A medical worker prepares to inoculate a man with a Covid-19 vaccine at the Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning in Beijing, China, on January 15, 2021. China continues to record an increasing number of new daily Covid-19 infections, with the country's National Health Commission reporting 144 new cases for Thursday. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Of those cases, 135 were locally transmitted: 90 in Hebei province 43 in Heilongjiang province 1 in Guangxi autonomous region 1 in Shaanxi province READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday China also reported 66 asymptomatic cases, of which 55 were locally transmitted. Chinese health officials record asymptomatic cases separately. Credit: CNN’s Beijing Bureau

A Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Kingsley Adjei, has advised President Akufo-Addo saying he should consider appointing some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Ministers if he wants to succeed in his second term as President of Ghana. According to him, if President Akufo-Addo heeds to his advice, it will help reduce tension among MPs and also helping with the promotion of consensus building. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Speaking on an Accra based radio station, he said “Most governments undertake bigger projects during their second term in office. Therefore if I am asked to advise the President, I will tell him to select some NDC members even if not from Parliament to head certain positions to break the winner takes all system…,” The Lecturer also tasked the government to consider a multi-dimensional approach to developing the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday “If you want to change, there is something called multi-dimensional change or multi-dimensional development. That ensures the improvement in the economic, education and agriculture sector among other sectors, at least…,” he said. Speaking on the number of Ministers, he challenged President Akufo-Addo to reduce his Ministers to 70-80. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc “Between 2016 to 2020 the ministers were too many. When the number is that huge, it becomes difficult to ensure monitoring. Some ministries could be merged. I think he should reduce the number of ministers to 80 or 70 with deputies while considering the current tension in Parliament. “If he increases the number of ministers to 100 or 110, majority of the appointees would come from the house and this will affect the passing of bills unless there’s strong consensus building among members. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Recent happenings leave much to be desired about lengthy epistles with tautologies and rhetoric, so I will try to be as brief and proceed to mind my business as I have always done. I am extremely certain that I would be concentrating on a prayer point, sponsorship proposal, or a client’s communication strategy for the year, by now, if not for my inquisitiveness and the urge to lend my voice to the current trends on social media and as I have always done, be involved in the current political conversations especially after the events that unfolded on the night and dawn of 6th and 7th January this year in Parliament and the imminent showdown on who occupies the majority and the minority sides of the House today. About the current political trends in Ghana, my interest has been whipped towards WHO BECOMES WHAT IN THE NEXT AKUFO ADDO GOVERNMENT, WHO IS TOO OLD, WHO IS TOO YOUNG, WHO HAS SERVED HIS TIME AND WHO NEEDS TO GO OUT. The passionate commentary and proposals have so far been coming from the NPP party faithful, the neutrals and even the opposition NDC (mindful of the fact that the 2020 presidential election is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction – the result of which I have predicted). I have averred my mind to some young Ghanaians on both sides of the divide (context: Ghana largely a two-party state) who I objectively believe will provide a safe pair of hands in political leadership or governance when given roles (most already wield proven track records). In fact, most of these names that immediately come to mind include Sammi Awuku (NPP National Organizer), Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong (CEO, YEA), Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh (MP, Former Minister of Education), Lawyer John Kumah, MP (Former CEO, NEIP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP (Former Dep. Min. Education), Edward Omane Boamah (Former Min, Communication), Francisca Oteng MP (Former Board Chair, NYA), Fred Agbenyo (NDC) and the list goes on and on. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec I am reluctantly scribbling this epistle especially because I know that some of the people mentioned will not be too amused to be seen as pushing and or condoning any agenda that sets them at par or above others. They rather believe in hard work, delivering results, and focusing on the development of the youth in our country. Some of them that I have come to admire, particularly frown on any form of sycophancy, ‘stoogism’ or ‘surrogatism’. I, therefore, want to put on record that there is no inspiration or whatsoever from anyone that gets a mention in this scripture as may be seen on other platforms and perceived as such. It is however instructive to note that upon reading around and seeing the kind of lists being peddled by people, I have committed to bring to the attention of leadership and the appointing authority the disservice they will do to the New Patriotic Party should they fail to put certain individuals in certain SENSITIVE positions. As a journalist of many years standing and an ardent follower of politics and elections in our country; taking into consideration how close the just ended elections was and how polarised the country has become as a result, I believe strongly that the only way the NPP can make a good stride in the 2024 general elections will be to keep figures like Sammi Awuku and Lawyer Justin Kodua in certain sensitive positions, else it will be a difficult run. (NPP deɛ na aba na yɛreka , NDC nso deɛ ba a, yɛbɛka) This observation is openly corroborated by the grassroots of the NPP who will form the basis of winning an election in the next polls. It is also corroborated by ‘floating voters’ and even members of the NDC. It was bold, the statement the people of Ghana made to the NPP through the ballot in the recently held elections that they will not tolerate any headstrong administration but will embrace a listening government. If the NPP is to do a self-introspection and realize that one key thing to establish dominance in other elections will be to listen, then they should listen to my piece of unsolicited advice: Sammy Awuku for Local Government Minister, Roads and Highways Minister or Deputy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Petroleum Commission, NPA or any ministerial appointment that will empower the organization of the NPP party for any electoral battle. Second: Justin Kodua Frimpong for NPA or any position that will also well-ground the party. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Why am I whining? Well, these two gentlemen have in simple terms exhibited finesse in their lines of duties especially in those ones that ensured a resounding NPP victory in 2016 and retaining power in the 2020 elections. They are loved and accepted by all. Let me begin with Sammi Awuku, (for his profile you can google), but this is a young chap who took over the reins of the youth leadership while in opposition, endeared himself to the young and old, mobilized the grassroots of the party, and won for the party a great victory. Everyone in Ghana can easily associate with names like ‘People’s Capo’, ‘the Supremo’, ‘Chairman’, ‘Boys Abrɛ’, ‘King of the Grassroots’, ‘Tireless Don’, and many others. All these names are names given to him by members of the party who witnessed the NPP National Organizer’s prowess, hard work, and dedication towards securing victory for the party in every election. Not Going too much back into history, all journalists who followed the NPP and NDC campaigns in the 2020 elections can easily attest to how Sammi Awuku as the National Organizer toured a minimum of two hundred (200) constituencies to campaign for President Nana Akufo-Addo and the various parliamentary candidates. There were periods he toured three different regions in a single day, even at the peril of his life sometimes, and even when his team and himself had recorded accidents. There was a time when he had moved from the Bono Region, done Ashanti, and was heading to the Eastern and was met with an accident, but he still went to the Eastern Region to Campaign. His campaign vehicle was razed down in the North yet he still went ahead to a campaign that evening. Note: this is not a "promotion" but I am recounting these because it will be strategic for any political party to keep an organizer of Sammi’s sort, not to mention his days as a youth organizer. I am however well informed that Sammi has openly stated that he will not contest this position again. Now I am thinking; General Secretary? National Chairman or…but that too, I hear he says NO! READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Well if this is the case, then I (a nobody with an opinion) will urge the President (appointing authority) to put Sammi Awuku is a very ‘sensitive’ position, a position that will keep the party and the government together if the next election is considered a very important one. Sammi has exhibited himself as one who will keep the grassroots formidable for any task ahead – the boys abrɛ man. Sammi Awuku is a leader with expertise in political leadership and corporate governance with several awards having been crowned a young achiever by many international bodies. He, as board chair of the Youth Employment Agency, supervised a massive transformation of the Agency that became free of corruption over the last four years. Mr. President the ball is in your court. In the words of NDC’s Allotey Jacobs who is also a former Central Regional Minister, “Genuine Advocacy, Mr. President, you will need Sammi Awuku in your cabinet to be a bridge between the Party and Government”. In the case of Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, Mr president even attests to how the Agency has been cool-headed and seen a massive transformation over the last four years. This is evidenced in the president’s statements at ceremonies to begin the construction of YEA offices in the newly created regions. In summary, the president stated that the Youth Employment Agency under the leadership of Sammi Awuku and Lawyer Justin Koduah Frimpong has seen job creation and transformation never seen before in the history of the Agency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Indeed, under the leadership of Lawyer Kodua, the Agency has seen a massive facelift with the provision of serene working environments that have highly improved productivity for the young and energetic staff. Over One hundred and Forty-Five thousand (145000) people have been recruited over the last four years. Kodua’s administration has seen to the introduction of timesheets, ensuring value for money and saving the country over 7million Ghana Cedis monthly. Not to talk about the numerous job interventions he introduced. Today, everyone knows Jobcentre, the Artisan Directory, Agric based flagship projects, and many others. Lawyer Justin Koduah truly deserves accolades. He, like Sammi through these interventions, garnered massive votes from the youth for the NPP in the just-ended elections. More importantly, I am aware that he also toured all the 16 Regions of Ghana with his personal resources to campaign for the president and for the party to be retained. In fact, in Asokwa for instance he is known as the darling boy, and but for him, NDC would have made a big statement there. His people call him Okumkom, to wit – hunger killer. The simple reason is, he is always with the grassroots. NPP! You have to put a grassroots man of this nature in a strong and sensitive position to rekindle your grassroots. When you give Sammi Awuku the Minister, give the NPA to Kodua. He’s lived his time well at YEA. Give him another big task. I strongly believe he will deliver. If you are NPP and have taken your time to read, get to the higher echelons of power and make a good case for Sammi Awuku and Justin Koduah Frimpong, ɛnyɛ saa deaa, 2024, la wuuu. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/are-our-legislators-pacesetters-and-law-abiding Meek)da. Tomorrow will be on to other potentials. We will talk about NDC when it’s their time. Credit: Kwasi Afriyie (Corridors of Fawoade-Mamponteng, Kwabre) Disclaimer: The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of ThinkNews Online. ThinkNews Online will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea Huni-Valley Constituency, Wisdom Cudjoe, is in hot soup for allegedly causing mayhem at a community mining site at Aboso in the Western Region. This comes after a meeting with his thugs, ordering them in his capacity as the MP for the area to unlawfully besieged a duly registered community mining concession to drive away workers who are residents of Aboso. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec After the situation actually calmed down, the NDC MP allegedly called his boys to organize machomen from Tarkwa to take charge of the mining area. Residents have described the 7 days old MP's act as the most violent ever in the history of politics in the constituency. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday According to residents, they did not vote for him to fight for the galamsey site for them just because of a promise he made to them, rather they voted for him because they need development and total transformation in the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian who lives at Aboso. Residents are calling for the head of the newly elected MP to take responsibility for every single drop of bloodshed today at the Aboso Community Mining site. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Aboso, a once peaceful town has turned into a war zone due to the selfish interest of Wisdom Cudjoe. Residents are calling on the regional police command and other security agencies to call the radical MP and his thugs to order for peace to prevail at Aboso. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Musician, Article Wan has revealed that although he sold cigarettes and alcohol while growing up, he never tried smoking. According to him, he sold them with his mum in a small spot she owned. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec "While growing up as a child, I used to sell cigarettes and alcohol with his mum in a small spot but never smoked a piece of cigarette" Article Wan further added that during that time; he developed an intense love for producing beats and making music so the use of drugs and alcohol was out of his priorities. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday The “NEGEGE” hitmaker also revealed that music has really helped him financially because the craft is a lucrative venture despite the ups and downs associated with it. Article Wan additionally cited an instance where an industry person swindled him of an amount to the tune of GHC 15,000 after a performance at one of the most attended music events. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Sports Journalist, Saddick Adams aka sports Obama has dropped his thoughts on why marriages do not last long off-late. The respected media figure shoved out his opinions through a thread he authored on Twitter. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Saddick’s submissions saw light after one of his followers quizzed; "Why are today’s marriages not lasting like those of our parents and forefathers?" The sports guru who also seems to have in-depth knowledge about love, marriage, and relationship gave the brilliant answer saying "Cos when couples go wrong, instead of apologizing, they’ll be combing social media looking for quotes and memes that support their stupidity" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america See screenshots below: Source: Gossips24.com

The Alliance For Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA), a grassroots group of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, presented a petition to the Office Of The Chief Of Staff at the Jubilee House after holding their maiden press conference in Accra. Leading the group, President of AFFA, Barima Addo Bediako expressed optimism and assured that it will work hand-in-hand with the Office of Chief Of Staff. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Receiving the petition on behalf of the Chief Of Staff, Akosua Frema-Opare, Director of Special Projects at the Office Of Chief Of Staff, Mr Alexander Gyedu thanked the leaders of AFFA and assured them that their petition will be worked in the interest of the NPP. Mr. Gyedu said "Let me assure you that the Chief of Staff, just like myself is one of you; she is one person who believes and understands grassroots politics and I have no doubt in my mind that your petition will meet her good consideration to enable the ruling party breaks the 8-year jinx as has been the norm since the inception of the 4th Republican Constitution" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday He added, "let's continue to work hard and support the government in its second term. Let's disagree to agree but in a decorous manner. Our doors are always opened. Feel free to come here anytime you want to for us to jaw-jaw in the interest of party and government." Leaders of AFFA who joined the short presentation ceremony include Obama Pokuase (Executive Secretary), Opeimu Woyome, Joseph Egyer Quarshie and Gyesi Boako (all spokespersons). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Others include Fawas Amasaman (Deputy Director of Operations), Mawuli Marcel (Treasurer), Jojo Stephen (New Media Coordinator), Matt Mprem, Martin Afari (Publicist), Mac Lauren, Mr. Ampadu, Akwasi Badu, Faruk Tema, Asantewaaba Kwame among others. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Donald Trump has finally been impeached by the US House of Representatives after he incited hooligans to exhibit riot at the US Capitol. With this development, Trump has earned the record of being the first president to be impeached on 2 occasions after being charged with crimes by Congress. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Trump is therefore expected to be trialed before a Senate to determine his fate in the US Government. If found guilty of the charges, Trump cannot hold any Government office again. Majority of Democrats voted for Trump’s impeachment. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america Credit: Gossips24.com

Award-winning media personality turned social media influencer Nana Aba Anamoah has fired shots at actress and entertainment personality Lydia Forson. This whole charade ignited when actress and socialite Lydia Forson penned down a long message about betrayal and mistrust on her official Twitter page. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec From the look of things, there has been some kind of bad blood between the two celebrities since Nana Aba Anamoah jumped on the Tweet uninvited. According to Nana Aba Anamoah, Lydia Forson was referring to her in her speech but did not have the balls to mention her name. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday In her reply to Lydia Forson’s tweet, she wrote ”is this about Us? Are you referring to me? Be bold, madam, Face me like a woman” See post below; Credit: Gossips24.com

The Supreme Court on Thursday, 14 January 2020 granted former President John Dramani’s Mahama request for the 2020 election petition to be telecast live on national television. This, according to the petitioners, is in the interest of fairness as was done during the 2012 election petition. Mr. Mahama is also requesting an amendment to the election petition he filed challenging the validity of the declaration of President Akufo-Addo as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec The motion for amendment is seeking the permission of the apex court of the land, to correct a mistake in relief (f) of the election petition. Per the current state of relief (f), Mr. Mahama wants the court to order a re-run between himself and the first respondent, which as stated in the petition turns out to be the Electoral Commission. Mr. Mahama and the NDC have rejected the 2020 presidential election result describing it as flawed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday They have, thus, refused to recognize Nana Akufo-Addo as President although he has been officially sworn in. Mr. Mahama is arguing that neither he nor President Akufo-Addo attained a clear majority because of the omission of the Techiman South constituency from the provisional declaration of results by the EC. The EC, however, said President Akufo-Addo garnered 51.59 percent of the votes while Mr. Mahama got 47.37 percent. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Mr. Mahama is asking the Supreme Court to order a re-run of the presidential election for him and Nana Akufo-Addo. Credit: Class Fm

The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Darko says the Organisation has not approved of any covid-19 vaccine for use in Ghana hence cautioning the general public against patronage of such products. According to her, it has come to the notice of the FDA that some unscrupulous members of the business community are peddling information on the sale of covid-19 vaccines to hospitals and other health facilities. 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 statement signed by the C.E.O and sighted by ThinkNews Online, Mrs. Darko said "The information is ostensibly to inform the general public of the availability of these vaccines from well-known pharmaceutical brands indicating their price ranges" She added that in view of the above, the FDA wishes to inform all health facilities and the general public that, peddling of such information contravenes Section 118 of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851 and constitutes a very serious offense. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america The Food and Drugs Authority says it wants to assure the general public that it remains committed to protecting the health and safety of consumers. Below is a full copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Former Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has 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 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. Watch the videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith