Search Results

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says it must be the collective responsibility of Ghanaians to ensure that the country has a register fit for purpose for the conduct of the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. According to President Akufo-Addo, “we must all make sure that persons who do not meet the requirements, as set out clearly in the Constitution, do not find their names into the register. If you aid the registration of an ineligible person, and you are caught, you will face the full rigours of the law.” Addressing the nation on Monday, 29th June, 2020, ahead of the conduct of the voter registration exercise on Tuesday, 30th June, the President stressed that “the election on 7th December must be a Ghanaian election, not a West African election, conducted with a voter register of Ghanaians. That is the only way the true will of the Ghanaian people can manifest.” He, thus, urged all eligible Ghanaians, i.e. that is Ghanaians of eighteen (18) years of age or above, and of sound mind, to go out and register, so that they can exercise their civic responsibilities on 7th December, 2020, to elect a government of their choice in a free, fair, peaceful and transparent election. “Using your God-given and constitutional rights costs nothing, but staying home can come at a very steep price. The pandemic, notwithstanding, we have to strengthen Ghanaian democracy,” he added. Describing the compilation of the voters’ register as one of the most important tasks in the effective functioning of any democracy, President Akufo-Addo noted that if an eligible citizen’s name is not on the register, that citizen cannot exercise the right to vote, and cannot, therefore, participate in the determination of the choice of the government of the day. “It is, thus, vitally important that all eligible voters register, so, on the designated day of 7th December, they can vote to choose the President of the nation, and the Member of Parliament of their area. In effect, our vote, our thumb, is the expression of our individual sovereign power as a citizen, which we should cherish and guard at all times,” he said. President Akufo-Addo reassured all eligible voters of their safety at the 33,327 polling stations across the country, explaining that the Electoral Commission has put in place the necessary, elaborate protocols for the process. “All these protocols should be adhered to strictly. Additionally, I want to remind all Ghanaians that all the other protocols and restrictions, especially those dealing with large gatherings, must be adhered to and enforced at the polling stations at all times. So, let us all abide by them, and conduct ourselves in a manner befitting the image and status of Ghana,” he added. The President continued, “If you do not register now, you cannot vote in December. Present your Ghana card or passport, which are the only two forms of valid identification. In the absence of any of these valid IDs, an applicant can submit one completed Identification Guarantee Form, endorsed by two registered voters, to be registered and issued with a voter ID card. By these procedures, all eligible voters will be registered. No disenfranchisement of voters is contemplated by them.” December polls must be held With some arguing that, in the midst of a pandemic, the compilation of a new register, and, indeed, the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections should be put on hold, and scheduled for a later date, perhaps, when the pandemic ends, the President stated that “that is not possible” He explained that the Constitution of our Republic makes no provision for the extension of the mandate of the President, who wields executive power, beyond four (4) years. “To exercise executive power in the Ghanaian state, you must be duly elected by the Ghanaian people. You must have their freely-expressed consent. On 7th January, 2021, when my mandate as the current President expires, a duly elected person must be ready to be sworn in as President of the Republic,” he said. Continuing, he stressed that “there is no other way, and, in order to forestall any needless constitutional controversy, which could throw our nation into jeopardy, we must vote on 7th December 2020. The same applies to Parliament. We should not fear or be alarmed. Despite the COVID pandemic, elections are being properly conducted in many nations across the globe.” Citing examples of countries such as South Korea, Poland, Mali and Malawi, who have all held elections in the midst of the pandemic, President Akufo-Addo was confident that “surely, it is not beyond Ghana to join these nations in organising a successful general election, even in the midst of the pandemic.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo Addo is set to address the nation on measures put in place for the commencement of the compilation of the new voter’s register. According to a Facebook post, the Director of Communication, Eugene Arhin said “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will on Monday address the nation, ahead of the commencement of Tuesday’s voter registration exercise. The time for the address will be communicated in the course of the day.” He added that the compilation of voter’s register will begin on Tuesday 30 June, with qualified Ghanaians visiting polling station to register. He further explained that holders of the Ghana card and Ghanaian passport will be allowed to register based on the riling of the Supreme Court last week. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

Media Personality, Nana Yaa Brefo Danso has disclosed that due to negligence on the part of some health professionals, she has been left with no option than to live for the past 13-years without a womb. According to Nana Yaa, the unfortunate incident happened when she was pregnant with a child. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station on Monday, the Renowned Journalist said “Do you know that as I sit here, I am like you, there is no difference between you the man and me sitting here. What makes me a woman is missing, I have no womb. Yes, I have had to live without a womb for 13 years” she revealed on the show. She added that the unprofessional behaviour of the health practitioners nearly caused her life. Nana Yaa further explained that the pains she had to go through made it very difficult for her to even walk stressing that she had to stay at the health centre taking care of her demised baby. Nana Yaa Brefo said “My womb had to be taken that day and if not for God, I would have been dead" ThinkNewsOnline is learning that the Director of the Ghana Institute of Languages, Dr Emmanuel Kuto, also lost his wife at the Ridge Hospital recently over what many describe about irresponsible medical care by Health Professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), Ridge Hospital. According to Dr. Kuto, his deceased wife was given a drug which was not meant for her. “Authorities at the Ridge Hospital have called me for a meeting after my sad story was aired” he revealed. On the issue of negligence, Mohammed Mustapha known by many as Malopia has not been left out. Mr. Mustapha also lost his wife and child at the same facility after the health professionals slugged at their job. “The Medical Officers at Ridge Hospital later accused me of failing to provide the needed medicine for the surgery and this is not true” he said. Watch video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Actress, Regina Daniels and her husband, Ned Nwoko have welcomed their new baby boy. Brother of the Celebrity took to his Instagram page to announce the arrival of his nephew. ThinkNewsOnline is learning that although the Actress had a stressful pregnancy, she and her husband thanked God for a safe delivery. Regina’s brother on his Instagram page said “Officially An Uncle You Know?” The Instagram Post also said "Congratulations my diamond. It’s a bouncing baby boy" Below is a copy of screenshot: Story by: Sweetie Baisie

As the summer heats up, the BET Awards cause a buzz of excitement as favorite nominees are named and ultimate winners announced at one of black entertainment's most prestigious award shows. This year, the show was being scaled back due to health concerns, so a virtual awards ceremony was televised live on BET with a simulcast on network CBS on Sunday, June 28, 2020 beginning at 8PM ET live from Tampa, FL. Album Of The Year “Cuz I Love You,” Lizzo “Fever,” Megan Thee Stallion “Homecoming: The Live Album,” Beyoncé “I Used to Know Her,” H.E.R. “Kirk, “DaBaby “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial,” Roddy Ricch - WINNER Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé H.E.R. Jhene Aiko Kehlani Lizzo - WINNER Summer Walker Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Anderson .Paak Chris Brown - WINNER Jacquees Khalid The Weeknd Usher Best Group Chloe x Halle City Girls EarthGang Griselda JACKBOYS Migos - WINNER Best Collaboration Chris Brown Ft. Drake, “No Guidance” - WINNER DJ Khaled ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend, “Higher” Future ft. Drake, “Life Is Good” H.E.R. ft. YG, “Slide” Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign, “Hot Girl Summer” Wale ft. Jeremih, “On Chill” Best Male Hip Hop Artist DaBaby - WINNER Drake Future Lil Baby Roddy Ricch Travis Scott Best Female Hip Hop Artist Cardi B Doja Cat Lizzo Megan Thee Stallion - WINNER Nicki Minaj Saweetie Video of the Year Chris Brown Ft. Drake, “No Guidance” DaBaby, “Bop” DJ Khaled ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend, “Higher” - WINNER Doja Cat, “Say So” Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign, “Hot Girl Summer” Roddy Ricch, “The Box” Video Director of the Year Benny Boom Cole Bennett Dave Meyers Director X Eif Rivera Teyana “Spike Tee” Taylor - WINNER Best New Artist DaniLeigh Lil Nas X Pop Smoke Roddy Ricch - WINNER Summer Walker YBN Cordae Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Fred Hammond, “Alright” John P. Kee ft. Zacardi Cortez, “I Made It Out” Kanye West, “Follow God” Kirk Franklin, “Just for Me” - WINNER PJ Morton ft. Le’Andria Johnson & Mary Mary, “All In His Pain” The Clark Sisters, “Victory” Best Movie “Bad Boys for Life” “Dolemite Is My Name” “Harriet” “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” “Just Mercy” “Queen & Slim” - WINNER Best Actress Angela Bassett Cynthia Erivo Issa Rae - WINNER Regina King Tracee Ellis Ross Zendaya Best Actor Billy Porter Eddie Murphy Forest Whitaker Jamie Foxx Michael B. Jordan - WINNER Omari Hardwick Young Stars Award Alex Hibbert Asante Blackk Jahi Di’Allo Winston Marsai Martin - WINNER Miles Brown Storm Reid Sportswoman of the Year Ajeé Wilson Claressa Shields Coco Gauff Naomi Osaka Serena Williams Simone Biles - WINNER Sportsman of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo Kawhi Leonard LeBron James - WINNER Odell Beckham Jr. Patrick Mahomes II Stephen Curry BET HER Award Alicia Keys, “Underdog” Beyoncé ft. Blue Ivy, WizKid & Saint Jhn, “Brown Skin Girl” - WINNER Ciara ft. Lupita Nyong’o, Ester Dean, City Girls & La La, “Melanin” Layton Greene, “I Choose” Lizzo ft. Missy Elliott, “Tempo” Rapsody ft. PJ Morgan, “Afeni” Viewer’s Choice Award Chris Brown Ft. Drake, “No Guidance” DaBaby, “Bop” Future ft. Drake, “Life Is Good” Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj, “Hot Girl Summer” - WINNER Roddy Ricch, “The Box” The Weeknd, “Heartless” Best International Act Burna Boy (Nigeria) - WINNER Innoss’B (DRC) Sho Madjozi (South Africa) Dave (U.K.) Stormzy (U.K.) Ninho (France) S.Pri Noir (France) Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act Rema (Nigeria) SHA SHA (Zimbabwe) - WINNER Celeste (U.K.) Young T & Bugsey (U.K.) Hatik (France) Stacy (France) Story by: Sweetie Muriel Baisie

BBC Africa has finally released Ghanaian Investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas' undercover on quack doctors selling fake drugs purported to be cure for the novel coronavirus. The six minute thirty-two undercover video showcases two men who claim to have the most powerful mixtures which can cure the disease. In the video, Anas will be telling how he managed to pay GHc1000 for three bottles of the supposed coronavirus mixture. Later today, the undercover work will be aired on the various local media outlets across the country. Watch the video below: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of boosting their day to day activities as the country battles the deadly coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo has extended incentive package for health workers by another three (3) months. According to President Akufo-Addo, the move means that all health workers will pay no income taxes for the next three months, i.e. July, August and September. In his 13th Address to the nation on measures put in place against the spread of coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said "Again, all frontline health workers, as defined by the Ministry of Health, will continue to receive the additional allowance of fifty percent (50%) of their basic salary per month, i.e. for July, August and September" He added that the implementation of the directive for the months of April, May and June has been fraught with some challenges, caused, mainly, by the protracted discussions over the definition of who qualifies as “frontline health workers” in this context. He mentioned that all previous issues have now been resolved, and payments will be effected from the end of June adding that the insurance package for health workers is still in place. "Whilst we appreciate the efforts of our health workers, I continue to urge them to remain professional and compassionate. Every avoidable death, be it corona-related or not, is a tragedy" he confirmed. President Akufo-Addo reminded all to rubbish the criticisms adding that adhering to the enhanced social distancing and hygiene protocols will not only save our lives, but also prevent our healthcare infrastructure from being over-burdened. He said "Let us wash our hands with soap under running water, use alcohol-based sanitizers, maintain the protocols on social distancing, avoid person to person contact, eat our local foods that boost our immune systems, and, yes, wear masks at all times when we leave our homes. These are the weapons of our battle" The sitting president advised the populace to be keep their guard up at all times, and see to it that sooner, rather than later, COVID-19 becomes nothing but a blip on our forward march to sustained development, progress and prosperity. "I have been very encouraged by how our religious leaders have supported and embraced the fight against COVID-19, despite their concerns with some elements of the prescribed safety protocols and guidelines. I will continue to engage with them and other stakeholders, in our efforts to defeat the virus" he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana says it will on Monday be addressing the national on its plans ahead of the 2020 Voter's Registration Exercise. In a statement signed by the Chairperson's Secretariat, Joana Ritcher-Bekoe, it said the address will centre on its preparedness towards the upcoming exercise. The Electoral Commission says the nationwide address will be aired on all major television platforms across the country. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Beneficiary of Government's Flagship programme, 'Free SHS' at the Abakrampa Senior High Technical School, Joseph Yemeh has lauded President Akufo-Addo saying his policy is a blessing in disguise. According to him, without the policy, he would not have made it into the Senior High School. In a video sighted by ThinkNewsOnline, Joseph Yemen said "When I was in Junior High School, I did not have hope whiles in school. I did not have anyone to support me, I struggle before going to school. This policy by the President is a blessing in disguise" He added that he used to work in-order to buy things for himself whiles in Junior High School. "I had difficulties learning, because I had no hope of going to Senior High School. Nana Addo has really helped me, I have school uniforms and books because of him" he added. The young beneficiary says by the help of the 'Free SHS' policy he is confident of achieving his dream of becoming a Meteorologist in future. Watch video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of Burniton Music Group, Livingstone Kwame Etse Satekla known in showbiz as Stonebwoy has revealed that he spent 6 months in the hospital after his car got involved in an accident with a police vehicle on the Tema Motorway some years ago. According to him, the unfortunate incident happened when he was 13 years. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, Stonebwoy said "I was 13 years old when our car got involved in the accident. A police vehicle heading towards Accra lost control and ended up on our lane, crushing into ours on the motorway as we were heading to Ashaiman" The “Bawasaba” hit-maker further revealed that they were rushed to the 37 military hospital before transferred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. "My dad had some of his ribs broken, while my sister suffered some serious injuries. The case went to court but was not handled in a right way" he added. Stonebwoy further mentioned that had the case been handled properly, he will still be enjoying the compensation from the accident. The C.E.O of Burniton Music Group thanked God for his life and how far He has brought him. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of educating, entertaining and informing the public on news worthy information, President of the Bhim Nation Family, Livingstone Etse Satekla known in showbiz as Stonebwoy has cautioned the Ghanaian Media to be circumspect in their reportages and stop pampering wrong-doings. According to him, although the media might want to set their agenda, it is always important to correct wrong-doers whenever they deviate. Speaking on Accra-based television station, Stonebwoy said "His tweet was directed at me. Media people have pampered somethings in a way that must not be so. He mentioned god. I am the god in Ghana Music. Let us not push this to go to another space" He added that although he learned a thing or two from Legend, Samini, he (Stonebwoy) can never throw a shade at him. He challenged fellow Artistes to do away with the disrespect of other Musicians in the Ghanaian Music Industry. Stonebwoy further clarified that whatever happened to Kelvynbwoy in Ashaiman has got nothing to do with me. "How can you tell the people who supported you that you will go for GHc7 somewhere than coming to perform at Ashaiman to the world, that is disrespect to the people" Stonebwoy said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Award-winning reggae/dancehall artist, Stonebwoy is the guest on United Showbiz hosted by Nana Ama McBrown on UTV tonight. The “Nominate” hitmaker in a conversation about the people who have helped him get where he is now mentioned a few big names in the industry. Stonebwoy revealed that although Samini has been his biggest “helper,” other people including BuK Bak Bright, Kwaw Kese, Abieku Santana and others helped put him on the map. According to him, Buk Bak Bright was the first person to put him on television “Buk Bak Bright was the first person to put me on TV. Kwaw Kese was the first person to put me in his music video. Samini also put me in his music video “Climax,” he told Nana Ama.