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Two Ga-Dangme advocacy groups, Ga-Dangme Hewaloi Hewamenya, and Ga-Dangme Education and Cultural Foundation (USA) are calling for the Authorities to value, preserve and protect of the Ga and Dangme culture and languages in the country. According to the groups, the two cultures and languages are the local dialects of the indigenous people of Ghana’s capital city, Greater Accra which must not be brushed aside. In a statement issued and signed by Spokesperson for the groups, Osofo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey said "The two organisations, made up of sons and daughters of Ga-Dangme lineage, are working frantically in Ghana and the diaspora to ensure the development of people of Ga-Dangme descent. They are also collaborating to enhance participatory local governance in Ga-Dangme communities" He added that it is important for people to learn and speak the local language stressing that knowing one's dialect helps in connecting with them. Osofo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey also mentioned that it is important for non Ga-Dangme people to have respect and dignity for language. He tasked the various media houses to make it a point to read news and host few shows in Ga-Dangme. "GaDangme language must be added on schools curriculums and irrelevant transfer of trained GaDaŋme teachers from Greater Accra to other regions should be stopped" he stated. He appealed to Universities to provide scholarships for outstanding Ga-Dangme students and sponsorship their programs abroad. Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

As two female Artistes, Eno Barony and Sista Afia have gotten social media buzzing and talking for days following a diss battle, Swedru Musician, Patapaa Amisty has revealed he is the new face of Highlife Music in Ghana. According to him, although the music industry has giants and great names, none of them can be compared to him. In a tweet, the Swedru Artiste said “I’m the New Face of Ghana High Life Music, Take it or Leave it !!!” He added that Ghanaians are yet to hear the best as he is set to release a new High Life song featuring Song writer, Akwaboah. Born Justice Amoah, the hiplife musician said “Wait for my super Hi Life banger Ft @akwaboahmusic which drops tomorrow and you will understand” In other developments, rapper, Fameye has advised Patapaa to consider venturing into tomato farming as a side business aside his music career. According to him, although Patapaa is a good musician, having an extra profit-making venture will help him. In an exclusive with Thinknewsonline.com, Fameye said “I think Patapaa is a good musician but he should also do tomato farming, as a part time job, because I am also planning on doing same. The comments come after he was asked which Ghanaian Artist, he thinks should quit music and do something else. Born Peter Famiyeh Bozah, the rapper added that since government is advocating for the youth to venture in agriculture, he believes people who take up the idea will make enough money. “To me, a lot of celebrities are investing into farming, which is good for them. This can help promote Ghana and agricultural sector” he said. Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

A Philanthropist, Manoj Sewani has donated 150 rolls of hand tissue and 200 bottles of 50 milliliter alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the Ghana Immigration Services (GIS) to help fight the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). According to him, the donation will help support the gesture was to support the Services fight against the virus. Presenting the items, he said "Immigration Service is working hard to protect the countrys borders from illegal entry of persons who may be infected with the virus, and so, they need all the support and motivation in the world to continue with the good work" Receiving the items, Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration in charge of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Judith Dzokoto-Lomoh, who received the items on behalf of the Service, expressed gratitude to Mr. Sewani for the support. She assured him that the items would be sent to personnel at the forefront combating the virus "Your corporate citizenship will be remembered, especially when you want to be identified with us as a Ghanaian" she added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As part of measures at making convenient access to information technology for its customers, Telecommunication Operator, AirtelTigo has announced its partnership with one of the world’s most popular mobile web browser, Opera in Ghana. According to the company, the move will help curb the difficulties customers have when accessing information on web. Addressing Journalists, Chief Business Officer at AirtelTigo Business, Ethel Anamoo said "We are excited to bring this powerful browsing platform to our customers, and we are confident that this partnership will be instrumental in helping us bring more Ghanaians online" She added that customers (New/Old) will be offered free data and browsing on the Opera Mini browser and Opera News App for three months. Madam Anamoo further explained that through the partnership, both new and existing AirtelTigo customers will automatically receive free 50MB data every day to access latest local and global news anytime. The Chief Business Officer hinted that since Opera Mini and Opera News App works on all Android mobile phones, AirtelTigo customers are encouraged to download Opera Mini and Opera News App from the Google Play store to enjoy the free data and browsing. She said "Both mobile applications incorporate the unique data compression technology of Opera, capable of pre-processing and reducing the amount of data from a website before it reaches the users’ phones, saving up to 90 percent of mobile data" Madam Anamoo reiterated that although the customers will be entitled to free data daily, it will cover only browsing on Opera News and Opera Mini. She added that the package does not include video streaming or downloading files from the internet. EVP Mobile at Opera, Jorgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera disclosed that it is essential to lower the barriers for access to information in these unprecedented times. He said “Our browser and news apps are important access points for people to stay on top of both local and global news and together with AirtelTigo we will make browsing and access to information free for millions of Ghanaians" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some scores of Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions on utterance made by President Akufo-Addo in his ninth update on Covid-19. According to some Ghanaians, President Akufo-Addo is diverting from the usual covid-19 update to do politics which does not speak well of his administration. In an interview with a task force officer, Amadu Adams, he said “President Akufo-Addo has been playing politics with Covid-19 and our lives. If he is really willing to fight the virus, he should have not released us from lock down. I am disappointed” He quizzed the government on my it allowed its citizenry to embark on its usual activities when the recorded cases kept on increasing. Mr Amadu further added that Government has not provided any logistics to either the citizenry likewise the health workers and part of its support to the fight against the virus. He mentioned that he is disappointed President Akufo-Addo is playing blame games and tagging Ex-President Mahama as the one rather politicking Ghana whiles the NDC Candidate has not. The task force officer fumed that it was completely unnecessary for the President to have lifted the ban on movement emphasising that citizenry have been left to their fate. He tasked Government to take up its responsibilities and save the lives of the poor adding failure by Authorities will lead to trust lost likewise votes in the coming election. “I must be honest and say that if President should bring back lock down, many people will die. “The President failed to strengthen the testing training exercise leaving the sick to their fate. On the other hand, Opoku Andrews, a phone dealer at Tiptoe lane, Circle lauded the President for his efforts in the fight against the virus. He explained that President Akufo-Addo called a spaded a spade by adding the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC) has failed woefully as a collective group in the bid to support the country’s fight against the virus. He said “President is not doing politics. We know the opposition has its Covid-19 team but they have been side-lined due to how mischievous they have been. We are to fight together. We must not do politics by this time” He commended President Akufo-Addo for his decision not to have flown home the Ghanaian students in Wuhan. Mr Andrews however called for a lockdown adding it will help reduce the number of people in town likewise the spread of the deadly coronavirus. He challenged the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) to join forces with the Akufo-Addo administration in the fight against the virus. Background President Akufo Addo last Sunday called on the public to rubbish the cheap political talks from the Presidential Candidate of the largest opposition political party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama as the country fights the deadly coronavirus. According to him, he knows some political actors are trying to deceive Ghanaians that the country’s current numbers represent a failure on the part of Government. In his ninth address to the nation on measures taken against spread of coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said “Do not begrudge them. They need to make such comments for their political survival” Click to watch video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Rapper Medikal has expressed disappointment in female artiste, Eno for being ungrateful to him after years of friendship. According to him, the recent jabs from Eno on him is one he least expected. In a tweet, the AMG Artiste said "I gave you a free verse and a video shoot for free. You could have linked up for another verse but you didn’t” Born Samuel Frimpong, the 'Omo ada' hit maker seems to be ignoring Eno whiles followers on social media are asking him to respond. Eno on the other hand has been so tactical in her lines hoping Medikal will reply. Thinknewsonline.com is following and will update readers on new developments. Below are screenshots of tweets: Story by: Magdalene Maame Abena Serwaa Asante

President Akufo Addo has called on the public to rubbish the cheap political talks from the Presidential Candidate of the largest opposition political party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama as the country fights the deadly coronavirus. According to him, he knows some political actors are trying to deceive Ghanaians that the country’s current numbers represent a failure on the part of Government. In his ninth address to the nation on measures taken against spread of coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said “Do not begrudge them. They need to make such comments for their political survival” He added that the country can defeat the coronavirus if the citizenry continues to look out for one another and remain each other’s keeper. President Akufo-Addo also stressed that as the country is fighting a common enemy, it is imperative that its citizens do not allow religious, ethnic or political differences to get in the way of certain victory. “So, we cannot allow a few persons, who wish to use these differences to scuttle our collective fight, to succeed” he noted. President Akufo-Addo further explained that on the contrary, the country must be emboldened in the knowledge that 4,700 persons infected, so far with the virus, have been identified and taken out of the population, isolated and are being treated. He also emphasised that the strategy of aggressively testing and treating is the country’s surest way of rooting out the virus. “On our part, in addition to the incentive package instituted for all healthcare workers, Government has so far distributed the following to healthcare facilities across the country; 4,240,719 glooves, 2,576,333 nose masks, 60,823 goggles, 60,132 litres of sanitizers, 50,770 head covers, 41,992 gowns, 41,000 medical scrub and 30,783 N-95 face masks” he revealed. He further retreated that 5,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to the media. He assured that ten thousand domestically-produced face masks and more money will be delivered to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to enhance its capacity to undertake the Important work it is already doing. Background President Akufo-Addo has come under criticisms for the past one month from the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) on his attempt to lead the country in the fight against coronavirus. The NDC led by his flagbearer on numerous occasions questioned President Akufo-Addo methods at handling the crisis saying if care is not taken, the sitting head of state will lead the country in a ditch. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo, a month ago gave a directive banning the citizenry from gathering together to fellowship as part of measures at reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country. Although the directive has received mixed reactions as some sections of the public, many are wondering when the ban will be lifted. Nonetheless, two great men of God in the country, Dr. Mensa Otabil and Rev’d Sam Korankye Ankrah have different views on the ban on social gathering directive which has seen churches, mosques and traditional places of worship closed down. The Apostle General of Royal House Chapel International, Rev’d Sam Korankye Ankrah is reported to have said the churches are ready to contain the deadly Covid-19 pandemic therefore calling on President Akufo-Addo lift the ban on public gathering in the country. According to him, the churches are set to follow instructions given adding that members who will visit the place of worship will be made to social distant themselves from others. Meanwhile, General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church, Dr. Mensa Otabil thinks is not the time for churches to consider gathering together in assemblies because the crisis before the country is not going down and it’s important that the churches plays its role in protecting society. "We must not gather under Marshall law but safely gather and safely worship and have fellowship together as a church and I trust that day will come very quickly but if it tarries, we will wait for that day so that we can gather together as God’s people, not in an atmosphere of uncertainty but in an atmosphere of certainty of faith and trust in the Lord”, he noted. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Apostle General of Royal House Chapel International, Sam Korankye Ankrah says churches are ready to contain the deadly Covid-19 pandemic should President Akufo-Addo lift the ban on public gathering in the country. According to him, most churches are set to follow instructions given adding that members who will visit the place of worship will be made to social distant themselves from others. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, the Apostle General said “We are ready to contain the disease should the ban be lifted. We are ready to control the numbers, follow the etiquette and the protocols, do multiple services with smaller numbers. He added unlike the poor management of goods and services in the markets in the covid era, the church will be responsible and manage it better than expected. The man of God further explained that people coming to fellowship together has a unique twist to the church services adding that many have declined worshipping since the introduction of online church broadcast. “Actual gatherings enable Christians to worship God and carry out their rituals such as receiving the Eucharist in togetherness. These are things that we are saying we need and a continuous ban on social gatherings will continue to negatively impede upon these spiritual aspirations that we look forward to always,” he emphasized In other developments, General Overseer for International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) says the closure of churches by the President is a good move. He said “Pastors have a role to play in protecting society by urging adherence to current protocols even though they are uncomfortable. Considering the grow in Covid-19 cases in the country, this is not the time for churches to consider gathering together in assemblies” Story by Mandy Woods

Rapper, Eno Barony has dared AMG Musician, Medikal to face her 'man-to-woman' if he is ready for a beef and stop being a ghost writer. According to her, it is annoying to see people hiring others to do their dirty jobs whiles they sit back, relax and watch unconcerned. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, she said “Stop being a ghost writer and I am daring Medikal to face me if he is not a ‘man-woman’. I am calling for that Sowutuom ghost writer. If it’s worth it, I will battle MDK and I’m bigger than Sista Afia. She also added that her diss song really didn’t affect her personality but worth it to save a brand. Born Ruth Eno Adjoa Amankwah Nyame Adom, the rapper clarified that “Body Shaming” line was not referring to any female Artiste rather followers speculated and assumed she was dissing Sista Afia. “I started rapping before Strongman. Strongman is not my writer” she hinted. Eno revealed she learnt from Sarkodie and wouldn’t be news if she’s compared to Sarkodie because she knows her worth. She also jabbed Sista Afia saying her ‘WMT / UGN diss song can’t come from her. Eno also added that the rap in the track was too wack for her to believe. Rapper Eno clarified that she is not having any personal issues with Sista Afia and they are still colleagues in the industry. “I won’t sit down for people to dent my brand. ‘Argument Done’ is a track to prove to the world she’s a Rap Goddess hence no man or woman can battle her” she explained. Story by: Mandy Woods

As part of measures at fighting the coronavirus pandemic in the country, President Akufo-Addo has extended the ban on social gathering to the end of May. According to him, the move forms parts of measures at reducing the spread of the deadly coronavirus among citizens in the country. Addressing the nation on measures taken against the spread of coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said “During this period, there will continue to be a ban on public gatherings such as the holding of conferences, workshops, parties, nightclubs, drinking spots, beaches, festivals, political rallies, religious activities and all sporting events” He added that all educational facilities, private and public, continue to remain closed. President Akufo-Addo stressed that there is still ban on funerals, other than private burials conducted with not more than 25 persons. He explained that it is noteworthy that the police are arresting and prosecuting persons, irrespective of their status in the society. “Anyone who flouts these regulations, will be dealt with. We cannot allow a few persons for their narrow, selfish interests, to jeopardise the health, well-being and safety of the larger population” he said. He warned that anyone who falls foul of the law will face its full rigours. Updating Ghanaians on the current case count of coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said the country has now recorded 4700 cases with 22 deaths, 5 critically ill and 494 recoveries. He mentioned that Ghana has conducted 160,501 tests on the deadly coronavirus in the country. He added that about 5000 pieces of Personnel Protective Equipment will be provided to the media. “The coming on stream from the Noguchi and Komfo Anokye has stated that we have cleared our backlogs” he confirmed Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) is calling on churches to come together to protect its members in this time of coronavirus pandemic. According to him, the coronavirus pandemic which has taken over the world is not going down any time soon adding spiritual leaders should come together to protect the society. In a virtual service on Sunday, Dr. Otabil said: “Well, as you know, our world is going through some interesting days; the last few months from January, especially for us in Ghana, from March, have been extraordinary months as we have sought to mitigate the effect of this rampaging virus that is attacking men and women indiscriminately and just when we thought in Ghana that we were having control over the situation" He added the country is beginning to realise the virus has a mind of its own and does not seem to correspond to some of the efforts Ghanaians are making. He emphasised that every since the virus gained grounds in the country, things are getting a little uncomfortable for the citizenry. He added “It also means this is not the time for churches to consider gathering together in assemblies because the crisis before us is not going down and it’s important that as churches, we play our role in protecting society, which is made up of our members and ourselves as pastors, as part of society, and we trust that we will endure the arrangement as it is now" He stressed that although the virus may seem uncomfortable, it may not be suitable to Ghanaians. Dr. Otabil further explained that although the freedom of the citizenry is the price to pay for making the world a better place, he is calling on the public to be patient and wait till all can safely gather. "We must not gather under Marshall law but safely gather and safely worship and have fellowship together as a church and I trust that day will come very quickly but if it tarries, we will wait for that day so that we can gather together as God’s people, not in an atmosphere of uncertainty but in an atmosphere of certainty of faith and trust in the Lord”, he noted. Dr. Otabil’s reaction comes after some spiritual leaders suggested measures to be put in place in churches to reduce the spread of the virus. President Nana Akufo-Addo, a month and half ago placed a ban on social gatherings which saw church services and other activities fall in the directives as the county fight against coronavirus. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that 22 people have lost their lives killed 22 whiles 4,263 cases have been confirmed cases. Thinknewsonline.com is learning that the Christian leaders leading the fight against Covid-19 include Most Rev Dr Paul Boafo (Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana), Rev Prof Yaw Frimpong Manso (President, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council), Most Rev Phillip Naameh (President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference) and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams (President, National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches). Some of the directives given include; handwashing and sanitisation before entering the church, social-distancing in seating arrangements, special sitting arrangement for the aged, no handshakes and the compulsory wearing of facemasks. Below is the full statement from the church leaders: PREPARATION TOWARDS REOPENING OF CHURCHES IN GHANA: GUIDELINES TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL SPREAD OF COVID-19 Submitted by: Heads of the Christian Ecumenical Bodies in Ghana BACKGROUND As the COVID-19 pandemic exacts global toll on lives and livelihoods, Ghana’s case count keeps increasing steadily since the first index case was reported on March 12, 2020, and the government’s response towards slowing and stopping the transmission, government issued several preventive protocols (social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene practices), partial lockdown in epicentres, and imposed several restrictions on public gatherings including temporary suspension of communal Church activities. Impliedly, the suspension of religious gathering constitutes a form of lockdown, owing to the Church’s inability to congregate for communal worship. And following the President’s meeting with heads of churches and ecumenical councils on April 2020 at the Jubilee House where His Excellency the President charged the Christian leaders to develop modalities and guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus should the ban on public gathering be lifted, the Christian leaders developed these intervention strategies. In assessing the Church’s readiness and capacity to comply with COVID-19 pandemic safety protocols, it is important to note that addressing COVID-19 “requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.” The Church being a major stakeholder is indispensable in the State’s overall COVID-19 containment and mitigation strategies. Given that 71% of Ghanaians identify as Christians, the Church, with its wide social network, access to communities, captive audience, unquestioned authority, and influential actors of public support for government measures is best placed to help in numerous ways with educating, counselling and sustaining the populace. 1. GUIDELINES TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL SPREAD OF COVID-19 As the Church prepares to come back for communal worship, the tables below show the potential risk areas and what to do to mitigate potential spread. RISK AREAS SPECIFIC AREAS Entrance points to churches 1. Doors 2. Door handles 3. Rails 4. Pillars Utility areas in the church 1. WC handles 2. Washroom door handles Seating arrangements in the church 1. Close seating arrangement in the church that breaches social distancing regulations 2. Group sitting e.g. the choir Nature of church building 1. Poorly-ventilated churches – having few and small windows 2. Entirely glass windows that impede free flow of air Nature of service 1. Handshakes during welcome sessions 2. Singing groups congregating at one side and singing 3. Group meetings – Sunday schools where teachers speak to small groups. Those in the front roll are at risk 4. Communion services where cups are handed to individuals 5. Communion service where many people drink from one cup 6. Communion services where packaged loaves are handed to individuals Devices and items 1. Microphones used commonly by more than one person, faucets, telephones 2. Money handled by more than one person through giving offering and tithes Vestries & Pastors’ offices 1. Door and seat handles 2. Rails 3. Poorly ventilated rooms 4. Common surfaces including Pastors’ tables SPECIFIC RISK AREAS INTERVENTIONS TO PUT IN PLACE Church Entrances and Lobbies 1. Hand washing: Make available hand-washing materials for all to wash hands before entering the church or touching rails, door handles and pillars. A running tap or Veronica bucket should be put at all entrances for every church member to wash hands before entering the church. Hands-free soap dispenser must be fitted to avoid cross-contamination. 2. Sanitisation: Make hand-sanitiser (preferably a dispenser) available at near church entrances, outside washrooms, pastors’ offices, vestries and lobbies for members to sanitize their hands. 3. Enforce hand washing and sanitization: have one person (usher) dedicated to the entrance to enforce the above, making sure that every church member at least, washes the hands for 20 seconds under running water and also sanitizes the hands after washing. Enforcement is more important than instituting the measures in order to achieve sustained compliance. In addition, churches should put up signs reminding people to wash hands, cough/sneeze into their elbows and remind people from the pulpit/stag. Utility areas 1. Clean utility areas, surfaces and items touched by different people routinely. Preferably clean surfaces every 1-2 hours depending on utilization. Door handles, WC handles, faucets, microphones. Seat arms/handles should be disinfected before and after service for the next session.? Sitting in churches 1. Observe social-distancing through seating arrangements: seating should be rearranged to allow social distancing rules. Contiguous seats should be 2 arms-length reach (2m). So should be the distance before and after one seat to ensure that cough, sneeze and talking from one church member does not predispose the neighbours to the virus particularly from asymptomatic carriers. 2. Provide separate seating areas for the aged and families. 3. Organise churches services in sessions: because of the need for social distancing as described above, there will invariably be the need to organize churches in more than one session with at least one hour in between services. Wear facemasks All citizens/church members including pastors, are to wear facemasks to enter churches. It is particularly important for those who will engage by talking e.g. pastors, Sunday school teachers etc. The mask will prevent droplet infections from getting to the others. For all others, it will also prevent them getting droplets from others in the church. Masks are to be kept on until one comes back home. This will reduce the risk of spread from asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Nature of building 1. All windows should be opened fully during church services to allow good ventilation. There should be no use of air conditioners. This will diffuse and reduce the concentration of the virus (should there be anyone infected) in the room. Nature of service 1. All handshakes are to be avoided in churches during this period of COVID-19. This leads to cross-contamination and spread of the virus. 2. All who speak in churches must wear N95 facemask during service. This will reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. 3. Singers/Choristers: observe social-distancing and also avoid second row of singers. As much as possible prerecorded music may be used. 4. Communion Service: Offer individual cups for communion. Reduce hand-to-hand transmission by providing individual bread and cup servings. Hand hygiene and food safety precautions must strictly be observed by those who prepare these communions. 5. Giving/collection of offering and tithes: It is advisable not to pass offering bowls and baskets around. Items that are frequently handled can be sources of contaminants for the COVID-19 virus. The virus can be retained on the offering/tithe bowl for hours and can be passed on to others. The best option will be for a stationary bowl with a wide opening to be put in front or entry point where people do not need to handle the bowl before putting in their offering and tithes. Where practicable, churches should advice their members to use mobile money for offerings and tithes as this means of giving reduces the risk of transmission Education on COVID-19 1. Communicate with and educate church members, and persons in the communities that the church is located 2. Select members in the church should be trained and be made responsible for COVID-19 education and coordination of resources to help the church. 3. The church should mobilize resources to help individuals in need including church health facilities Presented by: Most Rev Dr Paul Boafo (Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana) Rev Prof Yaw Frimpong Manso (President, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council) Most Rev Phillip Naameh (President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference) Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams (President, National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches) Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith