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As part of measures of lifting the ban on social gathering in the country, President Akufo-Addo has disclosed that stakeholder consultations are taking place on the way forward towards the easing of restrictions, which will see the social and economic lives of the citizenry go back to normal. According to the President, he is expecting the consultations to conclude this week adding it will pave way for him to announce to Ghanaians a clear roadmap for easing the restrictions. Speaking at the 2020 virtual Eid celebration, President Akufo-Addo said “We have to find a way back, but in safety, for we cannot be under these restrictions forever” He added he is hopeful that, next year, Muslims in the country will congregate as they have done over the years, and celebrate Eid ul-Fitr fully and without any restrictions. President Akufo-Addo further explained that until the citizenry goes back in joy to Black Star Square, it is prudent the citizenry continues to maintain the measures of enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols to contain the spread of the virus. “I applaud the leadership of the Muslim Ummah – the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih; the Imam of the Ahl-Sunna, Al-Hajj Ibrahim Umar; the Qaid of the Shia Community, Shaykh Kamaldeen Abubakar; the Khalifa of the Tijaniyya Muslim Council, Sheikh Abul Faidi Ahmed Maikano; and the Imam of the Ghana Muslim Mission, Shaykh Amin Bonsu, for their high sense of patriotism and commitment to Ghana, and to the wellbeing of the Muslim faithful” he explained. He also added that he is equally indebted to the National Council of Zongo Chiefs, who have worked tirelessly, and continue to work, to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to in the various Zongo communities. President Akufo-Addo further disclosed that his government is bent on committing itself to creating a society of opportunities irrespective of social circumstance, place of abode or religious creed. He also noted that the Zongo Development Fund, under the direction of the energetic Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, is pursuing an aggressive development agenda, as set out in Government’s Economic and Social Development Agenda. “From Togorme Zongo in the Volta Region, through Dambai Zongo in the Oti Region, to Tumu Zongo in the Upper West Region, down to Axim Zongo in the Western Region, various development projects are springing up to address the development deficits of Zongo communities.” President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed that although Zongo development agenda is a challenge that appears huge, it is no mean challenge, taking on the task of transforming the lives of over five million Ghanaians scattered in more than three thousand (3,000) communities across the country. He further explained that for the country to create a society of inclusion and not of exclusion, then it is a challenge the citizens must take on, and overcome. He said “Ulama, Jama! The task is big, but bigger still is our determination to bring prosperity to all our people. Whilst Government does its part to ensure the development of human capital in Zongo communities, I urge you to ponder on the first set of verses of the Qur’an to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Allayhi Wa’Salam, and I quote: “Read! In the name of your Lord who created who taught man by the pen. Taught man what he did not know” (Q: 96:1-5)” FREE SHS POLICY Touching on the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy, President Akufo-Addo said “If the first commandment to the Prophet, from Allah, was to “Read,” then Islam is meant to be a religion of knowledge. I, thus, continue to admonish you to take your children to school” He urged the Muslim community to take advantage of the Free Senior High School programme and the educational interventions that the Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development is making in Zongo communities, to educate our children, both male and female. He explained that, within the current generation, he is confident the country can eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease from our country. “Ghana continues to be the envy of the world, because of the religious harmony that we foster among adherents of different faiths” he said. President Akufo-Addo urged the Muslim Community to continue to promote religious harmony and peaceful co-existence adding it is the essence of Islam, which means peace and submission to the will of Allah. COVID-19 Speaking on Covid-19, President Akufo-Addo hinted that he is fortified by three (3) considerations. He said “Firstly, sad though any premature death is, the hard fact is that the rate of deaths in Ghana amongst confirmed cases is very low – one per one million, i.e. 0.0001%, one of the lowest in Africa, and, indeed, in the world, this, despite the very high number of tests we are carrying out. This has been so since the very beginning of the outbreak over two (2) months ago” He explained that the number of positive cases stands at six thousand, six hundred and eighty-three (6,683), out of one hundred and ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and sixty-three (194,763) tests conducted, with one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-eight (1,998) recoveries. President Akufo-Addo further revealed that the country’s positivity rate, that is the ratio of confirmed cases to the total number of tests conducted, is 3.43%, which, again, is one of the lowest in Africa, and in the world. He said “Furthermore, virtually all the thirty-two (32) corona-related deaths, that have so far been recorded, were of persons with, what the doctors call, comorbidity, i.e. with other underlying causes and diseases. Most of them died within twenty-four (24) hours of admission to hospital. May their souls rest in peace. It appears that, by the grace of God, Ghanaians are not dying of this virus in the numbers that were originally anticipated and feared” President Akufo-Addo also explained that the numbers of severe virus cases that have been hospitalised have been persistently low since the outbreak. “The fear that our hospitals would be overburdened, and, indeed, overwhelmed has, so far, again by the grace of God, not materialised. As we speak, there are sixteen (16) severe cases in six (6) hospitals across the country, none of them on a ventilator. We pray for their speedy recovery” he revealed. President Akufo-Addo reiterated that the country has a more robust mechanism for enforcing its central strategy of defeating the virus. He said “The application of the 3Ts, tracing, testing and treating. The tracing teams are more experienced and more efficient; testing capabilities are no longer concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, but spread more evenly across the country in Ho, Tamale, Navrongo, Takoradi and Cape Coast; treating capacity has been considerably enhanced with isolation facilities better distributed across the nation” President Akufo-Addo also explained that the developments and continuing strong adherence to the social distancing as well as hygiene protocols. “The wearing masks and strengthening of immune systems by eating our own foods, will enable us to face the future with greater confidence, as we battle to defeat the virus, and pray for our healthcare workers. And, it is appropriate that we should end this unique Ramadan with this declaration of confidence in the future, because, as I have said, this too shall pass! For the Battle is the Lord’s” he stressed. He wished all Muslims and Ghanaians a happy Eid ul-Fitr although a restrained one adding that he is hopeful the Almighty Allah will listen to the cry of the faithful. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Actor, Kevin Hart admits that rebuilding his marriage "wasn't a walk in the park" after his cheating scandal. The 40-year-old actor and comedian opened up about how he and wife Eniko worked through his infidelity on Friday's episode of The School of Greatness podcast. In a discussion with host Lewis Howes, Kevin explained why Eniko decided to stay with him after finding out he had cheated on her. "She came to an amazing conclusion of, 'I like the fact that we have a family, that we have a household, and I like the fact that we now got a job to do to get better,'" Kevin said, remembering his wife telling him, "That's what you owe me. You owe me the get-better." Eniko held him "accountable" afterwards, he shared. "It wasn't a walk in the park," he confessed, but said it was Eniko's understanding that "we don't let the outside world affect our inside." "I credit her for setting that tone," he said.  The comedian has a fear of reptiles. In a 2016 interview with Us Weekly, he stated, “My biggest phobia is reptiles. Dogs are fine; reptiles get up under my skin. Snakes, lizards, things of that nature. I can’t do it.” He is a self-confessed fan of Justin Bieber. “I listen to 'Sorry,' by Justin Bieber, on repeat. I am 100 percent a Belieber,” he told Us Weekly in 2016. His first gig was at The Laff House in Philadelphia. However, he was constantly booed during his initial performances; reportedly, a half-eaten chicken wing was once thrown at him. Slideshow continues on the next slide The star, who often jokes about his height during his stand-up, designed an app. Called Little Jumpman, it was described as a “vertically challenged game of skill [that] will make you laugh and cry with Kevin as he reaches for the sky.” In a 2016 interview with Us Weekly, Hart admitted he would have loved to meet the late actor Robin Williams. He stated, “If I could meet anyone, I would choose Robin Williams. I would simply say, ‘You were loved. Your stamp on comedy is something that definitely wasn’t overlooked.’” The comic actor also revealed he would have loved to have been part of the Martin Scorsese-directed crime film, “Goodfellas” (1990). “Joe Pesci’s character, Tommy, is a dream role,” he stated. Hart was named the host of the 2019 Oscars broadcast on Dec. 5, 2018, but stepped down two days later in response to outcry over homophobic tweets he posted in earlier years. He wrote on Twitter that he didn't want to be a distraction and "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."  Kevin's cheating scandal erupted in 2017, when reports surfaced that he cheated on Eniko while she was eight months pregnant with their first child, son Kenzo. "How I found out was a DM. I don't know who it was," Eniko said on the show. "They sent me an edited video of Kevin and, you know, another woman. I was pregnant at that time, I was about seven or eight months pregnant. I was having breakfast, I opened my phone and immediately I just lost it. I called him, I'm crying, I'm like, p****d. Right then and there, I kept saying, 'How the f**k did you let that happen?'" "You publicly humiliated me," she continued. "Everything’s on Instagram, everything's on social media. It was an ongoing fight all the time. Every single day. I kept questioning him, like, 'If this is what you’re gonna do, I don’t want to be a part of that.'" Kevin called cheating on Eniko the "lowest moment of my life." "He’s f**k up and this was a bad one. This was major. Nine years and I think looking forward, it’ll be better," she said. "I believe in second chances. I'm all about forgiveness, and you only get two times. Three strikes you're out, you’re out of here. So, as long as he behaves, we’re good." The couple are now expecting their second child together, a baby girl. Source: Jennifer Drysdale‍

Madagascar's government has announced it will dispatch troops and doctors to an eastern town after several bodies were found in the streets and where two people died from the novel coronavirus. Madagascar's cabinet held a special meeting on Sunday to discuss the situation in Toamasina, the country's second largest city. The Indian Ocean island nation has registered 527 infections and two deaths, both in Toamasina. Since Thursday, more than 120 new cases were confirmed, and several bodies were found in the city's streets though the cause of death was not clear. "Doctors must carry out thorough examinations to see if these deaths are caused by another illness (...) or if they are really due to severe acute respiratory problems which is the critical form of COVID-19," Professor Hanta Marie Danielle Vololontiana, spokesperson for the government's virus taskforce, said in a national broadcast on Sunday. The government will send 150 soldiers to reinforce Toamasina, maintain order and enforce measures against the coronavirus such as mask wearing and social distancing. The cabinet also fired Toamasina's prefect without providing any explanation. A team was also ordered to distribute a drink based on artemisia, a plant recognised as a treatment against malaria, which the Malagasy authorities claim cures COVID-19. The potential benefits of this herbal tea, called Covid-Organics, have not been validated by any scientific study. The cabinet has also announced an investigation into the death of a doctor in Toamasina. According to local press, the victim was hospitalised after contracting COVID-19 and was found dead hanged in his room on Sunday morning. Source: AFP

Odion Ighalo is set to leave Manchester United this week unless there is a last-minute breakthrough in negotiations with his parent club Shanghai Shenhua. The 30-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in January on a loan deal until the end of the season, with his short-term contract set to expire on May 30. The suspension of football due to Covid-19 and the consequent delay to ending the season has seen all Premier League teams agree that clubs can temporarily extend contracts of players whose deals are coming to an end this summer. United are keen to keep Ighalo until the season is resumed and played to a completion, but there has yet to be progress in negotiations with Chinese Super League side Shenhua as they want to have the ex-Nigeria international back to begin preparations for the resumption of the CSL. There is no definitive date for action to resume in China, but a lack of squad depth means Shenhua see Ighalo as a key part of their squad. Lifelong United fan Ighalo wants to extend his stay at Old Trafford, and while manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add a forward to his squad in the summer transfer window, Goal can confirm that an offer has not been made to sign Ighalo on a permanent deal. Shenhua would be open to selling the former Nigeria international if United made a “reasonable” offer, but the Red Devils are looking elsewhere for a long-term reinforcement. The deadline day deal to bring Ighalo to United in January was widely criticised, but he has impressed during his time in Manchester, scoring four goals in three starts for the club. Marcus Rashford has returned to full fitness after the back injury which has kept him sidelined since the start of the year, so the club are relaxed over Ighalo’s future as Solskjaer will have options when the season resumes. United's players returned to training at the club’s Carrington base last week after the go-ahead was given for socially distanced sessions. Each club is regularly testing their players and staff for coronavirus, with the latest round of results released over the weekend showing two positive results after 996 tests. Source: Goal.com

As part of measures of supporting frontline health professionals in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye donated an ambulance and other health equipments to the Suntreso Government Hospital in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The items included ambulance, hospital beds, infra red thermometer, metallic sterilizer, and other Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs). He indicated that the deplorable nature of the hospital and due to lack of an ambulance for the facility informed his decision to make this donation to assist the hospital to deal effectively with emergency cases in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Thomas Agyarko-Poku thanked the Deputy Chief of Staff for this generous intervention. He revealed that this is the sixth time Mr. Asenso-Boakye has come to the aid of the Hospital. “Anytime they call upon him to assist them, he always honour their request” Mr Agyarko said. He indicated that the ambulance has come at the time the hospital is in die need of a means of transport to carry their patients considering the coronavirus pandemic. He also assured him that the ambulance will be put to effective use to improve the health service delivery within Bantama and its environs. The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon Osei Assibey Antwi speaking at the event thanked the Deputy Chief of Staff for the kind gesture, and reminded the people that they all development agent. In view of this, he urged the people to follow his good example to bring development to their communities . He also recounted the various development interventions being undertaken by the Deputy Chief of Staff within the Bantama constituency. These include donation of hospital equipment to KATH and Suntreso hospitals; distribution of computers and other educational materials to the various schools in the constituency; the construction of first ever basic school for Ohwim-Hwidiem community; construction of a modern astroturf pitch for the people of Bantama among other development projects. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of reviving the reading and learning habit in school kids living in deprived areas, Ahsa Life NGO has donated over 500 story books and 400 exercise books to some needy children at Subrisu in the Ashanti Region. According to the NGO, the gesture forms part of its social responsible of touching lives of the vulnerable and needy in the society. In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, Founder of Ahsa Life NGO, Nana Serwaa said “Despite the wide spread coronavirus, I had to traveled this far to touch lives of the needy in society. Donating story and exercise books to the kids will help revive the habit of reading and learning in the society” She added that the gesture has come as a result of the closure of schools in the country due Covid-19 adding that she believes the children will stay active and learn new things. She also noted that since education is key, the Ahsa Life NGO will ensure every child in the rural area have access to quality education. She said “We did that on 14th of May 2020. We also shared face masks about 410 and shared 100 sanitizers both to the children and the women at the village" She further revealed that the story books distributed were meant for kids from KG1 to JHS3. The NGO used the occasion to teach the children and women in Subrisu how to wash their hands with soap under running water. The Founder of Ahsa Life NGO advised the citizens to stay home to avoid contracting the deadly novel virus. Receiving the items, a teacher at Subrisu Primary School, Madam Rita Gyamfi thanked Ahsa Life NGO for their kind gesture and assured that the children will be motivated by the kind gesture. The NGO says it is calling on Philanthropists to support its course of touching many vulnerable lives in the society. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Usman Nuhu Sharubutu has advised President Akufo-Addo to treat as urgent the disinfection of all Mosques, Churches and other places of worship across the country before allowing people to access them. According to His Eminence, the disinfection exercise when done will help reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus among the populace in the country. Speaking at this year’s virtual Eid celebration, the National Chief Imam said “I am appealing to you to consider disinfecting the mosques, churches and other places of worship before people are allowed in. This, when done, will help reduce or curb the spread of the coronavirus” The National Chief Imam further explained that although this year’s celebration has taken a different twist due to the coronavirus, it has also taught Muslims how to focus on the substance of worship of their Maker The 101-year old leader also pleaded with the Muslim community to continue adhering to the directives given by the President as the country continues to fight the deadly virus. Delivering a speech on behalf of the National Chief Imam, the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, spokesperson, Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu mentioned that the covid-19 has prevented Muslims from gathering at open places to pray and fill the void of together as a family. He said “The pandemic has made it impossible for us to connect as Muslims in the country” Speaking on the appointment of Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu as Supreme Court Judge, Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu mentioned that the Muslim community is grateful to the President for elevating a learned Muslim from a Zongo background to higher office. He also thanked President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia and Second Lady, Samira Bawumia for taking time of their busy schedules to celebrate this year’s festivity with him. The Chief Imam also used the celebration to call on the various political parties to do away with the political banters as the country prepares for the upcoming December 7 general elections. He tasked the Electoral Commission to be circumspect in its dealings adding that a wrong decision can destroy the country. The National Chief Imam prayed for the country, President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia; as well as Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo on his part, lauded the Muslim community for adhering to the restrictions adding that he is hopeful, the ban will be lifted soon. “Measures are in place to see when the ban will be lifted. We cannot be in this forever” he said. Speaking on the Free SHS policy, President Akufo-Addo advised parents in the Muslim community to capitalise on the programme adding the education is key in the lives of Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo assured the Muslim community of his support in their endeavours. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Director for Media and Communication for Operation COVID Safety, Osei Bonsu Dickson has confirmed that all 241 Ghanaian Migrants who were deported from Kuwait tested negative for coronavirus before arriving into the country. According to Mr. Dickson, the confirmation comes after the migrants were run through serological test in Kuwait. Addressing the media at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Mr. Dickson said “They needed to be taken through serological test, and that took place in Kuwait which all of them tested negative" He added, the test was part of measures of ensuring that the Ghanaians returning home were safe, had good healthy conditions and to save the country from recording more cases. Mr. Dickson who doubles as the Chief Legal Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat said "The danger of bringing them in is a much reduced one because of the prior information we had about the tests that were taken" He explained that the 241 Migrants are the first batch of Ghanaians living abroad who have been brought back into the country despite the wide spread of the coronavirus pandemic. "They arrived via a special chattered flight at the cost of the Kuwaiti government" he confirmed. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that personnel of the Ghana Health Service were present at the Airport to run various test on the deportees. It is emerging that the deportees will not only be screened but tested before being escorted to their designated quarantine centers for another 14 days. Welcoming the deportees, Aviation Minister, Kofi Adda said "I am assuring you of government’s commitment to your welfare, part of the reason charges for your mandatory quarantine have been absorbed by the state" Thinknewsonline.com gathers that there are about some three thousand Ghanaians living abroad who have asked government to fly them back home. However, Director for Media and Communication for Operation COVID Safety, Osei Bonsu Dickson says measures are been put in place to grant their requests. In other developments, the remaining 43 passengers who were identified as Togolese on board the flight from Kuwaiti have been flown back to their country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has freed Founder of International God’s Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim after he managed to settle a GHc100,000 bail slapped on him. The Controversial Man of God was this week picked by the police over an alleged publication of false news. Bishop Obinim was also allegedly accused of forgery of documents contrary to sections 208 and 159 of the ze Criminal and other offences Act, (1960) (ACT 29) respectively. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that the man of God was asked by the court to reappear in court on June 1 while investigations continues. It also emerged that Bishop Obinim was also granted a bail of GHC100,000 by an Accra Magistrate Court with three sureties and one person to be justified. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong was the brain behind the arrest of Bishop Obinim. The MP stressed that he will not rest until all fake pastors in the country are arrested and dealt with. In other developments, Mr Agyapong has revealed that he will offer to assist Bishop Obinim settle his bail since he is broke. “Obinim must now know he does not have any friends; he needs just one person to meet his bail condition and no one is ready to assist him but I’m ready to offer my house to bail him,” he said Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that this year's Eid-ul-fitr celebration will be held virtually on Sunday. The celebration which will be led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu will have President Akufo-Addo and Veep, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as special guest. The celebration follows this pattern due to the directive from President Akufo-Addo banning all social gathering activities in the country. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that the celebration will be held at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and aired live at 9am. The ofice of the National Chief Imam says it is appealing to the Muslim Community in the country to cope with the virtual celebration adding he is hopeful, a cure will be found soon. It is also emerging that President Akufo-Addo will use the opportunity to deliver his Eid message to the Muslim community in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures of reducing the spread of novel coronavirus in the country, Hearts of Oak signee, Abednego Tetteh has revealed he will be giving out customised phobia face masks to some football lovers in Ghana. According to him, the giveaway forms part of his contribution to the country's fight against the virus. The footballer said "I'm a graphic designer despite being a footballer, I opted to design customized face masks of Hearts of Oak and share it to football fans on all my social media account" The 29-year-old also added he will be using his social media platforms for the exercise adding it is important for the citizenry to be healthy in this tough period. "I'll start the giveaways on Facebook. Twitter and Instagram will be next. We can't play football without the fans. We need everyone to be healthy to watch our games when football resumes," he noted. Abednego Tetteh joined the Phobians early this month on a free transfer. He signed a 3-year-deal with the Continental Club Masters. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Police in the Akye Mansa District in the Eastern Region has arrested a 35-yr-old woman, Abena Kumi who has been accused of allegedly butchering her lover, Koo Boateng, 46 to death. According to sources, the deceased met his untimely death after his girlfriend and brother, Kofi Kyei stabbed him multiple times for unknown reasons. Narrating the incident, Thinknewsonline.com’s, source, Kojo Mensah (Not his real name) said “Three days ago, Kooo Boateng gave his lover money to prepare dinner after he returned from the farm. He (Koo Boateng) decided to pay his friend a visit whiles awaiting the food” Kojo Mensah added that the brother of accused gave the deceased a tip-off that his(Koo Boateng) lover was having an affair with an unknown man. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that the deceased on hearing the issue rush to his residence to confirm but was met with physically abused from his girlfriend. It is emerging that Abena Kumi (accused) and her brother pounced on Koo Boateng (deceased) and butchered him to death. All efforts to reach the police has proven futile. Thinknewsonline.com is following and will keep its readers updated on new developments. Watch videos below: *Viewer discretion, video contains the lifeless body of the deceased Koo Boateng. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith