Search Results

The Immediate Past Chairman of the Effutu Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Paa Nii Lamptey has denied allegations that he orchestrated attacks on some aggrieved suspended members of the Party. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Winneba, Paa Nii Lamptey described the allegations as false and a plot to destabilise the Party, which was advancing for victory in this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections. He said on Wednesday, April 22, he received a call from some members of the Party that a group of suspended members had decided to hold a press conference to express displeasure on the manner they were suspended and to protest the candidature of Dr James Kofi Annan to lead the Party in the Constituency. He said considering the COVID-19 directives on movement and public gatherings, he advised against the conference and alerted the police in order not to be seen as violating the President’s directive. The NDC, he noted, had a Constitution, which regulated affairs of its members and allowing them to hold the conference would not augur well for the Party. Paa Nii Lamptey said he made a report to the police and while at the Party office with the station officer, information reached them that the group was at a nearby church holding the press conference without observing the Government’s directives. “As a result some of the police went there to enforce the social gathering protocol because of their numbers but on seeing the police, they dispersed.” He questioned how a person who was championing the welfare of the people and the image of the Party would orchestrate attacks on members adding that the Police were his witnesses. Source: GNA

Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo has donated some food items, water, toys and an undisclosed amount of money to two Orphanages in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency. According to her, the donations forms part of the Adwoa Safo Foundation's aims which looks at taking care of the needy and less privileged in the society. Delivering the items and cash, Hon Adwoa Safo said “I am here once again on behalf of the Foundation to donate these items to my little brothers and sisters. As promised, you are on my heart and I will ensure I provide all you need to make you feel happy” The MP who doubles as Founder of the Adwoa Safo Foundation tasked the managers of both Orphanages to ensure each child benefits from the donations presented. She also used the opportunity to educate the children in both Orphanages on the need to regularly wash their hands with soap under running water, use sanitizers and adhere to the social distancing directive. Hon Adwoa Safo hinted that adhering to the directives by President Akufo-Addo will go a long way to ensure the spread of novel virus is reduced. Receiving the items, Manager at the HandiVangelism Orphanage, Pastor Ashley thanked the Member of Parliament for the kind gesture and assured the kids will not be denied access to the items presented. On the other hand, Founder of Home of Motherly Love Foundation, Rev’d John Azumah used the occasion to call on other Philanthropists and Organisations to emulate the kind gestures of Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo and reach out to the less privileged in the society. Some children who spoke to Thinknewsonline.com could not hide their joy as they prayed for the MP and wished her well. The kids at Home of Motherly Love Foundation sang and danced with the MP. The items presented to each Orphanage includes; bags of rice, 15 bags of sachets water, 50 face masks, 5 gallons of sanitizer, 10 tubes of yam, toys, tissue papers, 2 veronica buckets, an undisclosed amount of money among others. The Adwoa Safo Foundation says it believes the items will go a long way to help in caring for the children. Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former President John Mahama has revealed despite he knowing his running mate, there is no use of naming him whiles the country is still battling Covid-19. According to him, this is not the right time to do whiles the President's directive on social distancing and gathering still stands. In a digital conversation with Ghanaians on Thursday, Former President Mahama said " Although I already know who my running mate will be for the upcoming general elections, it is, however, not the opportune time to name the person" Mr. Mahama noted that the party cannot outdoor the running mate due to President Akufo-Addo's ban on social gathering in a bid to contain the virus. He added that since there is more time, he believes the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will reveal to the world who its running mate is before the Electoral Commission opens nominations in September. "We have timelines that we are working on. We have to put up our national campaign team, we have to name and outdoor our running mate" the Former President announced. He hinted that the party is considering publishing and inaugurating its manifesto. Mr. Mahama says he confident as the party is training of its party agents, he believes they are not late. The Former Head of State said "My Running mate is someone who is worthy and will make significant progress and prosperity of this country"

As part of measures at reducing the spread of coronavirus and movement of persons to and from the country, President Akufo-Addo has extended the closure of borders by one month. According to him, the move is to ensure the country is able contain and control the novel virus causing deaths among others. Addressing workers via a virtual May Day Celebration, President Akufo-Addo said "Effective May 4, 2020; the country's borders, i.e land, air and sea will be closed with exception of goods" He noted that the extension is part of measures at ensuring the country reduces the importation of the virus. President Akufo-Addo said “All that government is doing is intended to achieve five key objectives: limit and stop the importation of the virus, contain its spread and provide adequate care for the sick" He added that limiting the impact of the virus on social and economic life, as well as inspiring the expansion of the country's domestic capabilities and deepen its self-reliance. Ephasising the directive, he mentioned that whiles the country looks at finding a solution to the pending issue, government seeks to boost the tracing and testing programme. President Akufo-Addo lauded workers for their selfless efforts assuring them of Government’s support in their activities. Ghana's case count of Coronavirus stands at 2,074 with 212 recoveries and 17 deaths. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Rapper, Strongman Burner has revealed despite the respect he has for other Artistes in the Ghanaian Music Industry, he is not afraid of anyone. According to him, he is unhappy with the way some some 'bigger' Artistes treat and disrespect the upcoming ones. In an interview with an Accra-based Television Station, the 'Bossu' hit maker said "This game, respect is very necessary… so for me, I do respect a whole lot of people in this game that is why when someone comes to disrespect me, I feel bad” Born Vincent Osei, the young talented Ghanaian Hip hop, Hiplife and Afropop Artiste also added although he respects people who came before him in the Music, he will only choose to reply a beef in case another Musician throws a shot at him. Strongman Burner however revealed that some fans are calling for a battle between he and his senior colleague, Yaa Pono. He said "Yaa Pono is like a godfather to me…so there wouldn’t be any battle of that sought. I knew Yaa Pono like two years before I even got to meet Sarkodie…,” the ‘Bossu’ rapper revealed, adding “I do respect Yaa Pono any day, anytime” Vincent Osei says he doubts he will beef Yaa Pono since both have a healthy relationship and talk a lot. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Lagos state government has released a different casualty figure different from the one reported by NCDC. According to the government agency, two people died as a result of coronavirus in the state but on its part, the state aid only one person died. The Lagos state government has on Thursday, April 30, released different statistics in the number of deaths caused by the ravaging coronavirus pandemic. The released numbers are quite different from the ones released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for Wednesday, April 29. According to NCDC in its daily release, the number of deaths associated with coronavirus is 21 while the state claimed that only 20 people had lost their lives as a result of the disease. The state government reported only one death for the period in question while NCDC reported 2 loss for the state. "Unfortunately, 1 #COVID19 death was recorded. The deceased, a 25year old male was at the time of admission in a state of severe breathlessness. This brings total number of #COVID19 related deaths in Lagos to 20," the state disclosed on Public Affairs Unit, Lagos state Ministry of Health's Facebook page. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that with federal government hinting at lifting the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT, 70% of Nigerians said they would not be comfortable using public transport in as much as the Covid-19 still persists - a poll has shown. President Muhammadu Buhari, in his national broadcast on Monday, April 27, eased the lockdown measures imposed on Lagos, Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja beginning from Monday, May 4. President Buhari stated that the decision is in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, various federal government committees and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). President Muhammadu Buhari also ordered the total lockdown of Kano state for two weeks in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state. As Nigerians look forward to seeing the lockdown fully lifted with economic activities nationwide fully set on the move, many Nigerians have expressed their anxiety on public transportation which will see people jostle for buses in Lagos amid rising coronavirus tension. In a poll by Legit.ng on Facebook on Tuesday, April 27, seeking the opinion of Nigerians on the anticipated move, 70% expressed their fear on boarding public transports in Lagos and other states. Source: Legit.ng

The New Patriotic Party’s secretary for Dome-Kwabenya, Theophilus Mensah has rubbished allegations that he is supporting Mike Oquaye Junior in the upcoming parliamentary primaries. He described the allegations as perceptions without any shred of evidence. The constituency’s youth organiser, David Obiri Yeboah has accused the constituency secretary of printing an album without authorisation. He also alleged that the secretary has endorsed Oquaye Junior and was scheming to make him win the election. But reacting to the allegations, Mr. Mensah disputed them and asked the public to disregard their allegations. He was disappointed Mr Obiri Yeboah is trying to drag him into the division he has created. He advised the youth organiser to "grow up” and stop peddling lies about him since it would not augur well for the party. On the allegation of printing an album without authorisation, he denied it stating he followed due process. He, therefore, advised Mr. Obiri Yeboah to use the appropriate party mechanisms to address the concerns he raised and stop accusing him falsely. He assured delegates that no one will have his or her name deleted. He said the constituency will organise an exhibition exercise to ensure every delegate required to vote is captured. He further dispelled the assertion that he was not in good terms with the MP, Adwoa Safo. The relationship between them he stated was the best but bemoaned the habit of Adwoa Safo’s followers in creating division in the constituency. He said party executives should not be seen endorsing candidates but remain neutral. ”There is no evidence of me endorsing Mike Oquaye Junior. I have not endorsed him on any platform. The fact that I have a good relationship with him does not mean I have endorsed him,” he added. Source: Rainbowradioonline.com

Ama K. Abebrese, the award-winning British Ghanaian actress, television presenter and producer, is Appolonia City’s newest homeowner. Ama’s film credits include the critically acclaimed Sinking Sands, Ties That Bind, The Cursed Ones and the Netflix original movie, Beasts of No Nation. She starred in Azali, which was selected in 2019 as the Ghanaian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, Ghana’s first-ever film submitted for consideration at the Oscars. Ama is also a producer of The Burial of Kojo, Ghana’s first-ever Golden Globes entry. “I have fallen in love with Appolonia City,” Ama said adding that “I have visited many housing developments and bought land in Accra, but what I’ve seen at Appolonia City is unparalleled: a whole new self-sustaining, master-planned city.” Ama continued: “When we think of home, we think of comfort, security, serenity and the neighbourhood. All that is taken care of by Appolonia City. Our homes are important, hence this is the best time to invest in land or a home in Appolonia City.” Appolonia City CEO, Bright Owusu-Amofah said, “It’s a joy to welcome Ama, with her passion for home life and real estate, to Appolonia City. She is a great neighbour and friend to Appolonia City.” Ama is also an accomplished television presenter, with over two decades of experience hosting TV shows, presenting on BBC2, OBE TV, Viasat 1, TV3, Ebonylife TV and other channels. Appolonia City continues to attract new developments and is fast becoming the destination of choice for companies and individuals moving away from Accra’s heavy traffic to a healthy, congestion-free environment. About Appolonia City (www.appolonia.com.gh) Appolonia City is a 2,325-acre (941-hectare) inclusive mixed-use new city in Greater Accra. A seamless live-play-work community, Appolonia City offers homes, offices, shopping, schools, healthcare and ample parks and open spaces. High-quality tarred roads, power, ICT, water and storm drains are already available at Appolonia City. Appolonia Industrial Park is a 200-acre, modern warehousing, logistics and a light industrial zone with world-class urban management services. Appolonia City is a development by Rendeavour, in partnership with the Chiefs, elders, and residents of the Appolonia community. Rendeavour is Africa’s largest new city developer, with projects in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Source: Citinewsroom

PART 1..... Somewhere in Soweto, Dave and Cassandra were activists of same political party. Dave observed Cassandra silently over time and gradually developed affection for her but did not have enough courage to approach her at this point. As fate will have it, Dave and Cassandra were added to one WhatsApp platform but Dave was not aware it was the same Cassandra he so much admire and wish to be with. He all along felt this Cassandra was the wife of his sector youth organizer who he had a good rapport with. One day, Dave needed some information from his sector youth organizer but could not reach him so decided to send Cassandra a message to ask his wife to call him urgently. That was when he got to realize that this was the Cassandra he so much wish to be with and not the wife of his sector youth organizer. Dave quickly saved her number and contemplated on his next move for days. After a week of thinking with no concrete solution, Dave decided to give Cassandra a call and at least hear her voice on phone for once. Dave dialled her number with trembling hands. The hello from the other end of the phone made him miss a few heartbeats within a second. He was finally hearing that sweet, silky and angelic voice on phone for the first time. Dave: Hello Cassandra: Hi, please how are you? Dave: I am fine. How about you? Cassandra: I am doing great. Please may I know the name behind this voice? Dave: Please, my name is Dave. Dave Simons. Hope I am talking to Cassandra. Cassandra: Yes please. This is Cassandra Duarte. Dave: Great. I mistakenly sent you a message meant for my sector youth organizer but I think that was a blessing in disguise. Cassandra: Ooooh ok. Dave: Please am I permitted to save your contact and get in touch with you from time to time? Cassandra: Yes please. Dave: Thanks a lot. Will get in touch with you again some other time. Cassandra: Ok. Take care. This was how Dave and Cassandra started getting closer to each other. Dave visited Cassandra in the Northern part of Soweto on his birthday after many failed attempts to convince her to allow him visit. They went to a restaurant to have lunch and talk over issues as well. While waiting to be served, Cassandra started a conversation. Part 2 They went to a restaurant to have lunch and talk over issues as well. While waiting to be served, Cassandra started a conversation. Cassandra: Happy birthday, Dave. Dave: Thanks Dave: Just remembered your birthday is two weeks away. Why don't we plan a joint birthday party. Cassandra: Will see about that. Dave: (Clears his throat). Cassy, I think today being my birthday is the best moment to tell you what I have been trying to suppress all this while. Cassandra: (Sits well) I am all ears Dave. Dave: Hmmmm, don't even know where to start from. Cassy, sometimes you meet a person and you get so used to him or her without realizing it. That's exactly what you are making me go through. You are simple yet so precious.... Cassandra: Dave, please go straight to the point. Dave: Cassandra, the long and short of the whole story is that I am in love with you. Cassandra: (with confusion written all over her face) Dave, I am sorry but I am dating. Dave: That should not be a problem. We are friends already and that won't change though I am keeping my eyes on the ball so I deliver the final strike. A waitress came in with their food. They ate in silence an it was obvious both did not really have appetite for the food at this point but had to eat in order not to hurt the feelings of the other. They left the restaurant and Cassandra saw Dave off without saying a word till Dave stopped a cab. Dave: Thanks for making my birthday a memorable one. (Cassandra could feel the emptiness in his words) Cassandra: Don't mention it, Dave. And please remember that we are friends though we can't date. Please cheer up for me. Dave: Ok. Cassandra: Prompt me when you get home. Dave: Please, I will. Cassandra: Safe journey Dave: Stay safe. They hugged before Dave entered the taxi and gave the driver directions to his house. Part 3 They hugged before Dave entered the taxi and gave the driver directions to his house. Dave: How much are you taking for this trip? Driver: 10 Rands. Dave: Ok, will give you 15 Rands since it's my birthday and I want to put a smile on your face. Driver: Thanks and God bless you. Dave: Please stop by the yellow storey building ahead. This is your money. Driver: Happy birthday oooo, boss man. God bless you so much. You are the don. Your enemies will never get you. You will be blessed with the very woman you wish to be with and.......... Dave: (With a frown on his face) Please stop right here and let me get down before you push me to take back my extra 5 Rands I willingly gave to you. The driver stops the car and Dave get down. He walks for some few meters before getting to his house. He stand still and stare at the gate as he recollects events of the day and how the cab driver nearly made him change his mind. Suddenly, a funny but interesting thought popped up on his mind. "I need to give myself a special treat even if Cassandra turned me down because it's my birthday. Manicure and pedicure on my birthday won't be bad. Let me put it on our WhatsApp platform and see if any of my comrades offer such services", he though. He brought his phone out of his pocket and unlocked it. He opened his WhatsApp app and over 5000 messages greeted him. All his comrades, family and loved ones had send him messages but he was too busy with Cassandra to even pay attention to his phone. He opened their political party WhatsApp group and searched through the 1000s of messages to see if Cassandra wished him a happy birthday there. After scrolling through the messages for about 5 minutes, he finally saw what he was looking for. He replied " thank you" to Cassandra's wish and ignored the rest. He then typed "any comrade into manicure and pedicure here? Link up". Benny saw the message and quickly sent Dave a private message that she's into manicure and pedicure. Dave told her that's it's his birthday and he wants to give himself a special treat. Dave: So how much will you take if you offer me your services at my place? Benny: I don't offer home service but will do this because it's your birthday. I will charge 50 Rands. Dave: We have a deal then. How long will it take you to get to the southern sector of Soweto from wherever you are? Benny: I am also in the southern sector so I can get there in the next 20 minutes. Dave: That's cool. Will send you the directions soon. Benny gets to Dave's place 18 minutes after he gave her the directions and sends Dave a message. Benny: I am at your gate. Dave: Will be there in a giffy. Dave opens the gate to see a beautiful fair lady in a hot mini skirt with a hot top showing parts of her stomach to march. To be continued...... Story by: Sincetete

Members of Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of some Fifty-three (53) collapsed Fund Management Companies (CACFM) are retreating calls on Government to expediating actions and pay them their locked up investments or risk losing massively in the upcoming General Elections. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November last year revoked the licences of some 53 Fund Management Companies over some regulatory breaches. Customers of the affected companies were taken through a validation process for onwards payment but almost five months down the line, they say they have not been paid. In a interview with an Accra-based Radio Station on Wednesday, Spokesperson for the Coalition, Charles Nyame said “Government as a matter of urgency needs to start disbursement of funds or risk losing the upcoming General Elections. We were made to go through the validation processes from 18th November, 2019 till 15th January, 2020” He added it has been over three months of which members expected payment but they have not heard anything from SEC. The Spokesperson also revealed they were told by SEC, the claims filed is in an excess of GHc4 Billion of the data it had. “This means that the data that they have sums up to GHc8 Billion and Customers have filed claims almost up to GHc12 Billion, therefore they need more time to pay” he disclosed. Mr. Nyame added that the argument by SEC on the issue at hand is baseless adding they have been through a lot during the lockdown and need their monies back. He added that some members of the Coalition have sort to begging since they do not have money to feed themselves likewise their families. He says he believes, not all customers have problems with the data which has been filed. He called on the Securities and Exchange Company to start with the payment of the data since it can help save lives of dying customers. “Pay that so that later we will go and solve the relevant issues with the disparities and differences. This is common logical sense that anybody who is willing to help its citizens should be able to do” he fumed. Mr. Charles Nyame further added he is disappointed authorities are not dealing with the issue but rather buying time. “I want to remind the Director General of SEC, Rev’d Ogame Tetteh and Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta that they are sitting in their seats because NPP is in power and some of we the citizens are not pleased with what they are taking us through. The General Elections is around the corner” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As governments across the globe continued responding to COVID-19's devastation, the mobile sector is playing a crucial role in supporting efforts tackling the pandemic and enhancing health services response to it, according to a newly released report from GSMA. While the report found that the pandemic has upended people's lives, health and business sectors, people were using technological innovation to adapt to new ways of life during these uncertain times. "In this unprecedented situation, people are quickly adapting to innovative ways of connecting and doing business empowered by connectivity, and digital transformation is no longer just a question but an action for many industries," the report said. Mobile operators have played key parts in efforts to respond to the pandemic especially in ensuring smooth communication during health emergencies and improving the coverage of 4G/5G networks in China. The report mentioned that during the construction of two new hospitals in China to treat COVID-19 patients, mobile operators including China Telecom and China Mobile working with Huawei successfully deployed 4G/5G communication networks which resulted in adequate mobile coverage in the hospitals. The deployment of 4G/5G networks also assisted with remote consultation and telemedicine. Mobile operators were able to construct up to eight 4G/5G network sites in less than 30 hours following the construction of the hospitals. "The high-quality 4G/5G networks have ensured smooth and uninterrupted communication services in China and provided strong support for the mission-critical response efforts in China during COVID-19 pandemic." In African countries like Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa, information and communication technologies have been at the forefront of ensuring that social and physical distancing measures are observed. South Africa's health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize recently spoke about the importance of technological innovation in tackling the virus while receiving Huawei Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) diagnostic systems and four thermal scanning systems. This Al-empowered diagnosis tool assists medical worker to ascertain if someone has COVID - 19. The accuracy for this tool is over 98 percent with CT scan review times reduced by over 80%. Ghana also found ICTs as powerful weapon in the fight against COVID-19. Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia this month launched an app designed to help in tracing people who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive individuals and link them to health professionals for urgent action to be taken. The pandemic has changed fundamentally the way people communicate, work, shop, learn, and entertain, as life moves from offline to online. In this unprecedented situation, people are quickly adapting to innovative ways of connecting and doing business empowered by connectivity. Thus, the report says, the digital transformation is no longer just a question but an action for many industries. Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa has been significantly impacted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, according to World Bank. However, as combinations of ICTs and health, education and other services has gradually become a new norm, how to facilitate more effective use of these technologies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can actually decide how strong Africa is going to return to its growth trajectory by adopting new business models and methodologies the emerged from this outbreak. Source: GSMA

Following a directive from President Akufo-Addo which left Educational Institutions shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has revealed he will be taking part in all new Citi Tv’ Class Act ( virtual education on tv) . According to him, the Class Act which is a virtual classroom for High School students will help broaden their scope on English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science and ICT among others. Speaking on an Accra-based Television Station, Dr Adutwum said“Class Act is my favorite  on (virtual education on Tv) and that is who I want to come on and teach. I want to come and teach Mathematics- exponential equations and things like that. I want to come to teach on your network because you are doing a fantastic job. It is something that you started to complement government efforts”. He noted that as the country battles with the nowel virus, the Ministry of Education ordered all schools to close down for some weeks as part of measures at not spreading the virus. Dr. Adutwum also mentioned that measures such as Social distancing , washing of hands with soap under running water and not touching the face when adhere to can help reduce the spread of the deadly virus. He said "At the time President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the shutting down of the schools on March 15, 2020, Ghana had recorded six cases of COVID-19 but the case count has skyrocketed to 1,671 as of April 28 with 16 deaths and 188 recoveries" Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that ever since the virus gained grounds in the country, many school authorities have come up with the idea of digital platforms for teaching and learning as part of means to cover up for the lessons missed while in class. Story by: Mandy Woods