Videos circulated on social media depicted flames engulfing the lower levels of the residential building while thick black smoke billowed from the upper floors.
Additionally, around 15 people sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals, with many of them being foreign workers residing in the building.
Despite the tragic incident, officials confirmed that the fire is now under control and rescue operations are ongoing.
The blaze was first reported at 06:00 local time on Wednesday, as stated by Maj-Gen Eid al-Oweihan on state TV.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah expressed concern over potential violations and greed among real estate owners during his visit to the scene, as reported by Reuters.
Local media speculations hinted at overcrowding in the building, while a senior police officer informed state TV about the presence of a large number of individuals in the structure at the time of the fire.
“Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” he said, adding that warnings were often issued about overcrowding in this type of accommodation.
There is currently no information available regarding the nationalities of the workers or the specifics of their jobs.
Elon Musk has made a surprising request to a California court, asking to withdraw a legal case against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman.
The lawsuit accused them of straying from the original mission of developing AI for the betterment of humanity.
In the filing submitted by Musk’s legal team, there was no explanation provided for the sudden decision to drop the months-old case.
This request came just a day before the court was scheduled to address OpenAI’s motion to dismiss the case.
BBC News reached out to Musk’s lawyer and OpenAI for comment regarding the withdrawal of the case.
The latest filing asked for the dismissal “without prejudice,” leaving open the possibility for Musk to revive the case in the future.
The lawsuit, filed by Musk at the end of February, alleged that OpenAI had shifted its focus from altruistic goals to profit-making ventures.
OpenAI countered Musk’s claims, pointing out that he had previously supported the idea of a for-profit structure and had even proposed a merger with his company, Tesla.
Tensions escalated further after Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to enhance its Siri voice assistant and operating systems with OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
Musk expressed his disapproval of the collaboration through several posts on his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter).
One of the posts ended with the words: “Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the partnership, investors appeared to react positively to the news, leading to Apple’s stock market value reaching a record high of over $3 trillion.
Elon Musk ventured into the AI domain by founding his own company, xAI, in July 2023, with the stated goal of “understanding reality.”
In November of the same year, xAI introduced Grok, a chatbot infused with “a touch of humor,” aiming to compete with establishedplatforms like ChatGPT.
Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, affectionately refers to the national team as “the love of his life” and sees his continued presence in the squad at the age of 39 as “a gift.”
Ahead of his record-breaking sixth European Championship appearance, Ronaldo showcased his enduring prowess by netting twice in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, further extending his international men’s record goal tally to 130.
“I know I don’t have many years of football left,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying myself. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has represented Portugal since 2003 and lifted the European Championship in 2016.
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he said. “Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record.
“Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always one of pride and passion. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez recently described Ronaldo as “unique.”
Despite missing out on silverware this season, Ronaldo scored a Saudi Pro League record 35 goals for Al Nassr in his first full campaign at the club.
“The most important thing is that I am well physically and psychologically,” Ronaldo said. “I am prepared, I always prepare in the best way, I am 100% professional. I will be ready as always to help our country [at the Euros] and respect the coach’s decisions.”
Ronaldo was notably absent from Portugal’s starting lineup in their last two matches at the 2022 World Cup, including their quarterfinal loss to Morocco, a decision that reportedly did not sit well with the player, as stated by then coach Fernando Santos.
Under new management led by Martinez, Portugal has emerged as one of the top contenders for victory in Euro 2024.
Asked if they can replicate the feat of 2016, Ronaldo said, “The thought has to be that they should be positive and take it step by step. Dreaming is free and this team has the talent to dream. Nothing can be achieved without work; we have to work and fight.
“We need to take advantage of this generation of talent to do something beautiful at the European Championship. But I repeat again: talent is not enough. We have to work. We want to start the European Championship in the best possible way.”
Authorities in Kampala are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man hanging at Golf Course, adding to a recent surge in suicide cases in Uganda’s capital and its environs.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Bukendi, suspected to be a vendor at Nakasero Market, was discovered hanging from a tree around 7 am on Tuesday.
Mr. Edwin Ocaya, the head of security at the Golf Course, confirmed Bukendi’s identity with an identity card from Nakasero Market and a national ID belonging to a woman.
While police are yet to establish the motive or circumstances surrounding Bukendi’s death, his body has been retrieved and taken to the city mortuary at Mulago.
This incident comes in the wake of a recent rise in suicide cases in Kampala. Last week, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, reported three cases, including individuals jumping off city buildings and others found hanging from trees, within a span of 72 hours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWKc6FE1Z0I
“Wanonili is suspected to have died by suicide by using a wire tied to a mango tree. What we know about the deceased is that he has been a cancer patient.
The exact motive of this suicide is also under investigation,” he said.
Budo’s body was found hanging on a tree near his house at Ndejje Lubogomu.
Just two days prior to the three reported deaths, John Birungi Babirukamu, a 40-year-old prominent ICT specialist and digital marketer residing in Kitwale, allegedly jumped to his death from the top of a hotel building in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, often linked to various circumstances, with depression being a leading factor.
WHO also reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally. A report by the Ministry of Health, the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) Quarterly Epidemiological Bulletin, indicates that Uganda has a high suicide rate, with men at a higher risk than women.
What experts say
In an interview with this publication, Mr Drabe Godfrey Yiki, Mental health Expert said loans, family related issues, underperformance at work, and a lack of mental health sessions at work have greatly contributed to some of the suicides in the country.
“Lack of mental health sessions at work has greatly contributed to mental health issues and suicides in the country. Many Ugandans are dying with loans and debts and they don’t have anyone with whom they can openly discuss such issues,” Mr Drabe said.
Adding on, “Human resources should organise open sessions at work places; in such sessions, everyone is allowed to share his/her emotions and challenges with others.”
Mr Drabe urged the government to also put place mental awareness campaigns on how Ugandans can access help.
Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, in partnership with the UK National Crime Agency, intercepted a significant cocaine shipment atKotoka International Airport (KIA) on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 166.88 kg of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $6,480,000.
NACOC’s statement revealed that the contraband was found in the luggage of two British nationals, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were preparing to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick.
Each suspect had checked in three bags containing a total of 72 slabs of the suspected drug.
Hall Shamin Ethline’s luggage held 83.44 kg of the substance, alongside personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s bags contained an identical amount, also with personal belongings.
Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently aiding in the investigation.
NACOC emphasised that this operation highlights their vigilance and commitment to ensuring traveller safety and addressing drug-related threats at flight terminals.
Read the full statement by NACOC below:
NACOC IMPOUND 166.88KG OF COCAINE; TWO ARRESTED
On Monday, June 10, 2024, an intelligence-led operation by Officers of the Narcotics Control Commission and the UK National Crime Agency led to the interception of a total of 166.88 kg of substances suspected to be cocaine from the luggage of two British National passengers who were travelling together.
The substance is estimated to have a street value of $6,480,000. The British passengers are Hall Shamin Ethline, and Graham Omar Adel.
The suspects were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick, and checked in their luggage—three bags each, which were all found to contain 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine.
A breakdown of the seizures made is as follows:. Luggage of Hall Shamin Ethline contained a total of 83.44 kg of suspected cocaine, along with her personal items.
Luggage of Graham Omar Adel contained a total of 83.44 kg of suspected cocaine, along with his personal items.
The two have accordingly been arrested, assisting investigations.
The busting of the suspected criminals reinforces the alertness of the NACOC without bias over nationality, signalling their commitment to the safety of travellers and preparedness to combat flight terminal threats relating to the possession of drugs.
Sources close toManchester United have revealed that the club has compiled a list of striker targets, which includes Ivan Toney, Jonathan David, and Joshua Zirkzee, as reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
The pursuit of a striker comes in the wake of Anthony Martial’s departure on a free transfer.
Despite heavy scouting of Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian international has opted to extend his contract with RB Leipzig.
Currently, Rasmus Højlund stands as the sole recognised striker in United’s squad.
While the 21-year-old impressed with 16 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, the club is keen on providing him with more competition upfront.
Zirkzee, who enjoyed a productive season with Bologna, netting 12 goals in 37 appearances, is among the targets.
The 23-year-old, previously with Bayern Munich, possesses a £34 million release clause in his contract.
Meanwhile, Brentford is expected to demand a fee exceeding £50 million for Toney, who is part of England’s squad at Euro 2024.
On the other hand, 24-year-oldCanadian international Davidshowcased his scoring prowess with 26 goals for Lille last season, including 19 in Ligue 1.
With Borussia Dortmund unlikely to meet United’s £40 million asking price, Juventus sees an opportunity to secure Sancho’s services.
The winger spent the latter half of last season on loan with Dortmund, following a well-publicised falling-out with United manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United is eager to offload the 24-year-old, and Juventus emerges as a serious contender.
However, Juventus is currently prioritising a deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
As part of the potential £60 million agreement, Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior could be included in the deal.
The report also suggests interest from other clubs in Italy and Germany for Sancho, who appears to have no future at Old Trafford after sources revealed to ESPN’s Rob Dawson that Ten Hag will remain in his position.
United is actively looking to sell multiple players tobolster their transferbudget for their own recruitment targets.
Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah has guided Sudan to maintain their lead in Group B of the 2026 African FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a dominant 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday afternoon.
Sudan showcased their prowess in the match, taking the lead in the third minute of first-half added time with a goal from Waliedin Khidir, expertly assisted by Abdelrazig Omer.
Yasin Mozamil extended their lead six minutes into the second half, and star player Mohamed Abdelrahman sealed the victory with a goal in the 78th minute.
Remaining undefeated in the qualifiers, Sudan has secured three wins and one draw, accumulating a total of ten points. This impressive tally places them two points ahead of Senegal, currently in the second position with eight points.
The Falcons of Jediane’s achievements are particularly noteworthy given the absence of a competitive league in Sudan due to ongoing conflict in the country.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, forcing them to play their home matches outside Sudan, the team has shown remarkable resilience.
Their ability to secure victories under such circumstances is a testament to their determination and skill.
His leadership and experience are proving invaluable as Sudan continues to perform strongly in the qualifiers.
Sudan’s upcoming match will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position at the top of Group B and move closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
They argue that an advertisement by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for such scholarships is a misuse of taxpayers’ money and goes against the fund’s intended purpose.
According to CSOs like Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) and the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST-Ghana), the GETFund’s actions are illegal and do not align with its mandate.
They cite Section 2(b) of the GETFund Act, 2000 (Act 581), which specifies that the fund should provide supplementary funding to the National Scholarship Secretariat for scholarships at second cycle and tertiary institutions within Ghana.
IFEST strongly believes that access to finance is a major obstacle to tertiary education, particularly due to the inadequacy of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF).
The SLTF, being underfunded, fails to provide sufficient financial aid to needy students, leaving around 30 percent of applicants without access to loans.
The current average student loan amount of GH₵2,250 per year falls short of covering the expenses associated with tertiary education in Ghana, making it difficult for students to afford their studies.
However, GETFund is willing to support the average cost of a one-year foreign Masters scholarship worth GH₵400,000.
“For GETFund to even conceive the idea of awarding foreign Masters’ scholarships in Ghana today is unconscionable,” stated Peter Anti, Executive Director of IFEST.
With the 2023 Gross Tertiary Enrollment (GTE) rate stated to be 19.2 percent amid a 34 percent secondary-tertiary transition rate, especially when Ghana is recording an unprecedented 60 percent WASSCE pass rate in Core Subjects, the Ministry of Education (MoE) must be concerned about the inability of senior high school graduates to further their education due to financial challenges.
The MoE must also be worried that Ghana’s set target to achieve 40 percent GTE by 2030 – as announced in 2018 – after five years has only moved up by three percent from the previous 16.97 percent.
“The decision to spend scarce education sector resources on foreign scholarships for Masters’ students who end up studying courses existing in Ghana is not only wasteful but does not represent prioritised spending in a sector with over 5,000 basic schools under trees, sheds and dilapidated structures in the 21st century,” Executive Director-Eduwatch Kofi Asare stated.
Foreign scholarships and ‘Value for Money’
An assessment of non-bilateral public foreign scholarships in Ghana reveals that more than 95 percent of these programs are already offered by local Ghanaian universities.
Moreover, studying abroad through these programs costs approximately 20 times more than studying locally.
This lack of cost-effectiveness raises concerns about the judicious use of funds and contradicts President Nana Akufo-Addo’scommitment to safeguarding public finances.
Why parliament must oppose the move
The CSOs have urged Parliament to intervene by halting GETFund’s actions, citing a lack of budgetary allocation for such expenditures in the 2024 fiscal year.
They clarified that Parliament approved a GH₵3.9 billion allocation to GETFund in March 2024, following a specific distribution formula that did not encompass scholarships.
Therefore, GETFund’s plans to allocate funds directly to foreign scholarships in the 2024/25 period fall outside the approved expenditure items outlined in Parliament’s 2024 GETFund formula, rendering them illegal.
“We urge parliament to prevent GETFund from spending on foreign scholarships, not just because it is unapproved by parliament but also amounts to wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money,” they stated.
The CSOs have also urged the Minister for Education, Yaw Osei Adutwum, to instruct GETFund to cease the ongoing foreign scholarship application process.
Auditor-General on GETFund
It’s worth noting that the Auditor-General’s 2019 GETFund Performance Audit Report recommended adherence to Section 2(b) of the GETFund Act, urging GETFund to refrain from managing foreign scholarships and instead allocate funds to the Scholarship Secretariat for scholarship administration.
This recommendation, endorsed by GETFund since 2020, should be maintained.
Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress(TEWU-TUC)have announced plans to initiate an indefinite strike.
This decision comes in response to perceived disparities concerning the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other related allowances.
The unions argue that they have been excluded from the recent increase in the VMA, despite their crucial role within the university system.
“The Commission’s decision to grant the VMA review to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), while excluding SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, andTEWU-TUC members,is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and natural justice in the administration of common allowances,” the unions stated.
Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has donated GH₵200,000 to victims of the Kumasi Kejetia market fire.
The fire, which occurred on March 15, 2023, destroyed part of the market, affecting around 50 shops, of which 33 were completely burned.
During a visit to the market on March 20, 2023, the Vice President promised government support for the victims to help them resume their businesses.
However, this promise has not been fulfilled until now.
While on his campaign tour of the Ashanti region, Dr. Bawumia met with the traders in the market on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and presented the GH₵200,000 donation.
The announcement of this support was made by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako,also known as Wontumi.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbinhas stressed the necessity of keeping the military away from polling stations during the upcoming December 7 general elections.
He disclosed plans to engage with the President, political party flagbearers, security services, and other stakeholders to ensure the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.
In his opening remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, June 11, Bagbin asserted that the military should only be present at polling or voting centres if they are specifically called upon to manage a situation.
“We don’t want to see [the] military during the election.
When there is a need to call them, they will be called, but they should not be at polling or voting centres.
“Honourable members, the clergy and notable civil society leaders will be actively involved.
Bank of Ghana (BoG) has defended its decision to revoke the license of GN Savings and Loans.
This follows allegations by Dr. Nduom, who attributed the collapse of his banks to the influence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in shutting down GN Savings and Loans.
Director of Communications at the BoG, Bernard Otabil, provided the rationale for this move, countering allegations made by Dr. Papa Kwasi Nduom, Chairman of Group Nduom.
Mr. Otabil clarified that the revocation was due to GN Savings and Loans’ violations of financial regulations, including the Foreign Exchange Act of 2006 (Act 723).
Foreign Exchange Act of 2006 (Act 723) provides a legal framework for regulating foreign exchange transactions in Ghana, ensuring that such activities are conducted in an orderly and lawful manner.
The Act empowers the Bank of Ghana to oversee these transactions, enforce compliance, and implement measures to protect the country’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
“At the end of the day, it is not in the interest of the central bank or we don’t go out there and say this institution must actually be closed down at all cost.
In fact, let me make it clear that the GN Bank and GN Savings and Loans were actually disrespectful to the central bank” he noted.
Citing instances of some unlawful transactions done by GN Bank sometime before it’s was collapsed, the BoG Communications Director contended that BoG still stands by its statement issued in August 2019 which declared GN Bank insolvent and among other the need for its collapse.
“For instance, if you go through the books you will see that there was a transfer of dollars, and pounds and Euros to International Business Solutions which is an institution affiliated to the group network based outside which was in direct breach of the Foreign Exchange Act of 2006 (Act 723).
These provisions are there. Our statement of August 16 2019, we stand by that statement and in that statement, we have given all the reasons behind the revocation of the license of GN Savings and loans,” he told TV3’s Paa Kwasi Asare.
In 2019, the Bank of Ghana revoked the licenses of 23 savings and loans companies, including GN Bank. The bank subsequently sought legal action challenging the revocation of GN Savings and Loans’ license by the Bank of Ghana.
However, in January of this year, an Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Gifty Addo Adjei, upheld the legality of the Central Bank’s decision.
The court emphasized the institution’s right to revoke the license due to governance deficiencies that rendered GN Savings and Loans unable to meet its debt obligations.
Dr. Nduom claimed that Mr. Ofori-Atta petitioned the Cabinet to facilitate the collapse of GN Bank to prevent any political interference.
“I have with me here a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Finance at that time, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, asking Cabinet to agree for GN Bank to be collapsed, for its license to be taken. This memorandum didn’t consider that this bank was the biggest bank with the widest distribution in Ghana.
“It didn’t recognize that we were providing banking services that increased financial inclusion in Ghana. It didn’t recognize that we were supporting financial development and economic development in Ghana.
“It just said, these people are causing us problems and therefore it might affect our political chances, so let’s shut it down,” Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom claimed in a viral video shared on X formerly Twitter.
He acknowledged that, although the memorandum was presented to the cabinet, the cabinet did not consentto Ken Ofori-Atta‘srequest to revoke the bank’s operating license.
Ghana coach Otto Addoacknowledged that the rainy weather significantly impacted the Black Stars’ thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday.
This crucial win propelled Ghana to the top of Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Held at the Baba Yara Stadium, the match featured a hat-trick from Jordan Ayew and a goal from Fatawu Issahaku, securing a hard-fought victory for the Black Stars.
The game was exciting and goal-filled, with rain playing a pivotal role in Ghana’s performance, according to Addo.
The match began with Ghana in control, as Ayew converted a penalty in the sixth minute.
However, CAR quickly responded with two goals from Louis Mafouta, giving the visitors a first-half lead.
Ghana returned stronger in the second half, with Ayew scoring two more goals and Issahaku adding a sensational strike.
Speaking after the game, Otto Addo revealed that the rain contributed to their improved performance in the second half.
“The rain helped us play better and move the ball faster. Thank you to God for letting it rain,” Addo stated. “The support from the start was massive. Even though we were down, they stayed by our side. Thank you very much, Kumasi, for coming out again.”
He also acknowledged that the first half was challenging for Ghana as they struggled to control the game and create opportunities upfront.
“We had problems in the first half controlling the ball and finding solutions upfront. I take the blame. Maybe I wanted us to do too much, though we had a few days of training. We adjusted in the second half and deserved to win,” Addo admitted.
The victory places Ghana at the top of Group I with nine points as they await the outcomes of the matches between Madagascar and Mali and Chad and Comoros.
The Black Stars are now in a strong position to continue their campaign for a place in the2026 World Cup.
FA has yet to identifyGareth Southgate’s successor, despite the possibility that he might leave his England role if they fail to win Euro 2024.
The England squad, along with Southgate, has arrived in Germany, ready to compete in Euro 2024. Ahead of the continental tournament, the Three Lions’ boss hinted that he might consider stepping down after eight years if they do not secure the European Championship.
Harry Kane and his teammates are regarded as one of the favourites to win the trophy this year.
Speaking to BILD, he said, “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. So maybe this is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament—that’s the nature of international football.
“I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more, please,’ as at some point people lose faith.
If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”
According to The Telegraph, despite ongoing speculation about 53-year-old Gareth Southgate’s future, the FA has not yet started the search for his potential replacement.
They are keen for Southgate to remain as England’s head coach beyond his current contract, which ends in December 2024.
However, with Premier League giants Manchester United showing interest, Southgate has been non-committal about his future ahead of the Euros.
The report also mentions that the FA is considering potential successors such as Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe if Southgate decides to step down this summer.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions are set to begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday.
Despite the reported interest from Leicester, Davide, who is the son of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Leicester City, who recently lost manager Enzo Maresca to Chelsea, were reportedly interested in Davide.
However, according to Relevo, Davide has declined the approach from Leicester City and is fully focused on his career at Real Madrid.
Although Davide has previous experience in the Premier League, having worked alongside his father at Everton, he has opted to continue his career at Real Madrid for the time being.
Davide has also worked with his father at Napoli and is considered to have the potential for a future career as a head coach.
Former Spain striker Fernando Torres, who won the World Cup, has been appointed as the head coach of Atlético Madrid’s B team, the LaLiga club announced in a statement on Tuesday.
“I accept it as a great challenge with a lot of ambition and the tranquility of knowing that we are ready,” Torres, who previously coached Atlético’s under-19s, said, adding that he understood that the objective of the B team is to develop players for the club’s first team.
While coaching the U19s, Torres secured two league titles, clinched one Copa de Campeones, and steered the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Youth League.
Torres steps in to replace Luis García Tevenet, who secured consecutive promotions in his initial two seasons and led his team to a ninth-place finish in Spain’s third division.
Tevenet is poised to transition to Diego Simeone’s senior coaching staff.
Aged 40, Torres amassed over 100 goals across two stints at his childhood club, Atlético Madrid.
He played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumphs at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and their inaugural World Cup victory in 2010.
Beyond his tenure with Atlético, Torres also had notable spells with Liverpool, Chelsea, and AC Milan.
His contributions included Champions League and Europa League titles during his time with the London-based club, alongside an additional Europa League triumph with Atlético in 2018.
Over 39 individuals from the Horn of Africa have lost their lives after their boat capsized off the coast of Yemen, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and local officials.
Survivors informed rescuers that the vessel, carrying 260 migrants, sank on Monday amidst strong winds.
Efforts are underway to locate the whereabouts of 150 individuals who remain missing.
The IOM has confirmed that it is offering assistance to 71 survivors.
Local authorities in Rudum, located east of Aden, stated that the individuals aboard the boat were migrants, primarily from Ethiopia, who use Yemen as a transit point to access Gulf states.
Hadi al-Khurma, the director of Rudum district, informed Reuters news agency that the boat sank before reaching the shore.
Fishermen and local residents managed to rescue survivors, who disclosed that additional migrants were unaccounted for from the same vessel, Mr. al-Khurma added.
“The search is still ongoing and the United Nations has been informed of the incident,” he said.
Last year, 97,000 migrants made their way to Yemen from the Horn of Africa, as reported by the UN.
This surge in arrivals has occurred despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen and recent attacks by Houthi forces on ships in the Red Sea.
Gunmen on motorcyclesattacked the village of Yargoje in Kankara, located in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state, late on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people and the abduction of several others, according to authorities.
Nasiru Babangida Mu’azu, the state commissioner for security affairs, informed BBC Hausa that dozens of armed individuals carried out the assault, riding motorcycles and engaging in indiscriminate shooting while looting shops in the community.
These attacks by armed groups, commonly known as bandits, in the north-west and central regions of Nigeria have become alarmingly frequent, with authorities appearing unable to effectively counter them.
Despite the government and security forces’ assurances of efforts to curb the widespread insecurity, the situation persists, leaving residents feeling vulnerable.
Eyewitnesses recounted to the BBC how the assailants arrived in the community on motorcycles, firing shots at random, and pillaging shops before seizing an unspecified number of villagers.
“The people killed by bandits are more than 50, because some dead bodies are still being recovered from the bush,” said a resident who did not want to be named.
“They killed children, women and men, and kidnapped a huge amount of people. They injured more than 30 residents who are currently receiving treatment at the general hospital.”
Another resident, Abdullahi Yunusa Kankara, told Reuters that he narrowly escaped the onslaught, which he said continued into the early hours of Monday.
“Our town has turned into a death zone. Almost every house in the village has fallen victim to this attack. More dead bodies were recovered this [Monday] morning,” he said.
Residents who managed to escape the attack are now attempting to determine the exact number of individuals who have been abducted.
The incident in Yargoje recalls previous instances of mass kidnappings in the region. In December 2020, over 300 students were abducted from a boys’ secondary boarding school on the outskirts of Kankara by gunmen on motorcycles.
They were eventually released a week later, following negotiations between the Katsina state government and the kidnappers.
Similarly, in March of this year, numerous passengers were kidnapped during a brazen daylight assault in the same area of Katsina State, the home State of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudusexpressed his displeasure with comments made by some compatriots on social media regarding his performance during the matches against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) on June 10, 2024.
Expected to shine on the field, Kudus faced challenges during both games, leading to criticism from some quarters of Ghanaian fans, who urged him to step up his game and avoid complacency.
In response, Kudus defended himself by urging fans to refrain from discussing his performance and to remain silent instead.
One of the criticisms was, “You people should tell Kudus the truth. He’s not Messi, nor is he Ronaldo. He should stop doing too much and release the ball quickly.”
The West Ham United star replied, “Masa, be quiet!!!!!”
Kudus and fans clash
Another tweet went like this: “Mohammed Kudus needs to be talked to. What kind of selfishness and unnecessary ball control is that?”
Kudus replied, urging the critic, “Come and talk to me yourself.”
Kudus played a role as Ghana secured a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in their fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick and a goal from Fatawu Issahaku sealed the 4-3 win for Ghana against the Central African Republic, who also saw their star forward, Mafouta, score a hat-trick.
Sitting atop Group I with nine points from four games, the Black Stars lead the standings, although the outcomes of the matches between Madagascar versus Mali and Chad versus Comoros could alter the group rankings.
Four tutors from Iowa’s Cornell College have been hospitalised after being stabbed by an unidentified assailant at a public park in China.
The incident occurred during a daytime visit to the park in the northern province of Jilin, according to a statement from the college describing it as a “serious incident.”
Iowa Representative Adam Zabner confirmed that his brother, David, was among the injured, describing the event as a stabbing.
China’s foreign ministry has stated that none of the injured individuals are in critical condition.
According to Mr. Zabner, the group had been visiting a local temple on Monday when they were attacked by a knife-wielding assailant at Beishan Park in Jilin City.
He reported that his brother had sustained a stab wound to the arm and was currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.
“He has not yet been released this morning but he’s doing okay,” he told CBS News.
Cornell College said the four instructors had been teaching “as part of a partnership with a university in China.”.
The group had been accompanied by a member of Beihua University at the time of their visit to the park on Monday.
China’s foreign ministry said that the injured were immediately rushed to a hospital, where they received treatment. Spokesperson Lin Jian would not answer questions about whether the assailant was in custody, adding that further investigation was needed.
“This was an isolated incident and the investigation continues.
China is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world and China will continue to take relevant measures to ensure that foreigners are safe in the country.
“We believe this will not damage relations with other countries,” he said.
Earlier, a spokesperson from the US State Department informed the BBC that they were aware of reports regarding a stabbing incident in Jilin but were unable to offer further details.
Circulating images suggest that at least three individuals are seen bleeding and lying on the ground. However, the incident seems to have swiftly disappeared from China’s internet, with searches for terms like “foreigners Jilin” yielding no results on Weibo despite the topic trending.
Instead, internet users resorted to discussing adjacent topics and seeking additional information about the event.
Hu Xijin, a former chief editor of China’s Global Times, previously mentioned on Weibo that China has experienced a rise in foreign visitors and that the Chinese people are generally welcoming to them, referring to the incident as an isolated occurrence.
However, his post has since been removed.
Chinese state media have also provided minimal coverage of the incident. Mr. Zabner revealed that his brother, a doctoral student at Tufts University, had previously visited China and was on his second trip with Cornell College.
Despite tense diplomatic relations, efforts have been made by Beijing and Washington to promote people-to-people exchanges.
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over the next five years, while Chinese diplomats have criticised a US State Department travel advisory discouraging Americans from visiting China.
A statement from the president’s office has revealed that an aircraft carryingMalawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilimaand nine other individuals has disappeared.
The Malawi Defence Force aircraft lost contact after departing from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning.
It was scheduled to arrive at Mzuzu International Airport in the country’s north around 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).
In a speech late on Monday, President Lazarus Chakwera said a search and rescue operation was continuing.
“Soldiers are still on the ground carrying out the search and I have given strict orders that the operation should continue until the plane is found,” he said, adding that it was a “heart-breaking situation”.
“I know that we are all frightened and concerned; I too am concerned. But I want to assure you that I am sparing no available resource to find that plane and I am holding onto every fibre of hope that we will find survivors.”
Earlier, Mr. Chakwera cancelled his scheduled flight to the Bahamas, which was set for Monday evening. General Valentino Phiri informed Mr. Chakwera that the reason for the aircraft’s disappearance is still unknown.
Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi’s information minister, informed the BBC that efforts to locate the aircraft are underway and described them as “intensive.”
Mr. Chilima was en route to represent the government at the funeral of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who passed away three days ago.
Mr Kunkuyu said: “The airport he was to land, which is in the northern part of Mzuzu, was the closest to where the funeral was taking place.”
Dr. Chilima faced arrest and charges in 2022 over allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for government contracts. However, the court recently dismissed these charges without providing any explanation.
Saulos Chilima is a prominent figure in both the political and corporate spheres.
Before entering politics, he held significant leadership positions at multinational corporations such as Unilever and Coca-Cola.
At 51 years old, he is married and has two children.
Described as a “performer,” “workaholic,” and “achiever” on the government’s website, Dr. Chilima is highly regarded for his dedication and accomplishments. He holds aPhD in Knowledge Management.
Ghanaian sports broadcaster Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, has voiced his criticism of the Black Stars’ technical team for their decision to benchJordan Ayew in Ghana’s 2-1victory over Mali.
Expressing his discontent, Songo suggested that Jordan’s exclusion from the starting lineup was part of a larger agenda against the Ayew family, which he found particularly troubling.
He went further to allege that there was a deliberate effort by the technical team to sideline Jordan, whom he regards as the team’s most talented player.
“It was a plan to bench Jordan Ayew; that’s why you benched him. Jordan Ayew is better than all the current players on the Black Stars. He is ahead of all of them,” he said.
He contended that Thomas Partey pales in comparison to Jordan, emphasizing that the skipper’s position at Arsenal is a testament to his privilege.
Supporting his assertion, he highlighted Partey’s role as a substitute at Arsenal, suggesting that it underscores his lack of impact compared to Jordan.
“He (Joran Ayew) is number 1, then Kudus follows. He is ahead of all of them. For Partey, he’s been privileged to play for Arsenal. Even at Arsenal, he is a bench warmer. Be honest, and the Black Stars will fare well,” he asserted.
Jordan Ayew, initially benched in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali, emerged as the hero with the match-winning goal in the 2-1 triumph.
Despite his limited playing time of less than 20 minutes, Ayew showcased his brilliance, earning plaudits as one of the standout performers of the evening.
The victory has reignited Ghana’s World Cup qualification aspirations, propelling them to third place in the group, level on 6 points with Madagascar and Comoros, who occupy the top two spots.
Following his remarkable impact against Mali, Jordan is anticipated to feature from the start in the upcoming Black Stars’ encounter against the Central African Republic, scheduled for today, June 10, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)has issued a stern warning to the public in response to the circulation of viral videos on social media advocating for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel.
This caution follows a charge given by the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, to illegal miners to beat up soldiers who attempt to halt their mining in the area.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the parliamentary candidate is seen at a forum with individuals believed to be illegal miners, advising them to resist military officers who claim they are there to patrol the area and attempt to forcefully remove them.
He emphasised that no military personnel have been authorised to manage the sites at this time, so miners should fight back if necessary.
Also present at this forum was Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who also heads the Security Council in the region.
Reacting to this, GAF emphasised such actions are illegal and pose a threat to national security and stability.
GAF cautioned that the consequences of such confrontations could be severe and stressed the importance of avoiding them.
GAF reiterated that attacking or assaulting soldiers is a serious offence punishable by law, urging all citizens to respect, cooperate with, and support the Armed Forces.
The statement called for public cooperation to refrain from engaging in or encouraging acts of violence against soldiers.
The Ghana Armed Forces reaffirmedtheir dedication to the values of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation, as well as their collaboration with other security agencies to protect Ghana’s interests while respecting citizens’ rights and dignity.
GAF encouraged the public to address their concerns or grievances through the Department of Public Relations, maintaining an open-door policy to address issues constructively.
Ghana’s Black Stars secured another narrow victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, edging out the Central African Republic (CAR) 4-3 in a thrilling match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, delivering perhaps his finest performance in the Ghanaian jersey, netted a hat-trick, while Fatawu Issahaku added another goal, ensuring the team’s unbeaten home record at the Baba Yara Stadium remained intact.
The Black Stars have not suffered a defeat at this venue since 2000.
The match was a tale of two halves for the four-time African champions, who needed a spirited second-half display to recover from a lacklustre first-half performance.
Ayew opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with a coolly taken penalty. However, the visitors demonstrated resilience, equalising in the 11th minute through Louis Mafouta’s clinical finish.
Mafouta capitalised on a defensive error to give the Central African Republic the lead just before halftime, leaving Ghana trailing by a goal as they headed into the break.
The Black Stars returned rejuvenated for the second half, with Mohammed Kudus orchestrating their attacking play.
Jordan Ayew levelled the score in the 60th minute, connecting with a delightful cross from Gideon Mensah.
Abdul Fatawu Isshaku extended Ghana’s lead two minutes later with a deflected effort from the edge of the box, before Jordan completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capitalising on a rebound.
Despite a late free-kick goal from Mafouta in the 90th minute, Ghana held on to secure their second consecutive victory in the qualifiers.
With this win, Ghana now leads Group I with 9 points, followed by Madagascar and Comoros with 6 points each.
Mali and the Central African Republic are tied for fourth place with 4 points each, while Chad sits at the bottom of the table with zero points.
European Lotteries have voiced opposition to government-imposed taxes on lottery winnings and levies on the gaming industry.
Speaking at a training program on responsible gaming hosted by the National Lottery Authority (NLA)in Accra, European Lotteries Head of Legal, Phillipe Vlaemminck, told the B&FT: “Lottery already benefits society in many positive ways, so it is important for some governments to reconsider taxing the industry.”
He argued that people want to play, and they want to ensure the small amounts that are won do not attract taxes.
Described as a game of chance that benefits society, Vlaemminck emphasised that it is very unnecessary for governments to tax winnings on the lottery, adding: “That is the standard in many places, such as the rest of Europe, the Americas and Asia, which are tax-free for winnings because the whole profit is given back to society.”.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) currently imposes a 10 percent withholding tax on all lottery winnings as income from lottery operations, along with a 20 percent tax rate on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
Vlaemminck emphasised that when players lose, society benefits through developmental projects; lottery provides an opportunity for people to dream, and when they lose, society wins.
He also highlighted Ghana’s dynamic lottery market in Africa, praising the National Lottery Authority (NLA) as a leading gaming operator on the continent.
The European Lotteries commended the NLA for its deep commitment and interest in global industry developments, which enhances knowledge-sharing and positions the Authority as a responsible gaming operator.
During the training, the Director-General of the NLA, Sammi Awuku, stated that the program is crucial for helping the Authority track and crack down on illegal lottery strategies within the system.
Mr. Awuku explained that the certificated program will assist lotto marketing companies and private lotto operators in understanding the negative impacts of illegal lotto operations on their revenues and how they can support the NLA in curbing this issue.
He expressed the NLA’s willingness to collaborate with the European Lotteries in meaningful ways, including adopting AI and technology in the lottery industry.
The training included sessions on responsible gaming, combating illegal lottery operations, anti-money laundering, and the use of new technologies in gaming.
Parliament is set to resume today, Tuesday, June 11, for the second meeting of the Fourth Session.
The House had been abruptly adjourned by Speaker Alban Bagbin on March 20, 2024, following an extensive response to a letter from the Presidency advising against transmitting the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, to the President for assent.
On May 3, 2024, the Majority Caucus petitioned the Speaker to urgently reconvene the House to address critical government business items, including the adoption of the 34th Report of the Appointments Committee and a motion on additional financing.
In response, a letter from the Office of the Speaker has calledMembers of Parliament back from recess to commence proceedings today.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addohas stated that combating corruption has been a primary focus of his administration, countering public criticism that his government has made insufficient progress in this area.
He argued that corruption thrives in secrecy and that access to information is crucial in the fight against it.
To tackle this issue, the President highlighted that his government, during its first term, successfully passed the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2019, ACT 989.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the Act aims to enhance accountability and transparency, fulfilling Article 21, clause 1(f) of the constitution.
Speaking at the commissioning of ‘The Law House’ project on June 10, he said, “The Act, which successive governments failed to pass, sees to the implementation of the constitutional right to information held by public institutions to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs, subject to exemptions necessary and consistent with the protection of the public interest in a democratic society.
The Act is now fully implemented, with the governing board chaired by an experienced and respected retired high court judge.”
The president stated that the Ministry of Information has trained information officers across various government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure the full implementation of the Right to Information law.
He also mentioned that in 2018, Parliament passed the Witness Protection Act, Act 975, which he signed into law on August 24th of the same year.
“The Act establishes a witness protection agency to create a witness protection scheme as a vehicle for offering protection to persons who are required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly corruption cases affecting public officers,” he noted.
President Akufo-Addo also dismissed former President Mahama’s portrayal of him as a “clearing agent” who always exonerates his appointees accused of corruption.
Akufo-Addo asserted that he has merely ensured thorough investigations of such cases to prevent injustices, emphasising his commitment to upholding the legal system.
2024 flagbearer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to reviving collapsed banks and financial institutions following a thorough and unbiased assessment.
He emphasised that this initiative is crucial for stabilising the financial sector and restoring public trust.
Mahama expressed his concern about Ghana’s rising unemployment rate and urged Ghanaians to support him in the 2024 general elections to help rejuvenate the struggling economy.
He highlighted that restoring these financial institutions would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
During an interaction with Ghanaians on Sunday, June 9, Mahama acknowledged the increasing frustration among the youth.
He outlined his vision for economic recovery, stressing the need for inclusive policies that benefit all segments of society.
The former president assured the youth of his commitment to fostering a nation characterised by shared growth and prosperity.
He reiterated his dedication to addressing unemployment and creating a more equitable economic environment through the revival of key financial institutions and the implementation of progressive policies.
“By resetting Ghana, I will repair the dangerous damage to our country’s economy and people. Businessmen and women who government apparatchiks have given raw deals will have their say and can be assured of restoration.
After a thorough and unbiased assessment, collapsed banks and financial institutions will be restored. We will provide decent and well-paying jobs through my 24-hour economy initiative.”
“Let me be clear: I am utterly appalled and disappointed by the unprecedented unemployment rate we are seeing today,” he said.
Scotland assistant John Carver reassured everyone that Andy Robertson would recover after he suffered a fall during Monday morning’s training session.
Concerns arose among Scotland’s coaching staff when Robertson had to be escorted away from the training ground in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Given Scotland’s recent run of injuries, which sidelined Nathan Patterson, Ben Doak, Aaron Hickey, Jacob Brown, and Lewis Ferguson from the trip to Germany, the prospect of losing their captain added to the mounting worries as Scotland prepares for their European Championship opener against the host nation.
Carver said, “It was a precaution, really. The ball just caught his ankle but he will train tomorrow; he will be fine.
Obviously, at this stage, we are going to be extra cautious. But he is ok; he is fine, and we look forward to him joining back in tomorrow.”
Striker Lawrence Shankland was also notably absent from this morning’s training session after picking up a “niggle” in Scotland’s 2-2 draw with Finland last week.
“Obviously, he had quite a lot of game time in the two friendlies he played so we are just protecting him,” Carver said of Shankland. “Everybody has their own programme when they are coming back but he is fine;he is good.“
Swiss President Viola Amherd announced on Monday that representatives from ninety countries worldwide are expected to participate in a conference dedicated to forging a path to sustainable peace in Ukraine.
However, Russia will not be among the attendees.
The conference, scheduled for June 15–16, aims to foster discussions and agreements towards resolving the ongoing conflict, which began nearly 28 months ago with the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Despite being hosted at Kyiv’s request, Russia will not be attending the conference organised by Switzerland.
Bern had previously stated that Russia was not invited, as it had indicated a lack of interest in participating.
Moscow contends that Switzerland’s alignment with sanctions imposed by the European Union disqualifies it from neutrality.
Nevertheless, the Swiss government has asserted that the conference’s objective is to collaboratively outline a roadmap for involving both Russia and Ukraine in future peace efforts.
Invitation list Amherd said that “a handful” of the confirmed participants are from organisations like the United Nations, with the rest representing countries, about half of which are sending a head of state or government.
US President Joe Biden will not but the White House will instead send Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Amherd denied that Switzerland was “disappointed” that fewer than 100 countries would attend after about 160 invitations were sent.
Swiss officials revealed that Brazil and China declared their intention not to participate unless all sides, including Russia, were represented at the conference.
This decision came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Beijing, in collaboration with Russia, of attempting to sabotage the summit by exerting pressure on other nations to abstain from attending.
Guardiola, whose contract with City ends in June 2025, previously hinted in May that the upcoming season might be his last at the Etihad.
When asked on Monday about the potential of a return to Barça, where he guided the club to 14 honours during his four seasons in charge, Guardiola stated, “It’s a door that is closed.”
The 53-year-old made these remarks during a press conference at his annual golf tournament, the Legends Trophy, currently underway in Girona, Spain.
“The Barça bench is one of the most complicated because you have to manage many cases. In Manchester everything we do remains inside and at Barça, everything comes out,” he said.
The ex-Barça player guided City to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, following a remarkable season that also saw his team achieve a historic treble.
Meanwhile, Barça concluded the 2023–24 season without any silverware and opted for Hansi Flick as the successor to Xavi Hernández in May. Xavi’s tenure ended at the end of the season as the club sought a new direction.
Xavi assumed leadership of the Spanish team in November 2021 and frequently drew comparisons to Guardiola.
Guardiola said of those comparisons: “What is certain is that it’s not my fault. That’s for sure. I’ve been 11 or 12 years away from Barcelona. I’m not a suspect in that sense. Ask that to those who have made the comparisons, I haven’t. I wish Xavi the best in finding a new challenge.”
Regarding Xavi’s replacement, Guardiola expressed confidence in Barça’s choice. Flick, who had been without a job since September 2023 following his dismissal from the Germany national team, previously enjoyed significant success at Bayern Munich.
Flick secured the Champions League as part of a treble in 2020 before transitioning to the Germany national team role in the summer of 2021.
“When you arrive at a new club, you always need help. You have to try to get help from within and have total support. You have to go little by little. You can’t be a champion in September or October.
“Hansi is an extraordinary person who has a lot of desire. A lot. But he needs his time. What he did at Bayern was extraordinary; he won everything.”
Barça finished runners-up to Real Madrid in La Liga, with their rivals adding France star Kylian Mbappé to their already strong roster.
“With or without Mbappé, they are always strong,” Guardiola said.
“It’s the rival to beat in the Champions [League], without a doubt. Everyone knows that. For all of us that are behind them, it’s motivation to try to beat them.
Madrid has always been very strong and they are adding up front a player that has a lot of strength.”
Kwikiriza, an activist with an environmental group opposing a $5 billion internationally funded oil pipeline project in Uganda, has been released from custody, according to his employer.
In a statement on Monday, EGI announced that the activist was discovered abandoned by the roadside in Kyenjoyo and is now safe.
“Unfortunately, he is in poor condition after enduring severe beatings, mistreatment, and abuse throughout the week. Doctors are conducting various examinations.”
The Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) is actively campaigning against the construction of the 1,445 km (900-mile) East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which aims to transport oil from western Uganda’s oilfields to a port on the coast of Tanzania.
Kwikiriza was reportedly detained by the Ugandan military on Tuesday, according to EGI.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) expressed concern, stating that Kwikiriza was allegedly apprehended by Ugandan army officers dressed in civilian clothing, marking a “particularly worrying escalation of repression.”
A senior military officer confirmed Kwikiriza’s detention to the Agence France-Presse news agency on Monday.
“He was taken into custody for questioning regarding his illegal activities, including mobilising fellow activists to oppose the oil pipeline,” the officer told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that he was released after interrogation.
“I have not been made aware of him being beaten during interrogation. It’s a matter that can be investigated and verified.”
FIDH said 11 environmental activists “were kidnapped, arbitrarily arrested, detained or subjected to different forms of harassment by the Ugandan authorities between May 27 and June 5, 2024.”
“The Ugandan government needs to end its harassment of opponents of oil development in the country, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, which has already devastated thousands of people’s livelihoods in Uganda and, if completed, will displace thousands of people and contribute to the global climate crisis,” Myrto Tilianaki, senior environmental rights advocate at HRW, said in a statement.
French energy giant TotalEnergies owns the majority of the stake in the pipeline, with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation and the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments holding minority stakes.
“TotalEnergies E&P Uganda does not tolerate any threat or attack against those who peacefully defend and promote human rights,” TotalEnergies said in a statement to the Reuters news agency on Monday.
The company has dismissed claims made by activists and international organisations that the pipeline will result in the displacement of tens of thousands of people and the destruction of fragile ecosystems.
In September 2022, the European Parliament voiced its opposition to the pipeline through a resolution it adopted.
Three fans have been sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from stadiums for two years over the racist abuse ofVinícius Júnior at Mestalla in May 2023.
The incident — which took place during Real Madrid’s 1-0 LaLiga defeat to Valencia — sparked uproar worldwide, after the Brazil star identified an individual in the crowd who had been racially abusing him, causing the game to be suspended.
Vinícius later hit out at Spanish authorities’ handling of the issue, saying “racism is normal in LaLiga,” while the league called for greater powers to deal with the problem.
On Monday, three fans were found guilty of a crime against moral integrity — aggravated by racially motivated discrimination — under article 173.1 of Spain’s Criminal Code.
They were sentenced to an initial 12 months in prison, reduced by 1⁄3 to eight months, under a principle which sees reduced punishments for defendants who accept criminal responsibility.
They also received a three-year stadium ban, reduced to two years for the same reason, and will have to pay costs.
Lawyers for the defendants requested on Monday that their prison sentences be suspended — a common practice in Spain for sentences under two years — and prosecutors did not object. The judge will rule on that request at a later date.
“This ruling is great news regarding the fight against racism in Spain,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas said.
“It redresses the wrong suffered by Vinícius Júnior and sends a clear message to those people who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse. LaLiga will identify them, report them and there will be criminal consequences for them.”
“I understand that there may be some frustration at the length of time it takes for these sentences to be handed down, but this shows that Spain is a country that guarantees judicial integrity.
LaLiga can only respect the pace of justice, and once again demand that Spanish legislation evolves so that LaLiga has sanctioning powers that can speed up the fight against racism.”
In a statement on Monday, Real Madrid said it would continue to work to eliminate racism.
President Emmanuel Macron has announced snap parliamentary elections later this month following a significant victory by his rival Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament vote.
Exit polls indicate the far-right party is poised to win 32% of the vote, more than double that of Macron’s Renaissance party.
In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron declared the dissolution of parliament and stated that the two rounds of voting would take place on June 30 and July 7, just weeks before the Paris Olympics.
This dramatic and unexpected announcement came an hour after voting closed and exit polls were released in France’s EU elections.
Macron’s decision followed closely on the heels of a public call by National Rally’s 28-year-old leader, Jordan Bardella, urging the president to call parliamentary elections.
“I have heard your message,” the president told French voters, “and I will not let it go without a response.” “France needs a clear majority in serenity and harmony,” he said, adding that he could not resign himself to the far-right’s progress “everywhere in the continent.”
Barely two years into his second term, President Emmanuel Macron already lacks a majority in the French parliament.
Although the European vote theoretically does not impact national politics, Macron has evidently concluded that continuing his mandate without fresh public consultation would overly strain the political system.
The forthcoming parliamentary elections will not affect Macron’s position as president, as they are separate from the presidential elections, and his term still has three more years to run.
Ms Le Pen, who has twice been defeated byMr Macron in presidential elections,immediately reacted, saying her party was “ready to exercise power, ready to put an end to mass immigration”.
He could have continued, dismissing the far right’s significant victory as a European anomaly that would be corrected in more crucial elections. He could have relied on the upcoming European football championship in Germany and, most importantly, the Paris Olympics to distract people from politics for a few months.
This was certainly the expectation of the Paris commentariat, who thought he would downplay his party’s defeat. However, it seems the president anticipated this outcome and had already planned his response.
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella were celebrating their victory even before Macron’s announcement.
Given that the results were almost exactly as predicted by the polls, Macron had ample time to consider his options. The reality is that he is in a difficult position.
Without a majority, passing any bill through the National Assembly is already challenging. With much of the country now clearly against him, any new legislation—such as the upcoming budget—could prove to be highly contentious.
So he has plumped for “clarity”. If National Rally has the votes, then, he says, they should be given the chance to govern.
Obviously, the president will hope his own Renaissance party can mount a fightback at the elections on June 30 and July 7, or that other parties will do better too.
But he must appreciate that the odds favour another victory for National Rally. Maybe not one as sweeping as Sunday’s result, but enough for it to become the biggest party in parliament.
Sources have it that Man Utd are unlikely toappoint Thomas Tuchelif they decide to sack manager Erik ten Hag.
Tuchel had been considered a potential replacement, with representatives of the German coach approaching before the end of the season and further meetings held over the past two weeks.
However, Tuchel is no longer in the running due to concerns that he may not be the right fit for United’s new structure.
According to a source, incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth prefers a “yes” manager who won’t challenge the recruitment department over squad decisions.
The decision to end talks with Tuchel has been described as “mutual.”
United have also reached out to Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Roberto De Zerbi.
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna has decided to remain at Ipswich Town after signing a new long-term contract, and Gareth Southgate has indicated his focus is solely on leading England at Euro 2024, which begins in Germany on Friday.
United are hopeful of concluding their end-of-season review this week, although there is no set timeframe for the process. Ten Hag is reportedly still uncertain about his future at the club.
Despite this, sources have it that United remain confident they are on track with their summer plans.
Club executives have reassured representatives of senior players that efforts to strengthen the squad are ongoing, even as Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain.
Technical director Jason Wilcox, director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves, and chief scout Steve Brown are currently handling transfer activities.
Both Hargreaves and Brown have been in contact with clubs and representatives over the past week to bring in new players. The club is prioritising strikers and centre-backs, although short lists of targets have been created for all positions.
Doubts over Ten Hag’s future persist as INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leads a thorough end-of-season review, which has now extended into its third week.
Sources have it that representatives of several current players have contacted the club to inquire about the status of the review, Ten Hag’s position, and progress in the transfer market.
A representative of one player has revealed that a decision will not be made about his own future until it’s known who the manager will be next season.
United remain confident they will have a positive summer, although sources have revealed that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and acting CEO Jean Claude-Blanc have admitted to staff that the recruitment department “will not be up to full speed” until Ashworth is in place as sporting director.
According to reports, United are hoping to boost their summer budget by agreeing to permanent transfers for Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.
The club will consider offers of around £40 million ($51 million) for Sancho and Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Getafe, respectively.
There has been significant loan interest in both players, but according to sources, United is pushing for permanent deals.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced that the club will not participate in the inaugural edition of FIFA’s new Club World Cup tournament next summer, citing insufficient financial incentive.
This expanded competition is scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July 2025, featuring 32 teams from various continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
So far, 29 of the 32 spots have been secured, with Real Madrid qualifying by winning the Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024.
However, in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale on Monday, Ancelotti revealed that Madrid, along with several other unnamed clubs, does not plan to participate.
“Players and clubs won’t participate in that tournament,” Ancelotti said. “One single Real Madrid game is worth €20 million, and FIFA want to give us that amount for the entire competition. Negative.
“Just like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup is the flagship initiative for world football’s governing body, as they look to replicate the success of club competitions such as the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores.
The last edition of the Club World Cup’s previous incarnation, in Saudi Arabia in December 2023, featured just seven teams and was won by Manchester City, who beat Brazilian side Fluminense in the final.
The new format, first announced in 2022, is set to include 12 teams from UEFA, six from CONMEBOL, four each from CONCACAF, CAF and the AFC, one from Oceania’s OFC and one from the host country.
Those teams qualify via either a “champions pathway” — winning their continent’s club competition — or a “ranking pathway” based on previous performance.
The tournament has faced criticism from domestic leagues and players’ unions, who argue that players are being overworked.
Speaking last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino rejected those claims.
“FIFA is organizing around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world,” Infantino said. “When it comes to the national teams, it is very similar.
“If you look at all the national team games around the world, we still have between 1% and 2% of the matches which are organized by FIFA. All other matches, 98% to 99%, are organized by other organizations.”
“With this 1% or 2% matches that FIFA organizes, FIFA is financing football all over the world… I hope that these figures will stop this futile debate.” Ancelotti is on holiday in Vancouver, Canada, after a season that saw him lead the club to a Champions League and LaLiga double.
He told Il Giornale that he had not given up hope of convincing Toni Kroos to change his mind on retirement, after the midfielder said he would hang up his boots after playing in this summer’s European Championship with Germany.
“Unfortunately Kroos has decided to stop, he is a German in his choices,but he will continue to live in Madrid,” Ancelotti said. “I told him that if, in the autumn, he had to change his mind, a phone call and we’ll start again.”
Today marks the 65th birthday ofCarlo Ancelotti, the esteemed coach of Real Madrid.
Born on June 10, 1959, in Reggiolo, Italy, Ancelotti boasts an illustrious career, having clinched every possible trophy during his tenure at the club.
Across his two spells at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including 3 Champions League titles, 2 Club World Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 2 Spanish Super Cups, 2 La Liga triumphs, 2 Copa del Rey victories, and 2 additional Spanish Super Cups.
A significant highlight in Ancelotti’s coaching journey is his remarkable success in the European Cup.
Fondly remembered as La Décima, he secured Real Madrid’s tenth European Cup victory during his inaugural year as head coach in 2014.
Remarkably, he replicated this feat upon his return to the club, securing La Decimocuarta in 2022 and adding to his legacy with La Decimocquinta this season.
With these triumphs, Ancelotti has etched his name in history as the sole coach to have clinched the European Cup a remarkable five times.
This year, Ancelotti further solidified his legendary status by guiding Real Madrid to yet another league title.
Notably, he achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first coach to conquer allfive major European leagues,showcasing his unparalleled expertise across Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and France.
England has announced its squad numbers for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, setting the stage for their campaign in Germany this summer.
Despite a recent setback with a loss to Iceland, anticipation is building as the FA revealed the squad’s numbers on Saturday morning.
The allocation of numbers to key players follows familiar patterns, with Harry Kane retaining the number nine jersey as team captain.
Jude Bellingham will sport the number ten, while Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden will wear seven and 11, respectively, reflecting their standout performances at club level.
Cole Palmer, their positional rival, has been assigned number 24.
Manager Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions are also evident in the squad numbers.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, often used as a midfielder recently, will wear the number eight, indicating his expected role in Euro 2024.
In the absence of Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi steps in with the number six-shirt.
Rounding off the squad, young midfieldersAdam Wharton and Kobbie Mainooclaim the final numbers, 25 and 26, respectively.
England begin their Euro 2024 group stage campaign against Serbia on June 16, before taking on Denmark on June 20 and then Slovenia on June 25.
Three Americans accused of involvement in lastmonth’s coup attempt, along with dozens of other defendants, appeared before a military court on Friday in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo.
They were seated on plastic chairs, lined up before the judge as the hearing commenced. The proceedings took place in an open-air setting and were broadcast live on local television.
The botched coup attempt, led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga, occurred last month.
It targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Tragically, six individuals lost their lives during the incident.
Malanga, who live-streamed the attack on social media, was fatally shot by the Congolese army for resisting arrest shortly after the incident.
As the defendants appeared in court, they faced a range of charges, including terrorism, murder, and criminal association, many of which carry the death penalty.
Initially, there were 53 names on the defendant list.
However, Malanga and one other individual were removedfrom the list following the production of death certificates.
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has resigned from the emergency government, indicating growing rifts over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s Gaza strategy post-conflict.
At a press conference in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Mr. Gantz announced his resignation, expressing his decision with a “heavy heart.”
“Unfortunately, Mr. Netanyahu is preventing us from approaching true victory, which is the justification for the painful ongoing crisis,” he said. Considered by some to be a potential challenger for power in Israel, Mr. Gantz called on Mr Netanyahu to set a date for elections.
Mr Netanyahu responded with a post on X: “Benny, this is not the time to quit the campaign; this is the time to join forces.”
Benny Gantz, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is a political rival of Benjamin Netanyahu. Until October 11, 2023, his centrist National Unity party remained in opposition.
However, in response to the conflict sparked by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, Gantz joined forces with Netanyahu to establish an emergency government.
Within this coalition, National Unity occupies five ministerial positions.
Following Mr. Gantz’s announcement, opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed support for his decision, deeming it “important and appropriate” via social media.
However, shortly after the declaration, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the far-right coalition, insisted on inclusion in the war cabinet.
Ben-Gvir’s faction has issued threats of resigning and destabilising the government should Israel entertain a ceasefire proposal fromUS President Joe Biden.
Gantz’s role within the administration was widely perceived as a check against the influence of far-right elements within Netanyahu’s coalition.
Last month, Mr Gantz set a deadline of June 8 for Mr Netanyahu to lay out how Israel would achieve its six “strategic goals,” including the end of Hamas rule in Gaza and the establishment of a multinational civilian administration for the territory.
The prime minister dismissed the comments at the time as “washed-up words” that would mean “defeat for Israel.”
A retired army general and frequent critic of Mr Netayanhu, Mr Gantz had been a member of Israel’s key decision-making “war cabinet,” along with the prime minister and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, held a press conference at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv.
This followed the formation of a three-person war cabinet after the October 7 attacks.
During the conference, Mr. Gantz announced his personal resignation from the government and his withdrawal from the National Unity party that he chairs.
While this move does not threaten the Israeli government’s stability, as Mr. Netanyahu still holds a comfortable majority of 64 in the 120-seat Knesset, it underscores the deep political divisions regarding the handling of the war.
The timing of the resignation, one day before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s three-day trip to the region, adds to the significance of the move.Blinken plans to visit Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar to push for a ceasefire agreement.
In another development, Israel’s army announced the resignation of Brigadier General Avi Rosenfeld, who headed the IDF’s Gaza division.
He cited his failure to prevent the October 7 attacks as the reason for his resignation, making him the first IDF combat commander to step down since the attacks.
Former Second Lady Matilda Amissah-Arthur, widow of the late Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has shared the harrowing experience of her encounter with an armed robber who broke into her home.
A video captures the former first lady speaking at the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), where she recounts how the robber strangled her until her ‘death’.
“Now you are dying,” were the words of the robber as she fell unconscious while foaming in her mouth.
She recounts how she walked on the streets of a town with beautiful flowers and how a hand dragged her out of the town while she was gathering a basket of flowers.
This place she believes was heaven because the robber killed her.
“How many of you have been pinned down by an armed robber and strangled? Ladies and gentlemen, the armed robber killed me, I died , I died and I went to heaven. I say this boldly. And if there is heaven, then there is hell.” she said.
Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, joined Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu IIat the durbar of the Ga State on Sunday, June 9th, 2024.
The occasion, held in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, signifies the reciprocal visit following the Ga Mantse’s recent participation in the celebration of the Asantehene’s 25th ascension anniversary to the Golden Stool and his 74th birthday.
This exchange underscores the profound bond between the two revered traditional leaders.
Earlier, on Friday, June 7, 2024, Dr. Prempeh had a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, emphasising the importance of fostering strong relationships among Ghanaian ethnic groups for national progress and development.
In another demonstration of commitment to education,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II contributed GH₵500,000 to the Ga Education Fund.
Spokesperson for the Bawumia campaign team, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has asserted that theNational Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) now covers 95 percent of diseases under the current administration.
During “The Next Chapter Series” on Sunday, June 9, 2024, Aboagye highlighted the achievements of the NPP government, emphasising that despite challenges in the health sector and with NHIS, the Akufo-Addo administration has made significant progress in expanding coverage.
He stressed that the government’s efforts have greatly improved the NHIS, ensuring that the vast majority of illnesses are now covered, which represents a major milestone in the administration’s healthcare agenda.
“There are obvious challenges with NHIS, but the achievements are phenomenal. As we speak, thanks to the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, about 95% of diseases have been brought under NHIS.
These include kidney, childhood cancer (leukaemia, Wilma’s tumour), and sickle cell diseases,” he stated.
Aboagye also noted that Vice President Bawumia recently announced the implementation of free dialysis treatments for children and the elderly, with subsidised costs for individuals aged 19 to 59.
He criticised the NDC’s handling of the National Health Insurance Scheme, asserting that they performed inadequately.
Aboagye highlighted their failure to fulfil their pledge to make health insurance a one-time subscription and pointed out a significant reduction in the number of subscribers during their tenure.
“Between 2009 and 2016, the number of subscribers onNHIS decreased from 12.5 million to 11.03 million, and this is the record of the NDC, the same people asking Ghanaians to vote for them,” he stated.
Daughter of Asantehene Osei Tutu II, Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem Osei Tutu, expressed deep gratitude to her parents for attending her graduation on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Hermann Gmeiner International College’s Graduation, Speech, and Prize Giving Day.
In an interview with Opemsuo Radio, Serwaa Kobi, who was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, shared her optimism about the future of her academic journey.
“I am very delighted; I am going on to the next journey of school. I hope it will go well,” she stated.
She further expressed gratitude to her parents and members of the royal family who travelled from Kumasi to Accra to support her.
“Thank you for coming and thank you for supporting me,” the princess said.
While in Accra, the Asantehene on Sunday, June 9, 2024, is scheduled to be hosted by the Ga Mantse Nii Teiko Tsuru II.
The royal durbar in honour of Otumfuo is expected to strengthen the relationship between Ashanti and Ga traditions.
Cake and accolades!! Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem Osei Tutu celebrates her graduation with her parents, the Asantehene and Lady Julia, and other members of the royal family.
Ghana coach Otto Addo anticipates a challenging match against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Black Stars coach will face CAR in the fourth round of matches at Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, with the game scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.
Reflecting on their recent comeback victory against Mali in Bamako during the third round, Addo emphasised the challenging nature of the upcoming contest against CAR.
“It’s going to be very difficult. For everyone who thinks we can just play them, I don’t think it will happen,” said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
“They’re doing well, especially in the offensive transitions. They’re very dangerous; they showed that in the 1-1 draw against Mali,” he added.
With six points, theBlack Stars are now ranked third in Group I. Gaining the match would greatly increase their prospects of making it to the World Cup.
A study conducted by theCentral Region office of the National Youth Authority (NYA) has revealed that the majority of perpetrators of teen pregnancy, child marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence are commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders.
The research was initiated following reports of rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the region.
Mrs. Anita Nana Seguah Ansah, Central Regional Director of the NYA, shared these findings during a one-day training of trainers workshop for tricycle and motorcycle riders.
The workshop aimed to educate them on the adverse effects of teen pregnancy, child marriage, and other harmful practices.
Organized by the NYA in collaboration with the Central Regional Coordinating Council and sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the workshop sought to reduce the prevalence of teen pregnancy and child marriage in the region.
Participants were drawn from Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem, Cape Coast, Assin Fosu, Awutu Senya East (Kasoa), Gomoa East, Agona East, and Agona West.
Mrs. Ansah highlighted that the research predominantly implicated tricycle and motorcycle riders.
She expressed hope that these riders would return to their communities as ambassadors, disseminating information to help reduce SGBV, child marriage, and teen pregnancy cases.
Similar workshops have been held in Gomoa West, Cape Coast, and other districts, with feedback indicating an improvement in the situation.
The NYA is committed to replicating these workshops across all districts in the region to reduce SGBV, child marriage, and STIs among the youth.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs. Vida Yankey, Agona Swedru District Commander, discussed the causes, effects, and punishments associated with SGBV.
She expressed concern about the high rates of defilement and teen pregnancy in the Swedru Municipality.
ASP Yankey, also the Agona Swedru Divisional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, warned tricycle and motorcycle riders against engaging in such crimes, noting that offenders could face a minimum of 15 years in prison.
The DOVVSU Divisional Coordinator further detailed the punishments for rape, defilement, incest, sexual harassment, and other domestic violence issues, urging riders to desist from such actions to maintain peace.
Peer Educator of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Ms. Abigail Appiah, spoke about STIs, warning riders about the dangers and advising them to use condoms to prevent infections.
She cautioned against self-medication and the excessive intake of antibiotics for STIs, recommending proper treatment at health facilities.
Public Health Nurse at the Agona West Municipal Health Directorate, Mrs. Dorcas Sam-Mensah, urged riders to be responsible and prioritise their health to avoid complications.
She expressed concern over the numerous teen pregnancy cases inthe municipality, attributing them to poverty, a lack of education, and inadequate parental care and control.
He made this announcement during a grand durbar organised in his honour by the Ga State, led by the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II.
“I want to donate an amount of GH₵500,000 to the Ga Education Fund to help in the education of less-privileged Ga children,” the Asantehene’s interpreter said.
The Asantehene expressed his gratitude for the Ga State’s warm hospitality and emphasised the importance of unity among Ghanaians.
He called for a united front between the Ga and Ashanti people, as well as cooperation among all chiefs.
“The people of Ga and Ashanti must unite to develop our peoples. All Ga chiefs must unite behind Nii Teiko Tsuru II. Unity and development must be our focus in the interest of our children,” he emphasised.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II argued that modern chieftaincy should prioritise development over territorial disputes. “The current fight should be for development to benefit future generations,” he said.
Acknowledging the support he received from Nii Teiko Tsuru II during his 25th anniversary celebration, the Asantehene said, “I appreciate your presence during my 25th anniversary celebration.
You showed love. This is a reciprocal gesture.”
TheAsantehenecalled upon all Ga chiefs to support Nii Teiko Tsuru II’s development initiatives for the region and pledged his ongoing support for the Ga Mantse.
Accra came to a standstill on Sunday, June 9, 2024, as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II visited the Ga State at the invitation of Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II in a grand durbar.
A special durbar was held in honour of the Asantehene at the Ga Mantse’s Palace, attracting numerous dignitaries who gathered to pay homage to the two traditional rulers.
Among the attendees were members of the East Legon Executive Club, one of Ghana’s most exclusive associations, comprising some of the country’s most successful and wealthy business tycoons.
They made a grand entrance with a convoy of luxurious cars.
A video spotted online shows an impressive lineup of extravagant vehicles driven by club members to the event, including various editions of the Mercedes G-Class (G-Wagon), multiple Rolls Royces, a Bugatti Veyron, a Cadillac Escalade, and other Mercedes models.
The club, led by Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, owner of Despite Media Group and Companies, paid their respects to both the Asantehene and the Ga Mantse during the durbar.
CEO of Despite Group of Companies, Osei Kwame Despite along with Ofori Sarpong and other members of the East Legon Executive Club, line up a luxurious fleet of cars at the Ga Mantse Palace.
Members of the East Legon Executive Fitness Club pay homage to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II#UTVNewspic.twitter.com/FUvKnwMq7p
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak returned home for an interview before attending the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Allied troops’ arrival in Normandy, France.
Domestically, his Conservative Party is trailing behind the Labour Party in the polls.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized on Friday for leaving D-Day anniversary commemorations in northern France early.
He left the Thursday event, held to commemorate the landing of Allied troops in German-occupied France 80 years ago, to conduct a television interview for his reelection campaign in the UK.
Sunak misses main D-Day ceremony Sunak returned home before he could attend a ceremony at Ohama Beach on the coast of the northwestern French region of Normandy.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden attended the event. King Charles III also traveled to France to participate in the commemorations.
“After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK,” Sunak said in a post on the platform X, formerly Twitter.
“On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer — and I apologize,” he said. “The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics.
“I care deeply about veterans and have been honored to represent the UK at a number of events in Portsmouthand France over the past two days and to meet those who fought so bravely,” he added.
Sunak was interviewed by Britain’s ITV news broadcaster. The program is due to air on Wednesday.
Opposition politicians criticize Sunak
Jonathan Ash, a member of Parliament for the main opposition Labour Party, accused Sunak of prioritizing “his own vanity TV appearances over our veterans.”
The head of the centrist Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said Sunak had brought “shame” to the office of prime minister in a “total dereliction of duty” and had “let down” the UK.
Sunak has been serving as Britain’s prime minister since October 2022, after succeeding Liz Truss from the same party.
Polls indicate that the Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years and seen five different prime ministers, may face a loss in the general election on July 4.
