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Media Personality and Entrepreneur, Deloris Frimpong-Manso has confirmed in an Instagram post that she is 'pregnant with joy'. The TV host posted a stunning of herself disclosing to the world she will be a mother soon. The caption and picture has set confusion on the internet as lots of her followers are congratulating her whiles others are asking 'with who'. Although the Media Personality deleted the post few minutes after uploading it, some followers managed to screenshot and are discussing on their personal platforms. Thinknewsonline.com is following and will update its readers on new developments. Below is the picture: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah has revealed in line with measures of reducing the spread of the coronavirus among football lovers, the National Sports Authority (NSA) in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has undertaken a nationwide fumigation exercise in all stadia across the country. According to the Sports Minister, the move forms part of measures put in place by the Ministry in ensuring that stadia across the country are safe before allowing footballers and followers to access them. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Isaac Asiamah said “the National Sports Authority (NSA) in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has undertaken a nationwide fumigation exercise in all stadia across the country. Offices, spectating sitting areas, VIP lounge among other areas have been fumigated” He added that a general covid-19 protocol will be applied to it's 10 Youth Leadership Training Centres under the National Youth Authority (NYA) similar to those adopted for schools under the Ghana Education Service/Ministry of Education. The Sports Minister also hinted that his Ministry has introduced general protocols which will be guiding non-contact sports adding that organizers are to ensure the directives are observed. “Checking temperatures of participants before entering training premises, as necessary. Always enforce mandatory wearing of masks (No mas; no entry policy) and hand washing facilities with running water and soap/approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be made available” he noted. Mr. Asiamah further added that there will be a regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently used communal places such as bathroom and toilet surfaces evey 1-2 hours depending on rate of utilization. Enforcement Touching on enforcement, the Minister said “The National Sports Authority (NSA) in collaboration with Ghana Health Service officials will take enforcement responsibilities. This means there will be regulatory bodies for the different sectors and where necessary assisted by the state security services will be engaged to ensure monitoring” Monitoring/Evaluation Speaking on monitoring and evaluation, Mr. Asiamah hinted that Government will continue to monitor and evaluate key indicators to establish the transmission levels of the virus. He said “The approach will include benchmarking and rapid learning to inform decision making and tactical adaptations to the overall strategy and hotspot specifics” Contingency Arrangements Highlighting on the contingency arrangements, the Sports Minister explained that should there be an unexpected outburst in infections within the sports facility or unit, Government has put health workers and the security services, including the Police Service and Armed Forces on standby to co-ordinate a rapid response on persons. He said “If necessary, we will cordon, impose curfew, trace, test and treat infected persons in the affected community” He praised the general public on their patience and understanding and support in navigating through the turbulent period. The Sports Minister used the occasion to explain to Ghanaians that the Ministry does not owe the Former Black Stars Coach, James Kwesi Appiah adding that he(Coach) was given a 2 years contract to handle the Black Stars of which he was paid in full. He said “We have nothing against him. We gave him full support. We paid his two years contract. We are only left with the extension of which we will settle soon” Mr. Asiamah mentioned that Athletics, Chess, Golf, Gym, Polo, Shooting, Scrabble, Swimming, Watersports, Tennis, Cricket, Cycling, Baseball and softball among a few sports that will be allowed to train. In other development, President of Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku called for calm adding that measures are being put in place to ensure the league bounces back. He added that the GFA in talks to ensure that the players are in good shape before they are allowed to play like that of the foreign league. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Education had been granted financial clearance for a total of 27,367 staff for employment in the pre-tertiary sector. This comprises 16,500 newly trained teachers, 6,500 graduate teachers, 3,232 replacement staff and 1,135 non-teaching staff. This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, at a press briefing in Accra on updates in the education sector earlier today. Dr. Prempeh said "This brings to total, 93,724 staff who have been recruited into the pre-tertiary sector since this government took over in 2017" He explained that in the tertiary space, government has since 2017 employed 6,178 staff. The Minister revealed that teachers who were recently engaged have been paid all their salary arrears, a departure from the three months’ pay policy under previous government, where it took many months, and in some cases years, for teachers receive their first salaries after engagement, and even then only for three months of work. He also explained that teachers who were promoted in April 2020 had had the necessary adjustments made to their salaries, and had thus reflected in their May 2020 salaries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government on Tuesday announced new rules to guide post-retirement contracts for academic staff at the country’s public universities. This was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, at a press briefing in Accra on updates in the education sector earlier today. The Minister stated that under the new regulations, post-retirement contracts in all public universities shall be guided by some rules. Addressing Journalists in Accra, Dr. Prempeh said "Mandatory retirement for academic staff of public universities shall continue to be 60 years, in line with constitutional provisions. Professorial grade staff (Associate Professors and Professors) shall be eligible for post-retirement contracts until the age of 70." He also noted that the initial contract shall be for 5 years up to the age of 65, and then afterwards, contracts shall be offered on a 2+2+1 basis, subject to need and good health. Dr. Prempeh hinted that senior lecturers shall be eligible for post-retirement contract on a 2+2+1 basis only up to the age of 65, subject to need and good health. "Specific provision must be made for compensation for all staff on post-retirement contract. Such staff shall be clearly designated and accounted for separately as Contract Staff in the annual budget of the institution" he confirmed. The Minister however stated that it has become particularly necessary as part of measures to bolster and maintain a critical mass of key academic staff to support the anticipated significant increase in tertiary enrolment as a consequence of the free Senior High School Programme. He revealed, the National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) has been tasked to develop and deploy a mechanism for monitoring output in those areas following implementation of the new regime for post-retirement contracts. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some Religious Leaders in the country are calling on their congregants to place priority on their spiritual lives adding that the energy used to work during the wake of the covid-19 pandemic should also be channeled into the attendance of church, mosque and other places of worship. According to the Religious Leaders, it is sad to see youths shying away from their Maker and rather wasting their lives on unnecessary behaviours and lifestyles. In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, the arish Priest of St. Andrew Anglican Church, Abossey-Okai, Rev’d Canon Okaijah-Bortier said “Christians do not worship God in convenience. Who says if you are in your house, you cannot contract the coronavirus pandemic? It will be too painful to say you won’t go to church but contract the virus and die” He added that there is no sense shunning God whiles the world is facing lot of challenges aside the covid-19 pandemic. The Anglican Parish Priest appealed to the youth take advantage of the easing of restrictions, to gather as a family and pray to God for divine intervention. He said “It will please my heart to see more youths at church. They should form the greater part of the 100 people who have been given the opportunity to worship. If they are asked to go to school, won’t they go? They must not place premium on their school work and neglect their spiritual lives” He appealed to other Religious Leaders to make good use of the six days to fumigate and disinfect their places of worship before allowing congregants to access them. Speaking on the data collection of the congregants, he said “That will be very difficult because it is the private life of the individual but we will try and see if we can gather some vital information” Resident Pastor at the Royal Victory Family Church, Kwabenya, Rev'd Dr. Charlotte Oduro hinted that the easing of restriction by President Akufo-Addo was a direction given to him by God. She said “We have been praying for this day to come and it is finally here. If even the President says 5 people should go to church, we should consider that as a plus, meet and cry unto the Lord” She also admitted that although the 100 is too little a number, the Resident Pastor mentioned that she is confident, the few will intercede for the nation in this difficult moment. She advised other pastors and Islamic Leaders to spend at least 10 minutes out of the 1hr to educate and inform congregants on the need to stay safe and adhere to the social distance directive. “In my church, we have various whatsapp groups and we are still communicating on who and who should represent the various guild or groups in the church. I am also in talks with a disinfection team who will fumigate my church before Sunday.” Islamic Scholar, Dominic Yusif Mensah said “At my mosque, I have instructed the worshippers to come along with their own mats and pray on it” He added that his mosque is always disinfected on daily basis adding that more stricter measures have been added to ensure the spread of the virus is reduced. He appealed to the populace to have faith in the Almighty Allah adding that a cure will be discovered soon. General Overseer, The Shiloh City Chapel, Pastor Kingsley Nana Kwasi Walker said “I am not happy about the easing of the restriction. How does government expect a church that has 14,000 capacity to start a service with 100 people?” Speaking on the fumigation and disinfection of places of worship, he revealed that he doubts many churches will be sprayed. He added that in as much as many called for the lifting of the ban on social gathering, most churches are not fully equipped to provide protection for members should a congregant contract the virus. He said “If care is not taken, the number of people who will rush to church will be overwhelming because many people have missed church services. I think it was better to have locked us down than easing the restrictions. I live in Accra and don’t even know what fumigation is what of the pastor in a village?” The Overseer of Shiloh City Chapel appealed to other Religious Leaders reconsider their decision on the re-opening of churches, mosque and other places of worship. Background President Akufo-Addo on Sunday cautioned heads of the various religious bodies to ensure that it operates with a maximum of hundred (100) congregants to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. According to President Akufo-Addo, the move will help revive the spirit of togetherness amongst congregants as they will fellowship as a family at the various places of worship. In his 10th address to the nation, President Akufo-Addo said “An abridged format for religious services can commence. Twenty-five percent (25%) attendance, with a maximum number of one hundred (100) can worship at a time in church or at the mosque” He explained that the 100 congregants at the various churches and mosques have worship with a mandatory one metre of social distancing between them. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh is calling on the public to monitor and report Heads of Private and Public Institutions who flouts the fumigation and disinfection directive given by President Akufo-Addo. According to the Minister, failing to fumigate and disinfect institutions before allowing students to access them can pose as a big threat to the lives of the vulnerable children and Institutional heads. Addressing the media in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Opoku Prempeh said “We should be each other’s keeper. Covid is one of the few diseases where my safety depends on your actions. Somebody’s safety depends upon my actions. If I don’t move, you don’t get the virus if I have it. So we should be each other’s keeper in this time. The staffs of the Ministry of Education are less than 100, we cannot be everywhere but we hope that the policies that the experts have put together are sensible enough for everybody to follow” He added that the safety of the vulnerable is even more paramount to his Ministry. Mr. Opoku Prempeh also disclosed that his Ministry will be embarking on an aggressive re-entry campaigns, adding that it is set aside for the vulnerable. The Minister for Education also revealed that since government is interested in the well-being of its citizens especially the vulnerable, it will ensure that Institutions are sprayed, face masks are distributed, veronica buckets, sanitizers and soap among others are also supplied. “Church services are being gradually opened. Mosques same. It is not about government monitoring but it is about we all monitoring and making sure that the church next door to your house, If they are not following the protocols, you either have to speak to the pastor or speak to the authorities to come to the church and visit them” The Minister also noted that Government will be hosting a sensitization programme forschool leaders and heads to ensure that everybody understands what is unfolding. He hinted that there will also be enough public campaigns to ensure that the citizenry are abreast with the process. “If you have a fever, do not go to school. We expect no parent to send the child to school when he or she is unwell. If we all can do our bits, I think we can kill this virus as quickly as possible” EXAMINATION Speaking on the West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSCE), he noted that the Ministry has discussed elaborately with the Ghana West African Examination Council on the need to allow students write their final exams adding that the request has been approved with questions being set at the moment. “When you go to some West African countries, they have their national exams, Infact, Ghana had a national exam plus WASSCE till 2012/14 there about. We had the SSCE and we have the West African Senior Secondary School Examination. We have discussed elaborately with the Ghana West African Examination Council and they are doing a Ghana specific exam because the other countries are not cooperating” he explained. Pre-Tertiary Education Bill Touching on Pre-Tertiary Education Bill, the Minister of Education revealed that Government has agreed and aligned with the concerns of teacher unions and have deleted the Decentralization Clauses from the Pre-Tertiary Education Bill before parliament adding that it is evidence of a listening Government. Tertiary – Employment Speaking on Tertiary Employment, Mr. Opoku Prempeh explained that Financial Clearance for Tertiary Institutions to recruit from 2017 to 2020 stood at 6,178. He said “Approval for post-retirement contracts up until age 70 for professorial grade and approval for post-retirement contract for academic staff of senior lecturer grade up to age 65” Tertiary – Research Support He revealed that Government has approved the increase in Research allowance from GHc 500 to GHc1,500 which is a 200% increase. The Minister also noted that introduction of the Ghana National Research Fund Bill is currently before parliament. Public University Bill He noted that the Ghana Tertiary Education Policy which was publicly launched on June 14, 2019 at the University of Ghana has given rise to the Public University Bill which is before parliament. Mr. Prempeh stated that there has been a lot of input as government seeks to acknowledge the role of UTAG. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of educating the public on good healthy living, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and some sister agencies says all is set for this year’s World Food Safety Day (WFSD) scheduled for June 7 in Accra. According to the FDA, this year's WFSD event which is under the theme; "Food Safety, Everyone's Business" will be celebrating the innumerable benefits of safe food. In a release signed by the Head of Food Safety Management Department, Jocelyn Agyakwa-Amusah, she said “Currently, however, there is no evidence of food being associated with the transmission of the Coronavirus, COVID-19” She added that as the country is finding measures to combat the virus, it is also important for the public to go about their activities at the market place, shop, malls and home fully protected. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that this year’s event will draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. “Customers ensure social distancing and (personal and food) hygiene. Protect yourself, grocery store workers, other shoppers, and keep your food safe” she said. The Food and Drugs Authority say the burden of COVID-19 is enormous; adding that if measures are put in place, there will be needed to add food borne illness. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Marcus Thuram, Achraf Hakimi and Jadon Sancho have offered their support amid the ongoing protests in the United States as the Borussia Monchengladbach striker and Borussia Dortmund duo responded to the fight against police brutality and racism. The U.S. has seen protests spark across the country in the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in Minneapolis and Louisville, respectively. Both Floyd and Taylor, who were African-American, were killed by police, becoming the latest deaths in a country that has seen a number of similar incidents in recent years. In addition to the killings of Floyd and Taylor, America is also reeling from the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed by father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael while jogging in Brunswick, Georgia on February 28. The McMichaels have been arrested on May 7 after an extensive social media campaign unfolded following the release of video concerning Arbery’s death. Floyd’s killing, meanwhile, is the most recent catalyst, with police officer Derek Chauvin being charged with third-degree murder several days after video emerged of him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for several minutes. In the leadup and aftermath of Chauvin’s arrests, protests broke out throughout the country, with those ongoing gatherings often leading to standoffs between citizens and police with destruction of property and looting also becoming part of the story. The protests come years after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick attempted to bring attention to the issues of racism and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem, with the former San Francisco 49ers star now out of the sport as a result. In the years since, taking a knee has become a symbol of that protest, with Megan Rapinoe among those to take part in the protests – and after scoring a goal against Union Berlin in a 4-1 win, Thuram made a statement of his own by taking a knee. The son of former French star Lilian Thuram scored the second of his side’s four goals in the 41st minute before adding another strike in the 59th minute. The forward has scored 14 goals for Borussia Monchengladbach this season, his first for the club since making the move to Germany from French side Guingamp. Sancho meanwhile made a statement of his own after scoring in Sunday’s match against Paderborn after scoring the second goal of the day for his side. The Englishman removed his shirt, receiving a yellow card in the process, while revealing an undershirt reading “Justice for George Floyd”. The goal was Sancho’s first of an eventual three, with the winger completing his first career hat-trick with finishes in the 74th and 92nd minutes. His Dortmund team-mate, Achraf Hakimi, echoed Sancho’s message following a goal of his own in the 84th minute, lifting his shirt to reveal the same message displayed by the England star. American midfielder Weston McKennie also made a statement during Saturday’s round of matches, with the Schalke star writing “Justice for George” on his captain's armband. Source: Goal.com

Fanatics of local sports would have to endure another two months of the absence of the games. This is because President Akufo-Addo has extended the ban on the various disciplines till July 31 as part of Ghana’s Covid-19 fight. In his 10th address to the nation, the President said; “I have, by Executive Instrument extended the suspension of the remaining public gatherings, as set out in E.I. 64 of 15th March, until 31st July.” “In here, I refer to the suspension of sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals” he said. Government’s decision was based on a stakeholder-engagement with persons in the sporting industry. Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo said it is crucial that Ghanaians improve their fitness levels, and adopt healthy eating practices in order to boost the immune systems. Source: Myjoyonline.com

Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has sent a strong warning to some residents living downstream the Weija Dam to relocate adding the opening of its spillage may cause flooding. According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Stanley Martey the Weija Dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days adding that the company will begin spilling excess water from the Dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it. In a communique signed by the PRO and sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the PRO said "The safe operating level of the dam is 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse. Hence, the spillage" He added that GWCL has begun a house to house sensitization and using public information address systems within the communities, to caution settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone. Mr. Martey further explained that opinion leaders, Chiefs, Assemblymen, Unit Committee leaders and Heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitizing the people in the communities. GWCL says it is urging inhabitants living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone of the river course, to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities and also to protect life and property. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that GWCL will be liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster. It is emerging that communities that are likely to be affected include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities. Property owners and residents in the area are therefore advised to evacuate or take immediate precautionary measures to protect life and property. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of reducing the transmission of covid-19 from one person to another, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Kofi Dzamesi has cautioned the various Religious Leaders of the Christian, Muslim and Traditional Worship to ensure that microphones to be used during services are sanitized after each usage. According to the Minister, the move when taken into practise will help reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus among the Religious Leaders and congregation. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Monday, Kofi Dzamesi said “Sanitize microphones immediately after each use. All who speak/sing in churches (including Pastors, Sunday school teachers, Singers and Announcers) must wear facemask during service” The Minister further discouraged singing in groups adding that pre-recorded songs or solos should be used. As government is bent on ensuring that the COVID-19 is kicked out of the country, Mr. Dzamesi stressed that pre-packaged communion bread and wine should be picked up by members at the point of entry. “Place offering bowls at the entrance and exit points for members to give offerings and tithes when entering or on their way out of church/mosque premises. Encourage cash transfers via mobile money or mobile banking as forms of giving offerings. In observance of social distancing protocols, laying on of hands should not be allowed” he reminded Religious Leaders. He therefore appealed to the Religious Leaders to spend at least 5 minutes of their service time to educate church members on Covid-19. The Religious Affairs Minister hinted that leaders should provide separate sitting areas for the aged and for families that are together. The church, mosque and other places of worship was encouraged to mobilize resources to help individuals in need including offering church health facilities. “Churches must ensure these protocols are observed: I. Thermometer guns or thermal scanners are provided for checking the temperature of congregants at entry points of all venues as necessary. II. Ensure a No mask: No entry Policy. Provision of hand washing facilities with running water and soap and/or FDA approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer” he reiterated. The Minister says he is confident that the Christian, Muslim Community and all other religions will observe the directives strictly. Speaking on enforcement, Hon. Kofi Dzamesi said “Self-Regulation is through churches, mosques and all other religious organizations but the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Local Government in collaboration with Ghana Health Service officials shall take enforcement responsibilities” He hinted that where necessary, the state security services, will ensure enforcement of these protocols adding that there will be Random enforcement checks to ensure compliance. Meanwhile Minister for Communication, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful hinted that a digital app has ben created to help religious leaders keep track and accurate data of members who will be fellowship at church, mosques and other places of worship. She said “Register details including phone numbers, manually or digitally. This will help in identifying and tracing persons who will show signs of the virus. Digital registration can be done on GH COVID-19 APP on PANABIOS APP which can be downloaded at no cost” Special Advisor to the President on Health, Dr. Nsiah Asare explained “One can be allowed to hold daily church serve if only he or she abides by the directives given mostly importantly wearing of the mask. He explained that Religious Leaders should work within the 1hr given to avoid confrontation with security personnel. The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso revealed that the church is happy to converged again as a family to praise and worship the Creator of the world. “We are happy and ready to worship and pray to God. We have prepared. We will fumigate and disinfect all the church to avoid the spread of the novel virus” he explained. He warned ‘fake pastors’ to refrain from their demonic activities adding that any attempt to use covid-19 to dupe a congregant will fail. Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo in an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com said “We in the Methodist Church have decided to fumigate and disinfect all of our churches across the country. As a result, we will not be part of the other churches who will be having their first Sunday service this weekend” He hinted that the Methodist Church has agreed to train its members from Bishops to Ushers on how to relate with the congregation to avoid contracting the novel coronavirus pandemic. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of Sarkcess Music, Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo known in showbiz as Sarkodie has dropped a video of his wife, Tracy Sarkcess sipping some wine and jamming to Stonebwoy’s 'Nominate' song. The video which has gone viral has gotten social media buzzing and talking as Sarkodie is flaunting his wife in a different level. However, it is emerging that Tracy is pregnant and expecting her second child. Although the video has caught lots of attention, a section of the populace on social media are comparing Sarkodie's love for Tracy to that of Stonebwoy and Dr. Louisa. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that Sark's “Keep It Gangster my G” is by far the most romantic caption any Artist has openly showed to his or her partner on the internet. Most Ghanaians seems to be expecting more from the couple as they are going through difficult moments in the covid-19 era. Watch the video below: Story by: Mandy Woods