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Observing President Akufo-Addo’s approach to fighting the Coronavirus in Ghana, one key reflection made is his consolidated tactics and coordination with key stakeholders in his decisions making. This process has increased problem-solving options and legitimized public verdicts. It is evident that in his government’s strategies in dealing with the pandemic, he has consistently engaged the leadership of relevant authorities in various endeavors in Ghana. So far, the Christian and Muslim communities, National house of Chiefs, the medical associations, political parties, media association, student’s union, Trade Union among others together with the COVID-19 response team have played an important role in addressing the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. The outcome of the government’s joint actions has been a bit slow in getting the results especially when the cases keep ballooning to an unexpected number. However, you may appreciate the synchronized efforts by Ghana when you juxtapose with the United States where there has been weak coordination between State and Federal organizations. The U.S. response to the pandemic has been disappointing, even drawing sharp criticism from the Noble-Prize winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz, who compared their response to that of a third world country. I believe the engagements and consultations with these authorities indicate how necessary it is to have an all-inclusive method of building consensus in tackling national problems. Irrespective of this, there is a hue and cry about how some of the key government institutions mostly formulate policies on the blind side of their major stakeholders who in the end become the main implementers of the programs and projects developed out those policies. Unfortunately, some of our great interventions become a fiasco is a result of the lack of recognition of authorities from the onset of the development of those ideas around the table. Additionally, individuals and organizations always want to be known and be regarded as part of a solution especially when an issue that matters to them emerges. This is because they either become beneficiaries or victims of that intervention. Excluding them from the process creates room for sabotage of the government’s efforts, either intentionally or unintentionally. Nevertheless, the President has reinforced the need to build networks and coalitions in implementing policies by seeking allies, raising funds, allocating resources, and developing complementary strategies with organizations and bodies that hold similar policy core beliefs. Many will agree that Public Policymaking and implementations have moved from exclusion to participation where the victims help shape the solution. The government has demonstrated an all-embracing approach to keeping the virus at bay and the expectation is that the curve will flatten to bring relief to the people of Ghana. Across-the-board practice to policy response is crucial in strengthening the optimism among the actors making it easier in tackling more difficult problems. I must be quick to say that, all hands can be put on deck in the rolling out of a plan but the implementation does not automatically translate to performance. Looking ahead, a redefined window of policy formulation and implementation has been opened by the President, which has intensified the essence of collaboration in crisis management. It appears a number of our public policies are normally formulated using the “force field” style where policies are thrown at people without proper engagement with key stakeholders. The back and forth between the policy actors mostly affect results. A more actor-centered approach must be adopted that reflect stakeholders demand and concerns in the policy to allow its implementation to be effective. The herculean efforts of introducing policies must be a thing of the past! Additionally, decision-makers need to know how to negotiate the dilemma faced with different policy interactions or as new policies conflicts with their professional, organizational, religious, cultural, or community-based values. Moreover, policymakers must manage the interface between different conceptions of ‘what works’- to derive policies based on different evidential bases. The fight against the virus has also highlighted the urgent need to strengthen data and statistical capacity in all sectors upon which political decisions must be premised on rather than “feelings” as normally witnessed in the political environment in Ghana. Besides, policymakers must understand that, as they are always quick to announce the success of a policy, it is equally important to admit and discuss policy failures when they occur, detailing what contributed to it and the role stakeholders could play to make the policy succeed. Considering the harmonized efforts by the government in containing the virus, citizens have also been constantly updated about the happenings of the pandemic in the country. This strategy, I believe will mobilize citizen’s support in identifying their roles in the effective implementation of policy decisions and this is worth learning by the leadership of various sectors of the economy. Citizens must not relent but actively probe and demand accountability from public officials as far as policy delivery is concerned as done through the media in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is safe to conclude that coordinated governance is imperative in public service delivery. Those entrusted with decision-making must do so with the involvement of the people to have a holistic trajectory that solidifies the relationship with citizens in achieving policy objectives. Email: jeffrey.duah@yahoo.co.uk Source: Jeffrey Agyemang Duah

irst National Bank Ghana, is pleased to announce that it has acquired hundred percent of GHL Bank. It says effective Wednesday 6th May, 2020, GHL Bank will become a subsidiary of First National Bank Ghana. First National Bank Ghana Limited is a 100% subsidiary of the FirstRand Group, the largest financial institution group, as measured by market capitalization, in Africa. GHL Bank Plc is Ghana’s leading provider of mortgage financing. The transaction has been approved by the boards of the two banks and has received the required regulatory approvals from the Bank of Ghana and the South African Reserve Bank. Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank Ghana, Richard Hudson said "Plans are well under way to merge the operations of the two banks. We further believe that this merger will demonstrate and further cement our commitment to the Ghanaian market. We recognize that the economy is under a lot of pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but we remain excited about the future of banking in Ghana.” The First National Bank Ghana says customers of both banks are being advised to continue doing business with their current bankers (i.e. either First National Bank or GHL Bank). The bank says new developments will be communicated in due course. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Highlife Singer, Dada KD revealed that if care is not taken, his frustration and current situation will lead him to his early grave. The Sensational Singer who has lots of songs to his credit took to his facebook page to pour out his sadness adding that his challenges can’t be handled by anyone except his unforeseen Creator. In a facebook post sighted by thinknewsonline.com, Dada KD said “My situation and frastuation combined can't be handled by anyone except Death and my unforseen Creator even though it has never crossed my mind to commit the novel suicidal of any kind but l know l can't help myself neither can anyone be of help to settle the dust thrown at me for the past 11years consistently” He also added that but he only opts to live his life as a singer/joker yet his current problems could not help. This post from the “Somu-Gye” hit maker has not only left his followers and Ghanaians worried, many are wondering what could be the problem. All efforts by thinknewsonline.com to speak to the Musician has proved futile as he is not answering his phones. Story by: Mandy Woods

As part of measures of Ghana’s fight against the deadly novel coronavirus, Oil Marketing Company (MOC), Goil Company Limited has donated items worth GHc50,000 to the Police Hospital in Accra. According to the company, the move forms part of its social and cooperate responsibilities adding the personal protective equipment provided will support frontline workers in their fight against the virus. According to the Group Chief Executive and Director of Goil, Kwame Osei Prempeh, he said “Goil Company has donated similar items to some institutions like the Achimota Police Station, 37 Military Hospital, National COVID-19 Trust Fund and GPRTU. Goil will continue to partner and collaborate with the Ghana Police service in the supply of uninterrupted supply of fuel to police and other security vehicles" He assured the company will continue to serve Ghanaians and continue to be Ghana's number one oil firm in the country. Deputy Commissioner of Police and Medical Director at the Police Hospital, Marian Korbuo, showed her gratitude to Goil for their generous gesture. “These items have arrived at the right time, because it's going to help especially the front line worker to work effectively and attend to infected persons without fear” she said. Story by: Magdalene Maame Serwaa Asante

As part of measures at banning the attitude of defamations and character assassinations of individuals on various social media platforms, ‘We The People Matter Movement’, a policy think tank group is calling for the adjustment of Ghana’s constitution to deal with offenders. According to the group, since social media is a part of the human life, it is important for its users to be mindful of the content they share online. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu and sighted by thinknewsonline.com, he said “Defamations and character assassinations have become the new norm on social media. Even in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, defamations and character assassinations on social media are still trending daily. Personalities in government, politics, media, judiciary, academia, creative arts and all sectors, have been defamed or endured character assassination on social media, but a law against this in Ghana is non-existent” He reminded the social media abuses of how useful social media is stressing that these are places we tend to read news, socialize, and make connections with new people. Dr. Iddrisu reiterated that social media is also an avenue which has led to business/contract deals, marriages, and all other various positive outcomes. Below is a copy of the press release: Social media and defamations: How effective is our justice system? Social media is now part of our daily lives. There is not a day any of us abstains from our social media account(s): WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. These are places we tend to read news, socialize, and make connections with new people. In fact, social media has led to business/contract deals, marriages, and all other various positive outcomes. However, had it always been good, there would be no need for this article. Defamations and character assassinations have become the new norm on social media. Even in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, defamations and character assassinations on social media are still trending daily. Personalities in government, politics, media, judiciary, academia, creative arts and all sectors, have been defamed or endured character assassination on social media, but a law against this in Ghana is nonexistent. Before I get into the law aspects, let me tell you a brief story. I remember around January this year when my friend sent me screenshot messages on WhatsApp detailing how friends' of his ex-partner wrote defamatory remarks about him on their Facebook page. His first emotional instinct was to get involved in the drama with a reply. However, I advised him to think rationally and consider the benefits of his reply to such lies and defamation. Mind you, this was a relationship that he ended in 2018, but the ex’s and her group of friends dragged him with defamations in 2019 and 2020 with Facebook and WhatsApp posts. In fact, the 2019 incidences ended up at the Dakpema Chief Palace in Tamale after he got fed up and threatened to expose them. An amicable solution was found by the Chief and the elders and the matter was laid to rest. However, as predictable as the ladies were, 2020 gave them another opportunity to continue their annual rituals and unleash their bitterness again at the said friend. As I sat quietly thinking about my friend’s situation, I contemplated how I could be of help. I called a Lawyer and Judge in Accra to see if they could help my friend take legal action on the said lady who wrote the Facebook post. Upon examining our case, their feedback suggested law on social media in Ghana is nonexistent. If you brought such person(s) to court, there was high possibility they would deny such Facebook accounts ever been theirs. The case further becomes difficult when proving such accounts truly belonged to them in court. This is more so as people tend to create a bunch of fake accounts with pictures of innocent people. This makes your court case a “foolish case”. In some instances, if the person(s) truthfully admit in court that they own such social media account, then it becomes another case of constant adjournment in court until you reach a point that you are frustrated in wasting your time in court - another “foolish case” in the end. The lawyer mentioned a lot of defamatory cases of this nature that ended in the courts and metamorphosed into “foolish cases.” The only time defamatory lawsuits were won in our courts was when those statements were made by a media station (either print or electronic) against an individual or if there was a video or audio recording of such defamatory remarks. Even with this, it could take years or decade(s) before such cases were heard in court, thus wasting the individual’s time and money pursuing such a case in court. In other words, justice delayed is justice denied. As we listened to this legal advice, I realized that we are living in an animal kingdom with the inception of social media if citizens cannot seek legal redress in court for cases of social media defamations and get fast track judgment. Our lawmakers should take a review of our justice system and incorporate social media laws. A changing society demands changing laws. Laws that scare people from hiding behind their phones to type gibberish regarding other's personalities on social media - knowing very well that their remarks are defamatory in nature. I am calling on the Attorney General, Justice Minister, Ghana Bar Association, and all legal experts in the country to review our laws and court system to meet current societal transformations. Until that is done, you the one reading this, know that you are a potential victim of someone’s fingers behind his/her phone waiting to press send. Today it’s my friend, tomorrow it can be you. Exhibit rational thinking rather than emotional thinking if you become a victim to this unfortunate trend of social media defamation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it has not registered any Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits (serology antibody assays) for screening and diagnosing COVID-19 in Ghana. According to FDA, these test could play an important role in the management of the pandemic and complement the current recommended as well as approved nucleic acid PCR tests being used for diagnosis of the disease. In a press release signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Darko, it said "While serology testing has the potential to provide valuable information to individuals and to public health authorities, there are significant areas of uncertainty that will need to be addressed as COVID-19 disease continue to evolve. The first and most urgent is marketed globally that are not providing accurate information and that are not comparable to each other" She added ensuring that tests are comparable and accurate requires a validation process overseen by the FDA. She further added the FDA advises the public that the use of such unregistered Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits could lead to inaccurate results which may have adverse health repercussions. Below is a copy of the release:

Ghanaian/Nigerian Actress, Yvonne Okoro is asking the public to be careful of fraudsters using her picture and name for fraudulent activities on Facebook. According to her, these fraudsters are using the account for lots of dubious means adding the public should be on the alert in dealing with thieves. She said "One of such fake pages, she indicated, is the Facebook page with 200k likes which bears her name and her profile photo. The account has currently been posting news stories about Ghanaian celebrities and adverts" The Celebrated Actress revealed one of those facebook page has eight different individuals handling it adding six are Ghanaians whiles two from the United Kindgom. She said “I get calls from people about stuff on those accounts but it's not from me. I don't know anything about those pages. Those doing that should stop it,” Thinknewsonline.com is learning that aside Yvonne Okoro, there are other Ghanaian Celebrities facing same problems on various social media platforms. She explained that the fraudsters use the exact details of the celebrities thereby confusing their followers to believe it is them. "I have only two accounts; a personal page and fan page. My personal page has a video of myself and comedian Kalybos as its profile whiles the fan page has 164k likes" she said Source: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana's Afro-Pop singer Becca, has released her latest hit single titled, 'Overcome' in recognition of the efforts of all frontline workers in the Coronavirus (Covid-19) fight. Becca put together this inspirational song during this pandemic to send a message of hope and love across, as well as to call on Ghanaians to remain strong as we look forward to a brighter future. The song, produced by Dunnie, is also to sensitize people about how to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has claimed thousands of lives across the world. It encourages affected patients to keep fighting for survival and care for themselves; believing Covid-19 infection is not a death sentence. According to the singer, “All is not lost during these trying times and this piece is one to uplift and motivate. Surely we will overcome.” She added that 'Overcome' was not only for frontline workers fighting the virus, but also a message of hope, love, resilience and gratitude for the citizenry. The song is expected to be used as a signature tune and theme song for Covid-19 programmes on all major television and radio stations across the country, particularly those that do daily updates and discussions on Covid-19. Becca revealed that revenue generated from the song would be donated to Ghana's Covid-19 Trust Fund to support the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The song is currently available in full audio and video on all mobile networks for download via short code *899*99#. It can also be used as CRBT or a ring tone. It is also available on all of Becca's social media handles. Becca, who has a number of hit songs to her credit, released her first studio album, 'Sugar', in 2007 and it earned her five nominations at the 2008 Ghana Music Awards. The album’s lead song, 'You Lied to Me', won Record of the Year at the aforementioned awards show. Becca has won a number of awards which include Kora Award, National Youth Achievers Award, Ghana Music Awards and 4Syte TV Music Video Awards. In 2013, she headlined the annual Girl Talk concert, which started in 2011. Becca has performed at a number of musical events which include MTN’s Heroes of Change television, Ghana music Awards and Ghana Meets Naija UK. Source: Daily Guide

The Ghanaian movie industry has been thrown into a state of shock and sorrow following the sudden demise of award-winning actor Bishop Bernard Nyarko. Bishop Bernard Nyarko died at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital ( Ridge Hospital) on Saturday May 2,2020 where he had been admitted for a while for allegedly battling colon cancer. The late Kumawood actor, a month ago was reported to have said he has quit acting and nothing will make him rescind the decision when he was struck with the illness. Bishop Nyarko, in a viral video sighted by RazzNews.com, was heard telling his congregation that he has decided to follow the steps of actor Majid Michelle, emphasising that the movie industry is full of evil. His comment did not go down well with most of his colleague actors. Popular actress and host of United Showbiz on UTV; Nana Ama Mcbrown who was also not enthused with the late actor’s proclamation vented her spleen on her show. Per Nana Ama Mcbrown’s explanation, the late Bishop was just envious of how Majid Michelle was traveling around the world as a pastor hence the decision to also quit acting. According to RazzNews.com’s source,Nana Ama Mcbrown who was extremely peeved, after the show allegedly vowed never to set her eyes on the late legendary actor again. It has emerged that Bishop Nyarko, before his demise prevented his colleagues from visiting him at the hospital where he was on admission. To augment that report, Nana Ama McBrown reacting to the demise of the late actor accentuated that, they had made several efforts to visit him at the hospital but all proved unproductive. She indicated that Bishop Bernard Nyarko kept making up excuses on why they should hold on and at the appropriate time, they will be given an opportunity to visit him. The hostess of United Showbiz said they were waiting for a response so they could pay their colleague a visit only to hear of his demise. RazzNews.com is reliably informed that Nana Ama Mcbrown’s swipe against the late actor was one of the utmost motives he never desired to meet them. The late versatile actor really felt break faith with the action of his colleague. Well, the late Bishop Bernard Nyarko, who was born and raised in Kumasi, before his demise had starred in over hundred movies. Ghanaians will remember him for his comic acting and his cogency in acting. His exceptional abilities in motion pictures made him an easily recognised name in the Ghanaian movie industry. The family is yet to come out with his burial and funeral arrangements. Source:RazzNews.com

Ghanaian Celebrity, Afia Schwarzenegger has jabbed Kumawood Actors to stop shedding fake tears on the death of Bishop Bernard Nyarko and attend to Ace Actor, Emmanuel Armah. According to her, it is so annoying seeing some Kumawood Actor and Actress sit behave camera wailing whiles another Actor is bedridden with stroke. In a video, Afia Schwarzenegger said "Greetings to concern celebrity cries association, if you are done mourning bishop, go to the aid of Emmanuel Armah, he is in a wheel chair and needs help" She added that it will be prudent if Ghanaian Actors visit and support the Ace Actor before he passes on. Born Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, the controversial media personality lambasted the Actors adding their colleague is very ill. She said "I have only seen Actress Kassum Sinare in a picture with the Ace Actor on her last visit. Thinknewsonline.com will be following this development and will update readers on any new information. Watch the video below: Story by: Jullien Parry

Husband of celebrated Nollywood Actress Mercy Johnson, Prince Okojie, has announced the birth of his fourth child. In an Instagram post, Prince Okojie said "The Wait is finally over" He added that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Husband of the Actress asked his followers to share in their joy as they announce the arrival of their daughter, Divine-Mercy Ehinomen Okojie. Last week, rumours had it that the beautiful actress had put to bed but her husband, Prince Okojie debunks the claims saying she has not. Thinknewsonline.com congratulates Prince Okojie and Actress Mercy Johnson. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah has confirmed that his region has recorded four new cases of the novel coronavirus pandemic. According to him, although the new cases were imported, this calls for concern among residents in the Constituency. Addressing Journalists, he said "“We have a case at Agona Nkwanta [in Ahanta West Municipal Assembly], one in Effia Kwesimentstim Municipal, one in Mpohor District and one at Ellembelle District. And like I keep saying, the virus is with us, so we must find innovative ways to manage it. One of the luckiest things I’ve realized is that most of our cases are imported, and so it is our responsibility to make sure it does not spread into the communities.” He added the four new cases has increased the counts to 13. Hon. Mensah tasked residents in the region to adhere to the directives from President Akufo-Addo and the guidelines from the Ghana Health Service to ensure the spread reduces in the region. He hinted that the Region is boosting its testing capacities to help deal with cases. “For us, we are trying our best to be ahead of the virus meaning that we have to test more so that we can quickly isolate any case and treat. The medical team are ready to help us in that direction. What is left now is for all of us to be careful about what we do. So, we will continue to stress that we all adhere strictly to the safety protocols” he outlined. In other developments, a Bio-Safety Level 3 Laboratory located in the Western Region Veterinary Services Department says all is set to begin testing of samples of Covid-19 starting May 4. Thinknewonline.com is learning that about 300 samples will be used as a starter before the numbers are increased. Background As it stands, Ghana's case counted stands at 2,719 recorded with 294 recoveries and 18 deaths. Greater Accra Region has the highest number of cases, 1,852; Ashanti Region has 117, Eastern Region stands at 87, Central Region, 21, Oti Region still stands at 19, Upper East Region, 19, Volta Region has 16, 13 for Northern Region, 10 for Upper West Region, 9 for Western Region, Western North Region has 4 and North East Region has 2 cases to its credit. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith