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Tax Analyst, William Demetia has revealed that the Akufo-Addo Government will not be affected on its revenue target for the year if it relief taxes on companies that have donated towards the National covid-19 Trust Fund. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is the policy will only affect companies that are yet to donate. It is emerging that the Trust Fund has received GH$50 million in donations from individuals and organization, so far. Although lots of people have surround controversial rationale behind the idea,it seems government will not be able to meet its revenue targets of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic. He added that government at this stage is keen on developing and building the economy adding that could be a way to achieve the target. Mr Demetia said “I think the Minister of Finance in his speech to Parliament made it very clear that government will not achieve its revenue target for the year. If you look at the estimate of things we are losing over the period, government is estimated to be losing in the billions of Ghana cedi’s in terms of revenue, and so it is without doubt that government will not achieve its revenue target” He said “…But we must remember that we are in a crisis situation where there is a need to bring in efforts to preserve human lives to ensure that the quality of life is preserved, by ensuring that those who are not so well in society are catered for” The Tax Analyst further explained that government must ensure that its assistance goes to the right quarters. “It is a cause that we have to support but as I always insist, we must find out whether the right checks and balances are in place to be able to ensure that the relief gets to the needed or the targeted person. Your first and foremost task is to get the economy running and then you can look at improving your tax deficiency models to be able to rake in the needed revenue” he noted. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

Although social media has been buzzing for weeks following series of diss songs from some Artists in the country, one of Ghana’s greatest Hi-Life Artist, Ex-Doe is appealing to fellow Musicians to bring to an end the attitude of 'beefing' one other. According to Ex-Doe, such behaviours causes damage to some Artists and dwindles the country's Music Industry. The “Maba” hitmaker said "It is better to be united and entertain fans with good music than artists trolling each other. It is true as artiste we must be creative sometimes but getting creative through creating rivalries doesn’t help the development of our music" Comparing Ghanaian Music to Nigeria, he noted that most Nigerian Artists spend time pushing one another as compared to what is being done in the Ghana. “Anytime you do music targeting each other, it does not go far and stay within your borders. Nigerian music has gone far because they don’t create any unnecessary rivalries but help each other thrive for the overall benefit of their industry’’ he said. Ex-Doe hinted that although beefs creates traffic for Artists, followers use the opportunity pass negative comments which does not unity amongst the various fan-base. Despite Ex Doe being one of the Originators of 'beefs' in the Ghanaian Music Industry, the Musician says emotional artists who get themselves involved in "beefing” pay dearly and sometimes end up quitting music. “Some rivalries over the past years have not ended well. Some 'beefs' has created hatred between artistes and their fan base. So any artiste involved in beefing will have to pay a huge price someday regardless of the temporal fame or attention they get" He explained that he feels disappointed he towed that line adding that some fans till now remember his 'beef' with Chicago and Reggie Rockstone than the good music he did in the ’90s. Ex Doe however explained that he had big plans for the year until Coronavirus struck adding he hopes things gets better in the coming months. He explained that he might drop an album before the year ends. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of instilling discipline among the citizenry in the country, Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Okoe-Boye says the introduction of spots-fines will force Ghanaians to start wearing their nose masks in the era of covid-19. According to him, the face masks when worn will help prevent the spread of the virus in the country. The Deputy Health Minister said "The introduction of spot fines for persons who defy the directive of wearing facemask as a preventive measure for the spread of the coronavirus will help to serve as a deterrent to others and promote compliance" He added that most Ghanaians have refused to wear the masks on daily basis with the excuse of difficulty in breathing. Dr Okoe-Boye said “If you have a thousand people who are not wearing masks it’s because people assume that if you don’t wear it, it comes with no consequences. If you ask one person to pay GHS50 or GHS100 and it is known that someone was charged GHS100 for not wearing the mask people will fall in line" The Deputy Health Minister further explained that there is a difference between knowledge acquisition and behavioral change. Source: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday mourned the passage of the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu. The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, praised the life of devotion and piety the late Islamic leader lived. “President Buhari condoles with the government and people of Ogun State, as well as the family of Alhaji Orunsolu, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, who passed away on May 26 at 98,” statement said. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has mourned the death of Sheikh Orunsolu. Abiodun, in a statement he signed, commiserated with the people of Egbaland in particular, the state and the Muslim Ummah in general. Senator Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with the Orunsolu family, the League of Imams and Alfas, and the Muslim faithful in Ogun State on the death of Alhaji Orunsolu. Amosun, who described the death of Orunsolu as painful, noted that Egbaland in particular and Ogun State in general had lost a respected religious leader and a renowned Islamic scholar. Source: Gabriel Ogunjobi

Director of Public Affairs, Parliament of Ghana, Kate Addo has clarified that the results of COVID-19 tests done on Parliamentarians are yet to be known. According to Madam Addo, the public should debunk any false reportage making waves in the Ghanaian media adding that the results will not be disclosed. In a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs of Parliament of Ghana and sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Madam Kate Addo said "The attention of Parliament has been drawn to reports by Starrfmonline that two Members and thirteen Staff of Parliament have tested positive for COVID 19 after the mandatory testing exercise undertaken by Parliament last week" She further explained that parliament would like to state categorically that the results of the tests are not yet known adding that the report by Starrfmonline is not true. The Director of Public Affairs also noted that Parliament would therefore like to urge Starrfmonline to withdraw the said report and update its audience with the relevant information to the effect that the results from the tests are unknown to house. "The confidentiality protocol is that, those who test positive will be called directly by the testing team. Officially Parliament is unaware of any such call and therefore there hasn't been any official figures giving by the National COVID-19 response team" she stressed. The Parliament of Ghana says it is assuring the public that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and avoidance of possible spread of the disease in the chamber. She encouraged the citizenry are to call or reach Parliament online with their enquiries and only attend upon the House if it becomes absolutely necessary. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

AMG Business Musician, Medikal has fired back at Rapper, Eno Barony saying he owes her no apologies for calling her a corpse. According to Medikal, Eno Barony still remains a corpse to him in the Ghanaian Music Industry. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, the AMG Business Musician said "There’s no smoke without fire. There’s no regret because I was in my feelings. I've got no apologies, I’ve got nothing to say” Responding to whether his wife, Fella Makafui-Frimong has an influence in his write-ups, the recently married man said no adding he was in his elements. Born Samuel Frimpong, the rapper added that people love him because they chose to emphasizing that he is not moved by certain utterances from some Ghanaians saying he has become arrogant. Although it is unclear what provoked Medikal to defend his words on radio, Thinknewsonline.com is asking; Will these words trigger Eno Barony to respond with a diss song? Thinknewsonline.com will be following the trend and will keep its followers updated on new developments. Story by: Mandy Woods

Multi-lingual Femcee, Christelle Akua Sika Amankoma known in showbiz as Lousika has descended heavily on Artiste, Freda Rhymz in a tweet describing her as a bitch and ingrate. According to Lousika, she is surprised at Freda Rhymz for towing the part of dissing of other colleagues in the music industry. In the tweet, Lousika said "I'm even surprised, like, bitch you wanted to be in This Industry" Lousika further added that Freda joined the music industry studying the game adding that she went on competitions performing songs of other Artists. "Now you The Queen.. talking reckless" she quizzed Freda Rhymez. Lousika has been off the music scene for almost a year after the release of (2) two singles “Opampam” ft Shatta Wale and “Something Sweet” ft Flowking Stone. Christelle Akua Sika Amankoma said "I miss the game myself, with them wannabes, nothing Dey happen” Lousika noted she is disappointment in Freda for saying she (Freda) does not know her (Lousika). “The people that don’t know me be babies , and we correct babies when they don’t know” she hinted. Although it is unclear who is at the receiving end of Lousika's shade, many social media says it goes to Freda Rhymez Story by: Mandy Woods

Ghanaian Female Rapper, Eno Barony has revealed that nothing will push her to ever battle Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of Sarkcess Music, Sarkodie. According to Eno, battling Sarkodie will shorten her life in the Ghanaian Music Industry adding she will not disrespect a celebrated King of rap. Speaking in an interview with an online portal, Eno said “You just don’t go about battling people because you are a rapper…Why should I battle Sarkodie? I will not battle or insult people before I get to where I am… like I would’ve done that when I was an underground artiste but you give respect to people ahead of you” She added that despite the respect for Sarkodie, battling him means her days in the Music Industry are over. “If you are of the same height as your mother, it doesn’t mean she is your co-equal disrespecting her means you are shortening your life …So I respect Sarkodie, I will never battle him..for what? My battling days are over” she explained. Eno Barony, known in real life as Ruth Eno Adjoa Amankwah Nyame Adom, has released series of diss songs for some female Artists in the Ghanaian Music Industry. Responding to why she dissed Rapper Sista Afia, Eno teased with a question, ‘why should I battle a singer?’ “Even if Sista Afia happens to be a rapper, I will not battle her anymore. I have an agenda to empower more female rappers into the music scene, I will not want it to be a whim” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ace Ghanaian Broadcaster, Micky Osei Berko known in Showbiz as Master Richard has revealed that about 80% of Ghanaian Celebrities cannot afford decent medical care in the country. According to him, most of these celebrities do not have any jobs to do at the moment describing them as poppers. Speaking in an interview with an online portal, the Actor said “Ok me, I am not a rich man and I have served in an industry for 26 years and there should not be a point in my life that I don’t have money in my pocket to buy fuel in my car but there are always such moments in my life” He also debunked the perception of many Ghanaians that celebrities are very rich in the country. “Most of the Ghanaian Celebrities are poor. Where do they get the monies from and what job(s) are they doing that can fetch them money” Although it is unclear what led to such utterances from the Ace Broadcaster, many Ghanaians have taken to social media where a section of the public are supporting the statement whiles others are bashing Master Richard. Thinknewsonline.com will be following this development and will update its readers in new developments. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of assessing the negative effect of Covid-19 on trades in the country, the World Bank says it will be partnering with Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct a Business Tracker Survey which seeks track the impact of the pandemic on Ghanaian Businesses. According to the Industry players, the survey will help reveal how bad the pandemic has hit hard on businesses and individuals across the country. In a statement provided by the GSS, Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim said “This surveying would also involve the use of telephone medium for interviews for collection of data, which will measure and identify the impact of the disease on large, medium and small-scale establishments operating in the country” He added that the exercise will also evaluate measures put in place by businesses to lessen the effect of covid-19, as well as reinforce efforts made to build a better recovery for businesses. “The survey will also assess measures put in place by businesses to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 as well as efforts to build a better recovery for businesses. The outcome of the survey will enable government and development partners come out with measures to alleviate the impact of the disease on businesses” he added. Prof. Kobina Annim, also revealed that the outcomes from the study will apprise strategic guidelines in protecting jobs and maintaining advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The findings will also provide insights into keeping the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) alive as a tool to handle future pandemics and protect jobs and businesses,” he said. He assured holders of businesses that data collected will not be disclosed to the public. “The data collection does not require payment of money, and under no circumstance should an establishment be required to pay any amount to any person” he noted. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

As part of measures of generating revenue and positioning Ghana globally, International Reggae Songwriter, Singer, Rocky Dawuni is calling Ghanaians to continue promote Arts and Culture in the country. According to Mr. Dawuni, the move will not only promote Artists, it will also help the country benefit financially. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, Rocky Dawuni said “Celebrating Ghana is just like celebrating Africa and this can only be done when there is a lot of support from Ghanaians” Rocky Dawuni who also doubles as the first ever Ghanaian Grammy nominee also revealed that he is always encouraged to better when he hears his songs being played by the International Media. He said “Home support is key to the success story of the African music. I am not just interested in promoting my business but Africa as a whole therefore Ghanaians should rally behind me in full support” Rocky Dawuni known for his unique "afro roots" sounds which is a blend of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife and Soul Music also hinted that without hard work and determination, his maiden album would not have earned him an International Attention. Story by: Jullien Parry

Rapper Sista Afia has sent a strong warning to Entertainment critic, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo to stop being biased in his criticism and learn to be neutral when speaking to issues concerning the showbiz business in Ghana. According to her, it is annoying when the Entertainment critic tries to rub the face of Artistes and Actors adding that such behavior will not help shape the Industry. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, Sista Afia said “Stop being one sided person. He has been siding with Freda from the start of the show. I feel it is not fair” Sista Afia further registered her displeasure about the beef going on but Rapper Freda Rhymez and her adding it will not help the industry. She said “I am not happy with the fact that Freda mentioned my name directly in her song “Point of Correction” and made accusations that I sleep with fellow musicians for features” She however maintained that since they were friends, she ought to have been notified before being jabbed in a diss song. However, Critic Arnold asked Sista Afia to stop being emotional and rather understand the showbiz business before getting in it. He said “Sista Afia get used to the game. I think Freda was just being an entertainer” On the other hand, Rapper Freda revealed that she did not take the ‘beef’ personal adding that she only took advantage of the boredom Covid-19 has brought into the music industry. Freda Rhymz said “I took shots at Sista Afia because I was just entertaining my fans. She hinted that since it was showbiz business, she was not expecting Sista Afia to take it to heart. The show however ended with Sista Afia making an apology to Freda Rhymz and her fans. Background: Sista Afia in her ‘WMT’ song which was released a couple of weeks ago took a jab at some female musicians in Ghana. Freda Rhymz hit back with ‘Point of Correction’ and had to some things to say to Sista Afia. Sista Afia, however, went ahead to charge Freda to say all the things she said about her in the song to her face when she sees her. On the morning of 18th May at the premises of TV3, the two almost got into a fistfight had it not been for the intervention of people around. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante