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Vice-Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University (KTU), Professor David Kofi Assuman has confirmed that the Institution has introduced welding and fabrication as two new courses in its four-year B-Tech Programme. According to him, the new programme is set to begin in the 2021 academic year adding that it will be the game-changer. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, the Vice-Chancellor said "We are hoping to start on 2021 and luckily, we have taken delivery of all the equipments we will require to train them properly. Most at times, people see welding as business which is done on the roadside but we want to tell them we are doing a degree programme on that in Koforidua Technical University" He further indicated that, he believes students will show interest, enroll, study, pass and obtain their degrees adding that welding and fabrication provides lots of opportunity in the market. "I am grateful to have these equipments. This four year course will produce technical people who will support the one district, one factory programme initiated by President Akufo-Addo" he noted. The Vice-Chancellor added that since many factories require people to handle its machinery and equipments, he is urging the public enroll, get trained professionally and help others in future. Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey

Information reaching ThinkNewsOnline.com indicates that the office of the Former President of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings has been shut over fears of covid-19. According to the Communications Directorate, the closure is due to the unfortunate spread of the covid-19 virus. In a statement signed and released by the Communications Directorate, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, it said "The decision which is aimed at protecting staff and potential visitors will be reviewed after two weeks" The Former President who doubles as the Founder of the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), is also urging Ghanaians to be mindful of their personal discipline and care as they work to combat the disease. Ex. President Rawlings said "We should wear our masks, maintain appropriate social distancing, cough etiquette and general hygiene protocols" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dedicated to the reader, may you learn from it. My two part musings. I’m not writing to court public affection or to malign anyone. I’m writing this because I feel heavy and bitter. The only way I can let go of these is to pour it out. June 8, 2020 will go down as one of those days I’ll never forget. When I cast my mind back, to this day, I feel betrayed, lied to, used and dumped. Let me take you on a journey back to how it all started. Somewhere in 2018, I had the opportunity to work as a probationer in a big firm. I was required to do this for 3 months then I go back to school to graduate. After the 3 months I stayed on without renewing my offer. Why did I stay? I had graduated from school and like it’s typical in this country there were no jobs readily available. Mind you I was not receiving a salary or any incentive except some occasional tips from the big guys in there. Trust me it’s a fun place to be just that there are some ‘demons’ that frustrate you once in a while. But I did enjoy working there. I had the opportunity to learn and work with and under some of the most amazing people you’ll ever find. People who readily understand your plight and strive to make you feel welcomed yet there where others, oh mine! These other people need repentance. Close to a year in there, I was approached by a senior manager with an offer. I was being moved from my department to another department to fill an impending void. This offer required I understudy the person I was about replacing for sometime. But I hardly learn from people, I learn the basics and figure the rest out. This offer also required that a payment plan would be activated so at least I get some coins. My joy knew no bounds because at least I could finally buy my darling Afia some gifts and take her out… Lol.. Love nuh catch you before? It so happened that I moved into this new role a day after I was directed. Yeah I know it was fast, and trust me, it wasn’t easy. Being in that seat brought me lots of pain. Aside the daily insults and having to clear people’s mess, I battled health issues as a result of the stress. But through it all I worked dutifully, discharging all my tasks with excellence. Days turned into weeks and into months and I still didn’t receive any allowance or salary. I kept going to my boss but still nothing. After a while I stopped. Yes! Why should I literally beg for what I deserved?! Call it poor and proud, I don’t care. One day I had a call from the guys at HR that I should submit my bank account details. Jesu! I’m about to earn my salary. Mind you this was an account that had been dormant for God knows how long….. I had to go through another stress of reviving it. After submitting the bank details, days turned into weeks and into months and nothing came. I became fed up and discouraged. Often I felt like not going to work but I changed my mind when I saw a piece that said, “Work as if you are working for the Lord and not your boss”. I must add the Lord had been merciful all these times. I lived as if I was earning a 10,000 Ghana cedi monthly salary. It was only my close associates that knew I didn’t earn a dime! To date, some family members don’t believe me. I kept going to work hoping one day a miracle would happen. I kept accommodating the insults hoping one day a genie would grant my wish of earning some money so I can ‘spread’ Afia my heartbeat. But still nothing. Need I say I had to show up on weekends once in a month. I had a holiday shift I worked on as well. For all these, I came home with empty pockets. There have been days I’ve reported to work in the morning and closed late in the night. Somedays I also slept at the office, yet when Afia asks for money, there was nothing, absolutely nothing to give the LOML. For the times I was insulted and my competency questioned, I received no salary. For those rainy days I took Uber to work, I received no allowance or salary. For the periods I felt discouraged yet I picked myself up and went to work, I got nothing at the end of the month. I’m hurt, pained and bitter! Part 2 coming up shortly!! Editor’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Source: Nii Okantah Ankrah Jnr Disclaimer: The above write-up is solely words put together by the writer, ThinkNewsOnline can not be held responsible for any maligning.

Head of Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Prof. William Kwabena Ampofo has revealed that measures are being put in place by the Ghana Health Service to introduce mobile testing for the novel coronavirus in the country. According to him, when introduced, it will help reduce the stress the frontline health workers go through at the various hospitals. Addressing Journalists in Accra, the Head of Virology Department said "Ghana Health Authorities are putting measures in place for the mobile testing of Covid-19 infections in due course. The equipments have arrived while the training of personnel to undertake the testing had started" He added that although the the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has begun piloting the programme, the Ministries of Finance and Health are funding the bulk supply of laboratory equipment and medical supplies from China to ramp-up COVID-19 testing. It is emerging that the money testing directive came up following the recent shortage of reagents and other medical supplies in the country, which impeded testing samples and thus, delayed the release of test results. ThinkNewsOnline has gathered that the first consignment of bulk supplies arrived in Accra on Saturday, July 4, from China whiles the second batch arrived on July 9. It is emerging that the third consignment is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 10, and subsequently be airlifted by the Ethiopian Airlines to Ghana. The equipments and medical supplies received include; 100,000 scrubs, 150,000 sample collection medium, 100,000 KN95 masks, more than 700,000 natural examination gloves and 260,000 PCR devices for Covid-19 testing. The Head of Virology also added that once the medical logistics arrives, the network of laboratories testing for COVID-19 would be conducting between 100,000 and 300,000 tests. "On the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for testing, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had not yet approved any RDT for mass testing. However, health authorities are considering plans to use RDT to test persons who had recovered from COVID-19 after 14 days of discharge to determine their immune status and ascertain whether they had developed antibodies against the virus" he added. Prof. Ampofo praised the dedicated laboratory staff across the 10 testing sites for their tireless efforts likewise corporate entities, who extended their support. It is emerging that both the Ministry of Health and Finance are looking forward to recruiting more graduates to enhance their manpower base. Currently, Ghana has recorded 641 new cases of COVID-19, pushing the tally to 23,463. ThinkNewsOnline has also gathered that the country has also recorded 18,622 clinical recoveries; 4,717 active cases, while the death toll still remains at 129. There are, however, 26 severe cases, eight patients in critical condition and six on ventilators. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Education has revealed that it will be partnering with the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to register all 18-yr-old students in their various Senior High Schools across the country. According to the Ministry, the arrangement for the Electoral Commission to register students on their various campuses is part of measures of avoiding students from going home amidst the covid-19 fears. In a statement released and signed by the Deputy Public Relations Officer of Ministry of Education, Kwasi Obeng-Fosu, it said "The EC facilitates their registration on campuses so they would not be disenfranchised, with an opportunity to transfer their votes later" The statement further added that had the EC not made arrangements, government would have been blamed for insensitively disenfranchising the students. Mr. Fosu also revealed that decision by the Education Ministry in a way will save the students from spending unnecessarily likewise traveling long distances. He said "With these arrangements, the EC is to ensure that their staff observe the enhanced protocols laid down by government in various schools" The Deputy PRO also advised the staff and management of the various schools to take advantage and register whilst in school as well as support this exercise to its successful end. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched a Progressive Licensing Scheme for Cottage and Small-Scale sized Food Processors which is aimed at helping the local food industry grow to an extent where all grocery shops and supermarkets will be stocked with at least 60% of made in Ghana food products. According to FDA, the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS) will have pink, yellow and green as its three stages of licensing. Speaking at a virtual engagement to launch the Progressive Licensing Scheme for Small Scale/Cottage Food Processors in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of FDA, Delese Mimi Darko said “Mr. Chairman, the food processing industry in Ghana ranges from sophisticated state-of-the- art facilities to small scale as well as cottage operations. Majority of the cottage and small-scale units have limited resources for effective technological inputs and are ill-equipped to deal with the maintenance of food safety and quality in a scientific and sustained manner” She added that the average number of facility license applications received annually from 2017 – 2019 in the Greater Accra Region was 600 and about 300 facilities representing 50% were unsuccessful in the registration processes. Madam Darko further explained that per FDA’s 2019 statistics from a market surveillance, it showed that 661 locally manufactured products in the Greater Accra Region were not registered as per the Public Health Act 851 (2012) but were on the market. “The Authority could not vouch for their safety. Reasons for the unsuccessful applications include; Cost of laboratory testing of products as part of registration requirements for which the FDA is currently applying risk-based approach to its registration process and has therefore applied indicator testing regime of food products without compromising on safety. This has drastically reduced the cost of laboratory analyses of food product testing. Lack of adequate knowledge of required processes and documentation. The FDA through its Food Industrial Support Service Department is providing expertise and guidance to the Industry. Inability of many cottage / small scale to meet facility establishment requirements” she said. The CEO also mentioned that per this, the Government of Ghana, through the FDA has developed a new system of Progressive Licensing to support these small units, as they provide employment and generate income for their operators. She explained that the Cottage/Small-scale food processing sector plays an important role in the country’s economy adding that it only needs to be offered greater opportunities to market their produce and share in the benefits of economic growth. She said “Mr. Chairman it’s worth noting that the FDA bases its food regulatory actions on scientific principles to achieve improved food safety and quality. The FDA in carrying out its mandate of ensuring food safety and quality in the interest of public health and safety, has introduced this scheme to encourage cottage and small-scale sized food processors to be compliant with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851)” Madam Darko highlighted that the new scheme which is based on high quality, transparent, and independent scientific advice following risk analysis, will provide a high level of health protection for all. Furthermore, she hinted that food products produced by cottage and small-scale sized food processors can be traced and recalled when necessary. “In developing this Progressive Licensing Scheme for cottage and small-scale sized food processors, the FDA has taken into consideration a number of principles and values that underpin food regulation such as; Establishing emergency procedures for dealing with particular hazards (e.g. recall of products), Developing Science-based food control strategies and Establishing priorities based on risk analysis and efficacy in risk management” she said. The CEO of FDA used the opportunity to assure citizens that this newly introduced Progressive Licensing Scheme will be implemented in a transparent manner. She stated that marks will be awarded to facilities and the colour of the license issued will be dependent on the grades scored. She said “The FDA will work assiduously to protect the consumer against unsafe, impure and fraudulently presented food by prohibiting the sale of food not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser” The Chief Executive Officer was optimistic that the FDA will continue to protect public health and safety by reducing the risk of foodborne illness and contributing to economic development by maintaining consumer confidence in the food system and providing a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade in food. In a power-point presentation, Acting Head, Food Division of FDA, Roderick Daddey-Adjei hinted that introduction of Progressive Licensing Scheme will strengthen the capacities of cottage and small scaled food processors and provide guidance towards the implementation of food safety management systems based on the HACCP principles and Preventive Controls Measures. He said “The introduction of a Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS) for Manufacturing facilities will get more manufacturing facilities of cottage / small status licensed without compromising on the basic requirements of GMPs. As more cottage / small scale manufacturing facilities get registered the safety of food supplies in the formal and informal markets get assured. Due to the introduction of the PLS which uses a risk-based approach, (risk categorization) the period of registration is shortened all things being equal” Chairman of FDA's Governing Board, Dr. Sammy Ohene commended the Food and Drugs Authority for coming up with such a brilliant initiative. He said “Ladies and Gentlemen, this programme is being launched at a time when a number of cottages/small-scale businesses are being financially supported by the government. This strategy to improve the well-being of cottage/small-scale food processors without compromising food safety is a step in the right direction. It is believed that these adjustments made by the FDA will go a long way to enhance food safety in the cottage/small scale food processing Industry” He added that the FDA will continue to work assiduously to improve the knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Hygienic Practices of the Cottage/Small-scale Food processors. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Federal Government in Nigeria has reversed its earlier decision to reopen schools for final year students. According to the government, no school in Nigeria would partake in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations(WASSCE) due to the Covid-19 scare. In April, the government announced that it was starting its WASSCE in May but the decision must be reversed. Speaking to the State Correspondents at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said "Schools in Nigeria would not reopen soon until they find it safe to since the Corona virus keeps rising" He further added that the final year students are exempted from this year's West African Examination adding that it is better to loose an academic year than expose the students to danger in this abnormal times. Story by: Bervelyn Henrietta Allotey

Member of Musical Group, R2Bees, Faisal Hakeem known in showbiz as Paedae(Omar Sterling) has revealed that although having money is good, it can only buy comfort and not happiness. According to him, happiness is an inside job which he believes money cannot even pay. In a tweet sighted by ThinkNewsOnline, Paedae said "Money can buy comfort no doubt but happiness NO. Happiness is an inside job" The Musician urged his followers to look within themselves adding that it is free and accessible to all. "I love you" he said. Responding to his tweet, Big-Wolf who tweets with the handle @GbevuB said "Money doesn't come with fulfilment, fulfillment comes with content" Another follower, Beno Sarkcess who also tweets via @BenopaOnyx1 also said "This guy en class de3 highest height oo😂" The tweet has attracted 6,064 likes, 2,333 comments and retweets. Below is a screenshot: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana's Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has revealed that out of every 50 persons working at his ministry, 45 of them have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. According to him, it is possible since his staff at the ministry worked tirelessly throughout the lockdown period. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, the Minister said "Out of every 50 persons working in my Ministry, 45 had been infected" He further explained that the results were made known after a mass testing exercise was conducted on the staff at the Ministry. disease. The Minister added that although the test indicated that most of the staff had COVID-19, they were mostly asymptomatic. He further explained that the affected are currently in isolation and responding to treatment. Napo hinted that his admission at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) was acutely distressing adding that if not for the covid-19, he would not have ever been admitted at the hospital. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

When the coronavirus pandemic swept through Colombia in March, forcing a national lockdown, Alberto Gomez decided he would sit it out amid the lush green foliage of his botanical garden and tend to his plants. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, a fact that prompted Gomez, 72, to establish an ecological park more than 40 years ago on the Andean slopes of the northeastern Quindio department. "It was easier to cope with the pandemic quarantine locked up here in 14 hectares of premontane forest of high ecological biodiversity," Gomez, white-haired and with a scraggly gray beard, told AFP. Far from his family in the capital Bogota, and with his 30 staff members in lockdown, Gomez is striving alone to keep his life's work from being swallowed up by the voracious Andean forest. With his staff confined to their homes, Gomez has had to adapt to being chief gardener, guard, cleaner and administrator as he waits for his ecological center to reopen to tourists. As well as "dictator," he laughs: "Because here, not a leaf moves without my consent." He went to the banks for help to keep paying his employees' salaries, he said, before launching a cry for help on social media. "I gave birth to this garden, to put it graphically," he said. And rather than watch his dream wither, the crisis pushed him to renew himself. "We reinvented ourselves, as they say now," he says, laughing. A video he made as part of his campaign called "SOS for the Quindio Botanical Garden" invites people to buy trees, sponsor plants and sections of the park, and support projects with donations. On farmland nearby, his employees had planted more than 70,000 specimens from 37 species of native plants, and Gomez was able to pay the salaries in May and June from the sales. So far, his botanical paradise is surviving, he says, "in the midst of the chaos of deforestation, degradation of ecosystems, global warming and the extinction of native species." A lawyer by profession, the law allowed him to provide for his family as he built up his botanical garden over decades. "I entered a fascinating world. As the Spanish say, it was like discovering another Mediterranean," he said. There is a lot to admire, and maintain, in the Quindio park: rare orchids, bromeliads, laurels, aquatic and medicinal plants, but also a geology and soil museum, an insect zoo, a butterfly garden, a reference library, an auditorium and a movie theater. He built it and people came. Pre-pandemic, some 60,000 a year visit the center, located in the coffee-growing district of Calarca. When FARC guerrillas signed a peace agreement in 2016, bringing Colombia's longest-running conflict to an end, "we increased foreign visitors from 5 percent to 20 percent. But now, the quarantine has destroyed tourism." - 'Ecological destruction' - A chorus of birdsong is Gomez's daily wake-up call, at 5:00 am. "The symphony begins and I get up," he says. Colombia is home to nearly 2,000 species of birds, and he has identified 176 species in his park. As president of Colombia's National Network of Botanical Gardens of Colombia, Gomez says he feels an enormous weight of responsibility. "The task of saving Colombia from ecological destruction is extremely urgent, and we cannot wait ever for our children to do it, we must do it now." Around 9:30 pm, he ends his working day with a coffee. "During this pandemic, every day is the same for me. There's no difference between Sunday and Monday." In his lockdown paradise, his mind swarms with ideas for new projects for his park as he awaits the return of tourists. "The only thing forbidden in this garden is to stop dreaming," the botanist says. Story by: AFP News

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has extended its “Wear Your Mask” campaign to traders at the Togo Station at Tudu in Accra. Officials of the Authority led by the Acting Head of Operations, Mr. Isaac Ahinsah Wobil, on Monday 6th July, 2020 presented 2000 facemasks to the traders. The gesture was in line with CODA’s efforts aimed at heightening public awareness of issues related with the new coronavirus and adherence to government prescribed safety protocols to stop the spread. Addressing Executives of the T.S Traders Association, Mr. Wobil, speaking on behalf of the CEO of CODA, indicated that with the upsurge in the number of infections, it was worrying that many Ghanaians still fail to comply with the law to stop the spread of the virus. He further stated that, the gesture was CODA’s way of educating traders about the dangers of the pandemic and also encouraging them to keep themselves and their customers safe by adhering to all safety protocols. "Frequent washing of hands under running water, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, wearing of facemasks and observance of social distancing" he said. Receiving the PPEs on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of the T. S Traders Association, Mr. Godwin Amenyoh thanked CODA for the kind gesture and assured officials of the Authority that he and his executives will do everything within their ability to ensure that all traders adhere to the safety protocols in the market. Background CODA “Wear Your Mask“ Campaign CODA has been running an intensive public education campaign to highlight the causes, effects and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, the Authority has been distributing PPEs to commercial drivers, farmers, fishers, journalists, Police Officers and traders as part of efforts to support the most vulnerable Ghanaians at the frontline of our country’s battle to end the spread of coronavirus. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei urged Britain on Wednesday not to rush into taking any costly decision to phase out its equipment from the UK's 5G network because of US sanctions. The plea followed reports of Prime Minister Boris Johnson receiving a damning security agency reassessment about the long-term safety of Huawei. The British review was triggered by US sanctions in February that blocked Huawei's access to US chips and semi-conductors at the heart of 5G networks. Johnson's government allowed Huawei to roll out up to 35 percent of Britain's 5G network under the condition that it stays out of "core" elements dealing with personal data. But the new sanctions raised the possibility of Huawei having to switch from trusted US suppliers to alternatives whose safety could not be guaranteed by UK security agencies. Huawei vice-president Victor Zhang said the long-term impact of the US sanctions will take months to fully understand. "We urge the UK government to take more time," Zhang told a conference call. "What we are talking about is the long-term impact. It takes time. It takes months to understand." Zhang said any decision to simply cut Huawei out of the speedy new network's development could delay nationwide 5G access for up to 18 months. He estimated that a two-year delay would cost the UK economy £29 billion ($35.8 billion, 31.8 billion euros). "The decision will impact the future of Britain's digital strategy and Britain's digital economy -- it is so important," Zhang said. Johnson is coming under growing political pressure to dump Huawei and adopt a tougher line with China for its treatment of Hong Kong and repression of ethnic Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region. But Johnson also pledged last year to bring broadband access to all Britons by 2025. Huawei equipment is already ubiquitous in Britain's older-generation 3G and 4G networks. The Chinese company argues that 5G will become even more important as the world switches to home working because of the new coronavirus. British telecoms companies have warned that stripping out all existing Huawei equipment could cost them billions and take years to implement. It could also undermine Johnson's "full fibre for all" pledge. Zhang said Huawei wanted to work with British telecoms providers and come up with safe alternatives to US equipment that could allay security concerns. "We want to be clear that we will work to address any restrictions imposed on us," Zhang said. He stressed that existing networks would not be affected by sanctions because their development is planned years in advance. Huawei also has equipment stockpiles designed to cover immediate needs. And he made an indirect reference to Johnson's broadband access pledge. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Britain to take the lead in 5G," Zhang said. Source: Microsoft News