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President Akufo-Addo says a decision on when restrictions on public gatherings – put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus – to be lifted, has yet to be taken. He said a lot of information has been gathered on the geographical footprint of the virus, which has influenced the manner in which Ghana has handled the outbreak but relaxing the public gatherings restrictions is undecided at the moment. “We have not taken a decision on when public gathering can resume,” President Akufo-Addo said, when he addressed a webinar series by Africa.com. President Akufo-Addo has been praised for the manner in which he has handled the outbreak of Covdi-19 in Ghana. The country, as of April 28, 2020, has 1,671 confirmed cases of the respiratory infection, 188 recoveries and 16 deaths. Measures, including a partial lockdown of the four hotpots of the outbreak – Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa – has been lifted. However, a ban on public gatherings and social distancing has been extended for another two weeks. President Akufo-Addo believes, an extension is necessary and admonished the public to adhere to the directive, if the country’s current progress is to be improved. Addressing the over 3,000 participants who tuned into the webinar, the President said, Ghana’s borders, which have been closed to prevent the influx of foreigners carrying the disease into the country, will remain closed. “…that is a measure we are not about to undo anytime from now,” he stressed. The overall picture, President Akufo-Addo noted, is that the rate of infection has remained relatively constant. With a positivity rate of 1.58 percent, he indicated that, “we are not seeing this large explosion that was feared for our country at the beginning and therefore, the ability to manage those who have been affected is much more within our means.” Despite this, President Akufo-Addo said government is making a significant preparation and investment in the public health system, not just for Covid-19 but also enable it cater to the country’s health needs as a whole. Also, measures are being put in place to boost Ghana’s domestic production to wean the country off heavy dependence on importation, President Akufo-Addo said. Speaking to the theme of the conference, ‘This isn’t the West – How Africa’s Informal Sector Reacts to Covid-19’, President Akufo-Addo said the attention of his government has been to adopt a Ghana-focused approach in dealing with the disease. He said, although tackling the virus has been a difficult and expensive venture, “we have said that as much as possible, we should look at the Ghanaian first.” Source: Myjoyonline.com

The Covid-19 National Trust Fund says it is making known its office address and bank account details to the citizenry as part of measures of receiving all contributions to support persons engaged in the combat against the novel virus. In a release signed by the Administrator of the National Trust, Dr. William Asare, he said “The Main Account (Bank of Ghana) is COVID-19 National Trust Fund, account numbers; 101861613357 for donations in (GHc), 1028631613107 for (USD) contributions, 1038631613021 for (GBP) and 1188631613023 for (EUR)” The statement further explained that for Collection Account, the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) account is registered as COVID-19 National Trust Fund with an account number 1011180001808 and located on the High Street, Accra. Dr. Asare also added that the Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG) account is registered as COVID-19 National Trust Fund with an account number 1614456100003 and located at Head Office, Manet Towers, Accra. The COVID-19 National Trust Fund however thanked the people of Ghana, Companies, Churches and other Institutions for their generosity. The National Trust Fund assured that all contributions are applied transparently in support of persons engaged in the combat of the pandemic and vulnerable individuals affected by the disease. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Comedian, Funny Face has taken a swipe at his colleagues, Lil win, Kalybos and Bismark The Joke accusing them of betrayal. In a video posted on his facebook wall, Funny Face said “You’ve been destroying me for too long come out, Lil Win, Kalybos, Bismark The Joke, what have I done to you?” The Ghanaian Comedian out anger revealed how Kalybos begged himbe with a lady he once had an affair with. “You Kalybos, stupid n*gga like you. You are so envious of everything that you even wanted a girl I slept with and begged me for her. Foolish man, I gave her to you because the girl too I have seen that she’s a fool, so I make you fire, how many n*ggas go fit do this? You and Lil Win” he fumed. Although what led to misunderstanding, Funny Face revealed the number of times he had forgiven Kwadwo Nkansah on issues of back biting and betrayal. The Children President did not take it lightly on his closest friend, Bismark The Joke adding that he was shocked hearing his colleague claim ownership of popular Television Series ‘Cow and Chicken’ “I followed my instincts to do this video, because you never know when you will leave this world. He had than this, so that incase one day he leaves this world, they won't come to his funeral pretend to be sympathizers” he added. Thinknewsonline.com is following the story and will update its readers on new developments. Story by: Maame Serwaa

Deputy Communication Director of the largest oposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Ako Gunn has challenged President Akufo-Addo to pin-point any logistics he has provided to the frontline health workers combating the novel coronavirus pandemic in the various hospitals across the country. According to him, he is disappointed the President is rather thinking of building hospitals in districts across the country whereas the frontline health workers lack personal protective equipments. Speaking on an Accra-based Television Station on Wednesday, Mr. Ako Gunn said "The President has not bought a single PPE for the health professionals yet he is going to build hospital. What can he pride himself for in this fight against the coronavirus?" He added although the United States, Jack Ma Foundation among other Organisations and Philanthropists in the country are donating personal protective equipments, it is upon the President to emulate from these gestures. Mr. Ako Gunn lauded Former President Mahama for his kind gesture of providing some personal protective equipments to some hospitals across the country. He said "Former President Mahama has been donating to various hospital in the country and that is a mark of a good leader. What will Ghanaians do with the hospitals? I am learning President Akufo-Addo has donated his three months salary. What work has he done that warrants payment of salary?" 88 Hospitals In Districts The Deputy Director of Communication also questioned Government what the cost of the yet-to-be built 88 Hospitals. "What are they going to do with the 88 Hospitals NPP used to complain alot about us spending on projects when we were in power but they are doing worse. Till today, President Akufo-Addo can not tell Ghanaians what the cost of the 'Free SHS' project is" Mr. Ako Gunn further explained that in project management, every project is diffent based on its cost adding that what makes Ghanaians think the Akufo-Addo led Administration will disclose the amount to be spent on the 88 hospitals. He hinted that in the Ashanti Region, some frontline doctors have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and are being quarantined due to lack of PPEs to aid in their day-to-day activities. "I am afraid for myself and Ghanaians. Why build hospitals when you can not buy PPEs for doctors. Before the lockdown, our cases recorded stood at 144, it later jumped to 1042. Now that is on the high, we have been released to move about. Just yesterday, the numbers increased again to 1671, we must be afraid" he said. He advised Government to find solutions to the widespread coronavirus and refrain from politicising every issue. Meanwhile, Chairman for the New Juabeng North Constituency, Kwadwo Agyeman Boateng said "No matter what NDC will attribute to the President in this Covid-19 season, will not be positive. The audience will judge whatever is happening in the country" He also added that since President Akufo-Addo is working dawn to dusk to ensure the virus is combated, his efforts have been recognised and commended by the World Health Organisation(WHO). He explained that aside Ghana, Germany is the second country who has put out stronger measures at dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic. "President Akufo-Addo said we need to develop our strategies to fight the virus. Our health is not something to play football with. Our health must be our priority" he noted. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A group calling itself, 'We The People Matter Movement' (WTPMM) says it is calling for a Constitutional Amendment to institute a two-term limit for Members of Ghana's Parliament. According to the group, although Ghana's Parliament is learning from the Western democracy, it is sad some members of chamber are not taking the Institutional weaknesses into account. In a statement signed by its Convenor, Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu, he said "We have copied the Western democracy without taking our institutional weaknesses into account thereby not ripping the full benefits that accompany the Western democracy. Ghana must redesign her democracy to suit the needs of its ordinary citizens and not only politicians" He called on Ghanaians to fight for political will which will end the ‘constitutional’ injustices and other problems in the country. "As once said by the late Kofi Annan that, “We have the means and the capacity to deal with our problems, if only we can find the political will. We must all unite as citizens and demand leadership. WAKE UP GHANAIANS...WAKE UP!" he stated He argued that since the MPs unite and demand for a new luxurious chamber at the expense of tax payer's monies, the citizenry can also mass up call for the amendment to reduce the number of times an MP contests for an election. Below is a copy of the statement: We have copied the Western democracy without taking our institutional weaknesses into account thereby not ripping the full benefits that accompany the Western democracy. Ghana must redesign her democracy to suit the needs of its ordinary citizens and not only politicians. Support WE THE PEOPLE MATTER MOVEMENT and let’s add our voices together as Ghanaians to call for political will to end all the ‘constitutional’ injustices and many other problems in Ghana. As once said by the late Kofi Annan that, “We have the means and the capacity to deal with our problems, if only we can find the political will. We must all unite as citizens and demand leadership. If they can unite as MPs to demand for a new luxurious chamber at the expense of we the tax payers, we can also unite as Ghanaians to demand for a constitutional amendment to institute a two-term limit for them. WAKE UP GHANAIANS...WAKE UP! Signed by Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, works on the construction of a bridge across the Chemu canal merging the Ablekuma South and Ablekuma West constituencies at Chorkor will commence by the end of this week. This was made known by the Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority(CODA), Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib when he interacted with the media on Monday, 28th April, 2020. The CEO led a team comprising contractors, consultants and journalists to acquaint themselves with the situation at Chemunaa in the deprived community after a footbridge collapsed and was washed away following a downpour on Sunday. Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib indicated that, but for the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which resulted in restriction of movements over the last few weeks, construction of a new bridge would have already started as the Authority had already awarded the contract for the construction of a new bridge made up of a driveway and a pedestrian walkway. The project is expected to be completed in nine months. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CODA has earmarked the construction of a modern bridge across the Chemu canal which merges two constituencies, Ablekuma South and Ablekuma West through the Old Winneba Road. This is part of Ablekuma South constituency’s allocation of one million dollars for special projects aimed at accelerating economic and social development. The Authority held two public engagements with the community which involved the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Member of Parliament, traditional leaders, elected officials, youth and other groups within the community to seek their views as part of building consensus for the project. TEMPORARY MEASURES Responding to requests by some members of the community for the construction of a temporary bridge while construction of permanent one by CODA goes on, the CEO implored residents to discard the idea of a temporary footbridge and use a nearby one in the interim while a permanent solution is provided with the construction of the new bridge. He also called on residents to cooperate with the contractor when he comes on site to work. Lawyer Jerry, as the CEO is affectionately called by residents in the community, also encouraged willing youth in the community to take advantage of income-earning opportunities that come with the construction works. The Chief of Chorkor, Nii Adote Barima II expressed joy at the swiftness with which CODA officials had responded to the plight of residents since the old footbridge collapsed. He expressed confidence in the CEO, adding that he knew the new bridge would soon be completed since the community leadership had already been engaged on the project and an agreement had already been reached. Source: CODA

Two persons who fled health authorities after contracting the novel coronavirus have been found. This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Aboagye, on Tuesday. The duo, whose cases were recorded at Tamale and Old Fadama a suburb of Accra respectively, took their heels after their results came back positive. The commercial head porter in the Accra incident was part of two people in the area who eluded contact tracers after her test results came in on Monday, April 6, 2020. One of them was found with the assistance of the Chief Executive Officer of Accra Metropolitan Assembly on April 9 while the status of the former was made known today ay by the GHS. The Tamale incident involved a Guineans lady in her 20s, who scaled the wall at the back of the hotel where she and nine others were being held in mandatory quarantine back in March. But speaking at a press briefing at the Information Ministry, Dr Aboagye explained that “the Fadama case I am aware, they’ve been found and those in Tamale have also being found. “They are all being taken care of,” he added. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Covid-19 cases have increased by 121 pushing the tally to 1,671. According to Dr Patrick Aboagye, 33 more patients have recovered, sending the total number to 188 with the number of deaths climbing up to 16. The Director-General also stated that efforts are currently being channeled into clearing the over 68,000 backlogs of tests, adding that samples were still being taken to detect the transmission of Covid-19 in parts of the country. He explained that there are also plans to “upscale our lab system in terms of the capacity of the individual labs and expanding or creating new labs to be able to catch up on that. Source: Myjoyonline.com

General Secretary of the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has expressed disappointment in the Electoral Commission of Ghana saying if it does not change from its deviant ways, it will lose its credibility to the citizenry. According to the General Secretary, he cannot fathom why the Electoral Commission was not questioned after its leadership defied the lockdown directive by the President and held a workshop for its members in Accra. Speaking on Accra-based Radio Station, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said “The President lifted the ban on movement but that of the social gathering was still on. The Electoral Commission defied the directive and held a meeting in a hotel holding a workshop inviting its members across the country to come. What happened to the social gathering directive?” He added although the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has its stands on the Electoral Commission, he is surprised the EC is being biased in its dealings. Mr. Asiedu Nketia added that he finds interesting how the Electoral Commission managed to announce its meeting date few days before President Akufo-Addo lifted the partial lockdown on movement. He challenged the Ghana Police to call to order persons who flouted the directives of the President during the period of lockdown. VOTER’S REGISTER / ELECTIONS Mr. Asiedu Nketia said “I will not discuss these Election matters until we are done with the covid-19 pandemic. I have a problem with those doing the politics of the elections. It is only when the President’s directive is not being respected. When will this virus go, we do not know so why focus on the election? We can’t focus on two things” The General Secretary added that since there is a divisive admonishing on-going, it will be prudent for politicians to refrain for commenting on the voter’s register/elections brouhaha. “The President said we are fighting an enemy, yet others are thinking about the voter’s register. This is contradictory. I will decline to talk about the Voter’s register. I don’t want to be led into the arena of controversy” he said. He further explained that since President Akufo-Addo has not called the NDC into his COVID-19 team, they will not force themselves. Mr. Asiedu Nketia mentioned that the division is not about the political parties adding the NDC Covid-19 team has generated some problems and submitted to the Presidency but have been declined audience. “They have been tossing and turning us. When we go to the Health Minister, We are told to see the Information Minister and vice versa on who to deliver it to” He noted the setting up of NDC COVID-19 team was towards the fulfilment of the President’s call of a united team against the pandemic. “There is nothing wrong with Mahama broadcasting and talking about his findings on Covid-19. We are even urging people to wear the nose mask. He even used the little he has on him to buy so items to people who are in need. It is surprising how people feel the Former President has no right to do what he is doing” he emphasised. Mr. Asiedu Nketia stated he was in no position to rate the President on his efforts on the fight against Covid-19 adding Government’s communication was below expectation. “They told us that the virus is not dangerous but it was a contradiction. The media interviewed lots of people but their response was not clear enough to educate or inform the masses. NCCE did not play any role” he said. GLOBAL APPLAUSE Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia said “President Akufo-Addo does not have a world wide applause. We listen to what we want to hear. Let us not forget that these people are not living here. We are here and should be very worried” NDC MANIFESTO / RUNNING MATE “Ghanaians are not ready to hear when NDC will disclose its manifesto or who our Running Mate is. They are rather looking at when the Covid-19 will be curbed” the General Secretary revealed. He challenged the President to pinpoint the short-falls of the opposition NDC in the health sector. 88 DISTRICT HOSPITALS He said “You can fool the people on the first time but not the second time”. Mr. Asiedu Nketia hinted Government can not build the hospitals questioning what stopped them from putting up the structures in the early year’s of their leadership. He advised Ghanaians to be vigilant and mindful adding the Akufo-Addo administration has nothing to offer and must be shown the exit after its first term. Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

Media Personality and Social Media Influencer, Nana Aba Anamoah has got the internet talking after dropping a video of her new hairstyle. The video which saw the Celebrated Journalist flaunting her new braids has caught the attention of her followers and attracted lots of ‘love reactions and messages’. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that Nana Aba Anamoah’s video on the Instagram has attracted 147,156 views, 146K love reactions and 592 comments whiles her Twitter handle has 35.6K views, 361 retweets and 6,243likes. Story by Maame Serwaa

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has debunked allegations from the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC) that Government has abandoned some projects started by Mahama Administration. According to him, Government has not abandoned the hospital projects rather it is working on some of them. The Minister said “The unfinished hospitals largely remain work in progress and we will give an update on where we picked them from and how far we have come with them”, Oppong Nkrumah. He added there are some hospitals which have been completed and are in use. Mr. Oppong Nkrumah further explained that although some are completed, the uncompleted ones are having financial and contractual difficulties hence its completion. “We will also give dates on when those in progress will be finished. It is to make the point that, some may be uncompleted still but they are not abandoned, it is work in progress, it will be finished by a particular time” he said. Background President Akufo-Addo in his 8th Address to the Nation on measures taken to curb coronavirus revealed that the virus has not caused discomfort in the lives of people but has also exposed the country’s deficiencies in the healthcare systems. President Akufo-Addo noted his Government will this year ensure that it puts up 88 hospitals in districts of the country to help combat the deadly novel coronavirus. Although this assertion from the President has received lots of backlash from the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghanaians, it is bent on achieving this profit. Story by Maame Serwaa

The Member of Parliament for Juaboso in the Western Region, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has expressed disappointment in President Akufo-Addo for using the COVID-19 crisis as an avenue to unveil campaign promises ahead of the upcoming 2020 general elections. According to him, calls by President Akufo-Addo to build 88 new hospitals in districts in the country within a year is a dream which is impossible and unnecessary. Speaking on an Accra-based Radio Station, the MP said “What I have realised is that His Excellency the President is hiding behind the update of COVID-19 to launch his campaign. These are campaign promises. But we know that when it comes to campaign promises, the President has a certain history” He added that President Akufo-Addo has devised a strategy to win the votes of Ghanaians by making unrealistic promises with the pandemic which he knows will end up confusing the masses. The MP questioned the ruling Government on why it has not been able to construct a single hospital in districts across the country as promised in their 2016 Manifesto. “You have promise to build 88 hospitals; but the immediate question is that what correlation has it got with the fight against COVID-19?” he quizzed. The Member of Parliament however questioned Government why it has abandoned hospital projects started by Former President Mahama. He noted that although the abandoned hospitals are near completion, it is better to complete it than wasting money to build new ones. Meanwhile, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has clarified that the hospitals built by the previous Government have not been left to its fate rather it is being worked on. Story by Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some senior officials in the Trump administration have agreed to new measures to restrict the global supply of chips to Huawei Technologies, at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic impacts economic growth around the world. Under the proposed rule change, foreign companies that use U.S. chip making equipment would be required to obtain a U.S. license before supplying certain chips to Huawei. Analysts say the proposed change of trade rules will backfire on U.S. companies as the later will develop their own supply chain. A report by the Boston Consulting Group states further escalation in U.S. export control to Huawei will result in and end the leadership of U.S. in semiconductor and will consequently decouple the US and Chinese technology industries. Driving Force of Development The semiconductor industry is widely recognized as a key driver and technology enabler for the whole electronics value chain. With expanding tech industry and deepening innovation culture, Africa has proved its potential to be a competitive force in technology in the future. How this unilaterally proposed change of rules by U.S. would hurt Africa’s fast growing technology industry? In 2019, the global market for semiconductors was projected to shrink by 12% due to growing economic uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war. This year’s COVID-19 pandemic is further shaking up the global semiconductor industry. A new IDC report says the semiconductor industry will fall by 6%. The proposed move by some U.S. officials will create more uncertainties in the global industry of semiconductor, the centerpiece of ICTs that transform society for the better. These technologies which enable new technologies like artificial intelligence, 5G and the Internet of Things, have been playing a critical role in Africa’s social economic development. When the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, ICTs and digital economy will also play a crucial role in economic recovery. Not Allowed To Cook In Your Own Kitchen With An American Pan If we look closely at the proposed change of rules, we can see that it aims for imposing restrictions on the use of equipment that has already been sold. This will severely undermine the basic principles of international trade. The post-sale rules change will ultimately erode trust in the global supply chain, nullifying established norms and regulations overnight. Needless to say, Africa will also be the victim. The global semiconductor value chain has taken decades to build. Semiconductor modules are highly interdependent, and no company or country can build up a comprehensive supply chain on their own. If these new rules were to take effect, even if merely one piece of US-origin equipment, say a screwdriver purchased from the US years ago, was used at any step in the production of chips, chipmakers outside of the US would have to seek approval from the US government. By way of example, this is equivalent to say one could not be allowed to make face mask during the coronavirus pandemic, because a pair of American scissors are used in the mask production line. This situation will further deteriorate the already hard-hit global economy, when we are in urgent need of an open, collaborative, and stable global value chain. Africa’s Share In Semiconductor According to a report by Deloitte, the global semiconductor industry is set to continue its robust growth well into the next decade due to emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and Internet of Things, coupled with consistent spending on R&D and competition among key players. The global semiconductor sector market offers Africa opportunities not to be missed. With a massive growth in technology hubs across the continent-growing over 50% in the last several years, Africa needs to have a share in global semiconductors industry, to secure its competiveness in the future. Story by Edison Xie, Director of Media Affairs, Huawei Southern Africa Region