non-teaching staff in school trickled in. Starr News sources indicate that the infected students and teachers have been quarantined in a hotel at Akosombo for management of their cases. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture The Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr Winfred Ofosu confirmed the situation but did not disclose the name of the school adding that the Regional Health Directorate was yet to be furnished with a detailed report from the Asuogyaman District Health Directorate. Ghana’s COVID-19 death toll has now hit 433, according to the latest figures by the Ghana Health Service. A total of 777 new COVID-19 cases have also been recorded, shooting up the active cases to 5,786. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos 497 persons have also recovered from the disease bringing the total number of recoveries to 62,340. Currently, Ghana has 126 and 46 persons in severe and critical conditions respectively. A total of 788,526 tests have been conducted since the outbreak. Credit: Starr Fm

Tarkwa-based Medeama SC today pipped Accra Hearts of Oak, 1-0 at the Akoon Park to claim the 3 maximum points in the ongoing Ghana Premier League. Medeama SC wasted most of the goal-scoring opportunities doing the game. After an abysmal performance against Karela United over the weekend, Coach Samuel Boadu charged his men to use today's game to revive the team's image. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/prudential-bank-s-hr-naa-adoley-ankrah-dies-from-covid-19 The Tarkwa side paraded Eric Kwakwa, Richard Boadu, Justice Blay, and Rashid Nortey in the midfield making it difficult for the Continental Club Masters to play the game. Medeama SC has their solid defender, Daniel Egyin replaced by Baba Musa Abdulai after he was suspended. Coming into this game as wounded lions, the Phobians were confident of securing the three points but their sloppy and lackadaisical play caused Hearts of Oak to lose its second game in a row. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos Goalkeeper Richard Attah was asked to return to the goal post after he lost his position in week 5 to Richmond Ayi. The Phobians were without their captain Abdul Fatawu Mohammed and star player, Patrick Razak. Although it was a fierce contest, the first half of the game did not produce much for the supporters to be happy about. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture However, the men from Tarkwa found the back of the net through their talesman, Justice Blay in the 50th minute of the game. Hearts of Oak did all it could but Medeama SC matched them boot-for-booth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Authority at its extraordinary session held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, gave President Akufo-Addo the nod to serve another one-year term as Chair of the Sub Regional body. The Authority made this known in a press statement. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture “To this end, the Authority calls on His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Republic of Ghana with the support of the Ministerial Ad hoc Committee on institutional reforms to lead a reflection on the issues and a report on this point be submitted to the ordinary session of the Authority to be held in June 2021. To that effect, a consensus emerged from the heads of state and governments that His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo continues for a second term as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority to oversee the implementation of the reforms.” “The heads of state and governments expressed sincere appreciation to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chair of ECOWAS Authority of heads of state and governments for his leadership in steering the affairs of the community.” When was Akufo-Addo first elected? President Akufo Addo was appointed ECOWAS Chair in October 2020 at an ECOWAS meeting in Niger on September 7, 2020. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos He was unanimously elected to take over the mantle of leadership from the President of Niger, His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou, for a period of one year. President Akufo-Addo in his acceptance speech said “Excellencies, I am fully aware of the challenges which confront West Africa. Past leaders of ECOWAS have demonstrated their collective will and determination to drive the agenda of regional integration, opening up our economic frontiers, encouraging healthy competition amongst the Member States, and ensuring that we adhere to our formative principles,” he said. The President continued, “As much as considerable progress has been made since the establishment of ECOWAS, some forty-five (45) years ago, we are all agreed that there is much more to be done to consolidate the socio-economic and political gains made over the years.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/prudential-bank-s-hr-naa-adoley-ankrah-dies-from-covid-19 Credit: Citinewsroom

Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard bagged a brace on his West Ham debut, becoming the club's first player to do so in 23 years. It's no wonder the notoriously dour David Moyes cracked one of the biggest smiles of his career at the end of West Ham’s 3-1 defeat of Aston Villa. Having packed off expensive failure Sebastien Haller in the transfer window, he watched Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard score twice on his debut, becoming the first player to do so for West Ham since Trevor Sinclair in 1998. Lingard, making his first Premier League start all season, has now scored just one goal fewer than Haller managed in 16 outings this season and his joy was palpable. “I was smiling before the game, during the game…I just love football and enjoy playing," Lingard said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec It’s been a long time. I enjoyed myself and came out with two goals and three points, which was the most important thing. Lingard had some good fortune with Villa keeper Emi Martinez having a terrible night. Martinez was soft in trying to keep out Lingard’s first while the second goes down as a howler, with Lingard having struck the ball straight at the former Arsenal keeper. Moyes had called for patience before the game, saying Lingard’s lack of game time – he’s only featured three times in any competition this season – would count against him. The former Man United manager didn’t have to be patient for long. “That’s a lovely night for Jesse Lingard,” Chelsea legend Andy Townsend said in a commentary on Optus Sport. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday “There’s a talented boy there. He lost his way at Man United. In some ways it’s understandable, there are an of talented players there and he’s not in United's best XI. “He played very well tonight and gave a reminder to one or two that he can play.” Lingard combined well with Michail Antonio to fashion a shot from the right of the box after Villa had cut the Hammers lead to 2-1 midway through the second half. “Excellent work from Antonio and Lingard but this one’s down to the goalkeeper,” said Townsend. “It’s hit straight at him and he’s got to save that. Martinez has been so good this season, such a good signing, but tonight hasn’t been one of his better games and that one, in particular, he won’t like. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc “That’s a routine stop for a goalkeeper of his class. But credit Jesse Lingard, you take a chance and it can happen. He’s enjoyed his night.” Jesse for England? “We worked hard as a collective to get the result and we’re just focused on the next game," said Lingard, who did not look like a player who had been with the team for less than a week. He linked well with Antonio - who provided him with two assists - and Saïd Benrahma. “The team has been great with me and I’ve settled in quickly,” Lingard said. “I know some familiar faces, which has helped, and as long as we work hard on the training ground and on matchday [we’ll get more results like this]. “In training, we’ve had that connection as well and I feel like I’ve bedded in quickly, so come the matchday it’s easy to play with Michail. As a team and as a collective we worked hard and that showed.” Lingard played the last of his 24 England internationals almost two years ago, and while Townsend said a return looked unlikely thanks to the form of James Maddison, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden among others, Moyes raised the idea in his post-match interview. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america "It’s a great start for Jesse Lingard and a great start for us because the confidence it gives us seeing people come in and make a difference and help the team is huge," said Moyes. "You’ve got to remember he was an England international not so long ago. He’s still young enough to get back to that and I tell you what, he showed some qualities tonight. "I think people felt they could give him the ball and trust him with it, whether he was going to turn or play one-touch or make things happen. "We know he has a goal threat about him as well and he was capable of adding to the team. "We’re trying to keep ourselves hungry and energetic. We might not always play well, but we’ll have a team the supporters will always come and see running around and giving everything, so let’s hope that continues." Moyes added: “If he keeps that form up then it might be Gareth coming knocking again. “He will have his own ambitions and challenges to show people he is at a level and he showed a really good level, Ross Barkley is very much the same for Villa. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding “There are a lot of people who are pushing hard to make the England squad for the Euros and why shouldn’t Jesse push if he’s in the form he is in tonight? “If he keeps playing as well as he did he will do a brilliant job for West Ham and if he keeps going like that then he’ll get back into the England squad. I hope he can get back to that standard.” How West Ham's game has changed West Ham moved into fifth – just two points behind Liverpool who lost to Brighton at Anfield. Villa is ninth, a point behind eighth-placed Chelsea but with a game in hand, and face a difficult program ahead. “The games are relentless, coming in so thick and fast you don’t have time to dwell on the positive results or a disappointing one,” said Townsend. “Villa have to take it on the chin. They haven’t really got up to speed tonight. “The sharpness and combinations in their forward play just weren’t there.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture Townsend was impressed with the Hammers' defensive efforts, suggesting they had improved significantly in that area this season. “It’s been a very good defensive display,” said Townsend. “Ogbonna has been really good all season. Dawson tonight again has been solid. Cresswell superb, never really threatened. Declan Rice as ever composed in possession. And they’ve had a bit of menace in their forward play tonight. “They’ve worked hard all night - pressurized Villa into mistakes. “Whenever they’ve had a chance to hunt the ball down they’ve done it in numbers, in packs and I’m very impressed with the way they’ve done that. It’s not something you’ve always associated with West Ham, that real off the ball work rate. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/prudential-bank-s-hr-naa-adoley-ankrah-dies-from-covid-19 “They’ve always had talented boys and able to do it occasionally, but it’s been a real consistent thread running through this game – whenever they’ve gone out of possession they’ve got the ball back quickly and if they can’t get it back they keep a nice solid shape and are hard to play through. They’ve got a nice balance with their defensive work." Credit: Optus Sport

News coming in indicates that the head of Human Resource at the Prudential Bank, Naa Adoley Ankrah has died after contracting covid-19. According to sources, Late Naa Ankrah passed on at the Nyaho Clinic while receiving treatment on February 2, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture ThinkNews Online has gathered that the Late Naa Ankrah contracted the virus at her brother's 50th birthday party. She adds to the tall list of high-profiled personalities who have died after contracting the covid-19. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos Ghana's cases currently stand at 67,782 while 424 persons have lost their lives. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

ThinkNews Online can confirm that 18 people have lost their lives in a ghastly accident that occurred at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region. According to sources, although 18 lives were lost, some 45 others are also battling for survival as they are in critical condition. Although the cause of the ghastly accident is unknown, police in the region say the accident occurred at Sarekyekura near Fufulso on the Buipe-Tamale Highway READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture The dead people include 14 men, 3 women, and a young girl. The 45 other passengers who are battling for their lives have sustained various degrees of injuries. Sources say the Buipe Polyclinic and Holistic Medicare Hospital are currently housing the injured while the remains of the dead have been deposited at the Tamale Teaching Hospital Mortuary. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-quamina-mp-survives-ghastly-accident-video Speaking to the media, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Savannah Regional Police, Adjekum Owusu, confirmed that the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday dawn, February 3, 2021. He said "Drivers of the Yutong buses with registration numbers GT 3345-16 and AC 1699-20 with about 45 persons onboard each are yet to be identified. The buses were traveling from Kumasi to Zebila and from Garu to Kumasi. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Information Minister-designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has revealed that Ghana’s limited resources make it almost impossible to actually fund the creative arts industry in the country. According to him, a different approach should be used to help raise the level of Ghana’s creative arts industry. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-tested-positive-for-covid19-israel-laryea Speaking on an Accra-based television station, he said “I think we can do with a lot more support and injection but if you look at the limited resource base of the country, when we chop it up, creative arts gets very little. If the country finds innovative ways of raising money and setting up funds for people with talents and ideas to tap into those funds and fuel their ideas and be able to pay back because of the global markers that exist, it will create a lot more jobs and give room for people to be a lot more expressive about their talent and will be able to move the Ghanaian Afrocentric conversation into global levels” He added that it is definitely not going to be easy getting enough funds with this strategy but we can only hope for a better Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/20-pupils-have-tested-postive-for-covid-19-in-greater-accra-dr-kuma-aboagye Credit: SARKNATIVESGH

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has honoured the President’s representative at the Ministry of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his contribution towards education in Ghana and particularly for leading the rollout of the Free SHS programme. The delegation was led by the NUGS President, Mr Isaac Hyde, and included representatives from NUGS’ constituent bodies such as University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) and the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG). The various constituent bodies also presented citations to him. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/family-announces-date-for-sir-john-s-funeral Decorating Dr Prempeh with a sash and presenting him with a citation, Mr Hyde reiterated his immense contribution to Ghanaian education during his tenure as Minister for Education. He recounted, in particular, the securitization of GETFund revenues to fund infrastructure and COVID-19 support and interventions in education. Mr Hyde also recalled the Free SHS programme which has provided an immense opportunity to many children who would otherwise not be able to access SHS education. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-have-moved-my-family-because-kennedy-agyapong-wants-to-burn-down-my-dansoman-house-ibrah-one It was for this reason that NUGS had decided to confer on him the status of ‘Dr. Free SHS’, in recognition of his role in the rollout of the programme. Dr Prempeh expressed his deep appreciation for the kind gesture by NUGS and its constituent bodies and emphasized that the government of President Akufo-Addo came into office in 2017 as evangelists to preach their manifesto. Particularly on Free SHS, he stated that there were lots of doubts, but that the government was prepared to ‘walk the talk’ and remained focused. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/internet-goes-wild-as-silhouettechallange-clocks-90-million-views-videos He also expressed his delight that he was leaving office with one NUGS, as opposed to a fragmented one, in place, and recalled his own experience as a NUGS leader back in university. He encouraged NUGS to foster its relationships among its constituent bodies and also with government, urging them to avoid partisanship when engaging on national issues. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-did-not-personally-speak-to-jean-mensa-kpessa-whyte-confesses See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Son of Business Mogul, Osei Kwame Despite, Kennedy Osei and his wife Tracy have welcome and outdoor their beautiful twins. In an Instagram post sighted by Thinknews Online, the couple showed their kids to the gathering and the world. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-have-moved-my-family-because-kennedy-agyapong-wants-to-burn-down-my-dansoman-house-ibrah-one The event saw celebrities such as Sarkodie, Fadda Dickson, Abeiku Santana among other great personalities gracing the occasion. Kennedy and his Tracy became the talk of the town when their wedding #Kency2020 took Ghana by surprise. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/family-announces-date-for-sir-john-s-funeral The marriage ceremony was tagged the most expensive Ghanaian event. See the video and pictures below: Story by: News Desk Report

I tested positive for #COVID19. This was after a colleague named me as a contact. I immediately had to get my sample taken and tested. This was Wednesday, January 27, 2021. I quarantined in the outhouse at home and only accessed the main building when it was necessary. When I did, I made sure I sanitized anything I touched, especially the door handles. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-have-moved-my-family-because-kennedy-agyapong-wants-to-burn-down-my-dansoman-house-ibrah-one Being in the outhouse was kind of lonely – even though comfortable and had everything I needed. I missed my wife Louisa. We spent the nights chatting away on phone, as if we were just starting to date. I had no symptoms except for an initial mild headache and fever. I’ve always kept my mask on in public, especially in the office and have continued to do so. Fortunately, I did not lose my sense of taste nor smell. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/family-announces-date-for-sir-john-s-funeral Do I know how I may have been infected? I have a few suspicions. When I had to resume work physically to the office after working from home for a few months at the height of the pandemic, I didn’t take chances at all. I packed my meals and drink to the office from home and had my lunch in my car. No canteens, no restaurants and no eating together with colleagues. I wouldn’t let a “stranger” drive my car to even repark it, because I was scared of possible contamination. I stopped going to the make-up room. I made-up myself before going on air. I sanitized my hands and space before I took off my mask in the studio. I stopped going to the barber. He rather came home. I ensured he washed his hands, disinfected and had his mask on. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/internet-goes-wild-as-silhouettechallange-clocks-90-million-views-videos Admittedly, after a significant decline in the number of cases though, I eased my strict preventive protocols somewhat and visited the office canteen. I ate in restaurants even though I tried to keep a good distance away from people. I allowed others to repark my car in the office and took off my mask to have a drink or a snack at my desk when I was alone. So yeah, I dropped my guard in quite a few instances, making it difficult to determine at which point I got infected. Fortunately, the rest of my household tested negative – that’s Louisa my wife and Mitch my middle son, who is the only child currently at home, schooling online, as the other two are in boarding school. I do not have any other contacts to name as I ensured to keep my mask on in the presence of others to prevent a spread. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-did-not-personally-speak-to-jean-mensa-kpessa-whyte-confesses Keeping your mask on shows you’re being responsible. Stay away from crowds, wash your hands frequently and use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer when there are no wash facilities. Thank God for His grace. May His grace be upon you too should you become exposed. But perhaps if you strictly adhere to the protocols, that grace will be sufficient for you. #SurvivingCOVID19 READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/20-pupils-have-tested-postive-for-covid-19-in-greater-accra-dr-kuma-aboagye Credit: Israel Laryea

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has stated that he did not receive any communication from the President prior to the release of the 11 appointees nominated for the Council of State yesterday. This, he stated constitutes a breach of Articles 89(2) of the 1992 Constitution. This follows the publication of some names for appointments unto the Council of State by the Acting Director of Communications at the Presidency released a statement Monday detailing the names of appointees to the Council. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-have-moved-my-family-because-kennedy-agyapong-wants-to-burn-down-my-dansoman-house-ibrah-one The names on the list include former Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, former Chief of Defence Staff General J. B. Danquah and former Inspector General of Police Nana Owusu Nsiah among others. But before the commencement of public business in the House on Tuesday, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu indicated that the statement from the Communication Directorate is an aberration of the Constitution as no such consultations had been done with Parliament. Citing 89(2) which states that “The Council of State shall consist of a) following persons appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament”, the Tamale South MP stressed that appointments of this nature is a shared responsibility between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/family-announces-date-for-sir-john-s-funeral “… But Mr Speaker, no formal communication from the President, yet there is announcement in the air. We can’t follow those announcements. “So Mr Speaker, the President’s handlers must know that before they go to the media, you are officially notified. The purpose of this House is to know the important decisions the President is taking so that the President can work with Parliament as an arm of government,” he said. However, Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markins disagreed with his colleague on the other side’s position. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/internet-goes-wild-as-silhouettechallange-clocks-90-million-views-videos He argued that the Executive does not seek to undermine the authority of Parliament as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs insinuate. The Effutu MP further asked: “Is the consultation so to mean a formal letter to you [the Speaker] or an engagement? Since in any event the provision the Article further states individuals who can be appointed to the Council of State,” he stated. After listening to the argument on the floor, Mr Bagbin confirmed that indeed the President has not consulted him, as the leader of the House concerning the names that have been published. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-did-not-personally-speak-to-jean-mensa-kpessa-whyte-confesses In that regard, he announced that a message will be conveyed to the Office of the President for the appropriate thing to be done. “The Speaker is not Parliament, if there has been any such practice, I will not follow a wrong practice. The consultation is supposed to be with Parliament and you chaired by the Speaker constitute Parliament and so even if there is a communication in whatever form to me even if it’s verbal, I would have to convey it to you. “I have not received any communication from the President in this respect. Neither verbal nor written, formal or informal. And so the Minority Leader is right in drawing the attention of the House to this, and I will direct that this be conveyed to the Office of the President that the proper thing is done,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/20-pupils-have-tested-postive-for-covid-19-in-greater-accra-dr-kuma-aboagye Credit: Myjoyonline.com