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Contrary to recent media reports suggesting that the Accra to Nsawam section of the Eastern Railway line is a newly constructed one, it has turned out that the Accra-Nsawam railway track was constructed between 1910 and 1912. There was a recent media report suggesting that the Accra-Nsawam line is a new track that has been washed away by flood waters at Achimota. However, construction of the Accra-Nsawam railway line started as far back as 1910 and ended 1912 when Ghana was still under colonial rule. Indeed, the Accra-Nsawam railway line is about 110-years old and its construction was carried out by the colonial administration at the time. Documents from the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) show that from 1912, the said track did not undergo any major repair works until May 2018 when the ongoing rehabilitation commenced on the line. "After obtaining all the procurement approvals, the actual work was scheduled to commenced on 21st May, 2018. However, this delayed until early July, 2018 due to the late arrival of some of the earth moving equipment and the treated wooden sleepers to be used. On 1st January, 2019 a locomotive was able to travel on the railway line from Accra to Nsawam, successfully." The Accra-Nsawam railway line is a narrow gauge with wooden sleepers. However, all newly constructed railway lines under the President Nana Akufo-Addo's Government are standard gauge. Also, the sleepers for all newly constructed lines are concrete and not wooden as is the case with the Accra-Nsawam line. The Accra-Nsawam railway line stretches a distance of about 40km and is part of the Eastern Railway line. It has been used purposely for passenger rail services for the past 10 years, providing transport services. In July 2017, according to the Ghana Railway Company Limited, it became necessary that the railway line from Accra to Nsawam be examined due to its deteriorating state, which had made it unsafe for commuters. As a result, the Ministry of Railways Development (MoRD) constituted a team of experts to thoroughly examine the condition and state of the rail line and rolling stock, GRCL says. "A decision was taken by the MoRD after the team of experts submitted their findings to the Minister, which subsequently led to the closure of the line from Accra to Nsawam to allow for a complete track rehabilitation," according to GRCL. Cause of Erosion GRCL says another factor that led to the delay in completion of the rehabilitation works was erosion. "This was caused by increase settlements which resulted to an increase in the volume of the runoff water from said settlements that led to major erosion at sections along the railway line," GRCL pointed out in a statement. "Poor drainage systems at these settlements also led to redirection of huge volumes of runoff water from these settlements to the railway track resulting in big pockets of erosion to track formation," according to Railway Company. Interventions Meanwhile, the Ghana Railway Company Limited indicated the construction of catch drains to reduce the volume and speed of water being redirected to the track from upper areas at Pokuase to prevent erosions and flooding. "To effect the track rehabilitation, 23,000 treated wooden sleepers, 50,000 cubic meters of ballast were procured and used on the line during the project." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) says it will be holding a webinar on ‘Building Resilience: Bouncing Forward From Adversity’ for selected African women leaders from Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The webinar which is scheduled for Thursday, 16th July will have the Independent consultant with Organizational Development and Social Development Expertise Taaka Awori, as its speaker. In statement released by the KAIPTC, the webinar will form part of the year-long Inspiring African Women Leaders in Peace and Security (IAWL –PS) programme which started in November 2019. ThinkNewsOnline has gathered that the participants will gain in-depth knowledge on resilience; assess their own levels of resilience and how they might strengthen it; acquire tools to build specific elements of their resilience; and develop strategies to respond to specific challenges they are currently facing. Participants of the programme comprise personnel from the police, military, governmental departments and grassroots civil society organizations. This is the second webinar, following a maiden one held in May on the topic; “Gender Mainstreaming through Digital Networking and Campaigning” The statement said “The IAWL-PS programme is an offspring of the KIAPTC Women Support Scheme which is facilitated by the Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI) of KAIPTC, with financial support from the German Government through GIZ” It is also emerging that the goal of the programme is to provide fully-sponsored leadership development opportunities for mid-career women working in the peace and security sectors - to enhance their leadership capacities, influence and support in promoting the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda across Africa. The programme further aims at establishing a network of women leaders who will be positioned to take up senior leadership positions in the peace and security environment and promote the WPS agenda. ThinkNewsOnline can however confirm that the programme comprises a leadership training course, coaching sessions, webinar sessions and a mentorship training programme. Background The Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI) is an institute of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The Institute works to support the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and its follow-up resolutions on women, peace and security in the context of Africa and beyond. This is achieved through building technical capacity, research, policy engagement and analysis on women, peace and security in order to better inform the broader security agenda in Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Andy Rajoeline on Sunday announced that two Malagasy lawmakers, a Senate and a Deputy have died after contracting coronavirus in the country. According to him, eleven (11) other deputies and 14 senators have also tested positive for the virus. Following the surge in the Coronavirus infection, last week, government placed a lock down in a region which covers the capital, Antananarivo. This was done to slow down the spread of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, the country has recorded 4,578 confirmed cases with 34 deaths since it was detected in the island in March. Source: AFP News Agency

President of Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, Michael Nyarko - Ampem has revealed that there is a high demand for local poultry despite the increasing number of covid-19 cases recorded in the country. According to him, the poultry industry used to struggle for attention since all focus was on imported products but due to the limited importation of goods, farmers in the country have witnessed a great change. He said "Fortunately, we are getting orders from restaurants and various eateries. Also, markets are functioning so our poultry is gaining momentum. People are beginning to appreciate the local poultry more compared to the imported ones." Mr. Ampem further added that due to the Covid-19 scare and how low importation of the products are, business have improved tremendously. He however called for government's support to boost productivity since the demand keeps increasing. "We do not have enough day old chicks which is a major challenge for us. The market has been created, but the day-old chicks to fill that space is not there. We hope government will find a way to bring in day-old chicks to keep our industry running" he added. However, the story was different this year during the three weeks lock down as some scores of Ghanaian poultry farmers complained about the low patronage. He added that by 2023, government has taken initiatives to increase local poultry production and ban the importation of foreign poultry but to achieve this goal, the right support must come in place. Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey

As part of measures of reducing the spread of coronavirus among people, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has introduced new restrictions which will see a ban on sales of alcohol in the country. According to him, the ban on alcohol will also help take the pressure off the national healthcare system adding that a night curfew has also being imposed with the compulsory wearing of face mask which he believes will help contain the spread of the virus. President, Cyril Ramaphosa said "The total infections also exceeds a quarter of a million. 4,000 deaths have been recorded from the virus but the government projects an estimate rise to 5,000 by the end of year" ThinkNewsOnline has gathered that as far as the pandemic is concerned, South Africa remains the highest - hit of the virus and the cases keep rising on a daily basis with Gauteng being the epicenter of the outbreak. Addressing the public, His Excellency, Ramaphosa said "Most people had taken action to help prevent the spread, but there were still some who acted without any responsibility to respect and protect each other. There are a number of people who have taken to organising parties, who have drinking sprees and some work around crowded spaces without wearing masks" The President added that the new measures have been put in place to help minimize the spread of the virus. It is emerging that the South African Government says its state of emergency would be extended to August 15, 2020 with the night curfew starting from 9:00pm to 4:00 am. He noted that 28,000 hospital beds have been made available for the Covid-19 patients but availability of health workers in the country is still a problem since there's a shortage of more than 12,000 of nurses, doctors and physiotherapists. Although doctors and police officers say the ban has helped reduce emergency cases in the hospitals, brewers and wine makers are complaining that the ban is a threat to their business. Story by: Henrietta Bervelyn Allotey

Information reaching ThinkNewsOnline indicates that daughter of the Late South African President, Nelson Mandela; Zindzi Mandela is dead. According to sources, Zindzi Mandela died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Monday. Before her death, Madam Zindzi was the South African Ambassador to Denmark. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/covid-19-fda-outlines-safety-protocols-of-its-offices-as-39-staff-test-positive It is however unknown what caused her death. She was the sixth child of Late Nelson Mandela but the second of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. She was 59. Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey

The Director-General and Management of Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed its sincere appreciation to Directors of Education, Heads of Schools, Staff and Students, Electoral Commission Officials, Political Party Officials and Observer Groups for organising a two day voter registration exercise of eligible students on SHS/TVET school campuses. According to the GES, the EC has assured that additional days will soon be announced to ensure that the students who were unable to register during the two-day period, get registered. In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations Unit, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, it said “Management of Ghana Education Service wishes to encourage schools which were originally earmarked as registration centres to arrange with EC officials to register eligible students when it is their turn” The statement further called on all to continue to comply with the covid-19 health and safety protocols. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Head of Communications and Public Education of Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), James Lartey has confirmed that the agency has recorded thirty-nine (39) Covid-19 cases among its staff for which the needed protocols have been implemented to facilitate their recovery. According to him, despite the unfortunate development, the FDA shall continue to effectively execute its mandate as a regulatory agency to register and enforce the importation, manufacture, distribution, sales of safe and quality products; especially PPEs, Face Mask, Sanitizers, Medicines, Food among others. In a statement signed and released by Mr. Lartey, he said “The FDA still holds fast to our motto which says, “’Your wellbeing our priority’, and as such has from the very inception of this pandemic created an in-house covid-19 committee, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of FDA staff as well as its clients nationwide, with respect to measures put in place for the prevention and protection against Covid-19” He further added that the FDA as part of measure of observing directives given by President Akufo-Addo, it has reduced its staff to 25% with a majority of staff working from home as well as initiating a shift system. The Head of Communications and Public Education also revealed that an online meeting has also been organised to educate its staff nationwide on the necessary protocols to observe in ensuring their safety, colleagues and clients. The statement also hinted that the FDA has organised a Mandatory Testing for a total of 450 staff (including the CEO and all Top Management) from its Head Office, Tema Office, KIA Office and the Laboratory out of which 39 tested positive. “All thirty-nine (39) staff were asked to go into self-quarantine and those who were in close proximity to them were also asked to do same and were provided with the necessary logistics to do so. Currently, thirty-eight (38) of the staff have recovered and will soon be reporting to work whiles the remaining one (1) is responding to treatment” Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Hi-Life Musician, Eugene Kwame Marfo known in showbiz as Kuami Eugene has announced that he will be releasing his second studio album titled "Son of Africa" on October 9. The Artiste took to his twitter handle to announce the said date. On his Twitter page he said "Thank you for patiently waiting and always being here for me. I'm forever grateful for the love". Although he did not disclose if there was any International feature(s), some followers say they are anticipating. His previous album had songs which really made a hit and some of which as Angela, Walaahi, Wish me well and among others. Below is a screenshot of his tweet: Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey

Comedian, Nana Yaw Benson known in showbiz as Funny Face has whipped Actor, Kwadwo Nkansah on Live Tv after the two Ghanaian Celebrities got into a fight. As part of of United Television's measures of smoking the peace pipe and settling the feud between the two, Funny Face lost his cool as he pounced on Lil win over a heated argument. ThinkNewsOnline can confirm that it took the intervention of Artiste Manager, Bulldog and Producer, Fada Dickson to bring sanity on United Television's late Saturday night show, United Showbiz. Although it is unclear when Comedian Funny Face and Actor, Lilwin will ever settle their misunderstandings, ThinkNewsOnline will be monitoring and will keep its readers updated. Watch video below: Story by: Mandy Woods

President Nana Akufo-Addo has charged a 5 member coronavirus sub-committee to monitor the enforcement of coronavirus safety protocols in the various Senior High Schools across the country. The committee members comprise of; Dr Anothony Nsiah Asare – Presidential Advisor on Health , Dr Okoe Boye- Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Da Costa Aboagye - Director Health Promotion Division , Ghana Health Service , Dr Yaw Adu Twum - Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Patrick Kuma- Aboagye , Director General Ghana Health Service . This was disclosed by the Minister of Information , Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press on Thursday in Accra. He said the Committee will work to address gaps in the enforcement of the protocols on campuses nationwide. According to him, government will continue to monitor the safety protocols in schools. He stated that a dedicated desk has been created at the Coronavirus Call Centres for parents to all and find out details about issues in their wards schools, particularly issues relating to suspected cases of coronavirus. He said parents can call hotline 311 and will have dedicated staff at the centre responding to their queries. This move comes after news of coronavirus outbreak hit the Accra Girls Senior High School. Some six students, a teacher and a spouse, tested positive at Accra Girls Senior High School. A student at the KNUST SHS reportedly died after he complained of stomach ache but was allegedly abandoned by teachers and school staff due to coronavirus fears. Meanwhile, the Minister says Government acknowledges efforts being made by the Electoral Commission and the Security Agencies to ensure the compliance of Coronavirus safety etiquettes. However, he called on citizens have a role to play in helping to contain the spread of Coronavirus. The Minister appealed to citizens and residents to ensure social distancing and compliance with other Covid-19 protocols. He said for the cumulative case count to reduce, residents and citizens have to adhere to the protocols. “We cannot eat our cake and have it,” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Son of Ghana’s First President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Nkrumah has revealed that he is disappointed in the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) saying he will not vote a party that failed miserably while in power in 2009. According to him, the NDC had the opportunity to serve the ordinary Ghanaian and make a better Ghana agenda a reality for many but failed miserably due to several factors that still haunts the party. In a statement sighted by ThinkNewsOnline, Sekou Nkrumah said "I cannot vote for a party that in 2009 had the opportunity to serve the ordinary Ghanaian and make a better Ghana agenda a reality for many but failed miserably due to several factors that still haunt the party!" He added that he lost interest after Late President Mills showed signs of not continuing his leadership adding that it helped in exposing the hypocrisy and ill intentions of those who were in power at that time. He said "Clearly their agenda was just to protect their positions in government and not service to the country. Nothing was working properly as the government practically had no leader. As truth could not be hidden for long, the worst happened and the good professor kicked the bucket! When John Mahama stepped into the shoes of Mills, he was clearly not ready for the top job" He added that after Candidate John Mahama took over, the NDC government began to sink further. Mr. Sekou Nkrumah who doubles as a Ghanaian Politician also revealed that although the results of the 2012 elections was shocking, he was wondering how the NDC could have won with such a poor performance in government. "Was it rigged? Well, for the sake of peace I did not support the NPP’s position to go to court! I felt this tense political situation could create a very violent reaction and we as Ghanaians are better off letting it go. The 2016 elections results was a sledge hammer blow to the NDC, and a serious wake up call" he recalled. The son of Ghana's first President also added that he cannot fathom why the leadership of the NDC party has failed to learn any lessons and decided to continue with the clueless leadership of John Mahama. He said "So I will continue to support NPP even if only as a protest, and hope that after 2020 NDC will throw away Mahama and his cronies and reorganize the party! Only a revolution from within can save the NDC!" Below is a copy of his release: 2020 is an elections year and once again Ghanaians will have to make a choice between NPP and NDC. Naturally those of us on the left of Ghanaian politics should be supporting the NDC, but unfortunately I am not. I cannot vote for a party that in 2009 had the opportunity to serve the ordinary Ghanaian and make a better Ghana agenda a reality for many but failed miserably due to several factors that still haunt the party! The very ill president Mills was not in a position to lead, and declaring interest to run another term really exposed the hypocrisy and ill intentions of those who were in power at the time, clearly their agenda was just to protect their positions in government and not service to the country. Nothing was working properly as the government practically had no leader. As truth could not be hidden for long, the worst happened and the good professor kicked the bucket! When John Mahama stepped into the shoes of Mills, he was clearly not ready for the top job. And the NDC government continued to sink further. The results of the 2012 elections was shocking! How I wondered could the NDC win with such a poor performance in government? Was it rigged? Well, for the sake of peace I did not support the NPP’s position to go to court! I felt this tense political situation could create a very violent reaction and we as Ghanaians are better off letting it go. The 2016 elections results was a sledge hammer blow to the NDC, and a serious wake up call! But unfortunately the leadership of the party failed to learn any lessons and decided to continue with the clueless leadership of JM. So I will continue to support NPP even if only as a protest, and hope that after 2020 NDC will throw away Mahama and his cronies and reorganize the party! Only a revolution from within can save the NDC! Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey