Popular Television Show Host, Cynthia Tima Yeboah known in the media Industry as Tima Kumkum has confessed that she is not happy being single. In an interview on the Delay show, Tima Kumkum said "I am not happy because I need a man in my life" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding She added that although she is living a good Christian life, she feels, it is about time, she settles down and build her home with her husband. Ms. Yeboah who is a mother of two said "Sometimes, when my colleagues do something against me at work, I feel like calling someone and report the incident to but who do call" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Cynthia Tima Yeboah is currently the host of popular tv show, Kumkum Bhagya on Adom Tv. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

An alleged baby trafficking syndicate has been busted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Medical and Dental Council after an investigation. According to the Executive Director of EOCO, Frank Adu Poku, the buying and selling of babies have been on the radar of the crime office for a while and has so far resulted in the arrested of at least 10 suspects. These suspects are said to be doctors, nurses, social welfare workers, traditional birth attendants, and mothers who operated in various hospitals in the Greater Accra Region. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec “Medical and Dental Council and Economic and Organised Crime Office have been investigating the activities of some medical practitioners and other individuals who were suspected to be engaging in an illegal act of baby harvesting and human trafficking. “As a result of this investigation, two doctors, four nurses, two social welfare workers, a traditional birth attendant, and two mothers have been arrested so far,” he stated. Unfortunately, medical practitioners who are entrusted with the responsibility of providing assistance to mothers and their newly born babies have gone back on their Hippocratic oaths and are selling babies as a business venture. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Mr Adu Poku recounted a transaction of a month old baby boy on December 31, 2020, by a doctor with the 37 Military Hospital. He is said to have been arrested at his private health facility, Susan Clinic located at Latebiokoshi where he allegedly sold the baby boy for an amount of GH₵30,000. Mr Quashie was arrested with 3 nurses who worked with his facility. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc In a similar case, somewhere at the Tema General Hospital, a mother was about to be separated from her newly born baby boy forever by a medical practitioner. Her baby boy was sold for an amount of GH₵ 28,000 by a social welfare officer at the Tema General Hospital, Mr. Leonard Agbley. According to JoyNews’ Manuel Koranteng who was secretly embedded in one of the operations, he observed that Mr. Agbley had already taken GH₵10,000 as a deposit for the baby from a woman who was in need of a baby. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Unbeknownst to him, the woman was an undercover officer with EOCO. While the JoyNews team filmed from a distance, Mr. Agbley went with the female undercover agent to her car to collect the money. Upon reaching the vehicle, a group of security men arrested him and recovered the baby. Upon further interrogation, Mr. Agbley revealed that he was working together with a nurse identified as Nancy as well as the Head of Social Welfare at the hospital, identified as Aunty Doris, who bolted when she heard of the arrest of her conspirators. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding Thankfully, the two babies who were bought have so far been rescued by the team of investigators and returned to their mothers. Source: Myjoyonline

The Managing Director of fast-rising financial institution Best Point Savings and Loans, Philip Odei Asare has reportedly passed on from Covid-19 complications, MyNewsGh.com has learned. While further details of his death have been kept under wraps, his family and friends have been thrown into a state of mourning. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec With the death of this prominent banker who was receiving treatment at one of the designated hospitals for the treatment of Covid-19, it has suddenly hit home to many Ghanaians that Covid-19 is real and not a joke. The late Phillip Odei Asare reportedly had no underlying conditions and was healthy when the virus struck him dead. He was also reportedly very strict in the enforcement of Covid-19 protocols among his staff and at home with his family. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday His profile Philip Odei Asare was a professional accountant (ICA-GH, 2001) with over twenty years’ experience in Commercial Banking, Investment Banking Regulations, and Financial Services industry. He held an MBA (2003) and BA (1994) degrees from the University of Ghana. Employed by FINCA Microfinance Holdings, Washington D.C, Philip was seconded to FINCA Zambia (a financial services company) as CEO and later as the Acting CEO. Prior to FINCA Zambia, Philip was the Senior Vice President for Finance at The Royal Bank Limited, where he led the Bank’s financial management and Strategy function. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc In a previous role, as a Group Head for Risk Management, Access Bank, Ghana, Philip led the risk management work-stream during the execution of the business combination/merger of Access Bank and Inter-Continental Bank Group, after the former had acquired the latter. Prior to the Risk Management Role, Philip also played the role of Group Head, Commercial and Consumer Banking for Access Bank, Ghana where he led the execution of the Bank’s Commercial and Consumer banking strategy. Before joining Access Bank Ghana in 2010, Philip played the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer for Opportunity International Savings & Loans Limited (OISL). Prior to the role of CEO, Philip was the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO of OISL. He also worked for the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Ghana for 8 years during which period he undertook several assignments relating to bank examination and reviews. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Credit: Mynewsgh

The death of popular Slay Queen Ama Broni is one thing that has generated a lot of reactions on social media. Instead of enjoying all the buzz whiles, she was alive,  Ama Broni rather became an internet sensation after her infamous demise which has been described and labeled by a lot of netizens as a “stupid death”. READ ALSO:https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/akufo-addo-set-to-shut-down-seven-7-ministries-set-up-in-2017 Some people are of the view that she will also be brutally whipped and punished by “Hades” locally known as “Smoky” for traveling into the land of the dead on such a disgusting note if everything that is being speculated about her death is true. Rumors surrounding Ama Broni’s death are countless and can be compared to pubic hairs. Whiles some believe she died as a result of excess fingering from either one of her partners, others have also speculated in their footnotes that the hardcore slay queen died after she mysteriously got electrocuted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding The leader and founder of Ebenezer Miracle Center; Prophet Ebenezer Yiadom popularly known as Opambour amidst the numerous rumors submitted that Ama Broni was from the marine world. According to the popular man of God, the death of Ama Broni shouldn’t be a shock to the masses because she had completed the task “Maame Water” had assigned her to do on earth and that it was time for her to sign out. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america The controversial and outspoken man of God added that Ama Broni’s death should be a classic deterrent to the youths who engage in all sorts of ill-famed lifestyles just so that they can get to the top in life. As counseled by Opambour, the youths should seek salvation and start serving God diligently before it’s too late for them since there is a reward for everyone in whatsoever they do. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc As it stands, one can only wish that her soul rests in peace. Watch the last video of Ama Broni before she died: Credit: Buzz News

Veteran Ghanaian Musician, Belinda Nana Akua Amoah, known in showbiz as Mzbel on Thursday morning clashed with the Ga Traditional Council on live radio over some comments she made on an Accra-based television station last week Saturday. It is emerging that following the comments made by Mzbel, the spokesperson for the Ga Traditional Council was phoned for both parties to iron out issues and make peace, however, it turned out bloody. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/naa-ye-we-is-a-fraudster-mzbel-reveals-video The Spokesperson for the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Quay in his submission said "The words of Mzbel has triggered the gods and it was so wrong for her to have said those words on a live tv show" The conversation turned headed leaving the two to switch language to Ga dialect. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/government-of-sierra-leone-announces-new-cabinet-reshuffle Mzbel in the course of the conversation ended the called when the Spokesperson for the Ga Traditional Council asked her to humble herself. Background READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lil-wayne-receives-presidential-pardon-from-donald-trump Ghanaian Musician and Entrepreneur, Belinda Ekua Amoah known in showbiz as Mzbel has revealed that 'Naa Ye We', a popular fetish priest in the country is a fraudster. According to her, although she used to patronize their services, the fetish priest and his people have devices new measure of duping people. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video Speaking on an Accra based television station, Mzbel said "I went there for a solution, and anytime, I call them, they do me 'lass' 'lass'. Please I will advise the public not to go there. Although I have patronized their services before, and I will advise people not to go there" "Naa Ye We, the Chief Priest used to be a fashion model. He said he used to model for Wendy Lartey" she added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/akufo-addo-set-to-shut-down-seven-7-ministries-set-up-in-2017 Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Sierra Leone has in a press release announced new Ministers and Commissioners. The new cabinet reshuffle affected five ministries and the National Commission for Social Action. Among those dismissed by the President includes controversial Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment, Dr. Denis Sandy has been replaced by Dr. Turad Senesie. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie has been transferred from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to replace Prof. Aiah Gbakima after the ministry has in recent times been under fire by the Academic Staff Association of the University of Sierra Leone. While, Dr. Austin Demby, has been appointed as the new Minister of Health and Sanitation. Dr. Robert Tamba Michael Chakanda, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development has been replaced by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Sadiq Silla, has also been replaced by Mr. Rex Bhonapa. Dr. Sao-Kapto Hanna Isata Max-Kyne and Jimmy Batilo Songa have been appointed to head the National Commission for Social Action as National and Deputy National Commissioner respectively. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Credit: Switsalone

President Akufo-Addo is said to be closing seven of the ministries he created in 2017 when he took over from John Mahama. The seven ministries alleged to be shut down include Aviation, Sanitation, Planning, and Business Development are set to be absolved by other ministries or agencies. 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 asaaseradio.com, a website with ties to the government, the development follows criticisms about the size of the President’s first government and the ability of the newly created ministries to accomplish their purpose. With about 36 substantive ministers, seven ministers of state, 48 deputy ministers, 16 regional ministers, and 16 deputy regional ministers, the then government made up of 123 appointees is expected to reduce by 30%. The website also stated that the changes will help the President to uphold the constitutional dictate of choosing a majority of government ministers from Parliament while making sure that the work of Parliament will not disadvantage the executive, even though a large proportion of MPs will be busy with ministerial work. According to the report, sources at the Presidency have explained that the Business Development Ministry will no longer be a substantive ministry in the yet-to-be-constituted Akufo-Addo second government. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday The above-stated ministry, which was led by Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, according to the source will be absolved by the Trade and Industry Ministry. Also, the Inner-City and Zongo Development Ministry, which was headed by Dr. Mustapha Hamid, will become an agency under the Office of the President and its remaining functions will be subsumed into the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The Ministry of Local Government will also take over any yet to be completed work by the Ministry of Regional Reorganization and Development which is expected to be closed down. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Again, the Monitoring and Evaluation Ministry, which was responsible for conducting research on the performance of all ministries, and the Ministry of Planning, led by Professor Gyan-Baffour will no longer exist. Sources at the Presidency said the Ministry of Planning will fall under the Ministry of Finance, which will be headed by former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Other ministries to be scrapped are the Special Development Initiatives Ministry, headed by Hawa Koomson who is the MP for Awutu Senya East, and the ministerial portfolio of Adwoa Safo who was minister of state in charge of procurement. Finally, the Aviation Ministry, headed by Kofi Adda, the former MP for Navrongo in the Upper East is expected to be added to the Ministry of Transport. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding Source: Scooper News

Bradford Cohen, who is the attorney for both Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, confirmed the pardons with XXL. "President Trump and his administration have been tireless advocates on behalf of the African-American community," Cohen said in a statement. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america "These pardons is [sic] a perfect example of this administration following up on its reforms and commitments. Thank you to President Trump for his advocacy and dedication to justice reform." Original Story In one of his final flexes as POTUS, President Trump has given clemency to Lil Wayne. Following reports the Young Money rapper would be on the final list of people to be pardoned, Trump revealed some of his list of pardons on Tuesday (Jan. 19), his final day in office, and Wayne was among the number of people who will have their federal charges or sentences absolved. Wayne was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to a federal firearms charge in December of 2020, but he will now be exonerated. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc According to Reuters, Lil Wayne, and Kodak Black, both with federal weapons offenses, received presidential pardons as well as former White House aide Steve Bannon and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was serving a 28-year prison term on corruption charges. The pardon of Lil Wayne may seem like a surprise to some but looks like it may have been a couple of months in the making. Last October, just a week before the 2020 presidential election, Tunechi gave a big cosign to the incumbent presidential candidate via Twitter. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding "Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership," Wayne captioned a photo of himself with a smiling Trump. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done." While the endorsement drew the ire of many in the hip-hop community, it definitely seemed to put Wayne in Trump's good graces. "[Lil Wayne] wanted a meeting," Trump later said of their interaction. "He's a really nice guy. Really an activist in a very positive way. And he asked for a meeting and we had the meeting. And, as you saw, the meeting went very well." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Despite the cosign from Wayne and other rappers like Lil Pump, Trump failed to win the election. However, it appears Weezy's endorsement may have been enough to get assistance from the lame-duck president. XXL has reached out to Lil Wayne's team for comment. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Credit: XXL

Immediately after the White House published a proclamation of the United States’ outgoing President Donald Trump, which announced that the entry ban on arrivals from the 26 Schengen Area Member States, Ireland and the United Kingdom would be lifted, the spokeswoman of the president-elect Joe Biden has reacted to the decision. Biden’s spokeswoman Jen Psaki has tweeted immediately after the decision was made known, pointing out that the new Administration of the White House will surely reverse the decision, upon the inauguration of the new President of the US, which is set to take place on January 20. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec “With the pandemic worsening, and more contagious variants emerging around the world, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel,” spokeswoman Psaki tweeted. “On the advice of our medical team, the Administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26. In fact, we plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” she further announced, thus extinguishing the hopes of all those who for a short period of time hoped they could travel to the EU from Europe. On Monday, the outgoing President Donald Trump announced he had decided to lift the entry ban on travellers from the Schengen Area, Ireland, as well as the United Kingdom, imposed back in spring last year. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday A proclamation of the President, published by the White House, explains that after the head of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention signed an order requiring nearly all air travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the United States starting on January 26, Trump contacted the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The latter advised Trump to abolish the restrictions on travellers from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil while leaving in place the restrictions applicable to the People’s Republic of China and Iran. After president-elect Joe Biden takes office, he has the legal authority to reimpose the restrictions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning travellers from the 26 Schengen Area Member States from entering the territory of the United States, on March 11, 2020, after the World Health Organization officially called the COVID-19 a pandemic. Immediately after, amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, he signed another proclamation, restricting entry to the US for travellers from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The move had been criticized by many, including the now president-elect Joe Biden who claimed that “a wall would not stop the Coronavirus.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america See tweet below: Credit: EU/SchengenUS

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central Constituency, Kennedy Agyapong has revealed that he has received death threats from some unknown assailants threatening to kill him and his family on Thursday. According to him, the said assailants assured him that they will wipe away him and his family at 4 am. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec In an interview with an Accra-based radio station, he said "I have been handed over a note from some assailants telling me that I will not live to see this Friday. I have moved from my own house with my family to different place for our safety. Sounding unperturbed about the threat, the Legislator rather pleaded with the assailants to hurry up adding he is a man without fears. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Speaking on the supposed appointment as Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, he said "It is not true and thus all should ignore that information. I am a Member of Parliament (MP) and will serve the good people of Assin in the 8th Parliament" The Assin Central MP also revealed that he loves his job as an MP stressing that he will not contest the position of Chairman in the NPP party. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In January 2017 when the newly sworn-in President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, named his first set of ministers, there were surprise elements in the list but there was one particular person that many wondered why he was placed at a particular ministry. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh was that person who many, hitherto his ministerial appointment, wondered why an accomplished Medical Doctor many tipped right for the Ministry of Health was rather put in charge of Ministry of Education. Today, the President of the Republic is being hailed in vindication, for making that important choice of Dr. Prempeh as the man to handle and monumentally transform the country’s education sector in his first term; a job the medic did to perfection. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ensure-rigorous-enforcement-of-law-on-mask-wearing-at-public-places-and-transport-prez-to-igp The Manhyia South Member of Parliament, popularly called ‘Napo’ has made history as he left a Golden Legacy at the education sector through hard work and commitment to duty especially so, in the prosecution of his government’s flagship project of Free Senior High School. Starting his work on the right footage of gathering a team of reliable and experienced Directors as well as a resolved workforce that he consistently dragged along, Napo ensured that the grounds were properly prepared for the smooth take-off of His Excellency President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s brainchild Free SHS programme. In September 2017, the most talked-about Free SHS took off with Dr Prempeh in its driving-seat, to ensure its success; which means that he had to brace himself up to face anticipated challenges than could come with the programme which was first of its kind in the country. READ ALSO:Read also: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-paa-kwesi-nduom-is-disappointed-in-npp-brigette-dzogbenuku-discloses In it, every Ghanaian child placed into a public second cycle institution by the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) during the 2017 school placement season was eligible to enjoy Free SHS. The government absorbed all fees as approved by the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council for 353, 053 students made up of 113, 622 Day students and 239, 431 Boarding Students. The first batch of students under the programme have thus graduated; and currently, a total Free SHS enrolment stands at 1,199,750 students with government spending over GH¢ 2.2 billion, since the launch of the programme. Politics Of Free SHS The flagship programme of the government which was virtually accepted by all Ghanaians became a huge ‘political animal’ and that propelled Dr Prempeh and his team to devise strategies to deal effectively with teething problems that reared their ugly heads following the introduction of the Free SHS. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/stop-hiding-behind-dirty-politics-some-of-you-are-naturally-dirty-brigette-dzogbonuku The bastardization of the programme from certain quarters would not deter Dr Prempeh, but rather buoyed him on as he dealt with various category of problems, one after the other. The Double-Track System under which students went to school in batches was settled on, to make sure that no student was left behind and that made the whole programme more effective, although it was criticised in certain quarters. Passionate about the success of the Free SHS, Dr Prempeh and the GES Council came out with well-thought-out plans, including the cancellation of Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) dues, as it was considered, the means of preventing certain students from enjoying the Free SHS. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-organized West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) of the pioneer beneficiaries of the Free SHS released in 2020, revealed the students performed far better under the flagship programme of the government as compared to previous years’ results. In English and Mathematics, for instance, the last three years saw a steady rise, each year, in the percentage of students obtaining A1-C6. In English, the figure rose from 46.8% in 2018 to 49.1% in 2019 and to 57.3% in 202, whilst Mathematics saw a rise from 38.2% in 2018 t0 64.2% in 2019 and to 65.7% in 2020. Significantly, 2020 was the only year in the last six years that more than 50% of candidates have scored between A1 and C6 in each of the four core subjects. Dr. Prempeh was deeply involved in motivating the teachers’ front and formed a special relationship with heads of public SHSs to enable the education ministry to appreciate problems that schools were going through. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facebook-ladies-share-exciting-first-day-experience-in-their-partner-male-friend-s-house-pics No wonder countries, including Kenya, had to travel to Ghana to learn how the Free SHS was moving on smoothly, under the sterling leadership of Dr Opoku Prempeh. Stable Labour Front The immediate past Minister of Education was the only minister in recent times to have steered affairs without workers in the education sector embarking on strikes. It was not any kind of magic that did the trick, though; but the ability of the minister to consult, collaborate and engage with various unions within the education sector to know their problems and also relay to the unions what government can and cannot do at various times. It was, therefore, not surprising that the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) found it important to honour Dr Prempeh at its congress held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, in 2019. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/national-security-coordinator-joshua-kyeremeh-is-dead The honour was in recognition of the then minister’s hard work and his ways of improving standards of education at the pre-tertiary and higher education levels. At the congress, the minister was praised for establishing a good working relationship with the UTAG. Other unions were every time ready to jaw-jaw with the minister, who was ready to listen to them and fashion out ways to solve various problems that the workers of the education sector face. Dr Prempeh was able to diffuse politics associated with various teacher unions, as he made them aware that though politics was good, it was a terrible thing when it was having far-reaching ramifications on the country’s education. Dr. Prempeh And Education In COVID-19 Era Just like other countries, Ghana was also hit by the dreaded bug, COVID-19 and the education sector was not spared. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/social-media-trolls-ndc-as-petitionoferrorspart2-trends The minister being a Medical Doctor, played a crucial role in advising the government in taking critical decision bordering on the education sector in the COVID-19 era; and that greatly helped various education institutions from having incidences of the virus. When the government closed down schools, it was through the instrumentality of the then minister Prempeh that virtual means of learning was designed and developed for all levels of the educational ladder. It was through the solid and pragmatic measures that were adopted and rolled out that helped the majority of tertiary students to complete their studies and complete schools. At the lower levels, the Ministry of Education through the GES developed the number of strategies toward tutorials on radio, television and other social media platforms to help students and pupils who were at home, to leverage the period of closure of schools due to COVID-19. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/messi-might-face-a-maximum-of-12-games-after-his-red-in-the-cup-final The strategies and modalities adopted by the education ministry, therefore, helped the finalists at the JHS and SHS levels as well as keeping others in the learning mood. Teachers also benefitted from the closure of schools in no small way, as most of them were compelled to be abreast with how to teach, using virtual means through information technology. Numerous Achievements Under Dr Prempeh, as the Minister of Education, Colleges of Education now run 4-Year Bachelor of Education programmes. Teacher trainees will now graduate with Bachelor’s degrees, and will not need to take study leave to go back to acquire the degree. The national audit of skills has been completed by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education Training (COTVET). E-Learning portal developed (www.icampusgh.com) and includes all SHS 1-3 core subjects. The website is live. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/supreme-court-dismisses-mahama-s-application-which-sought-12-answers-from-ec Teacher recruitment since 2017 is now done at regional levels: Documentation is done at District and Regional levels. Restore Teacher Allowances: Restored allowances were also paid to Arabic/Islamic instructors under the national volunteer service programme. Restore book and research allowances for lecturers were catered for. They have not only been restored, but they have also been increased by 200%. The regime also introduced History of Ghana as a subject for primary schools in the Curriculum which has been approved by Cabinet. Over 180 Master Trainers, 3,900 District level Trainers, and 152,000 teachers have been trained for this purpose. In other achievements it Integrates school sports as part of school activities: Free PE kits are being provided to students under the Free SHS programme. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/head-of-corporate-finance-at-fidelity-bank-is-dead It also abolished the payment of utility bills by students; the Tertiary Education Policy also abolished the payment of utility bills in tertiary Institutions. The era also redefined basic education from Kindergarten to include SHS, covering vocational, agricultural and technical schools. The current enrolment stands at 1,199,750 students from 2017 to 2019. This is not limited to arts, business, and science subjects: it also covers Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET), in essence, the initiative is “Free SHS and TVET ” 52.1% of all these students are male and 47.9% female. The government also absorbed BECE examination fees in 2018: WASSCE examination fees absorbed in 2020. The student loan amount has been increased by 50% and ranges between GHc1, 500 and GHc3, 000. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/naa-ye-we-is-a-fraudster-mzbel-reveals-video Funding was secured for two foundries, and sod has been cut for the commencement of a machine tool centre to be constructed in Kumasi. The National Inspectorate Board has been operationalised, staffed, and provided with infrastructural and technical supports to enable it to carry out its mandate. With these resources, the National Inspectorate Board has been able to digitise its data collection system, built a secure and comprehensive database for schools’ inspection and trained a team of inspectors. Manuals were prepared for basic schools and 80% of SHSs have coordinators. Same is planned for all school. Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) were also engaged and MoU drafted and was under review. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Construction of 163 Kindergartens awarded out of which 77 have been completed to date. Previously, teachers who upgraded their qualifications and skills were not recognised and promoted on time; a divorce from hitherto several years of bureaucratic delays. Due to new reforms, now: • The waiting period before the promotion of teachers who upgrade their qualifications and skills is now halved to 2 years. Waiting period for all others is 4 Years. • For the first time in history, teachers are being paid a professional teachers allowance. 1. TVET Qualification Framework developed. 2. 80 institutions accredited to run Competency-Based Training (CBT) programmes. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday 3. Engaging Technical Universities to run CBTs. 4. To support TVET education, we are building 32 state-of-the-art TVET centres, and 5. A Basic STEM (B-STEM) programme to provide science labs in all basic schools to enhance the teaching of STEM subjects from an early age has been rolled out. ICT is now compulsory in all Teacher Training Colleges 1. To date 313,250 basic school students have been introduced to basic coding 2. Coding introduced at 25 SHSs and equipment supplies in progress READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec 1. A US$1.5B loan, of which US$500M has been disbursed, has been secured on the back of GETFund to develop educational infrastructure. Massive infrastructure development across educational institutions currently ongoing 2. Completion of the construction and commissioning of Phase I of the Somanya campus of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). Funding for Phase II of the campus has been secure and work commenced. An agreement has been reached between UNOPS and the Government to construct 100,000 housing units for teachers and other education professionals. Technology has been incorporated in the curriculum and technology firms have been engaged to assist in delivery. iBox education portal installed in 125 Senior High Schools. Contract awarded to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity to all 722 SHSs, 46 Colleges of Education (CoEs), 16 Regional Offices, and 260 District Education Offices. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-used-to-sell-cigarette-but-i-never-smoked-article-wan-reveals-video Research & Innovation Fund Bill has been gazetted Inclusive Education Policy adopted, and teacher training curricula covers inclusive education. 22 Bilingual Schools established, 6 Colleges of Education equipped with French Labs & Resource Centres, 54 SHSs equipped with French Language Resource Centres, and primary 4-6 French language curriculums developed. Curriculum approved and rolled out. Discussions are ongoing for the distribution of tablets to JHS and SHS students. Under an ongoing programme, expanded the network of libraries from 61 to 72 as at March 2020, and have renovated over 50% of the existing libraries. A digital platform for accessing library content has been activated. The three-month pay policy for newly-recruited teachers has been abolished, and under Dr. Prempeh all legacy arrears were cleared. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday The period of staying on a grade before consideration for promotion for teachers who upgrade their qualifications and skills is now halved to two years. Construction of 20 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) centres across the country are ongoing. Capitation grant was by 122% from GH¢4.5 per pupil to GH¢10 per pupil for Primary Schools. Government has procured 1,190 vehicles to Senior High Schools made up of 350 buses and 840 pickups. Under this project: 1. 2.3 million children in 260 Districts will benefit READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec 2. 70,000+ out of school children targeted to be brought back on track 3. 76,000 teachers’ capacity training in the new curriculum and teaching methods 4. School management committees to be trained in effective school management 5. School heads trained in instructional leadership and accountability 6. Circuit Supervisors will become School Improvement Officers, and READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/face-me-like-a-woman-nana-aba-fires-shot-at-lydia-forson 7. 10,000 schools have been selected for the first phase Recognition Dr Prempeh’s hard work, dedication and commitment towards the sector he handled from 2017 to 2021 were recognized on several platforms as he was honoured and awarded accordingly. For two years running, he was adjudged the best minister by his own government, through monitoring and evaluation scheme put together by the Ministry of Monitoring and Evaluation headed by Dr Anthony Akoto Osei. The private sector also on numerous occasions honoured the immediate-past Minister of Education for improving the education sector and inspiring the youth. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/tracey-boakye-surprises-ghanaian-blogger-buys-him-eos60d-camera-screenshots The last two of such awards to Dr. Prempeh were given to him by the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition (YPYC) and T.W.A.R.M Business Leadership awards. The honest truth is Dr. Prempreh would not be the last person to be the Minister of Education, but he would be remembered as someone without any background as an educationist who made history at the Ministry of Education with how he helped in growing Ghana’s education sector. Credit: Baba Taufic

The Office of the Agbotui and Allied Families in the Volta Region says it will not agree to the decision taken by Government and the Central Funeral Planning Committee to bury the Late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawling at the Military Cemetery in Accra as announced earlier. According to the family, they will bury the remains of Late President Rawlings in Anlo State as tradition demands. In a letter signed by the Secretary of the Office of the Agbotui and Allied Families, Napoleon Kwane Agbotui, and sighted by ThinkNews Online, it said "At a meeting, at the behest of the Traditional Council of the Anlo State, held at Awadad's Palace in Anloga on Sunday 17th January 2021, we the Agbotui, the Tamakloe and Allied Families resolved to announce to you that our brothers and sisters on the Central Planning Committee expressed their personal opinions which do not reflect the view of the family in general, on matters relating to the burial place of H.E. Jerry John Rawlings" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ensure-rigorous-enforcement-of-law-on-mask-wearing-at-public-places-and-transport-prez-to-igp It added that efforts made so far towards the preparation for the final funeral rites of their son are very much appreciated as mentioned earlier. The letter further hinted that the Chief and people of the Anlo State led by the families have resolved to take possession of their beloved departed son's remains and to proceed to continue the Final Traditional Rites and burial on 29th and 30th January 2021 at the Anlo State as Tradition demands. The Agbotui, Tamakloe, and Allied Families expressed their profound gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its commitment towards giving a very befitting State Funeral to Late President Rawlings also known traditionally as Togbi Nutifafa I of the Anlo State. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dr-paa-kwesi-nduom-is-disappointed-in-npp-brigette-dzogbenuku-discloses Background The Former Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on January 13, 2021, hinted that the Military Cemetery is now a designated place for the interment of former heads of state in Ghana. The response comes following the decision by the funeral planning committee of Late President Rawlings to lay the Former Head of State to rest there. Addressing the media at a news conference in Accra, he said " the Military Cemetery is now the designated place for the interment of former heads of state" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Updating the public on plans for the burial of Late President Rawlings, he said "On the 22nd and the 23rd of January, 2021, the Anlo Traditional Council will hold series of celebratory and traditional events to celebrate the life of His Excellency late President J.J. Rawlings" Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah noted that the activities which will be held in Anlo will come to an end on the 23rd of January, 2021. He also mentioned that there will be a Catholic Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Accra on Sunday 24th January 2021 adding there will be a vigil at the Air Force Base at 6 pm. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday "On Monday, the remains of the Late President will be laid in state for filing past by various categories of general public starting with the heads of security agencies, leaders of political parties, and then the general public. We have already received indications from several groupings within the general public including political parties and volunteer groups" he explained. The Former Minister for Information said "On Tuesday26th January 2021, filing past resumes at 9 am led by President Akufo-Addo followed by Vice President Bawumia, Former Heads of States, Heads of ConstitutionalBodies. At 10 am, Parliament, led by the Speaker and Former Speakers will file past. At noon, the Chief Justice, Justices of the Supreme Court, and Former Chief Justices will file past. At 1 pm, the Former Chairman and Council of State, Former Ministers of State will also file past." Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah added that at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 26, Members of the Diplomatic Corp will also file past while there will be Traditional and Customary Rights and Celebrations at 3 pm, while the body is in the state. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc "On the 27th January 2021, there will be a burial service with full military honors at the black star square in Accra led by the Ghana Armed Forces after which the remains of President Rawlings will be buried at the military cemetery at Burma Camp" he noted. Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah used the opportunity to caution the general that there will be very strict Security and Covid related restrictions although the general public will be allowed to view and file past the remains of Late Former President Rawlings. Below is a copy of the Letter: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith