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ThinkNewsOnline can confirm that the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has appointed Prof (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson as its first female Vice Chancellor. According to the Institution, it is confident that Prof (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson is competent and can run the affairs of the University. In a press release signed by the Registrar/Secretary to Council, A. K. Boateng, it said "It is announced for the information of Members of Staff, Students, University Community and the general public that the Council of the University, at its 258th (Special) Meeting held on Thursday June, 25, 2020, upon the acceptance of the Report of the Search Committee for the Appointment of Vice-Chancellor for the University, has appointed PROFESSOR (MRS) RITA AKOSUA DICKSON, Professor of Pharmacognosy as VICE-CHANCELLOR, for a Four-Year Term, with effect from AUGUST 1, 2020 - JULY 31, 2024" The statement further added that until her appointment, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council have encouraged the Ghana Police Service to strictly enforce Executive Instrument 164 which makes it mandatory for all Ghanaians to wear face covering in their interaction with people as a way to stop the spread of coronavirus. The call was made when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Ishmael Ashitey presented 2000 facemasks and 200 bottles of 250ml hand sanitizers to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on Thursday 25th June, 2020. Public Education Addressing a small gathering of Police Officers and the media at the premises of the Greater Accra Regional Police, the CEO commended the Police for prioritizing public education on issues relating to the pandemic. He also praised them for rising to the occasion to enforce the new law on compulsory wearing of face covering, an effort which has seen the arrest of some people who were found without facemasks in Accra. He noted that, as an Authority, CODA will continue to do its part by raising public awareness and supporting the most vulnerable with PPEs to stop the spread of the virus. Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib emphasised that the power to enforce the new law remains in the hands of the Police and as such it was important to support Police personnel to continue to efficiently carry out that task albeit with utmost protection against the virus, hence the presentation. Enforcement of law is key In his speech, Hon Ashitey, who doubles as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), thanked CODA for the gesture and called on other public organisations as well as private corporate bodies to emulate the example of CODA to support law enforcement agencies to stem the tide of the pandemic. He added that “it is significant to point out that, education and enforcement of wearing of mask has become necessary with the coming into effect of E.I 164 and for that matter, there is the urgent need for us to lend our support to Ghana Police Service in the discharge of their duties” Greater Accra Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Mr. Frederick Adu Anim thanked the CEO and Regional Minister for their generousity towards the Regional Police Command. He assured that, the Police will strictly enforce E.I 164 to ensure strict compliance with the law for the next three months that it will be in place. Executive Instrument 164 H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in accordance with powers granted him under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) signed and gazetted a new Executive Instrument (E.I 164) on June 15, 2020 which has made it mandatory to wear face masks for the next three (3) months. The law shall apply in all parts of Ghana and failure to comply will result in a prison sentence of four to 10 years or a fine of GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000, or both. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of supporting front health professions in the fight against covid-19 in the country, the District Grand lodge of Ghana has donated two specialized ultra-low freezers and 1,000 PCR test kits to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Accra. According to the Freemasons, the items which is worth ₵280,000 is their little contribution to the Health Centre as it treats persons infected with coronavirus. Presenting the items, representatives of the District Grand Lodge of Ghana led by the District Grand Master, Isaac Owulaku Hood said "The District Grand lodge is part of a worldwide body of Freemasons who operate under the United Grand Lodge of England, the Premier Grand lodge" The Ghana district was formed up 89 years with members spread across the country adding that it is the oldest lodge in the country, i.e, Gold Coast Lodge, formed in 1863. “Seeing the threat that Covid-19 posed to our dear nation Ghana, Freemasons of the Ghana District set up a charity fund, since one of the principal tenets of Freemasonry is Charity, specifically aimed at supporting the Institute which is at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19” he said. Director at the Institute, Prof Abraham Kwabena Annan lauded the District Grand lodge of Ghana for their kind gesture adding that the PCR test kits will help the health workers to work effectively whiles the Ultra-Low Freezers will be used to store biological samples. He said "The equipment would also help in storage of specimen which could be used for current and future research and aid in the development of vaccines. Given the generosity of the Freemasons, the NMIMR would be happy to share the donation with their sister research organizations, the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research (KCCR) as arrangements are on hand to deliver one ultra-low freezer to KCCR" The District Grand Master, Mr.Hood tasked the institute to work happy adding that if the centre needs help, it should not hesitate to call on them. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Traders at the Kaneshie Market have clashed with Management of the Accra Market Limited (Kaneshie Market Complex) over their refusal to pay a GHc2.20p daily toll. According to the market women, they are disappointed in the ill-treatment meted to them by the Chairman of the Industrial Commercial Workers Union of Ghana (ICU) and his men adding they will only pay GHc1. In an exclusive interview with ThinkNewsOnline, Maame Tiwaa, a trader at the market said "We used to sell in the market until the Manager of this place sacked us without offering a new place. Through our own struggles, we managed to secure the pavements and this is where we have been for some time. We have been tasked to pay a daily ticket of GHc2.20p which we feel is too expensive for us" She added due to the ill-treatment, they called on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A) to come to their aid of which they (A.M.A) responded. Maame Tiwaa further explained that they (Market Women) later agreed to a daily ticket of charging us GHc1. "They have been harassing us. When we complain, he (ICU Chairman) orders his boys to come and destroy our things and beat us. I had to fix my stand for a GHc100. I do not have money. How do I survive?" Emelia Sam, another market women said "In fact, we are suffering. If they get to see that I am talking to you, I might lose my sales-point. We have leaders but when we are in crisis, but they are too weak to speak for us" She explained that they (traders) spend at most GHc50 each day in transporting their products from the market to the store house and vice versa. Emelia added that although they (Market women) have not reported the case to the Kaneshie police, they feel the men and women in uniform have heard their cries but are refusing to come to their aid. "We will not mobilize and march to their station to report. We are selling across their office and they see what we are going through on daily basis. I am so surprised they have refused to come to our aid" she fumed. Reacting to the allegations, Chairman of the Industrial Commercial Workers Union of Ghana (ICU), Richard Quaye-Tawiah admitted that although the GHc2.20p imposed on the traders is expensive, they (Accra Market Limited) use the same monies collected to maintain the market. He said "To a large extent, they have an issue and they are right. We have been in-charge of the market including ticketing for the past 37yrs. We have a legislative Instrument (LI) that has given us the legal rights and backing to do what we are doing" He added that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A), National Investment Bank (NIB), Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) and State Insurance Company (SIC), each have a 25% shares in the market. Mr. Tawiah revealed that when the market was being built, the A.M.A refused to contribute saying they lack funds. "The A.M.A said they do not have money so we should build on own. Their contribution will be allowing us take tolls from the traders as part of their support. We agreed and the market was built" he fumed. The ICU Chairman further explained that the despite the A.M.A not contributing to the construction of the facility, it comes for their devidant at the end of every year hence the imposing on GHc2.20p toll on the traders. He lambasted the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for hypocritical behaviours toward the collection of tickets warning them to back off to avoid the ICU's wrath. "Since the A.M.A are not going to back down, the clashes are going to continue. Whoever has to solve this issue must do it once and for all because we can guarantee what can happen next. If it is the Ministry of Local Government or Government, we are pleading with them" Mr. Tawiah noted that efforts have been made to get the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to deliberate on the issue, but they have been turned down. "Last week, my MD was in the office of the Mayor upon invitation but they sat for close to 5hrs of which the Mayor did not show up" he fumed. Efforts by ThinkNewsOnline to reach the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro Director, Samuel MorMor to respond to the pending issue has proved futile as he has declined to speak to the matter. ThinkNewsOnline will be monitoring and will keep its readers updated on new developments. Watch full interview: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Akufo-Addo has sent an apology to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari over the demolition of a building at the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra. According to reports, President Akufo-Addo placed the phone call to his brother, H.E Buhari on Tuesday, June 23. In a statement, some suspects have been arrested in connection with the demolition exercise whiles police has opened investigations into the matter. ThinkNewsOnline has gathered that the Nigerian government has summon the second in command of the High Commission of Ghana to Nigeria, Ms Iva Denoo, questioning her on the demolition of parts of the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana. Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama took to his Twitter to announce the tragedy on Monday. He said "I have summon the in-Charge of Affairs of the High Commission of Ghana to Nigeria, Ms Iva Denoo to demand urgent explanation over the recent attacks on one residential building for our diplomatic premises and reinforcement of security around diplomatic premises and staff." Information gathered indicates that some armed men stormed the official residence of Nigerian High Commission in Ghana with bulldozers destroying some buildings on the property. It is emerging that the demolished building is a new property being put up for staff who visits diplomats of the High Commission. An Accra-based radio station reported that an armed man allegedly threatened the Nigerian High Commission staff present on the day of demolition to step aside and not interfere. Head of security at the High Commission, Emmanuel Kabutey said "The armed men had the backing of National Security. They said if any of us try, he will clear us off" He added that the police on arrival, headed straight to the leader of the armed men, had a chat, exchanged contacts and allowed them to go. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Charles Owiredu revealed that the attacks were unfortunate. Owiredu said "What happened during the early hours of Saturday is unfortunate, the High Commission and Embassies were inviolable within the Vienna Convention." The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister further added that they have picked up some intelligence adding that the demolishing exercise is linked to some land ownership struggle between the Nigeria High Commission and Osu Traditional Authority. Meanwhile, Nigerians living in Ghana on Friday, registered their displeasure through a peaceful demonstration fuming at the Foreign Affairs Minister for Nigeria, Geoffrey Onyeama. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

Independent Presidential Candidate for the Independent Presidential Movement (IPM) and Ghana Diasporan Movement (GDM), Dr. Tom Asiseh has expressed disappointment in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) saying its just ended Parliamentary Primaries held across the country was a shade of corruption and an embarrassment to the Ghana’s democracy. According to the leader, he cannot fathom how voter bribery has become a common practice by the NPP adding that most of the contestants would have lost if they had not bought votes. In a press release signed by Dr. Asiseh and sighted by ThinkNewsOnline, the Independent Presidential Candidate said “Voter bribery has become a common phenomenon in our fledgling democracy. Some Parliamentary aspirants of the ruling political party have flagrantly disregarded the political parties ACT which serves as a guiding principle for all who seek to contest for political positions in Ghana” He mentioned that the Section 33 and 34 of the Representation of the people’s law 1992 (PNDC LAW 284) defines voter bribery as a criminal offense which is liable for a summary conviction and a prison term not exceeding three years. Dr. Asiseh also revealed that voter bribery continues to be one of the fundamental breaches of the laws of Ghana, yet nothing has been done to curtail this act of criminality. “It has become the oil that greases the wheel that speeds one to power, likewise the oil that greases the palm of the voter with delight and ignorantly sells his or her future to the Politician. According to a CDD-Ghana report in 2016, 84 % of Ghanaians vote for their personal gains and that most Ghanaians don’t know that it is a criminal offense to take bribes before voting” he said. The Independent Presidential Candidate assured that when elected into office, his Government will use the CICI model to appoint leaders and would encourage the grassroot level to follow same. He explained that the CICI model which is ‘Common Sense Intelligence, Consciousness Integrity’ will be the criteria for selection of leaders. “We believe when these principles are encouraged, Ghana will produce leaders who will maintain higher standards of professionalism. If we end up electing people with the highest bidder into political offices, there will be a fatal outcome of they trying hard to recoup the money they had invested through any dubious means and this has engendered corruptible acts by some leaders over the years” he noted. Dr. Asiseh says he will ensure that all his appointees or leaders satisfy the CICI criteria before holding any political position in Ghana. The Independent Presidential Movement (IPM) and Ghana Diasporan Movement (GDM) says it is condemning the gross disregard for the country’s laws which have been a major characteristic of Ghana’s elections since the inception of democracy in the Fourth Republic. He also lambasted the incompetent Parliamentary Aspiants who overlooked and watched their followers to indulge in such mischievous acts. Dr. Asiseh said “It is sad to know as purported by the media that some aspirants of the just ended parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party offered bicycles to be voted for and had to reclaim upon their loss. It is obvious it was given to them to induce a certain outcome” He hinted that Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive very well on the highest bidder adding that if this growing phenomenon persist, the populace will end up producing and voting incompetent leaders who cannot deliver. The Independent Presidential Movement IPM, and Ghana Diasporan Movement GDM says it is calling on Ghanaians to vote for Dr. Tom Asiseh as their President on 7th December 2020 assuring that the citizenry will not be disappointed. “Vote for honesty, firm leadership and integrity, Dr. Tom Asiseh is not just a politician but a transformational leader who understands the intricacies of leadership to explore in order to move Ghana from a third world country to a first world country” he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Dr. Daniel Asare is the latest to join the tall list of medical practitioners in the country who contracted the Covid-19 virus. ThinkNewsOnline has gathered that Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu was the first to contract the virus followed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Lydia Dsnae-Selby. On Wednesday June 17, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist (GAMLS) revealed one if it’s members has died of the Covid-19 virus. ThinkNewsOnline is learning that the deceased medical laboratory professional was plying his trade Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital, a centre for Covid-19 sample collection and testing. It is emerging that the deceased was transported to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KaTH) Emergency Unit after suffering difficulties in breathing and passed on Monday June 22. Story by: Mandy Woods

Baby Mama of Member of Parliament of Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Moira Dawson has descended again on the MP saying he is impotent. According to her, although she is to be blamed for the way-ward behaviour of their daughter, Annell Agyapong, she is disappointed in the MP for disgracing her on live television. The MP for Assin Central in an interview with an Accra-based television station said he had not heard or seen any apology adding that he will waste his money on a prostitute. The MP also descended on his baby Mama saying although she is a beautiful woman, she has turned into a hardcore drug-addict, wasting her life. Ms. Dawson on the other hand went gaga on Facebook calling Ken Agyapong “stupid, impotent and drug addict” She hinted that the MP lured her into weed smoking adding, that was the genesis of her drug addiction. Ms. Moira Dawson has however revealed that she will be launching her book on December 1st, 2020. Some Ghanaians have taken to social media asking the content of the book yet-to-be launched. Below are screenshots: Story by: Mandy Woods

ThinkNewsOnline is learning that Ghana's Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been detained at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) over a possible coronavirus infection. According to the Ministry, the workaholic Minister has been quarantined and is undergoing various tests for the virus. In a release signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister, Rodney Nkrumah-Boateng and sighted by ThinkNewsOnline, the communique said "On Tuesday, 16th June, 2020, he underwent various tests, including COVID-19, after feeling unwell for a couple of days. He tested negative for the virus and this informed his decision to travel to his Constituency for his acclamation on Saturday 20th June, 2020" The statement further added that on the Minister's return, he felt unwell and decided to to have a check-up. "Although the results are not out, he has been detained at the UGMC as a precautionary measure for further observation due to his condition" Below is a copy of the press release: Story by: Mandy Woods

ThinkNewsOnline can confirm that an earth tremor has hit parts of Accra on Wednesday night. The tremor which occurred in the late hours of 23:00-23:15GMT has caused fear and panic in the lives of some residents. Although it is unknown what led to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Many Ghanaians who has taken to social media expressing how they felt the movement and the number of times it occurred. ThinkNewsOnline is learning that no life or property has been destroyed as a result of the earth's movement. It is emerging that earth tremors ranges in size from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, and wreak destruction across entire cities. ThinkNewsOnline will be monitoring and will keep its readers updated on latest developments. Below are screenshots of Ghanaians commenting on the earth tremor: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea is calling on Ghanaians to embark on voluntary desilting exercise as part of measures of preventing floods which are caused by illegal structures sited at water-logged areas and indiscriminately disposal of filth across in the country. According to him, if Ghanaians do not shy away from the habit of conveying garbage from their houses and dumping into the open drains, waste water will not be able to flow to its intended destination. Addressing journalists at a meet-the-press in Accra, the Minister said "How can you keep fit if your environment is filthy, it does not accord with common sense. You ran and later enjoy your 'Omotuo' then return to the mess, you have not done anything for yourself" He added that since soil is futile ground, the filth decomposes, leaves certain strange stench leaving people with all types of diseases, typhoid among others. "When we have down-pours, we can not even pray against it, some people will say that the minister for works and housing should go and get prayer warriors so that they will pray for the rains to stop, the Minister for Agric will kill me if I say the rains will not fall because he needs the rains for Agric to flourish" he said. The Minister called on Ghanaians to put down measures to ensure that sewage channels are filth-free adding that it will help channel waste to go through the appropriate sources. "Let me address one issue which is a worry. It is directed to my ministry but I will address it. In this country, we have an assembly system and they come under the minister for local government and rural development, when you want to erect a dwelling hole or a commercial structure or any structure of consequences, you need what is called a building permit" he noted. The Minister further cautioned the populace to stop building in wrong areas such as water-ways in order to prevent floods from occurring. The Works and Housing Minister who also doubles as a lawyer said "In Ghana, if you want to build, you will be given a permit based on the zonal arrangement of the area but it is unfortunate to say that sometimes, when you want to apply for a building permit, you will not get it although you pay for the fees it will take you two years" he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Gospel Musician, Joyce Blessing has told ThinkNewsOnline that Ghanaians are gossip. According to her, she is disappointed in how some Ghanaians want to set an agenda and spark controversies between she and Empress, Gifty Osei. Speaking on the On-Spot Show on Think Tv, the Gospel Musician said “Shoutout to my big sis wherever she is , and I don’t have any issues with her” She also clarified that marrying a man of God is not a must for gospel musicians adding that Ghanaians should do away with the theory of why female Gospel Musicians tend to marry pastors. "Love is found where we mostly go and because of the nature of their job, we are always found in church and that’s how come we end up falling in love and marrying pastors" she noted. Joyce Blessing also revealed that she is multi- talented adding that aside music she is a songwriter, presenter, performer, dancer and a fashionista. Story by: Mandy Woods