The Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensah has caused a lot of confusion in Ghana’s electoral system than her forerunners, a private legal practitioner, Justice Abdulai has said. Mr Abdulai explained that, during the period the EC Boss was the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), she gave a lot of practical measures that should be undertaken by the Commission in order to better the electoral system. However, he said, when given the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the elections management body, she has neglected all those measures to adopt new ones that in his opinion, do not help the system. Mr Abdulai said these while contributing to issues that have emerged from the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections. The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama refused to accept the results of the 2020 elections because in their view, the figures were manipulated by the Commission in favour of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC has served notice that they will be challenging the results in the Supreme Court. They are expected to file the petition on Wednesday December 30. Commenting on these developments, Mr Abdulai said “She was making fantastic recommendations when outside of the Commission, organizing the NPP and the NDC together and telling them the most appropriate things to do and telling us how best we can have the best elections in this country" “With all the sponsorship you can have, now you have been given the ball kick it into the goal post and you are rather causing more mess than your predecessors.” Mr Richard Kumadoe, a Security Consultant said on the same programme also that “Our pride as Ghanaians is being derailed. “I deal with the community and they say it to my face that we are failing. This is a major job you have done and you actions and inactions have security implications in relation to national development and you need cohesion as much as you did and look at the mess.” Source: GhanaWeb

A few months ago Kelvin Odartey an 18 years old JHS student went viral on the internet for building his own working car out of scrap metals, which he drove to school. The young genius received a lot of praises and thumbs up from Ghanaians and people around the world. The work of this young genius caught the eyes of Kwadwo Safo Junior, the CEO of the car manufacturing company in Ghana, Kantanka. Kwadwo Safo took it upon himself to mentor and grow the talent of Kelvin. In a post sighted by DICYTRENDS.com some time ago on the personal Twitter account of Kwadwo Safo, he posted a photo that has the same design as the one built by Kelvin Odartey. The car which has been named Akofena was still in production but looking very gorgeous. The photos of the finished car have dropped online. Even though the design has changed a bit it still looks good. The car was displayed during The 40th Edition of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana Science & Technology Exhibition 2020. See pictures below: Source: dicytrends.com

The Presidential Candidate for the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has called a Facebook user 'OFUI' after losing his cool on social media platform. In a post sighted by ThinkNews Online, the Facebook user who has been identified as Jamil Moon took to the comment sector under the Former President's post stating he cannot fathom why the NDC is not accepting the results announced by the EC Chair, Jean Mensa. Responding to Jamil's comment, Former President Mahama said "When you did let my co count LMVC, you should have sent only one person to present the petition at Flagstaff House! Ofui!!" See screenshot below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Monday, December 28, 2020, has been declared a holiday in Ghana in commemoration of Boxing Day, a public holiday that falls on Saturday, December 26, 2020. A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said the declaration is in accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days, 2001 (Act 601). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video "The general public is hereby notified that Saturday, 26th December 2020 marks ‘BOXING DAY’ which is a statutory public holiday," the statement said. "However, 26th December 2020 falls on a Saturday and therefore, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has by an Executive Instrument (E.I), and in accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days, 2001 (Act 601) declared Monday, 28th December 2020 as an Additional Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country". READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Read the entire declaration below; DECLARATION OF MONDAY, 28TH DECEMBER, 2020 AS AN ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY Dec 22, 2020 READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture The general public is hereby notified that, Saturday, 26th December 2020 marks ‘BOXING DAY’ which is a statutory public holiday. However, 26th December 2020 falls on a Saturday and therefore, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has by an Executive Instrument (E.I), and in accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days, 2001 (Act 601) declared Monday, 28th December 2020 as an Additional Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Signed AMBROSE DERY (MP) MINISTER FOR THE INTERIOR Issued in Accra this Tuesday, 22nd December 2020 Source: graphiconline.com

The Ghana Tourism Authority has taken note of a statement circulating on social media today, December 24, 2020, by Kobi Rana, the movie producer of 'FREEDOM AND JUSTICE' with the above headline. The Authority wishes to clarify that a ban has not been placed on the said movie but pursuant to the directives of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the operation of MOVIE HOUSES/CINEMAS ARE SUSPENDED AS PART OF THE COVID 19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS, which are contained in the Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic)(No. 16) Instrument, 2020. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video In his 20th address to the Nation, the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, urged that “it is important to stress that our borders, by land and sea will remain closed to human traffic until further notice. Beaches, pubs, Cinemas, and nightclubs remain closed until further notice.” The Ghana Tourism Authority, which is the regulatory agency mandated by law under the Tourism Act, to regulate these tourism facilities (beaches, cinemas, movie houses, and nightclubs) is enforcing the directives of the President. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Cinema, beach, and night club operators have all been part of the ongoing stakeholder engagements with the National COVID-19 Task Force.

The Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for Ayawaso North Constituency in the just ended general elections, Honourable Alhaji Manaf Mohammed Osman Halidu, expressed his overwhelming gratitude to the constituents. He made this statement during a live ‘one-one’ interview on radio Universe 105.7fm, an Accra based radio station in Legon. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video Alhaji Manaf said it was a tough competition considering him as a first timer in politics, gunning to snatch the seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), after ruling the constituency for twenty-eight good years without major infrastructural development. ‘I was optimistic of winning the seat for the first time for my party considering the support given me from my constituents and the party at large, he added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture This he said, was as a result of his efforts at bringing on board all the Constituency executives and those who contested them but could not make it, both past and current parliamentary aspirants as well as known NDC members who decided to throw their support for the party that earned me the name ' *koowa da koowa".* When he was asked whether his campaign team failed him, Manaf replied ‘This is not time to point accusing fingers at those who did or didn’t do what they were supposed to do, but rather a time to reflect and tap assistance from different angles in order to do more for Ayawaso North Constituency, so long as Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo and the New Patriotic Party remain in power for the next four years. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught “The most important thing at this stage is to contribute my quota to ensure that the government of NPP under the leadership of Nana Akufo Addo, succeed in the implementation of its flagship programs which hitherto has been ignored by the opposition NDC”, he stressed. Finally, I want to urge all our party supporters and sympathizers not to lose hope in our pursuit to claim the Ayawaso North Seat for our party. He thank Allah for giving us the Presidential victory. At least I can go to bed and enjoy a peaceful sleep knowing very well that I have a competent Commander in chief of the Ghana armed forces to protect the country. I couldn't have asked for more. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has used his Christmas message to urge the citizenry to remain determined, hardworking, and discipline to propel the country despite the setback caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While advising Ghanaians to use the season to reaffirm their faith, hope, and trust in God and Jesus Christ, he noted “We in Ghana have good reason to be thankful to Almighty God for how far he has brought us.” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video “Our nation is united and at peace. We continue to be a beacon of democracy on the continent having conducted even in the midst of the pandemic a transparent, free, fair, credible, and safe general election that has been recognized by both local and international observers. “Our economy is rebounding at a much faster rate than originally anticipated. We are ensuring that the basic elements of social justice that are wide access to quality education and good healthcare are being met. Food is affordable and it is in abundance in the markets,” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught “And we are seeing the transformation of the Ghanaian economy which will bring in its wake, jobs for our youth in our nation. We are not there yet, but there is now a much greater belief that with discipline, determination, and hard work, we will make it.” Acknowledging that this years’ Christmas celebration will an unconventional one President Akufo-Addo urged all and sundry to remain committed to stemming the spread of Covid-19 by abiding by the safety protocols. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture He stressed that respecting the enhanced hygiene and mask-wearing protocols are just some of the means to make it to the New Year, healthy and alive. “Let us be a blessing on the lives of those in need, and through our actions bring a good cheer to all. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the Christmas season bring you joy and the New Year usher a new era of blessing and growth and for everyone you hold dear.” Credit: Myjoyonline.com

President of the Shatta Movement (SM), Charles Nii Armah Jnr known in showbiz as Shatta wale has taken to his Twitter account to thank his fans for their amazing support throughout the year. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-jean-mensa-spotted-dancing-at-aglow-amidst-election-tension-video In a tweet sighted by ThinkNews Online, Shatta Wale tweeted "Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all SM fans worldwide. Thank you for an amazing support throughout the year. #HajiaBintu#AhodwoLasVegas" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught He added that although 2020 hasn’t been easy, he is grateful to God for all through till today. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture See embed tweet below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In the Bono Region, the Banda Traditional Council has charged Kwame Baffoe ‘Abronye’, the Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman, with some alleged offensive comments he made against the region. Abronye allegedly branded “all the people of Banda-Ahenkro as lawless and violent people,” speaking in a radio interview. People are killed and their meat is consumed. In short, the people of Banda-Ahenkro are assassins and cannibalistic. According to the Council, the claim is a disrespect to the Chief of the Paramount, to the Queen-mother, to the Chiefs of the Division and to all the people of Banda-Ahenkro, particularly in the absence of proof to substantiate his claims. Addressing a press conference at the Banda Ahenkro Chief’s Palace, Banda Traditional Region’s Osiakwanhene, Nana Bankwadi said the Royal Council is calling on Abronye to implement adjustments, otherwise they will take appropriate action. Source:Mynewsghana.net

Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central has threatened to burn the houses of former President John Dramani Mahama and some NDC bigwigs, claiming without evidence that the NDC is burning the markets. On Wednesday, the National Investigations Bureau released Eric Adogla, the driver of Peter Otokunor, an NDC Deputy General Secretary, without charge after arresting and detaining him on Monday. “Mahama, let me tell you, you stay at Chain Homes, which belongs to Alhaji Seidu Agongo. You cannot go and burn somebody’s fourteen stalls and go scot-free. Mahama, Asiedu Nketia, Akamba, Baba Jamal, you should be careful, else we’ll burn your houses too,” Kennedy Agyapong said on ‘The Dialogue’ show on Net 2 TV, Wednesday, December 23. He added, “If it continues like that, Mahama we’ll burn your house and if you don’t take care, we’ll burn you the human being. We cannot allow these things to go on in this country.” Agyapong alleged that the NDC has indicated that, “between now [Wednesday] and Saturday, they said they will be burning the Kumasi market, and burn Cape Coast market. What is going on in this country?” He warned the former president to simply relocate from his Chain Homes residence else he will gather people to the place and burn his property. He further warned Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd.), a former NDC appointee, to also be on guard else his East Legon property which is just closer to his will be razed down by fire. Not even the caution from the host of the show could restrain the MP from making more scandalous statements about the leaders of the opposition party. “If they burn any market again, Mahama Chain Homes is there; do you think you are the [only] ones that can organise? I now dare you [Mahama], Asiedu Nketia, Gbevlo-Lartey, Akamba and Baba Jamal...if we hear any burning in any part of the country, Mahama we’ll burn your house,” he stressed. Source: Net2Tv

An alleged Jujuman and his accomplice scaled the walls of the Volta Regional Directorate of the Electoral Commission to post the National Democratic Congress (NDC) petition in Ho after the group staged a three-hour demonstration through the principal streets demanding a change in the verdict of the December 7 polls results. The duo, contrary to the agreed designated number of party leaders, who were supposed to present their petition to the EC Officials, got to the premises only to meet a locked gate. The duo, who were not part of the designated five, then scaled the wall and began to do enchantment, pouring some powdery substances and invoking words to the chagrin of the Police officials, who were outside the EC’s premises, protecting lives and property. Another drama was the slaughtering of ram at the main gate of the EC, Ho office, with the blood sprinkled across the gate and in a circular direction targeted at invoking certain spiritual action against the EC. Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Jessey Opare, Volta Regional Operational Commander described the act of the duo as unlawful entry and said appropriate action would be taken on them. He said the Command decided not to undertake any “premature arrests” at the event grounds as that could lead to chaos. He however said the Police would invite the organisers of the protests to assist in their next action. Mr Opare explained that the Command received notification from the NDC regarding the demonstration and had given permission but with a condition that only five of party Executives of the Party would be allowed into the premises of the EC to present their petition. He said the five could not perform the task as EC officials were on break. The teeming group alleged the EC stole the verdict from the flagbearer of the NDC to President Akufo-Addo. The supporters clad in red chanted “No Mahama, No peace” with placards inscriptions reading, “This is naked thievery,” “You are a dent on our democracy,” “You can still everything, no our votes,” “Speak up international community,” “Declare Mahama now.” Meanwhile, Mr Henry Ametefee, Regional Chairman of NDC said the NDC would not allow the sovereign will of the people to be undermined. He said the NDC would not accept the results as declared by the EC because the results were fraudulent and inaccurate. He commended the media and the police for showing professionalism in protecting the protesters. Source: GNA

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. There are many reasons why some people have difficulty avoiding obesity. Usually, obesity results from a combination of inherited factors, combined with the environment and personal diet and exercise choices. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and weight-loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity. *Symptoms* Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. To determine your body mass index, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply by 703. Or divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. *BMI* *Weightstatus* Below 18.5 Underweight 18.5-24.9. Normal 25.0-29.9 Overweight 30.0 and higher Obesity For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. However, BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, so some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obesity category even though they don't have excess body fat. When to see a doctor If you're concerned about weight-related health problems, ask your doctor about obesity management. You and your doctor can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight-loss options. *Causes* Although there are genetic, behavioral, metabolic and hormonal influences on body weight, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories. Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors such as Family inheritance and influences, The genes you inherit from your parents may affect the amount of body fat you store, and where that fat is distributed. Genetics may also play a role in how efficiently your body converts food into energy, how your body regulates your appetite and how your body burns calories during exercise. Obesity tends to run in families. That's not just because of the genes they share. Family members also tend to share similar eating and activity habits. Lifestyle choices Unhealthy diet. A diet that's high in calories, lacking in fruits and vegetables, full of fast food, and laden with high-calorie beverages and oversized portions contributes to weight gain. Liquid calories. People can drink many calories without feeling full, especially calories from alcohol. Other high-calorie beverages, such as sugared soft drinks, can contribute to significant weight gain. Inactivity. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you burn through exercise and routine daily activities. Looking at computer, tablet and phone screens is a sedentary activity. The number of hours you spend in front of a screen is highly associated with weight gain. Certain diseases and medications In some people, obesity can be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome and other conditions. Medical problems, such as arthritis, also can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain. Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don't compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers. Social and economic issues Social and economic factors are linked to obesity. Avoiding obesity is difficult if you don't have safe areas to walk or exercise. Similarly, you may not have been taught healthy ways of cooking, or you may not have access to healthier foods. In addition, the people you spend time with may influence your weight — you're more likely to develop obesity if you have friends or relatives with obesity. Age Obesity can occur at any age, even in young children. But as you age, hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle increase your risk of obesity. In addition, the amount of muscle in your body tends to decrease with age. Generally, lower muscle mass leads to a decrease in metabolism. These changes also reduce calorie needs, and can make it harder to keep off excess weight. If you don't consciously control what you eat and become more physically active as you age, you'll likely gain weight. Other factors Pregnancy. Weight gain is common during pregnancy. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women. Breast-feeding may be the best option to lose the weight gained during pregnancy. Quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is often associated with weight gain. And for some, it can lead to enough weight gain to qualify as obesity. Often, this happens as people use food to cope with smoking withdrawal. In the long run, however, quitting smoking is still a greater benefit to your health than is continuing to smoke. Your doctor can help you prevent weight gain after quitting smoking. Lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. You may also crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain. Stress. Many external factors that affect your mood and well-being may contribute to obesity. People often seek more high-calorie food when experiencing stressful situations. Microbiome. Your gut bacteria are affected by what you eat and may contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Previous attempts to lose weight. Previous attempts of weight loss followed by rapid weight regain may contribute to further weight gain. This phenomenon, sometimes called yo-yo dieting, can slow your metabolism. Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't mean that you're destined to develop obesity. You can counteract most risk factors through diet, physical activity and exercise, and behavior changes. OBESITY may be prevented through regularly exercise, following a healthy eating plan, monitoring weight regularly and being consistent in healthy weight plan.