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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

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