In line with its mandate to alleviate poverty and empower the vulnerable in society, the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has rolled out a policy to improve the lives of head porters, popularly known as ‘kayayei’ in the Greater Accra Region. This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib on Sunday 4th October after two thousand “kayayei” participated in a free health screening, NHIS registration and skills development forum. Addressing the Kayayei, Lawyer Shaib revealed that CODA has an objective to support and guide kayayei holistically to enable them transit to more viable and sustainable livelihoods. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations He said "President Nana Akuffo-Addo has directed the Authority to intervene in the plight of kayayei and empower them to improve their lives through skills training and formal education” Deputy CEO of CODA, Kingsley Kofi Karikari-Bondzie, reaffirmed the commitment of CODA to give necessary attention to vulnerable groups to lift them out of poverty and place them on a path of wealth creation. PORTERS EMPOWERMENT POLICY It is human development policy to protect and empower kayayei and their children which provides a career development framework that acts as a transition platform for kayayei girls to improve their personal development, and progress from being kayayei to attain more and better social and economic benefits. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Kayayei and their children suffer due to their vulnerabilities, usually resulting in: Loss of educational opportunities by kayayei and their children, Loss of/risk of losing parental care for kayayei girls and their children who are made vulnerable and Lack of access to quality healthcare for kayayei girls and their children Physical abuse suffered by kayayei and their children, Psychological/emotional abuse, Sexual abuse i.e. rape, defilement and others were revealed to be part of porters empowerment policy for the Kayayei. Highlighting on the approach, ThinkNews Online has gathered that CODA will collaborate with public, private, non-profit sector and communities to ensure that kayayei and their children do not suffer abuse and deprivation. On Kayayo Career Pathways, it is however emerging that CODA will support kayayei to undergo basic vocational skills such as beadmaking, dressmaking, hairdressing, soapmaking etc. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws The Kayayei will also be encouraged and supported to undertake alternative trades with greater economic and social benefits. The Leadership of CODA says it will provide financial and business management support to individual and groups of kayayei to engage in alternative trades while they pursue formal education. Under the policy, kayayei girls who have the requisite qualification or requirements may be guided to apply for positions in the private and public sector including government-funded youth employment schemes such as YEA, NEIP, NABCO, Planting for Food and Jobs. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-outdoors-credit-union-to-support-informal-sector-pictures The leadership of the Kayayei Association thanked CODA for the kind gesture. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has submitted his Presidential Nomination Forms to the Electoral Commission ahead of the December 2020 polls on Tuesday. The President is seeking a second term in office after soundly beating then President John Mahama of the largest opposition party in the 2016 Presidential Elections. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-kotoka-to-reopen-on-tuesday-president-akufo-addo-confirms He was accompanied by his running mate and Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Submitting his forms, Nana Akufo-Addo urged the Electoral commission to be fair and transparent in the electoral process. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-president-akufo-addo-condemns-john-mahama-s-comment-tagging-akyems-as-sakawa-boys "What the Ghanaian people are expecting is that the election of December will be an election that is conducted in peace and transparency so that the results of the election will reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. Elections are not meant to be decided by you or the officials that work for you. You are the referees in the contest" Receiving the nomination forms, EC Chair, Jean Mensah disclosed that two vetting teams have been set up to audit the nomination forms of all the aspirants for later confirmation. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-contact-sports-remains-banned-president-akufo-addo It is however emerging that NDC Flagbearer, John Mahama is expected to file his nomination tomorrow. Story by: Rodney Tsenuokpo

Opoku Ware Senior High School has eliminated Accra Academy and Boa Amponsem to secure a slot in the final in the ongoing National Science and Maths Quiz held at the University of Ghana, Legon. In what was described as a fierce contest, the three schools did not give each other a breathing space and they battled for supremacy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-aburi-girls-shs-pulls-out-of-2020-national-science-and-math-quiz The “Akatakyie” boys did it once again as Richard Kyei Marfo and Noble Asamoah of Opoku Ware SHS took each round with much ease. After the first round, Opoku Ware SHS was leading with 21 points. However, contestants from Accra Academy and Boa Amponsem scored 15 point, giving Opoku Ware, a run for their money. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/nsmq-2020-st-thomas-aquinas-wins-first-nsmq-preliminaries-with-65pts-pictures Round 2 and 3 saw the three schools going hard on each other as they answered the questions asked. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/nsmq-2020-9-schools-to-battle-for-final-spot-on-tuesday After round 5, Opoku Ware Senior High School were crowned victors as they pulled 55 points as compared to Accra Academy 38pts whiles Boa Amponsem SHS scored 18pts. See screenshot below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Lynx Entertainment Signee, Dennis Nana Dwamena known in showbiz as Kidi is calling on the general public to support his brother, Kuami Eugene ahead of his 'Son Of Africa Album' launch. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/nsmq-2020-9-schools-to-battle-for-final-spot-on-tuesday In a tweet sighted by ThinkNews Online, he said "4 days to Son Of Africa Album. Let's support it the same way we support the others. Love always" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures The tweet has received mixed reactions from followers and social media pundits. See Tweet below: Source: Joshua Kwabena Smith

One of the die-hard followers of the BhimNation family, Aisha Modi has openly revealed that Veteran Ghanaian Highlife Artiste, Obrafour cheated on her after she invested $45,000 into his 2009 hit album. According to her, the hit album she invested in was dubbed ‘Asem Beba Dabi’. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-afia-schwar-trade-blows-with-mzbel-on-social-media-screenshots Aisha Modi said “I produced Obrafour’s ‘Kasiebo’. I invested close to $45k but I didn’t even get GHS1 from the song. I did this investment at a time when I didn’t even have a plot of land or a house” She further explained that although she is not asking for her money back, she was only expecting the Artiste to show appreciation said all her help ended up in the gutters and she did not receive a penny from it although the track was a hit. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/nsmq-2020-9-schools-to-battle-for-final-spot-on-tuesday Full interview below; Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Nine Senior Secondary Schools will be battling each other for a slot in the final of the much-anticipated National Science and Maths Quiz competition in Accra on Tuesday. It is emerging that the first contest in the semi-final stage will see Opoku Ware SHS, clash with Boa Amponsem SHS and Accra Academy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Later in the day, Achimota School will log-horns with Keta SHS and Adisadel College in the second contest. However, as they yearn for their 6th trophy, Presbyterian Boys SHS will be facing Aburi Presby SHS and Kumasi Academy. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/coda-allays-fears-over-chorkor-bridge With what has been described as the battle for survival, the competing schools have vowed to display tenacity, great sportsmanship and intriguing performance at the University of Ghana auditorium for the coveted trophy. See picture below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching ThinkNews Online indicates Ghana's Midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah has terminated his contract with Inter Milan on transfer deadline day. It is emerging that Asamoah’s agent signed the termination agreement on Monday at the Italian giants’ headquarters. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-contact-sports-remains-banned-president-akufo-addo This means Asamoah is free to join any club even when the summer transfer window ends later today. Asamoah joined Inter in 2018 after spending six years at Juventus- in a move that saw him reunite with former coach Antonio Conte. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-jota-s-first-liverpool-goal-seals-fightback-win-over-arsenal However, the midfielder cum left-back struggled to make an impact due to injuries. He made a total of 53 appearances for the Nerazzurri in two seasons at the club, providing three assists and scoring no goal. Asamoah is reportedly on the radar of English Championship side Reading and Serie A side Sampdoria. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/offinso-accident-kevin-prince-boateng-ready-to-offer-support-to-families-of-deceased Source: News Desk Report

A VIP bus driver is battling for his life after he was shot by some unknown men during a midnight robbery at Linda-Dor on the Accra-Kumasi highway on Monday. According to sources, the unfortunate incident happened at 01:36 am on Monday leaving some scores of passengers with series of injuries. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations The KIA bus which bore the inscription ‘Yesu Dea’ with registration number GE 2397-10 was heading towards to Kumasi from Accra when it met the incident. Eyewitnesses said the robbers who ambushed the bus rushed to the middle of the street as the vehicle approached and fired a shot at the windscreen. All passengers on board were robbed of their personal belongings and various amounts of cash. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Some of them complained of being manhandled by the thieves. The Police Highway Patrol team later arrived at the crime scene to put the situation under control. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws So far, no arrests have been made yet as the robbers bolted before the arrival of the law enforcers. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Controversial Media Personality, Afia Schwarzenegger has dragged leading Member of the New Patriotic Party,(NPP) Gabby Otchere-Darko into her ongoing beef with her former friend Mzbel. According to her, Gabby Otchere-Darko bribed Mzbel with a 4×4 car to tarnish the image of the National Democratic Congress(NDC). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations She indicated that although Gabby didn’t know Mzbel in person, he contracted her because he believed she is best fit for the job. Making this revelation in a post on social media, Afia Schwarzenegger alleged “Mzbel tell Ghanaians when Gabby Otchere Darko gave you a 4×4 to come and say stuffs about NDC because he doesn’t know you”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Afia Schwarzenegger has since morning been on the case of her former friend Mzbel who she says betrayed her by sleeping with her boyfriend. Among other revelations made was the fact that Mzbel earned an ambassadorial deal with the Electricity Company of Ghana because she slept with a “big man” there. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Story by: News Desk Report

Controversial Media Personality, Valentina Afia Agyeiwaa known in showbiz as Afia Schwar has traded blows with her former friend, Mzbel in a new 'beef' on social media. In a post sighted by ThinkNews Online, Afia Schwar said "Bitch say fi. You remember begging me to sleep with Kofi Amoabeng be cos that is the only way he will feed your bastard son?? Curse me with Antoa if I am lying!!!!Kwasia we were sitting at roskSTONES office" The controversial media Personality added "National Rape Ambassador...Ashawo tutuniba. Kwankwandabi" Responing to the jabs, Mzbel said "How many of you want me to reply to the only bitch in Ghana who borrowed money to pay a man's groom price because she knows no one will ever love or care about her?" ThinNews Online will be monitoring and will keep followers updated. See screenshots below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Actress, Jackie Appiah says she is shocked over the pregnancy allegations levelled against her by the media. Speaking on an Accra based television station, she said "I am shocked over this allegations of pregnancy. The media has Impregnated me" She charged her followers to rubbish all fake reportage on the alleged pregnancy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Nigerian Musician, Wizkid has blasted President Buhari saying he should mind his own business. The Musician took to his Twitter handle and said "Donald trump is not your business! Old man!" He added Nigerian Police and Sarz are still killing the youth on a daily adding the Head of State should do something about it. "Nothing concern u for America! Face your country!!" he added. The Musician took a swipe at the President after Mr. Buhari tweeted wishing American President Donald Trump and his wife speedy recovery. It is emerging that Donald Trump and his wife have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. See screenshots below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith