The Leadership of Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has inspected and taken delivery of 622 Suzuki outboard motors which forms of the second tranche of 5,000 outboard motors procured by the Authority. With funding from the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) under the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives (MSDI), outboard motors are said to be distributed to fishers at highly subsidized prices. The first tranche of 1,300 outboard motors have already been distributed to fishers in Greater Accra, Central, Western and Volta Regions. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-coda-donates-ppes-to-ga-traditional-council-ahead-of-homowo-celebrations Briefing the media, the CEO said “The Authority procured the outboard motors on the directive of the President to purposely help alleviate poverty among fishers by empowering them to do their business through distribution of outboard motors at highly subsidized prices" Regarding resale of the equipment, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib sounded a note of caution to all that it would constitute an offence for anyone, irrespective of their status, to acquire an outboard motor from CODA at a subsidized price and resell same at a higher price. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/facemask-coda-boss-urges-police-to-enforce-laws Subsidy Under the intervention, a 40 horsepower outboard motor which costs GHS20,000 is being sold for GHS10,000 representing a subsidy of 50 percent, while a 15 horsepower outboard motor with a market price of GHS14,500 is being offered to fishers at GHS5,000 representing a subsidy of about 65 percent. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-coda-donates-5000-facemasks-150-hand-sanitizers-to-gaam-pictures Modalities for distribution Under the arrangement, CODA says interested fishers who had their names captured by CODA during needs assessment and stakeholder engagement, prior to procurement of the equipment, can visit the Head Office of CODA in Accra to pay and collect their outboard motors. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Happy Nigeria Independence Day! Today, Nigerians celebrate the proclamation of independence from British rule. This year is extra special as it marks 60 years since the country declared independence. Independence Day is a big event, celebrated all over the world. However, it looks a lot different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But when did Nigeria become independent from Britain, and how is the day usually celebrated? When did Nigeria become independent? Just after midnight on October 1, 1960, in Lagos, Nigeria’s flag was officially holstered for the very first time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-b-tch-leave-akuapim-poloo-alone-nana-tornado-blasts-afia-schwar-videos A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a President as a ceremonial head of state. Nigerians wear green and white on Independence day. The occasion signified the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria’s 36 states and was marked with fireworks, dancing, and a state banquet. Independence Day gives an opportunity for Nigerians to showcase their rich and varied culture. Nigeria is the most populated country in the entire continent of Africa, with 195.9 million citizens. The country has over 520 languages, although it retains English as its official language. Traditional Nigerian meals such as jollof rice with plantain and egusi are eaten on Independence Day. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-did-you-know-chinese-love-reggae-music-videos How is Nigeria Independence Day celebrated? Nigeria Independence Day looks a lot different in 2020 than usual, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. The Governor of Lagos State has said that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence are cancelled. The Governor of Ogun State has also imposed a 10pm to 6am curfew on the day of Independence, directing the Police, military and all security agencies to enforce these measures. The festivities begin with the President’s address to the people, which is broadcast on radio and television. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-kofi-kinaata-presents-vgma-awards-to-western-regional-police-commander-pictures Usually, a parade by the armed forces then starts, and people line the streets wearing white and green – the colours of the Nigerian flag. Then, the national cake is cut to commemorate the celebrations at the President’s villa (known as Aso Rock). Afterwards, people gather to have large feasts where everyone brings a traditional dish. This typically includes jollof rice, egusi soup, and pounded yam. In the evening, people end the day with a bang – by letting off fireworks. See pictures below: Credit: Metro News

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rufftown Records, Ricky Nana Agyemang known in showbiz as Bullet has hinted that he will be moving his record label to Nigeria if Government does not change certain laws in the country. According to him, he is disappointed in how Authorities are treating Artists in the country including his label record READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/you-are-foolish-for-attacking-every-artiste-i-produce-bullet-descends-on-mr-logic In a tweet sighted by ThinkNews Online, Bullet said "In a year or 2 there will be no record labels in Gh due to stringent/heart-wrenching laws made by people occupying higher positions to collapse the creative arts" He also said "1st, it was FDA, and now Gaming Commission, I am moving Rufftown to Nigeria, if the gov't doesn't change these laws" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/wendy-fantana-not-bigger-than-rufftown-records-bullet-vents-anger See tweet below: Story by: Mandy Adwoa Woods

Some scores of social media users have expressed mixed reactions over the new leaked jersey of the Senior National Team, Black Stars. According to social media critics, the jersey looks like a ‘Friday wear’ adding they are disappointed in the designers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-contact-sports-remains-banned-president-akufo-addo On Twitter, @Ghana-Mr-Bean said “Na Friday wear ben nso nie. Ghana na wana eye never open. Tweaa.” @Lurkingking said “Yes we know that but this jersey is very awful. At least we need to look attractive” @Manuel_Maaira said “Its like they are forcing too much. Something simle. I feel they are being pressured because of what nike is doing to Nigeria’s kit designs. But this is too much” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-jota-s-first-liverpool-goal-seals-fightback-win-over-arsenal However, a Nigerian, @AshleyPhlakes also said “Jerseys don’t win trophies, it’s their mentality that has to change. Other lesser known sports win more trophies for the country yet they’re not recognized, all they know is money with nothing to prove. Afcon sef they can’t win tueh” Meanwhile some Ghanaians on social media are calling for 1992 Black Stars jersey saying “it still remains the spirit filled kits of the Gh Black Stars. Simplicity is most times beautiful” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/offinso-accident-kevin-prince-boateng-ready-to-offer-support-to-families-of-deceased See pictures and screenshots below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has strongly defended the Akufo-Addo government's record in administering the affairs of Ghana. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station on Wednesday, he dismissed assertions by NDC’s flagbearer, John Mahama adding that if the NPP government had nothing to show for its 'one village one dam' programme, it can boast of 10 projects in the Former President's own hometown. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video On the issue of debt which has risen astronomically under the NPP, the Vice-President compared the percentage of rise in debt under the Akufo-Addo’s administration to what pertained under the NDC asserting that the ruling party has managed it better. He said “The last NDC government negotiated several energy deals to shore up the country's energy deals which had to be paid for by procuring loans which had generated the said debts. The syno-hydro development project with China, the Obetsebi Lamptey highway, are interventions worth noting under the NPP government,” Speaking on the secessionist ambitions of the so-called southern Togoland group, Dr. Bawumia who doubles as Chairman of the Police Council, defended government's handling of the situation asserting that the security agencies working on intelligence had foiled planned attacks by the group. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/stop-hiding-behind-dirty-politics-some-of-you-are-naturally-dirty-brigette-dzogbonuku He elicited support of all Ghanaians to defeat the group adding the counry remains a unitary state and is not in dispute. On Mahama, Vice-president repudiated the NDC'S flagbearer's record in government citing the energy crisis that bedeviled his last government. He explained that the Former President's promise to pay the debts of victims of the micro finance companies as insincere, stating that the collapse of the companies occurred under the NDC and his inability to bail the customers. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/pass-the-affirmative-action-bill-now-2016-ppp-running-mate Veep Bawumia added such behaviour from the NDC will make the customers find it hard to believe their promise. Story by: Rodney Tsenuokpor

Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed that his all-time favourite sporting activity is tennis. According to him, he used to play for the Tamale Secondary School in his hey days. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-our-infrastructure-projects-are-value-for-money-bawumia Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, he said "I tried soccer along the line but I think I was too small so I didn’t make the school's team. But with Table Tennis, I enjoy it because I’m alone with the person I’m playing with and I can beat the person fairly” The Vice President added that although he had interest in football, all efforts to master the game yielded no good results hence sticking to tennis. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-we-have-ensured-infrastructure-for-all-no-district-was-denied-development-dr-bawumia Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Controversial Media Personality, Valentina Afia Agyeiwaa known in showbiz as Afia Schwarzenegger has flaunted her new bestfriend Gospel Musician, Empress Gifty Osei on the internet after she dropped a dripping picture on Instagram celebrating her as her ‘Woman Crush Wednesday' (WCW). Although the two have been spotted in a beautiful picture, many are wondering whether the controversial nedia personality, Afia Schwarzgger has now found herself a new bestfriend or not. In the viral picture, Afia Schwar was seen with the biggest smile as she posed with Gifty Osei. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-will-expose-papano-after-48-hours-afia-schwar On Instagram, she said “Caption this. My WCW @empress_gifty” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-b-tch-leave-akuapim-poloo-alone-nana-tornado-blasts-afia-schwar-videos However, some scores of social media users have wished the Controversial Media Personality well in her new friendship. See picture below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Media Personality, Deloris Frimpong-Manso known in showbiz as Delay has hinted she will be revealing pictures of her family on her new Instagram account soon. According to her, it is about time she reveals to the world who her family is. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/pregnant-with-joy-delay-confirms Although she denied publicly of having a secret marriage and a naming ceremony, it is emerging that she will soon let the cat out of the bag. On Instagram, she said “Follow my new page… will be posting family pictures there,” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/delay-s-shatta-movement-prophecy-comes-true See picture below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Musician, Flexer Gh has cautioned President of the SM Family, Shatta Wale saying he will soon snatch the dancehall crown and his bestfriend, Efia Odo. The head of Bada Movement, Flexer Gh took to his Instagram page to warn Shattawale. In his Instagram post sighted by ThinkNews Online, he said “I Will Soon Snatch You From @shattawalenima And Make Him Cry Like A Baby,” READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video However the post has received mixed reactions on social media as make have tagged it as the doom of Shattawale. ThinkNews Online has also gathered that Flexer Gh few months ago asked Shatta wale to tell his SM Queens to bath properly. In what was described as a disrespect, the young Musician added the private parts of the SM Queens smells bad. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Son of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Daniel Duncan-Williams has announced that he is seriously looking for a girlfriend. Daniel took to his Instagram page to make the public announcement. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video However, his post has received lots of reactions as some scores of ladies have experienced their interest to date him. Akua665 said "I wish I be the one but I am scared of your father" Bronze_Original also said "If I was from Ghana I was gonna say me" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video See picture below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As we celebrate the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Day with great interest by World Tourism Organizations, Government Agencies, and Individuals on the theme Tourism and Rural Development, I would like to share my thoughts on this all-important occasion and the theme set for it. Countries across the World are dependent onTourism like never before to drive recovery after bearing a heavy blow on their economy due to Covid-19 pandemic. But as we celebrate the occasion with conscious awareness to drive home domestic tourism before international tourism, let us consider the following: The Image of Our Tourist Sites The character of our tourists sites is crucial to tourist participation. The environmental safety, friendliness of the people all add up to attract visitors or not. Therefore, the quality of the attraction will determine whether or not to tourist should visit the site. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-akufo-addo-and-napo-are-the-best-fathers-in-the-world-nugs-president We need to develop our local tourism market through branding and positioning to make it attractive. We need to add value to our museums, heritage sites among others so that there will be repeat visits. The brand promise needs to be clear and consistent to influence local consumption. The Price of Our Domestic Tourism Products Pricing is one of the most important elements in the tourism marketing mix. Tourism customers rate the product at a price but the right price must satisfy both the tourist and meet the profit objectives of the tourism business. The Government of Ghana needs to review taxes and levies of the products to make it affordable for local consumption. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The rate of a 3-star hotel in Accra for a night stay cannot easily be consumed by an average middle-income worker. Hotels are paying 17.5% VAT, 1% Tourism Levy coupled with statutory payments such as SSNIT, Tier 1 and 2, Income Tax, just to mention a few. The cost of operating a hotel accommodation is very expensive, thereby business operators pass on the cost of their prices to customers. This makes it very expensive for local consumers. Training and Development The Tourism Sector enjoins various industries from Transport, Aviation, Agriculture, Catering, Food and Beverage, Accommodation, Drivers, Creative Arts, Fashion and many more. There should be regular training programs for both skilled and unskilled artisans in the tourism business to improve the outcomes of their business operations. Cultural Preservation Cultural assets must be preserved by engaging especially women and the youth who resides in the towns and villages of our major tourism destinations. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video The capacity of the community to preserving their cultural heritage will boost tourist arrivals domestically. Building the capacity of the communities around our culture and heritage will significantly enhance the sustainability of preservation. There must be dialogue between residents and visitors to better understand the cultural values of the community. Thirty years ago, tourism in Ghana was literally at a standstill, largely due to political instability and problems associated with shortages of even basic commodities. Nevertheles tourism in Ghana has grown significantly as the largest employer in the informal sector after Agriculture, Trade and Industry. Ghana’s tourism comes from the impact of our Food, Culture and Heritage, Creative Arts, Festivals, Beach Resorts, Hotels and the like. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/dubai-john-mahama-s-son-shafik-ties-knot-with-lover-photos-video It is significant to note that tourism is a major economic activity as an agent of change, a social enabler and a major income generating venture for social progress. The success and sustainability of Local Tourism and Development shall always hinge on Management co-operation with all stakeholders. A shared vision, willingness to work together to achieve stated goals through work delivery via evaluations and measurable results is very key. Happy World Tourism Day 2020 Celebrations. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-i-will-turn-nafti-into-a-multimedia-university-mahama Credit: Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Managing Director, Kaya Tours Ghana Limited

The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Education has presented 4 new vehicles each to 3 new universities to assist the Institutions in operate effectiveness. The beneficiary Universities include; SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS); CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS); and University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). Presenting the vehicles on behalf of the government, Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said the vehicles were provided as part of government’s resourcing plan for the new universities. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/education-news-our-record-in-education-is-admirable-napo-confirms He further stated that this follows assurances he gave at the inauguration of their Governing Councils and Interim Key Officers, since the universities identified the means of transport among the most of their immediate needs. In addition to the vehicles, the sector Minister explained that each university has received GHS1.5 Million to cater for basic logistics needs. “This initial funding is sourced from allocations made under GETFund to provide for the most urgent logistics requirements, while government makes provision for adequate funding for their medium to long term needs” he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-collaborate-with-stakeholder-s-ahead-of-school-re-opening-napo-to-committee Dr. Prempeh emphasized that government expects the universities to use these resources efficiently and most effectively. “We expect you to be innovative yourselves and resourceful as the universities takeoff so that you can complement government’s efforts.” He continued, “most of all, we want you to focus on ensuring a smooth takeoff and to keep the universities on a growth path consistent with the mandates given you.” Speaking on behalf of the three universities, the Vice Chancellor of the CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Prof. Eric Wilmot, thanked government for the gesture and assured the Minister of a sound maintenance culture for the vehicles. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-akufo-addo-and-napo-are-the-best-fathers-in-the-world-nugs-president He further assured him that they will work with the NCTE to ensure their institutions will become pace setters. The four vehicles comprised a Toyota Land Cruiser, two Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and a Toyota Hilux pickup. See videos and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith