Some scores of Ghanaians have thronged the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to file past the remains of the Late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. Clad in black and white outfits, the public were made to observe the covid-19 protocols before allowed to enter the conference center and file past the body. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday It will be recalled that Late President Rawlings passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on November 12 after a short illness. ThinkNews Online has gathered that aside from the general public, various heads of security agencies, leaders of political parties will also be allowed to file past the body. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc It is also emerging that other volunteer groups will also have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the remains of the Late Head of State. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Frank Lampard will be sacked by Chelsea on Monday less than 24 hours after their FA Cup win over Luton. As the Daily Telegraph first reported, the players were told not to report to the training ground until Monday afternoon. Confirmation could come on Monday as the club take decisive action following a poor run of results in the Premier League. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fella-makafui-drops-her-first-dripping-pictures-to-welcome-2021-pictures Chelsea beat Championship side Luton 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday but the win doesn't seem to have spared Lampard from the chop with his team a lowly ninth in the league table. A dreadful run of league form has seen the Blues lose five of their last eight Premier League matches, leaving them well out of the title picture. The slump in form led to mounting pressure on Stamford Bridge favourite Lampard. It came after Lampard said the win over Luton on Sunday would 'bring a nice air of positivity' to the club. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/spotlight-on-fella-moesha-and-hajia-bintu-who-amongst-them-rocked-it-better-in-2020 He said: 'People will look very closely at the moment but I need to see a bigger picture. This was an important result because it brings a nice air of positivity to the club. We want to win more points in the league. That's where we are at. 'It's nice for us in the short term, the scrutiny on a club like this is normal. When you're off it slightly the only focus should only be on changing the form. We just go again.' Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked as Paris Saint-Germain manager in December, is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Lampard at Stamford Bridge. Max Allegri also features highly among the favourites. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fan-tattoos-fella-makafui-s-face-on-his-back Lampard is only 18 months into his time as Chelsea manager. He steered them to a fourth-place finish last season and also to the final of the FA Cup. But despite the massive investment of £222million in new players, they have been unable to mount a challenge at the top of the table. The current seasons started promisingly enough, with Chelsea embarking on a 14-match unbeaten run through the autumn and making serene progress through their Champions League group. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/an-encounter-with-a-pastor-discouraged-me-from-going-to-church-fella-makafui-opens-up But a 1-0 defeat at Everton on December 12 marked the start of a dismal league run that included losses to Wolves, Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester to all but end their title chances. Lampard's iconic status from his playing days means his sacking will split opinion among the Chelsea fanbase. There was a banner in support of the former midfielder hung from the upper tier of the Shed on Sunday. More to follow….

Social Media Influencer, Precious Frimpong known in showbiz as Fella Makafui has opened up on why she has refused to go to church. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, Fella Makafui said "I had an encounter with a pastor which discouraged me from going to church" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fella-makafui-drops-her-first-dripping-pictures-to-welcome-2021-pictures According to her, the unfortunate incident made her lose hope adding she doubts whether she will go back. Fella Makafui made this known after she shared her thoughts on how Gospel Musician Cecelia Marfo snatched a microphone from Joyce Blessing at an all-night service. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/spotlight-on-fella-moesha-and-hajia-bintu-who-amongst-them-rocked-it-better-in-2020 The Veteran Gospel Musician ordered Joyce Blessing to go back to her marriage. The action by Cecelia Marfo left the internet buzzing with its users sharing mixed reactions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fan-tattoos-fella-makafui-s-face-on-his-back Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Military on Sunday held a solemn vigil in memory of the Late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings in Accra. The vigil saw lots of Military officers in sad and quiet moods reflecting on the Late He's of State. It will be recalled that death laid it's icy hands on Ghana's longest serving President on November 12, 2020 after a short illness. His death did not only shock the Military fraternity but other security agencies, the nation and the world at large. In attendance at the vigil were some top hierarchy in the Military service. The Late Flt. Lt. Rawlings was 73 years. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A student (Name Withheld) of the Casford Hall in the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region has surprised his girlfriend with his cooking skills after he prepared 'Kokonte', a Ghanaian dish for her and her roommates in her hostel. In the video which has gone viral, the supposed girlfriend was heard saying “Aww…I’m recording so I can learn it” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding The roommates on the other hand could not hide their joy as they kept on screaming saying the young man was romantic. One of them even used the opportunity to tell one of the girls that she would die of hunger because her boyfriend is not able to cook as the one in the video can. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Basic School Teacher at the Nsadwir M/A Basic School, Oguaa in the Central Region, Nana Kojo Butler has left the internet buzzing after he surprisingly painted his classroom with his own allowance. According to sources, the move was part of his benevolent way of welcoming his pupils after they were driven home by the covid-19 pandemic. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The gesture which has been described by many as generous has received mixed reactions on social media. In an Instagram post by Crabbie Media, an Events & Artistes Media Relations and sighted by ThinkNews Online, it read "Meet Nana Kojo Butler, a basic school teacher from Cape Coast Oguaa. He bought paint with his professional allowance he received and repainted his classroom just to make teaching and learning attractive for his pupils. He's a teacher at Nsadwir M/A Basic School. 👏👏👏" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america See the picture below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Several Sandema market traders in the Builsa North Municipality of Upper East Region are not adhering to the COVID-19 protocols. When the Ghana News Agency visited the market on Wednesday, a market day, to ascertain the level of compliance by the traders with the protocols, it was observed that most people were without face masks. While others had theirs hanging on their chins as they went about their businesses. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Market women were seen chatting among themselves as they sold their foodstuffs and other goods to customers with less attention to the health protocols. There were no hand washing facilities either at the entrances to the market or within the market. The situation was not different at the main lorry and tricycle stations. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Mr Joseph Ali, the Vice Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, said the members did not adhere to the protocols, especially the use of face masks, even though the Paramount Chief of the Area, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow, had presented several face masks to them. “You have given me work to do, it has not occurred to me that my members were not using the masks. From now on, I will ensure they use the masks,” he told the GNA. The GNA also observed that most of the residents had their masks in their pockets and bags, and only used them when they were to enter public institutions, like the Builsa Community Bank Limited and the Sandema Hospital, where there were strict monitoring to ensure compliance. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc In the Builsa North Municipality, according to a situation report from the GHS dated January 14, 2021, two persons both females, tested positive to the virus out of 31 suspected cases tested. Out of the number, 25 also turned negative while four results were pending. Credit: GNA

The Real Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane, has tested positive for covid-19, the club reported this Friday, although "he is fine, " added his second, David Bettoni, at a press conference, who will lead the team on Saturday against Alavés. "Real Madrid CF communicates that our coach Zinedine Zidane has given a positive result in covid-19," said the merengue club in a brief statement, without giving further details. Shortly after, Bettoni appeared at a press conference in his place, assuring that "I spoke with the coach this morning and he is fine." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Bettoni will be in charge of replacing Zidane on the merengue bench on Saturday in Vitoria (Basque Country, north) in the LaLiga match of the 20th match against Alavés. However, the second Real Madrid coach seemed to hint at the possibility of Zidane being in remote contact with the team for the match. "For tomorrow he will not be with us physically during the game, but he will be with us to support the players, give his energy and help everyone," said Bettoni, who assured that the coach is "a little sad" for not to be with their players. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Contact with a positive Zidane's positive comes after he had to stay in isolation on January 7 for having been in contact with a person who tested positive for covid-19. The technician then gave "negative in an antigen test" according to club sources. The next day, the Merengue coach tested negative in a PCR test and was able to attend the LaLiga match against Osasuna in Pamplona on January 10 (0-0) normally. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The coach continued to lead his team normally last week, in which Real Madrid lost in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Bilbao. Zidane was also present in Alcoy on Wednesday in the round of 32 matches of the Copa del Rey, which the white team lost to the modest Alcoyano in extra time (2-1). The French coach was also conducting the training of his team normally on Thursday in the Real Madrid sports city, on the outskirts of the Spanish capital. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Zidane joins the list of Real Madrid members affected by the coronavirus such as the Brazilians Militao and Casemiro, or the Belgian star Eden Hazard, who already surpassed him at the time. This week the coach of the merengue branch, the former striker Raúl González Blanco, also tested positive for covid-19. Zidane will now miss the match against Alavés, but depending on how his contagion evolves, he may miss another game. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding In the immediate term, Real Madrid has to host Levante on January 30 and will visit Huesca on February 6 in two LaLiga matches. Credit: tribunanoticias.mx

Nigerian Musician Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, known in showbiz as Zlatan Ibile, has tattooed a portrait picture of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on his left chest. In a post sighted by ThinkNews Online, the Lagos-based rapper took to his Instagram page and shared a photo of his bare-chested which had the portrait tattoo of Ghana's Former President, Kwame Nkrumah. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Although the Musician didn't explain the rationale behind the tattoo, most of his followers say, it is his style way of honoring the Ghanaian revolutionary who led his country into independence. On Instagram, he wrote "Dr kwame Nkrumah ❤️ 🇬🇭" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The gesture has received lots of mixed reactions from his followers around the world. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News reaching ThinkNews Online indicates that an advisor to President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Kwame Amoako Tuffour has died of covid-19. According to sources, Late Dr. Tuffour passed away at the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc It is emerging that Late Dr. Tuffour was a Founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and also the former National Coordinator of the School Feeding Programme. ThinkNews Online can confirm that the Late NPP Stalwart happens to be part of the several high profile personalities who have died as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Ghana's active cases stand at 2,178 while 358 people have died. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Senior Staff of Asheshi University, Berekusu, Madam Frances Awua-Kyerematen is reported dead after she contracting covid-19. Frances Awua-Kyerematen was the Associate Director of Students Life and Engagement at the prestigious university. According to a Daily Guide report, some friends and loved ones took to social media to pour out their tributes to their departed friend. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding The numerous posts suggest that the deceased passed away on January 15, 2021, a few days after she celebrated her 40th birthday. “The late Awua-Kyerematen worked as a coach, counselor, and advisor, and first joined Ashesi’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office in 2017. At the Financial Aid Office, she helped identify and recruit students into Ashesi and joined the Office of Students and Community Affairs in 2019,” the report said. Her sudden death has come as a shock to so many, including friends, students, staff, and faculty of Ashesi University. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Also, Dora Baah, a Junior High School teacher at the Ghana International School (GIS) has reportedly died from the novel Coronavirus. Reports say she died over the weekend. Authorities at the GIS are believed to have confirmed her death to parents and stakeholders of the school. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Credit: Daily Guide

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reduced the number of ministries in his second term to 29, from 36. A report by the state-owned newspaper, Daily Graphic, states that the number of ministers, deputy ministers and regional ministers to be appointed will not exceed 85. “The list of qualified Ghanaians who will serve as ministers and deputy ministers in President Akufo-Addo’s second term will be released this week as soon as Parliament constitutes its Appointments Committee. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec “The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, told the Daily Graphic in Accra Tuesday [Jan 19, 2021] that the list, which would be printed on green sheets in the form of a statement, would contain a mixture of both old and new ministers, but the number would certainly not go beyond 85, as against the 126 in the first term,” the report reads. Arhin added that the list would exclude former MPs who were appointed ministers or deputy ministers but who could not secure re-election in the 2020 parliamentary elections. He said those people had automatically lost the opportunity to be appointed again to any ministerial position. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday "This means that over 40 ministers and deputy ministers in the first Akufo-Addo administration who lost their parliamentary seats will not find themselves in the new government." Meanwhile, the president has made new acting appointments to his office for his second term who shall “undertake their duties in acting capacities, subject to consultation with the yet-to-be constituted Council of State”. The latest appointment by the president was announced in a press release signed by Eugene Arhin, who has been retained as Director of Communications. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The list has some of the old appointees in the president’s first term retaining their positions with some new faces brought on board. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare will still be the Chief of Staff; Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President; and Brigadier-General Emmanuel Okyere, National Security Advisor still hold their old portfolios. Saratu Atta will also stay as a Personal Assistant to the President. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Lord Commey continues in his former role as Director of Operations. Mercy Debrah-Karikari also retains her position as Secretary to the Cabinet. Under new appointments, Dr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah will be replacing the late Victor Newman as Director of Research. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman (a.k.a Carlos von Brazi) and Fawaz Aliu have been appointed as new Deputy Chiefs of Staff to replace Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Aboagye who have been elected Members of Parliament. Other new appointees are Kow Essuman, Legal Counsel to the President; Michael Ofori-Atta, Director for ECOWAS and Regional Integration and Sam Ellis, Director of Personnel. Credit: Ghanaweb