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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

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has revealed that it will be increasing prices of fuel effective June 1, 2020. According to the Authority, the move follows an increment in the BOST Margin by Cabinet which was announced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) over the weekend. According to him, the increment is helping in the maintenance the weakening facilities at BOST, a strategic asset of the State. In a press release, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah revealed that prices of fuel at the pumps will shoot upwards between five and eight percent. He said “Consumers will most likely have to pay more for fuel because world market prices, crude alone has done about 40%. With finished products such as gasoline, gas oil has also seen a sharp jump on the international market. It is quite certain that we will be doing between 5% and 8% [increase in fuel prices] He further added that the BOST Margin has been increased from 3 pesewas to 6 pesewas for a litre of all petroleum product. However, Managing Director of Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company (BOST), Edwin Provencal earlier in March urged government to increase its Margin from three pesewas per litre to nine pesewas. BACKGROUND It has been 3 pesewas per litre on BOST Margin since 2011. It almost went up to 6 pesewas per litre in December 2019, but the measures were retracted following the pressure on government by opposition parties as well as CSOs such as the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers{COPEC}. Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Duncan Amoah says apart from the increment in the BOST Margin, recent increment on the world market will also result in an 8 percent rise in prices at the pump. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

President Akufo-Addo has sent a strong warning some constitutional and statutory bodies whose activities were exempted from the outset of restrictions to ensure they adhere to safety protocols in their line of duty. According to President Akufo-Addo, the warning forms as part of measures of reducing the spread of the deadly novel virus amongst the citizenry in the country. In his 10th address to the nation on measures taken against spread of coronavirus in the country, he said “The constitutional and statutory bodies such as the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE,) and the National Identification Authority (NIA), must conduct their activities in accordance with social distancing safety protocols safety protocols” President Akufo-Addo added that places such as market, work and public transport must also take a cue from the constitutional and statutory bodies such as the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education and the National Identification Authority, whose activities were exempted from the outset from these restrictions, must conduct their activities in accordance with social distancing and the necessary hygiene and safety protocols. He explained that whilst the country steps up public education of the protocols on public gatherings, adding that regulatory agencies will undertake random checks to ensure conformity with these rules, and the security services will be tasked to enforce them. He reminded the citizenry that should any institution fail to adhere to these directives, its activity will be immediately prohibited, and relevant sanctions applied. “I have, by Executive Instrument, provided for these new directions, and extended the suspension of the remaining public gatherings, as set out in E.I. 64 of 15th March, until 31st July” he stated. President Akufo-Addo confirmed that , he has refered to the suspension of sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals, funerals, political rallies, and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages and conventions. He emphasised that private burials, can now have a maximum of one hundred (100) persons at its grounds. He stressed that restaurants providing seated services, can operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols. “Individual, non-contact sports can go ahead. Conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, can now take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred (100) persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of easing some restrictions on social gathering in the country, President Akufo-Addo has 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. He noted that effective June 5, the country will begin stage one of the process of easing restrictions. “In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times at churches likewise mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitizers must be provided with a maximum duration of one (1) hour for each service” President Akufo-Addo religious leaders to ensure that their places of worship are well fumigated and disinfected with the requisite logistics needed to guarantee safe opening and operation. He also revealed that the religious leaders must work with the designated, regulatory bodies and undertake test runs of the protocol I have outline. President Akufo-Addo pleaded with the religious leaders to dedicate their first Sunday after Covid-19 to prayers for the nation in these. He said “I would appeal to them, in the case of Christians, n the first Sunday of re-opening on the first Sunday of re-opening, i.e. 7th June, in the case of the Adventists, Saturday, 6th June, and in the case of Muslims, on the first Friday, i.e. Ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah on 5th June, to dedicate their worship to prayers for the nation in these challenging times” President Akufo-Addo hinted that the Minister for Religious Affairs, will, tomorrow, Monday, 1st June, outline, in detail, the specific guidelines for the safe reopening of our churches and mosques. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has directed the Ministry of Education, Heads of Public and Private Institutions to fumigate and disinfect their various Institutions before students and teachers are allowed to access them. According to President Akufo-Addo, the move will help reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus amongst students and teachers in the various Institutions. In his 10th address to the nation, President Akufo-Addo said “Prior to the opening of schools and universities, the Ministry of Education and Heads of Public and Private Institutions will fumigate and disinfect their Institutions” He added that after careful engagements with the Teacher Unions, a decision has been taken to re-open schools and universities to allow for final year junior, senior high and tertiary students to resume classes ahead of the conduct of their respective exit examinations. He explained that final year university students are to report to their universities on 15th June; final year senior high school (SHS 3) students, together with SHS 2 Gold Track students, on 22nd June; and final year junior high school (JHS 3) students on 29th June. “JHS 3 classes will comprise a maximum of thirty (30) students, SHS classes a maximum of twenty-five (25) students and University lectures will take place with half the class size” he explained. President Akufo-Addo also noted that all final year students of educational and training institutions, which are being managed by the Ministries other than the Education Ministry are to return to school on 15th June to complete their exit examination “Each student, teacher and non-teaching staff will be provided with re-usable face masks by the Ministry of Education. For the avoidance of doubt, all other educational facilities, private and public, for non-final year students, will remain closed” he stressed. He reiterated that the Ministry for Education in the coming days will outline in detail, the specific guidelines for the safe reopening of schools and universities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Former MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kufuor has laid his late father, Nana Boansi Osei Kuffour to rest after breaching the Covid-19 protocols given by President Akufo-Addo. According to the Ashanti Regional Health Authorities, it is distancing itself from the funeral adding that the late Nana Boansi Osei Kuffour tested positive for Covid-19 two months ago before kicking the bucket. Nana Boansi Osei Kuffour, who was a chief for the Juaso Oyoko clan was laid in state over the weekend on the blind side of local authorities in what many say maybe a breach of Covid-19 protocols. Addressing the media, the Regional Director of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang said "Though a positive Covid-19 case, the family, transported the body from Accra, laid him in state and performed burial rights for him at the family house at Juaso in the Asante Akyem Municipality of Ashanti. The local Covid-19 teams were not notified" It is emerging that the late Nana Osei Boansi Kuffour, who was Chief of the Oyoko clan of Juaso died on March 27 at the Ridge hospital in Accra after reports revealed he was Covid-19 positive patient. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that reamins of the late chief was transported from Accra to his hometown, Juaso on Friday defying the laid down directives by President Akufo-Addo. Further information revealed that the body was laid in state with well-wishers file passing, paying their last respect regardless the fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus. "Family members kept vigil and performed burial rights before he was buried at the Royal cemetery at Jusao. All this was done without the participation and knowledge of the Regional and the municipal Health Directorates" Dr Emmanuel Tinkorang confirmed. Dr. Tinkorang stressed that aside the health teams not being informed, the Municipal Health Directorate was not notified. Municipal Chief Executive Officer for Asante Akyem South, Alexander Frimpong, confirmed that his office was not contacted on the said burial. In oter developments, family of the late chief says they seeked permission before organising the funeral. A member of the family, Agnes Assiamah Boakye said “We were told he died of Covid-19. But there were rumors that he had been cremated because of his Covid-19 status. Because he is a chief, we had to dispel the rumors. So, we sought permission from authorities for him to be laid in state for few people to see him, identify him and pay their last respects" She added that as part of measures at reducing the spread of the virus among mourners, the family purchased coffin made of glass covering to prevent people from getting into direct contact with the remains.” The former MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour has declined to speak on the matter. Story by: Joshua Kawbena Smith

It is no longer a secret that the SM Empire led by Charles Nii Armah Mensah known in showbiz as Shattawale is going through pain and discomfort. The SM President has disclosed that his sacked Militants were ungrateful, snitches and 'lazy' talents. Shattawale in Facebook live disclosed the pain his Militants has made him go through for the past few months. He told the public that he has sacked Captan, Joint 77, Addiself from his camp. In an up close with S.M manager “Bulldog”, he revealed that he is behind the sacking of the trio. Born Nana Asiamah Hanson, thhe Artiste Manager said "Shatta Wale is really working and needs to leave a legacy. He’s a positive person and really want to help people who’s got love and passion for work hence wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone who shows good traits. To me, the Militants are lazy. He added if he were Shattawale, he would have sacked the trio long ago adding that his work ethics makes it easy to identify a serious person with talents. "Thou the Militants got talents, they ain’t serious at work and that got them sacked" Bulldog explained. Bulldog hinted that althought the Militants got a lifetime contract with Shattawale, it will be difficult for other managements to sign them. Watch the video below: Story by: Mandy Woods

Artiste manager, Lawrence Asiamah Hanson known in showbiz as Bulldog has revealed that in order to avoid falling into series of temptations and troubles in the Ghanaian Music Industry, he will never manage any female artiste in the country. According to him, he rather prefers to manage male Artistes adding that it will help him flee from being tempted since he is unprofessional. Speaking on an Accra based Television he said “If my Artiste lives at Dome whiles I live at Dansoman and the studio is in Tema. Definitely, we will get tired but since I am unprofessional, I can’t keep her around me all night. I have to avoid temptation” He also noted that many managers have suffered various degrees of such temptations which has led to break up in their marriages likewise courtships. The Artiste Manager used the opportunity to clarify the sacking of the Militants from the SM Family. “My Boss has taken it upon himself to take care of these guys. He needs to leave a legacy but it is unfortunate that some of the Militant misused the opportunities given. They were just jokers” He hinted that although he and Shattawale pathed ways, he (Bulldog) asked the SM President to do away with the Militants after their reunion but he (Shatta) turned a deaf ear. “My work ethics has helped me a lot. When I see a talent, I am able to identify one. So if I see a talent who is not serious on the job but pays attention to fame, then it tells me you are not ready to work” he stressed. Bulldog noted that it is uncertain if the Militants will be called back again although the three have signed a life time contract with Shattawale. Mr. Hanson tasked the trio to recollect, work on their mistakes and re-occupy their vacant position they left behind in the Shatta Movement Family He debunked allegation that the trio are not talented stressing that with enough grooming from Management, they will changed their style of singing forever. “There is nothing wrong if anybody writes a song for somebody. It is natural” he justified. He advised the young men and women to stay focused adding that they might be recalled. Background President of the Shatta Movement, Charles Nii Armah Mensah known in showbiz as Shattawale has thrown shades at his Militant group saying they don’t have him at heart. According to Shatta wale in a live video, he revealed that although he is an industrious person, he does not mix business with pleasure. He said “I am a very hardworking person. I also play around for his fans to see him as a comic character and more, he doesn't joke with his work at all. He has sacked the three from the SM Movement. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Bhimnation signee, Kelvynboy is calling on fellow Artists in the Ghanaian Music Cycle to consider venturing into other businesses adding that relying only on revenues from the Industry is not enough to sustain them. According to him, although the covid-19 pandemic came at the wrong time, it is prudent for other Artiste in the country to have side businesses in other to generate extra money. Speaking on an Accra based television station, Kelvynboy said “Covid-19 has taught us a lesson but we have to ensure that we get a side business in other to survive” Kelvynboy also advised fellow Artiste to make it a mandate to save for the future adding they will be relying on it to feed themselves in times of difficulties. Artiste Manager, Lawrence Asiamah Hanson also known as Bulldog has challenged the young Artiste in the Ghanaian Music Industry to do away with ‘flashy life styles’. The Artiste Manager further added that money has a voice the control individuals saying they should not fail victims to such words. He said “Money can control human beings. Money has this voice that can control you around. It is important not to pay attention to such voice. If at this age, you are even perching, start thing about the future” He also explained that if Artists in the country learn how to save, their future will not be a regrettable one. In other developments, Musician, Kidi is appealing to fellow Artists in the Ghanaian Music Industry to learn how to cut cost in the period of covid-19. He said “I used my Samsung phone to shoot my last video. I mounted the phone and set it myself. In this era, it will be unnecessary to invest big in something which will give you little revenue” Rapper, Fameye also used the opportunity to plead with other Artists in the industry to push fellow Artists adding that one good turn deserves another. He also cautioned Artists and the youth to also minimise on how they over spend in the era of Covid-19. “If I know this is how the covid-19 will be, I will not waste time and money to purchase or think of buying an iPhone” Kelvynboy, Fameye and Kidi urged the public to continue adhering to the protocols from President Akufo-Addo in the fight against coronavirus. They called for the frequent washing of hands with soap under running water, use the hand sanitiser, nose mask and stick the social distance likewise gathering protocols. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Multimedia Group Limited employee, Nana Yaa Brefo, has established that Nana Ama McBrown continuously interrupted and shut her up during their last ‘infamous’ interview. Defending herself from critics who lambasted her for what they described as an ‘unprofessional’ interview, Nana Yaa said the public is rather being unfair to her because it was the actress who disrespected her. “McBrown did not even give me the opportunity to interview her. At a point she kept scolding. She told me to shut up because she was the one who called, and I kept quiet. That is never done. Even if she was the one who called, the show was mine, not hers. It wasn’t about her and i never insulted her,” she stated in an interview with NEATFM. In the interview monitored by GhanaWeb, the former Badwam morning show host noted that she was rather harsh to LilWin and not Nana Ama Mcbrown. “I think the person I was rather hard on was LilWin. We spoke extensively and I noticed It was getting out of hand,” she stated. Background The broadcaster has come under immense criticism in recent times after her interview with actress Nana Ama McBrown about the death of actor Bernard Nyarko. Some Ghanaians have since refused to sympathize with embattled Adom TV presenter after resigning from her position. Others have also linked her sudden exit from the Multimedia Group to the “bad interview” she had with Nana Ama Mcbrown over the death of Bishop Bernard Nyarko. Source: Ghanaweb

Ghanaian musician, Mr. Drew has seen his recently released hit song titled “Eat” featuring Stonebwoy taken off from all streaming platforms including YouTube. Monitored by Sammykaymedia.com, the official music video of “Eat” which was released a couple of days ago has garnered close to 150k views on YouTube only but has been pulled down due to copyright infringements. The song which was trending 7th on YouTube reads, "this video contains content from EMPIRE, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.” It is believed Mr. Drew of highly spiritual, sampled contents of two songs titled “In my bed ft. Wale” and “Love Riddim” by Nigerian-American actor, singer and model, Rotimi and due to that he’s found his hit track “Eat” pulled down and blocked on copyright grounds. Source: Sammykaymedia