Vice President of IMANI Center for Policy and Education, Bright Simons says the Electoral Commission, has, through past actions, massively reduced its trustworthiness and hence should not be trusted by Ghanaians. Detailing why IMANI Africa has refused to give the EC the benefit of the doubt, Simons indicated that, the EC over the years has spewed more lies than truths about their procurement work and IMANI has spent time reading 1000s of pages about their procurement work to be able to tell that they have not been entirely truthful. “We found them to be lying at every turn. Trust & lies don't mix,” Bright Simons wrote in a post on his social media handle. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught “They announced to the whole nation that since 2011, they hadn't bought new BVDs & BVRs. Lies. They spent $60m on these machines between 2015 & 2019. They rigged the $70m tender for the latest equipment from Thales so badly the head of the procurement committee resigned,” his post read further. Read below Bight Simons’ full post 1/ Why does IMANI always refuse to give EC the benefit of the doubt? A. Because we know them more than you do. We've spent time reading 1000s of pages about their procurement work. You haven't. Trust us, not them. B. We found them to be lying at every turn. Trust & lies don't mix. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos C. They announced to the whole nation that since 2011, they hadn't bought new BVDs & BVRs. Lies. They spent $60m on these machines between 2015 & 2019. D. They rigged the $70m tender for the latest equipment from Thales so badly the head of the procurement committee resigned. E. They decided to pay over $3.5m for biometric software from Lithuania that the vendor sells for $350k. IMANI published the full scoping study online so everyone can check for themselves. F. They have never passed an asset audit & never auction discarded new machines. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos G. They demonized their predecessors & called the vendors who worked on the 2016 system, which per CODEO reports, was more efficient end-to-end compared to 2020, crooked. H. Turns out that as late as 2019 and 2020, they were still paying the old vendors millions for services. I. Had they spent the $15m we believe they needed for new equipment for new polling stations (instead of $70m) & not tossed $60m worth of good devices, they could've spent $5m in increasing collation centers, J. Their new transmission network would not have failed to come online. 2/ An EC that wasn't driven by procurement scams would've been more open to consultations with CSOs & the Opposition & addressed their issues in good-faith, not refuse to engage them throughout the pre-election season. That is how to build TRUST. And thus BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT! READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture Story by: News Desk Report

Hundreds of women have embarked on a protest march in the streets of Accra to call for the reversal of the Electoral Commission’s declaration of President Akufo-Addo as the winner of the just-ended December 7 presidential election. According to the women believed to be supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the election was rigged for the New Patriotic Party’s Akufo-Addo, adding that the process was not free, fair and transparent. Following the EC’s declaration of the election result on Wednesday, December 9, the NDC and its leader, former President John Mahama have claimed several times that the will of the people had been overturned. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Mahama said: "I stand before you tonight unwilling to accept the fictionalised result of a flawed election." He emphasized that the NDC is "unable to accept the outcome of the election as declared by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensah. Those results are flawed and discredited. The Electoral Commission of Ghana has never brought its credibility to this historic low at such a crucial moment of election result declaration. In fact, the litany of irregularities and blatant attempts at rigging for a candidate is obvious and most embarrassing." He further vowed that: "We will not accept anything short of a declaration of the legitimate results, which point to an NDC parliamentary majority. He, therefore, called on the "international community to remain engaged in what is happening in Ghana and to take careful note of the current threat that is being waged to our democracy, our freedom, and our way of life." Credit: Pulse

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa on Saturday has joined Aglow International to exalt God for a peaceful and successful election that was held in the country a few days ago. According to her, the country sought the face of the Lord and was not let down. Speaking at the National Thanksgiving Service for Ghana, she said "I stand here and I say to God be the glory. Great things he has done and greater things he will do. A month ago, I came to visit and I cried out to the Lord with all of you asking God to give us a beautiful, peaceful, free and fair, transparent, orderly election and the Lord just did that " READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught "Our Lord and Master Jesus descended from his throne, came down to Ghana to oversee the elections and it has been hailed by the International community" she added. Madam Jean Mensa further described the 2020 election as peaceful and transparent ever held in the country adding that without God's glory, the country would not have had a successful exercise. "If it had not been God on our side, now let the Electoral Commission say, I have come here to give glory to whom glory is due. We thank God for his peace over the 16 regions of Ghana. Thank you for giving us a peaceful election, thank you for giving us a glorious election, thank you for giving us a timely election. Thank you for ruling and preceding over this election. Thank you that nations will come to Ghana's light" she noted. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos President of Aglow International, Dorothy Danso said "I declare and decree that let your divine head of protection and your sustaining grace keeps us from failing" She also used the occasion to congratulate President-elect Akufo-Addo on winning the December polls. According to her, she is grateful to God for seeing the country through the December polls adding she is hopeful, the President-elect and his team will govern the country in a positive manner. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The National Prayer Director of Aglow, Madam Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie charged the gathering to continue to pray to God for guidance although the elections are over. She said "I am appealing to God today to turn things around for the country. God give us forgiving hearts. Let us learn to ask for forgiveness and also forgive those who have offended us" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture "Free me from the trap that has been set for me, Psalms 31 vs 4" she added. The National Payer Director of Aglow further prayed to God to guard his children as the year comes to an end. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught She also prayed for the President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo. The women who were clad in made in Ghana outfit prayed, chanted, sang, and dance to the glory of God. There were representatives of Aglow International members from all 16 regions of the country. See pictures and videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The second lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, has more often than not, been hailed by Ghanaians for her fashion sense. She has been acclaimed on social media as one of the best-dressed public figures in Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The second lady has mostly been referred to as ‘the fashion queen’, and she has many people looking up to her when it comes to fashion. Much as we loved all her initiatives which include the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) where she reads and engages in other fun activities with future leaders, we are crazy about her high fashion sense and how to combine colors to blend so perfectly. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture Samira is a multi-lingual who is fluent in Ewe, Ga, Twi, Fanti, and Mamprusi. Samira Bawumia is known for her great fashion sense. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught She has also adjourned the Style Icon of 2017 at the third edition of the Glitz Style Awards. Check out a collection of the Second lady's most notable style moments: Story by: News Desk Report

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central Constituency, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has dared Flagbearer of opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama to try anything funny in the country and he will face his wrath. The results for the general elections have been announced and the Electoral commissioner Mrs. Jean Mensah has announced Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo as the president-elect. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Although some scores of Ghanaians are unhappy about the declaration of the results, the NDC says they will be heading to the court to challenge it. However, in a video that has surfaced on the internet has Kennedy Agyapong warning Candidate Mahama to try anything funny and he will see. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo The video was recorded after the NDC flagbearer earlier called on party supporters to resist any attempt to subvert the sovereign will of the people. Kennedy Agyapong in the video is heard saying “we will meet you with force. Try and see” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Flagbearer for the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has confirmed that he has not called President Akufo-Addo to congratulate him on any victory of the December polls. According to Mr. Mahama, the race is opened adding the populace should not fall for the lies of the NPP. Speaking at his residence in Accra, Mr. Mahama said "I have not congratulated anyone" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-celebrities-storm-shattawale-s-residence-to-celebrate-birthday-pictures-videos He further added that his attention has been drawn to some of the deviant behaviors of the NPP saying, all efforts to rig the elections will fail. The NDC Flagbearer said "My attention has been drawn to how Akufo-Addo is trying to use the Military to manipulate the results. We will not allow Nana Akufo-Addo to use the Military to jeopardize the results" Candidate Mahama however hinted that following his keen interest, the NDC has successfully won 10 out of 16 regions. On his part, General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia cautioned the media to be circumspect about their reportage. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught "The Electoral Commission in Techiman has not pronounced the results for the NPP. We are aware and we calling on the International Community to intervene" he added. Speaking on the delay in declaring of results of the Presidential Election, Mr. Asiedu Nketia explained the NDC party is happy the EC decided to shift its own timelines. He however said "We are happy that they have decided to shift their own timelines. We told them it was not going to be possible to declare" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-nii-lantey-vanderpuye-arrested-at-odododiodio-video "If anyone can go out and celebrate, it is the NDC followers because we have checked. We have won all the major seats I Greater Accra and other regions" Asiedu Nketia added. See video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Business Mogul and Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of Zylofon Media, Nana Appiah Mensah popularly known by many as NAM 1 has congratulated President Nana Akufo-Addo for winning the 2020 Presidential Elections. The Business Mogul in a tweet sighted by ThinkNews Online said "Congratulations to the NPP and the president-elect; H.E.Nana Akufo Addo for a well-merited election" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture NAM 1 also used the tweet to congratulate the NDC & Ex Prez John Mahama for giving a great and exemplary account of themselves. He tweeted "You’re all indeed great men of our land. We’re proud of you.#GhanaShallProsper" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo Below is a screenshot: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

"...The electoral process in Africa today is increasingly violent because it has turned into a desperate fight between ambitious elites in an impoverished population for control over scarce resources. Scarcity is endemic because the colonial state system wastes natural resources by exporting them, and cannot set up the industries and Jobs needed to create decent living conditions for the African population ".- Ayi kwei Armah. An important question political scientists would have to answer going forward would be why elections in Africa are increasingly characterised by violence. acclaimed Ghanaian poet, Ayi kwei Armah attempts an answer in the preceding quote, culled from a wide-ranging piece he penned in the wake of the 2008 election which like 2012, brought Ghana to the brink. The nation was virtually on a knife-edge that year. An incumbent government had just lost a crucial election by a whisker and the war drums were being beaten by the vanquished. Elections 2020 have come and gone in Ghana. The state of anxiety and apprehension which had taken hold of the nation following the vote was brought to a halt at least momentarily with the declaration of the results of the presidential election by election Commission chairperson, Jean Mensah. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-sarkodie-kuami-eugene-jam-to-happy-day-at-233-bar-videos The announcement on the evening of December 9, 2020, led to a wild jubilation by supporters of the New patriotic party, Victors at the polls, at least as far as the presidency is concerned, and gnashing of teeth in the camp of the main opposition NDC which garnered a respectable 47.46% of the presidential vote as compared to the incumbent president, Nana Akufo-Addo's 51.18% of the vote. For now, an uneasy calm hangs over the west African state, current chair of the 16 members Economic Community of West African states, and a model of democracy on the African continent. the opposition, led by the immediate past Head of state, the affable and Eloquent John Mahama, have already signalled that they intend challenging the results. Mahama's challenge comes as little surprise, months to the polls he and his party, the National Democratic Congress had battled the election body both in the law courts as well as in the court of public opinion for what they perceived as the Commission's refusal to build consensus in the run-up to the elections as well as what they perceived as a deliberate ploy to rig the elections in favour of the incumbent, and signalled their lack of trust in the election umpire led by Jean Mensah. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught But the closeness of the polls, something akin to a cliffhanger will further embolden the opposition party's challenge: a paltry 500,000 votes separated Mahama and Akufo-Addo in the presidential race. President Akufo-Addo and his NPP would have to begin a serious soul searching, nothing short of a postmortem to determine how they came so close to losing the plot. They would have to answer how a party that only four years ago unseated an incumbent at the height of his power, in this case, John Mahama by almost a million votes had to struggle this hard to retain power, in the face of a Challenge by the same man. The main thrust of this article though is to determine why our political environment has become so fractious. One gets an eerie feeling of a De ja vu this year. We have been here before. The images and scenes we have witnessed this year look like a playback of 2012. An incumbent wins a closely contested election, the opposition refuses to accept the results, the nation is on edge, there are skirmishes between supporters of the opposing parties, the case ends in court. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo Our elections are increasingly looking like a well-rehearsed horror script and that cannot bode well for our fragile states. Our politicians must understand that political power only gives them a false sense of security and cannot save them from the wrath of the people. The intensity of our political cycles is a testament to the desperation of our elite to escape the hopelessness they have created in the larger society. Their only saviour lies in their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy. Democracy can only survive in a climate of opportunities and the time has come for our politicians to focus on creating opportunities for the teeming mass of youth. Democracy will endure only when it's dividends become self-evident. The results of Ghana's 2020 elections points to an eventually divided nation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo For now, the spectre of a hung parliament stares us in the face. Without an absolute majority, the ruling party would have to reach out to the opposition, something that can only advance consensus building, something that can only bode well for our highly polarised country. The two main parties should focus on policy formulation and stop the constant angling for power for the sake of power. A country that is always in an election mood can expect nothing but a tensed environment. There is a time for elections, and a time to govern and our politicians must learn to focus more on the latter and not the former. the vain quest for power without an attendant desire to use the power of the state to advance progress is simply unsustainable. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture For now one can only hope that the aftermath of election 2020 in Ghana will be handled with tact with the Country's stability as an overriding concern. Ghana is bigger than any of the two main political parties. The next few weeks will test the resolve of Ghanaians to live in peace. We can only hope good sense prevails at the end of the day. Credit: Rodney Tsenuokpor 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.

A delegation from the National Peace Council led by its chairman, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi has been attacked at the NDC headquarters in Accra. The delegation was on a visit to the headquarters of the NDC for tête-à-tête with the party in connection with the release of the 2020 election results. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught The Chairman of the Council confirmed that upon arrival, irate NDC youth gathered at the forecourt of the party’s headquarters met them with stones, gunshots, and other dangerous weapons, preventing them from accessing the premises. According to Rev. Adu-Gyamfi, the members of the delegation were physically manhandled and some beaten to a pulp. In addition, the agitated crowd further damaged two of the vehicles they were using and managed to destroy some of their personal effects. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo “We were met with serious hostilities and violence at the NDC headquarters. As I speak now, board members who were part of the delegation are psychologically traumatized,” he said. Rev. Adu-Gyamfi said their purpose for being at the headquarters was to sit with the party leadership to discuss the allegations of election malpractices made by the NDC and to find a way to peacefully resolve the differences for the sake of the country. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The board was, however, able to meet the leaders of the National Democratic Congress after the incident who were rather cooperative. Unfortunately for the group, much could not be discussed as members of the board were traumatized by the incident and will need ample time to regain composure before any discussions can proceed. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Information reaching ThinkNews Online indicates that the Director of Research at the Office of the President, Victor Newman is dead. According to sources, the late Victor Newman was a founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught It is emerging that the late NPP Stalwart died after a short illness. Before his demise, the late Victor Newman held the position of Director of Research at the Presidency in 2017. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo He also worked at the Economic Research and Planning Services of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Western Castings Limited, and the Ghana Exim Economic Consultants. He left behind a wife and four children. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Boxing Professional Braimah Kamoko popularly known in the ring as Bukom Banku has appeared in the news for the wrong reasons. Pictures and videos going viral on various social media platforms suggest that the Bukom Banku has been terribly wounded. Grapevine has it that, the controversial boxer cum media personality was involved in a scuffle with a group of incensed political party supporters who were agitating over results churned out by personnel of the Electoral Commission during the counting of ballot papers. In the video, Bukom Banku had been rushed to the hospital to be given medical attention. He sustained deep cuts on his biceps and legs and other parts of his body. Heeeee could be overheard in the video telling the nurses that he considered the wounds mere bruises and nothing to be taken too seriously. Story by: News Desk Report

President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo in accordance with the Presidential Transition Act 2012 (Act 845), has appointed members of his Transition team. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-actress-martha-ankomah-flaunts-handsome-son-on-instagram-photo The team will be chaired by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, a statement issued by Director of Communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos Below is a copy of the list: Credit: Adomfmonline.com