Search Results

Some scores of Teacher Unions in the country are threatening not to go to school even if President Akufo-Addo decides to lift the ban on social gathering in the country. According to the Unions, since the spread of the covid-19 is exponential, they will not risk going to school to get infected. In a letter addressed to the Director-General of Ghana Education Service, Prof Kwasi Opoku Amankwah, the union said “They will not ascribe to the re-opening of the schools, should the President of the Republic decide not to extend the 31st May 2020 deadline of the ban on public gatherings and order the re-opening of the schools” The unions include, Teachers and Education Workers Union, the Ghana National Association of Teachers, National Association of Graduates Teachers and the coalition of concerned Teachers Ghana. The communique also said “The spread [of the virus in Ghana is still very exponential, and given the fact that our] schools could still be incubation centres of the pandemic, and given the unlimited social interactions and movements which take place there” They raised concerns on the measure put in place to thwart the spread of the disease in the Ghana Educational communities(schools). It added that "The class sizes and dormitory population are still large, thus not making the observation of social distancing possible” The communique however disclosed that considering the age and exuberance of the students, one cannot be sure if they will adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocol outlined. hence the fear that the disease may spread in the schools. They also hinted that the non-availability of potable water, face/nose masks, alcohol-based sanitizers and soaps to help teachers and students adhere to prescribed protocols are few of the challenges facing the unions. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu says he is unhappy at the Auditor – General for rejecting the Chief of Staff's request to conduct an audit verification which seeks to pave way for payment of salary arrears to over 200 former and current Members of Parliament (MPs). According to him, the request from the former MPs has been described as unacceptable, amounting to a conflict of interest. The Majority Leader said "Mr. Mensah-Bonsu, however, clarified that contrary to the Auditor - General's assertion, about four Members of Parliament from the Majority would have benefitted from the payments” He maintained the Auditor-General should have considered “whether payments made to some Members of Parliament were enough”, instead of raising issues with conflict of interest. Thinknewsonline.com is learning some former MPs, whom left Parliament over 10 years ago, were requesting the payment of arrears of salaries and emoluments amounting to over GH¢29.7 million. However, the Auditor-General said “It will not be right to pay any further monies to them, due to the investigation of some of the MPs on the list for receiving double salaries” “It is also a public knowledge that some MPs were or are undergoing police investigations for receiving double salaries which implies overpayment but several of the names are included in the list for additional payment submitted by FFMPs per Office of the President letter dated 22nd April 2020,” he said. “It is my considered opinion that the Former MPs are not entitled to what they are asking for, but it also came to me as a big surprise that our honourable former MPs are making such a request at time of a pandemic which has taken the entire world by surprise." he stressed. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

President Yoweri Museveni has announced his government will provide free facemasks to its citizens as from the age of six years and above. Addressing the nation on Monday, May 19, the 75-year-old head of state said all citizens will be required to wear the masks whenever in public as the country prepares to resume public transport as from June. Museveni said the masks will not be provided for children of less than six years for they do not know how to wear them. “This mask must be worn all the time when you are in public, whether you are sneezing, talking or coughing. Since many people raised the issue that they cannot afford these masks, the gov’t has decided to provide these masks to all Ugandans 6 years and above,” said Museveni. The head of state said once issues of the masks is addressed, shops selling general merchandise will be free to open but only if they are not in shopping arcades and food markets. Museveni said the masks will be ready in two weeks time and only then can the public transport be allowed to operate as from June 2. However, boda boda and tuk tuks will not be allowed to carry passengers and public transport will not be allowed in border districts of Uganda for another 21 days. Bars, salons, gyms and swimming pools will remain closed for the next 21 days. "For the bars and salons, since they cannot observe the rules of social distancing, they will not be allowed to open for another 21 days, this includes, gyms and swimming pools," Museveni said. Private cars will not be allowed to carry more than three passengers including the driver. Source: Erick Kombo Ndubi

- Riek Machar has been part of a high-level taskforce on COVID-19 and the team was tested on May 13 - The vice president, his wife Angelina Teny and some of his staff tested positive for teh virus - Although they are still in good health, they have been taken into quarantine for next 14 days South Sudan's Vice President, Riek Machar and his wife Angelina Teny have tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus disease. In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Gatdet Dak, on Monday, May 19, a number of his staff also tested positive and have since been taken into mandatory quarantine. Machar was a member of a high level taskforce on COVID-19 and was found positive after the team was tested on May 13. "This came as a result of the testing done by members of the High-Level Taskforce on Wednesday. A number of other previous members of the taskforce also tested positive," read the statement. Gatek said Machar had taken an earlier test on April 27 but the results came out negative. Machar said he will self-quarantine in his residence for the next 14 days with the other staff who also tested positive. "He is healthy and also confirmed by the doctor," said Gatek. The youngest nation in Africa has over 290 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with four deaths and four recoveries. Last week authorities reported two COVID-19 cases in a camp outside the capital Juba, raising concerns among humanitarians that the infection could devastate the crowded settlement. Source: REUTERS

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.), on Monday told state governors not to take the raging COVID-19 pandemic as a joke. He asked them to step up enlightenment of their people on the seriousness of the infection by ensuring they stayed safe. Buhari also called on the governors to work closely with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to streamline the measures targeted at containing the spread. The President made the call during a virtual meeting he held with the governors. While he participated in the meeting via a video conference from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, led his colleagues to join from other locations. The President stated that having received a briefing from the PTF’s Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, he had directed that both sides worked closely. “I have directed that they work very closely with the governors”, he said, adding, “We have to be very careful. We need to continue to educate and persuade the people to accept the reality of the situation, and do all that is necessary to stay safe.” Buhari told the governors that the pandemic was “beyond technology, power, and resources.” The President noted that big countries with huge resources were overwhelmed by the pandemic, an indication that small countries like Nigeria must take precautionary measures more seriously. “The meeting also discussed economic and security issues, among others, with the governors commending the President on the ‘leadership and direction’ he has given the country in combating COVID-19”, Buhari’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, stated. Recall that some state governors had lifted the lockdown in their domains, allowing for religious activities to take place in mosques and churches. They had also called back civil servants to work and are said to be preparing to reopen schools. The PUNCH observes that these steps taken by some of the states go contrary to the guidelines of the PTF on the current relaxed lockdown of Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory and Ogun State. Buhari had approved the relaxed lockdown to take effect from May 4, allowing for limited resumption of intra-state activities across the Federation. The use of face masks was made compulsory, among others. However, he placed a ban on inter-state movements and imposed a curfew from 8pm to 6am nationwide. But, the regulations have been largely observed more in breach by the states. The PTF, during a meeting with Buhari on Sunday, lodged the complaints to the President. Source: The Punch

Former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Alex Mould says due to the trust candidate John Mahama has in him, he is confident, the Presidential hopeful will choose him as his running mate to represent the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2020 general election. According to him, the move is possible due to his hard work and unmatched record as a former Chief Executive of GNPC as well as true value shown over the years. Speaking on an Accra based television station on Monday, Mr. Mould said “He would not have offered me the largest corporate job in the public sector. In corporate world, we measure with revenue and profitability and yes, he would not have charged me with that if he had not trusted me because this is a job that can make or break the country” He added without trust, his long stay at GNPC would have been cut short. Mr. Mould further explained that candidate John Mahama has his mechanism to evaluate the competence of his appointees adding feedbacks from stakeholders will help play a key role in a decision for his selection as running mate. “I will be a capable match for Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia if given the nod to go into the 2020 elections as the running mate for the NDC” he noted. The Former Chief Executive also hinted if he is not selected as running mate, he is ever prepared for any role in the NDC. He was confident that with the acquaintance likewise skill gained within his years of service in many units, his involvement can match the expertise of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Thinknewsonline.com is learning many Ghanaians have called on the largest opposition party, NDC to consider the services of an economist since they believe, he or she (running mate) can be a solid competitor as against the much-learned Dr Bawumia Mr. Mould hinted “My pedigree shows that I have managed organisations successfully and if you’re talking about the economy, of course, I can deliver. If you’re talking about energy, I can deliver. If you are talking about any area whether its trade, industry, I can deliver” Although it is unclear who is likely to win the slot as running for the NDC, the former chief Executive of GNPC says he is hopeful, he will claim the spot with much ease. “I think there is a process that goes into it. The flagbearer has to work with the Functional Executives of the party in consultation with the elders and come up with a criteria. If the call me and nominate me and I pass the criteria, I definitely will accept it” he noted. Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

General Secretary of the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has revealed he will accept the role of Vice President if selected by John Dramani Mahama ahead of the upcoming general elections. According to him, he will not turn his back on the offer since it will give him another opportunity to serve the citizenry and nation. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, Mr. Nketia said “I have heard lots of people talking about I being the running mate but it is not done by word of mouth. I have said time without number that if you give me the role of Veep, I will execute it. Whatever job that will allow me serve the good people of Ghana; I will do it” The General Secretary added his party is not in a rush to reveal who its running mate adding they are abiding by the constitution which governs the NDC. He further explained that since the constitution does not give Presidential Candidates timeframe to name it running mate, the party will unveil him at the appropriate time. “Our NDC laws allows us to elect a Flagbearer within a year if we are in power but if we are to be in opposition, we are allowed to do say within 24 months. As for the running mate, Article 45 requires of the Flagbearer to table who he or she feels can support and help him secure victory” he explained. He further revealed that political parties under the country’s laws are expected to name their running mate on the day of filing of nomination forms adding that the NDC is yet to do that. Speaking on President Akufo-Addo’s covid-19 management, he said “He is doing his bit. We are doing it together but his short-falls are the promise of 88 hospitals. That is not covid management” He urged President Akufo-Addo to channel the resources into the yet to be completed structures started by Former President Mahama. Mr. Nketia tasked the NPP to do away with the politics of Covid-19 and abandoned projects adding that saving of lives is more important than other things. He lauded President Akufo-Addo for heeding to suggestions to the NDC as the country is battling the novel virus. The General Secretary also advised the Akufo-Addo administration to concentrate on measures to deal with the virus and forget about the 88 hospitals. Mr. Asiedu Nketia debunked rumours that the country’s former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah is one of the over one thousand seven hundred people (1,704) recovering from the novel coronavirus pandemic which has hit the country. Background The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has come under heavy criticisms to name its running mate even in the wake of covid-19 in Ghana. The party have had lots of bashing from the ruling New Patriotic Party asking them to concentrate on what matters than politicising the covid-19 pandemic in the country. Although Former President Mahama told critics he knows who his running mate is, many are still wondering when the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) announce its running mate amidst the pandemic. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Social media is buzzing and talking following a video which has gone viral capturing two females Musicians in the Ghana Music Industry, Sista Afia and Freda Rhymez fighting each other at an Accra-based television station. Both rappers have come at each other recently in their diss songs released at each other. In a diss song from Freda Rhymez to Sista Afia in her ‘WMT’ song, Rapper, Freda said “Sista Afia, you are an emotional singer who got no lines. Shattawale, Medikal, Bisa K’dei sleep with you for lyrics” Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the said lyrics from Freda got Sista Afia to release a counter diss song dubbed ‘You Got Nerves’ daring Freda to spew her lyrics in the face when they meet one on one. News gathered indicates that both Artistes clashed at the premises of an Accra-based television station on Monday morning after the two crossed each other’s part. In the viral video, Sista Afia took of her shoes and rushed to pounce on Freda Rhymez but was saved by her(Freda) team. As to what led to the personal hatred between the two has not been disclosed, sources say the rappers might not be friends again. The viral video has gotten followers talking on social media jabbing each other. Thinknewsonline.com is following and will update its readers on latest developments. Story by: Mandy Woods

Rapper, Eno Barony has jabbed AMG Business Musician, Medikal in a new diss song dubbed ‘Force Dem To Play Nonsense’ featuring Tubani Music signee, Strongman Burner and songstress, Sister Derby. According to Eno Barony, she intends to end the beef battle with Medikal as she has been advised to end the on-going exchange of words through music. In her new diss song to Medikal, Rapper, Eno Barony said “Now I turn nightmare. Wo w) car keys ah, y3w) lorry fare. Y3n anisu w) shi” Rapper Eno added that if Medikal wants to end it with her, he should do it now adding that God should come to the aid of his children since they are at loggerheads. “S3 me juns) agu b33be na ya gye me GHc50 de3 anka m3ni pr3ko” she further jabbed Medikal. For the past three weeks, social media has been buzzing and talking following a diss battle between Eno Barony and Sista Afia. The two female Artistes, took to jabbing eachother over who has the best lyrics and flow. Jabbing Medikal, Tubani Music signee, Strongman asked how many diss track have the male rapper in the Ghanaian Music Industry got this year? He said “Boyz Boyz, afe wae mo diss no y3 s3n? Mo wie aaa, mo checki, me hit no y3 s3n? Real hommies, fake no moy3 s3n na me suro na mo koraa ah no, mo fie rich no, mo y3 s3n? Adwiii! He added that because of ‘beef’, he is always ready in his gloves even on bed. Although the cause of the beef between Eno Barony and Medikal is unknown, many followers have taken to social media to asking the Artiste beefing each other to continue adding it will help boost the music industry. On her part, Sister Derby said “Ei Eno, is that how are you? Me de3 I will not try you. Now that I have seen what you can do, wama action film adane cartoon” She cautioned Medikal to stay in his lane adding if he has not been invited into any ‘beef’ battle, he should stay in his lane. In a lowkey jab to Medikal, Sister Derby asked Eno to get, milk, sugar, butter, eggs and ‘poloo honey’ so both can prepare ‘Sweet Ex’. The diss track has seen 17K views in 2 hours on youtube with 8.3k viewers responding positive to it whiles 181 have gone against the song. Background AMG Business rapper, Medikal has resurrected his beef with Tubani Music signee, Strongman Burner after throwing subliminal shots at him and 4 other celebrities in a new diss song dubbed 'Nonsense'. In his diss song, Rapper, Medikal took turns to rub the face of Strongman, Sister Derby, Eno Barony, Social Media Influencer, Akuapim Polo and Comedian DKB in the mud asking them to stop hating. Taking a swipe at Strongman, the Sowutuom King reminded the Tubani Music signeethat he(Strongman) is still an Uber celebrity whiles his wife, Fella Makafui pulls up in a Benz. He said "Uber celebrities, wifey dey pull up benz oh. Wob3 te'as3, 3y3 kanzo. 3nfa ohia nka nkwasiaa3m. Mo k3ka nkwasiaa3m" Scolding Eno, Rapper Medikal said, he has sold his loyalty adding he was created by God and was not made-in-China. The Sowutuom King-Kong said "Nyankopon na 3b) me oh, mo y3 made-in-China. Black and white, mes3n panda me ky3n designer" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Director of Elections of the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah says he has not regretted in the comments uttered in a leaked audiotape centring on the new voter’s register proposed by the Electoral Commission. According to him, members of the NDC should do well to rally against the decision by the EC ahead of the 2020 general election adding the leadership should devote GHc1 Million on a about GH₵1 million on a movement to refuse the idea. In the leaked audiotape, Mr. Ankrah said “GH₵200,000, GH₵500,000 and GH₵1 million Ghana cedis and fight this register, bring Accra to a standstill for once, occupy the EC head office. And we can do it. We have done it before, these are things we’ve been doing even as ordinary students; we brought the Ministry of Finance to a standstill" He added he has not regretted his words adding there was nothing bad about it. Mr. Ankrah further explained that the decision by the Electoral Commission to compile a new voter’s register was a waste of taxpayer’s money, time and other resources. “This is not a leaked tape; I recorded myself and sent it to party members. I was speaking to my people and telling them that we have to resist it [the new voters’ register]. It was an open discussion on an open platform” he added. He further stressed that since it was a whatsapp group, he was the one behind it. The Director of Elections stressed that as to whether it was deliberate or not, the audiotape is already in the public domain. “The important thing is that there is nothing there that is wrong, I stand by every word that I said. You only regret if what you said was bad or there was something in it but in this case, we are going to come out publicly and activate these things so what is the big deal about it because we will occupy the streets of Ghana to demonstrate against the new register” he stated He fumed that since the cost involved was humongous adding the move by the EC was completely unnecessary. “First of all, it is about the cost. It is a humongous cost which we think is completely unnecessary. Per the EC’s [estimation], it [the voters’ register] was going to cost GH₵444 million but the last time we checked the documents which were taken to Parliament, it was going to cost some GH₵800 million and that is good money that can be used for other purposes” he explained. Speaking on occupying the country’s EC head office, he explained that it was a statement of act and not to be taken literally. “People who decide to twist his statement to suit their own purposes may not succeed since no demonstration could be done in private or hiding” he explained. However, Director of Elections at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe stressed it is important for the country to deal with issues of verification challenges to avoid humiliation on election day. Dr. Quaicoe said “We have made it very clear that the current biometric system is not good enough for future activities. We are having a lot of challenges with it. In addition to that, a lot of people have found it difficult to have their fingerprints picked up by the machine so we intend to introduce the facial recognition [option] in addition so that if your fingerprint fails, your image will be used for verification.” He added that the tabled money is only for the obtaining of equipment but furnish the entire money involved in starting a new exercise. He said “The amount we are talking about is the total cost of registration, recruitment and what have you. So it’s not only for the equipment and software. So that amount shouldn’t be perceived only for the equipment. So whether we upgrade or not, we will still incur the cost of registration. So that is the cost of registration.” Background The EC tabled a request to Ghana’s Parliament to approve GH¢444,846,663 for the sorting out of the new voters register. It added that since the old register is outmoded, it needs to be updated. However, the opposition party, NDC says it is against it. Speaking to Journalists in Accra, General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said “The new register defies logic and must be fiercely resisted as we in the NDC intend to do. We are not complaining. In fact, we are saying that, let us use the same register so that given the state of the shenanigans that were played by the NPP in 2016… we will see whether they can win again.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Host of Adom Tv’s morning show, Badwen; Nana Yaa Brefo has resigned from Multimedia Group Limited for unknown reasons. The Ace broadcaster had been with the Multimedia family specifically, Adom Tv and Fm for the past ten years, reading news on both tv and radio likewise hosting shows. However, the Multimedia group in couple of months have lost prominent staff such as MzGee and Vim Lady to Media General and Despite Media respectively staff whiles others were laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ghanaians woke up to a shock when news came in that, one of its long serving staff, Nana Yaa Brefo has taken a bow out of the media house. Though reasons for the resignation is unknown, some Ghanaians via social media are concluding the resignation was as a result of an interview with Actress/Host of Mcbrown’s kitchen which went bad. The Ace broadcaster took to her Instagram account to announce her resignation. She said "I want to say a big thank you to Multimedia and my colleagues. Also my fans for the support really appreciate also thank those who did not like me, you made me grow during my 10 years stay at Multimedia, (Adom Tv). I bow out of multimedia to follow other dreams. Thank you all for being there. Akpe🙏❤️ #nanayaabrefo Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the host of Badwen on Adom Tv, asked Nana Mcbrown some questions in relation to the demise of Bishop Bernard Nyarko which many described as ‘stupid’. In the interview, Nana Yaa Brefo was heard asking Nana Ama Mcbrown if she will attend the one-week celebration of the late actor and whether she supported the financially in the latter part of his life. Entertainment critic, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has added his voice to the critics bashing Nana Yaa Brefo saying she asked lame questions during the interview. Arnold added he is disappointed in how Nana Yaa handled her interview with Nana Ama Mcbrown in relation to the death of actor, Bishop Bernard Nyarko. Meanwhile some scores of Ghanaians have taken to social media also bashing the Ace broadcaster and describing her action as unprofessional. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

AMG Business rapper, Medikal has resurrected his beef with Tubani Music signee, Strongman Burner after throwing subliminal shots at him and 4 other celebrities in a new diss song dubbed 'Nonsense'. In his diss song, Rapper, Medikal took turns to rub the face of Strongman, Sister Derby, Eno Barony, Social Media Influencer, Akuapim Polo and Comedian DKB in the mud asking them to stop hating. Taking a swipe at Strongman, the Sowutuom King reminded the Tubani Music signeethat he(Strongman) is still an Uber celebrity whiles his wife, Fella Makafui pulls up in a Benz. He said "Uber celebrities, wifey dey pull up benz oh. Wob3 te'as3, 3y3 kanzo. 3nfa ohia nka nkwasiaa3m. Mo k3ka nkwasiaa3m" Scolding Eno, Rapper Medikal said, he has sold his loyalty adding he was created by God and was not made-in-China. The Sowutuom King-Kong said "Nyankopon na 3b) me oh, mo y3 made-in-China. Black and white, mes3n panda me ky3n designer" Medikal also warned his ex girlfriend, Sister Derby asking her to leave him alone since he is now married. On Akuapim Poloo, the AMG Business rapper, stated categorically that he is he not interested in her. He took a swipe a comedian, DKB asking whether he is a wedding planner. "Just because I follow you back on IG doesn't make you my brother. You can't put yourself in my shoes" he jabbed. He cautioned them not to utter senseless and useless words since they are poor. With his much anticipated Hip-Hop song titled ‘Nonsense’, it seems the Sowutuom Rapper is not ending this 'beef between himself, Sister Derby, Eno Barony, Strongman, Comedian DKD and Social media Influencer, Akuapim Poloo. In a post on her social media platform, Eno asked her followers when they want her to release her reply diss song to Medikal. For the past three weeks, social media has buzzing and talking following a 'beef' battle which started with two female rappers, Eno Barony and Sister Afia. Both rappers took the diss battle to a different level jabbing Tubani signee, Strongman and AMG Business rapper, Medikal indirectly. Although Strongman and Medikal have smoked a peace pipe, it seems their beef is about to resurrect again. Thinknewsonline.com will be following the trend and later update its readers likewise followers on new developments. However, Medikal' s banger was produced by UnkleBeatz. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith