The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, a Dutch museum, has claimed that its archaeologists have been prohibited from conducting excavations at a significant Egyptian site due to an exhibition exploring the impact of ancient Egypt on black musicians.
The museum expressed its disappointment regarding the ban and deemed the accusation of “falsifying” history by Egyptian authorities as groundless.
No comments have been made by Egyptian officials regarding the issue. However, recent reports in Egyptian media mentioned the exhibition as a source of contention for a local expert in antiquities, who alleged that it supported “Afrocentric theory.”
In response, an Egyptian Member of Parliament raised concerns about the government’s actions to address what they referred to as the “distortion of Egyptian civilization.”
The museum also said that it had received comments via social media that were “racist or offensive in nature” since the exhibition opened.
The dispute comes only weeks after Egyptian authorities condemned a new Netflix docudrama series depicting Queen Cleopatra as a black African as a “falsification of history”.
The antiquities ministry insisted that Cleopatra had “Hellenistic (Greek) features”, including “light skin”.
Image caption,Erykah Badu wore a ring featuring a winged Egyptian goddess at the Soul Train Music Awards in 2016
The exhibition at the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) – entitled Kemet. Egypt in Hip Hop, jazz, soul & funk – aims to demonstrate how Ancient Egypt and Nubia have been “an undeniable source of inspiration for musicians of African descent for over 70 years”.
The artists have embraced the ancient cultures and employed the associated motifs “as symbols of resistance, empowerment and spiritual healing”, it says.
It features photographs and music videos showing how Beyoncé and Rihanna had both appeared as Queen Nefertiti; a modern sculpture of Nas based on the famous gold mask of King Tutankhamun; several of Sun Ra’s Egyptian-inspired costumes; and songs by artists ranging from Nina Simone and Fela Kuti to Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.
The exhibition also looks at what scientific research has revealed about ancient Egypt and Nubia and discusses how they have been studied from Eurocentric and Afrocentric perspectives.
The RMO said in a statement on Wednesday that it was disappointed to be informed in a recent email from a senior Egyptian antiquities official that it was no longer allowed to excavate at the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo after almost 50 years of work there.
“The Egyptian authorities have every right to terminate a permit for an excavation; after all, it is their land and their heritage. However, the museum considers the underlying argument for this decision incorrect.”
It added: “The Egyptian authorities conclude that our current exhibition… is about ‘falsifying’ the ancient Egyptian history. This political argument is used to express the dissatisfaction with the exhibition and to ban our excavation.”
The RMO also expressed surprise that the argument was being made by “people who have not actually seen the exhibition”.
Claims have emerged suggesting that Baba Vanga, a blind Bulgarian mystic renowned for allegedly predicting significant global events, foresaw a nuclear catastrophe set to occur before the conclusion of 2023.
Despite Baba Vanga’s passing more than 25 years ago, several of her purported predictions have been attributed to later events. Now, her followers assert that she prophesied a catastrophic nuclear disaster for this year.
According to reports, Baba Vanga warned of a severe explosion at a nuclear power plant in 2023, leading to the dispersal of toxic clouds over Asia. These clouds are believed to pose a significant risk to other nations as they carry harmful diseases.
While it is important to approach such predictions with skepticism and critical thinking, the alleged foretelling by Baba Vanga has sparked interest and speculation among those who place faith in her prophecies. However, the validity and accuracy of these claims remain subjects of debate and interpretation.
Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga is said to have predicted a nuclear disaster breaking out in 2023.
Baba Vanga’s predictions for 2023
Aside from nuclear disaster, Baba Vanga made four other major predictions for 2023.
Firstly, she is said to have predicted that the Earth’s orbit will change.
While our planet’s orbit around the sun shifts marginally over tens of thousands of years, a more dramatic change would be devastating.
Baba Vanga is said to have forecasted a major nuclear power plant explosion happening before the end of this year.
A movement closer to the sun would melt glaciers and flood the planet, while a movement farther away could plunge us into an ice age.
Baba Vanga is also believed to have predicted a powerful solar storm that will rock the climate in 2023.
Solar storms are disturbances on the sun which can emanate outward across the heliosphere and impact Earth.
The blind psychic allegedly predicted the 9/11 terror attacks.
Some have interpreted her words to mean that a solar tsunami is coming, which could cause major technology failures — though minor solar storms occur fairly regularly without devastation.
The Bulgarian mystic is also said to have predicted that a biological weapon will be used by a superpower in 2023, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Biological weapons are microorganisms like viruses, bacteria or fungi, or toxic substances produced by living organisms that are released to cause disease and death in humans, animals or plants.
They are banned by the Biological Weapons Convention.
Finally, Baba Vanga is believed to have foretold the end of natural pregnancies this year.
Her followers claim that all babies will be grown in laboratories, with states and medical experts deciding who gets one.
Parents, they say, will be able to choose traits like hair and eye color.
That’s a lot to happen in the seven months left of 2023!
What is the story of Baba Vanga?
Baba Vanga died in 1996 at the age of 75, but it is claimed that during her lifetime she predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, the September 11 attacks, the death of Princess Diana and the Chernobyl disaster.
As the legend goes, the mystic grew up on a farm in Romania and was blinded in a dust storm when she was 12 years old.
It was then, her followers claim, that she received a paranormal gift allowing her to see into the future.
Baba Vanga died in 1996 at the age of 76.
What has Baba Vanga predicted?
Baba Vanga first shot to prominence after reportedly accurately predicting the sinking of the Kursk in 2000.
She claimed that in August 1999, “Kursk will be covered with water and the whole world will weep over it.”
The Russian nuclear sub sank 12 months after the date Vanga allegedly predicted, killing everyone on-board.
And in 1989, she apparently said: “Horror, horror!
“The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel birds.
“The wolves will be howling in a bush, and innocent blood will be gushing.”
Some say this relates to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
What has Baba Vanga got wrong?
Thankfully, not all of Baba Vanga’s prophecies have been correct.
Experts who have researched her prophecies say 68 per cent are accurate, while her followers believe it to be about 85 per cent.
Among her incorrect predictions were that the 45th president of the US would be faced with a crisis which would “bring the country down.”
Donald Trump certainly faced some huge challenges while in office, but America is still standing.
Baba Vanga also wrongly predicted that the 1994 World Cup Final would be played by two teams with names beginning with “B” (the finalists were Brazil and Italy), as well as a nuclear war between 2010 and 2014 that didn’t eventuate.
The mystic is also said to have foretold the end of Europe in 2016.
That was the year that Britain voted to leave the pact, but Europe both as a continent and as a Union still very much exists.
In 2009, the issue of multiple land sales caused the destoolment of a prominent chief, Nana Kofi Agyei Bi III, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
This case marked a significant moment at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The allegations against Chief Nana Agyei Bi were brought forward by 12 individuals, including popular actor Kofi Adu, known as Agya Koo. They accused him of engaging in multiple land sales. After careful deliberations, the plaintiffs’ claims were upheld during the proceedings held at the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC).
Following the ruling, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, announced the destoolment of Nana Agyei Bi. Agya Koo, during the meeting at the Manhyia Palace, revealed that he had purchased four plots of land from Nana Agyei Bi for a hotel project, only to discover later that the land had been sold to others.
Numerous victims who appeared before the KTC also shared their grievances, alleging substantial financial losses due to the chief’s actions. Furthermore, it was revealed that Nana Agyei Bi had caused the demolition of a building on one of the disputed plots.
Although the affected individual had already taken Nana Agyei Bi to court over the matter, the chief denied responsibility for the demolition before the meeting at the Manhyia Palace.
However, during the gathering, he sent an apology through the Omanhene of the Manso Nkwanta Traditional Area, Nana Bi Kusi Appiah, admitting his role in the building’s demolition and acknowledging his impending court appearance.
Prior to announcing the decision to destool the chief, the Asantehene expressed his disappointment in Nana Agyei Bi’s actions, particularly his dishonesty toward the Asantehene himself.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said he had heard about all that was going on in Atwima which implicated the chief in various issues.
He expressed regret that Nana Agyei Bi had misapplied the authority given him, for which reason he had to be destooled. The Asantehene also slated that the chief did not show any respect to his elders and was even at loggerheads with the queen of the area.
Air India dispatched a plane on Wednesday to pick up hundreds of U.S.-bound passengers have been left stranded in Russia.
The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in the country’s far east.
Flight AI173 departed from Delhi to San Francisco on Tuesday with 216 passengers and 16 crew onboard when it developed a technical issue with one of its engines, Air India said in a statement.
The decision to land in the country despite those complications sparked criticism on social media.
The flight was diverted to the Siberian port town of Magadan, where it was able to land safely, the airline said. Air India said local authorities at the airport extended “all cooperation and support upon the flight’s arrival.”
The airline said it made “sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities. But it said passengers were “eventually moved to a makeshift accommodation.”
“As we do not have any Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to the passengers is the best possible in this unusual circumstance,” Air India said.
UPDATE: FERRY FLIGHT TO MAGADAN AIRBORNE
Our ferry flight AI195 from Mumbai (BOM) to Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne, and is expected to arrive at GDX at 0630 Hours (local time) on 08 June 2023.
On Wednesday, the airline said a replacement ferry flight, AI195, was on its way to Magadan and was expected to arrive at around 6:30 a.m. Thursday local time (3:30 p.m. ET Wednesday).
Sharing video of the replacement flight taking off, the airline said a team was onboard the flight to “provide any support that the passengers and staff at GDX may require.”
“The ferry flight is carrying essentials in addition to sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers on the onward flight scheduled from GDX to San Francisco,” it said, adding that the aircraft would transport all passengers and crew onward to San Francisco on Thursday.
In a State Department briefing on Tuesday, principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the department was “aware of a U.S. bound flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia.”
He said he wasn’t able to confirm how many U.S. citizens were aboard the flight, but said it was “likely” that there were Americans involved as the flight was bound for the U.S.
One stranded passenger told Indian broadcaster NDTV there were many U.S. citizens on the flight who were worried, given the tension between Russia and the United States.
“There are a lot a nervous people here,” said the passenger, according to Reuters, which named them only as Gagan.
Air routes have been disrupted since Russia issued a ban on some foreign carriers using its airspace in retaliation for Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
While U.S., European and Japanese carriers have stopped flying over Russia, Air India and other airlines have continued to do so.
As Air India faced mounting criticism on social media, the airline apologized in a tweet “for all the inconvenience caused” by making the emergency landing in Russia.
Video shared on social media is purported to show passengers sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor with blankets in what appears to be a classroom.
Responding to a tweet sharing the video, the airline said: “We understand the situation,” adding that its replacement plane was on the way. NBC News has not verified the video.
“My relatives are in that flight and they are still struggling to take care of themselves,” one person wrote. NBC News was not immediately able to verify their account.
“We understand how frustrating and concerning this must be for you and your loved ones,” Air India said, responding to the tweet.
“Please know that we take these situations very seriously and will do our utmost to ensure that all passengers are taken care of and able to continue their travels safely,” the airline said.
Air India did not immediately respond to a request for more information from NBC News.
Girvaan Singh Kahma, 16, was traveling on the flight with his uncle and brother. He told the Associated Press they were barred from leaving the hostel where they were staying in Magadan and couldn’t use their credit cards to buy things because of sanctions over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
“The first day and a half was really hard for all of us,” he said. “The weather went to 3 to 4 degrees (Celsius, or 37 to 39 Fahrenheit) in the morning, and in the night it was bitter cold,” he said, according to the news agency, adding that it was getting better with food and a place to sleep.
“The Russian soldiers, the Russian police, the authorities, everyone working in the hostel has been treating us extremely well,” he reportedly said.
Charles Opoku has been chosen as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the upcoming Assin North by-election on June 27.
Mr Opoku received 397 votes out of a total of 536 valid votes. His competitor, Freeman Amoah-Kyei, garnered 136 votes in the contest.
The election took place at the Church of Pentecost in Akonfodi in Assin Bereku with national executives of the party led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong.
After the ballots were sorted, counted and the results were declared, supporters of Charles Opoku broke into jubilation.
Charles Opoku will battle James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Assin North seat.
In the 2020 elections, Mr Gyakye Quayson beat Abena Durowaa Mensah to win the seat.
His election was, however, challenged by a constituent, who had told a Cape Coast High Court that he had not renounced his Canadian citizenship prior to his nomination.
The decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court and Parliament was ordered to expunge his name from all records.
A recent internet hoax caused a stir when it falsely claimed that Sweden had declared sex a sport and was planning to host a championship tournament.
Even reputable international media outlets fell for the prank and reported it as true.
One headline from The Times of India, a well-known and respected newspaper in India, stated that “Sweden Will Soon Host the European Sex Championship.”
The report claimed that Sweden had officially recognized sex as a sport and would organize a tournament where participants would engage in daily encounters lasting up to six hours to determine the best in the field.
The alleged competition was said to commence on June 8 in the city of Gothenburg.
Despite the circulation of this claim in various mainstream outlets and their social media platforms, the Swedish sports body has categorically denied the existence of any such event.
Some Pakistani websites also covered the story. A Greek portal even mentioned the participation of Greek contestants in the tournament. The reputable South African media house IOL and a Nigerian website also reported the story.
In its report on the competition, the popular German media house RTL conducted a poll asking users: “What do you think about recognizing sex as a sport?”
But is the story too good to be true? Let’s have a closer look.
Claim: Sweden has formally recognized sex as a sport and will hold its first-ever sex tournament this week.
Fact check: False
“All this information is false,” Anna Setzman, spokesperson for the Swedish Sports Confederation, said in a written statement from Stockholm to DW. “Right now, false information is being spread in some international media about Sweden and Swedish sports,” she added. “These are vigorously denied.”
How did it all start?
Göteborgs-Posten, one of the major Swedish-language dailies, reported that a Swedish man named Dragan Bratic was behind the whole drama.
According to the newspaper, Bratic owns several strip clubs and wanted sex to be classified as a sport. He submitted an application to become a member of the confederation in January of this year. The Swedish Sports Confederation confirmed to DW that there was an individual who claimed there was a sex federation and applied for membership, but the application was rejected in May.
“The Swedish Sports Confederation has drawn attention to the fact that in some parts of the international media news is currently being spread that a sex federation has become member of the Swedish Sports Confederation,” Setzman said in the statement. “It is false information with the aim of smearing Swedish sports and Sweden.”
Another prominent Indian media house associated with CNBC published “details” on how to participate in the event, even including an email address associated with a “Swedish Sex Federation.” Interestingly, a website with that name does exist, but it led to a pornography website with a different URL that is currently running a countdown for the “tournament” and claims that it will livestream the event.
The confederation categorically denied any collaboration with a sex organization. “There is no sex federation that is a member of the Swedish Sports Confederation,” said Setzman.
The so-called sex federation said, “it’s a shame that SSF (Swedish Sex Federation) was not helped by the 2 billion Swedish kronor allocated (by the Swedish government) to registered sports organizations.” Bratic said that despite not being recognized, they would hold a sex championship. In a written statement to DW, his organization claimed, “the Swedish Sex Federation finances the entire European Championship with its own funds and with its own voluntary work.”
Sex is taboo
Sex is a taboo topic for many countries. And Nordic countries are known for hosting some unusual competitions, such as wife carrying and the World Sauna Championship (which came to an end in 2010 after the death of a participant). However, a sex competition is not one of them.
Numerous media outlets from South Asia showed interest in the topic without checking the facts, including this misguided video by the India Today group, another reputable media house.
Other outlets published misleading articles. One explained how knowledge of the Kamasutra, an ancient Sanskrit scripture on eroticism and sex, would aid participants in the event, only to reveal in the last paragraph that the championship was fake news.
Chris Licht, the troubled CEO and chairman of CNN, whose brief one-year tenure at the network was marred by a series of significant missteps, will be departing from the company.
“I met with Chris and he will be leaving CNN,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, during the network’s daily editorial call on Wednesday.
Licht’s departure follows a scathing 15,000-word profile in The Atlantic and concludes a turbulent year for CNN, characterized by layoffs, historically low ratings, and plummeting employee morale.
In response to The Atlantic article, Licht issued an apology to staff on Monday, expressing his remorse in a somber tone. He acknowledged that certain aspects of the story did not align with his self-perception and expressed regret for diverting attention from the newsroom’s important work.
Describing the experience as “incredibly humbling,” Licht pledged to “fight relentlessly” to regain the trust of CNN employees.
But it became increasingly clear that Licht’s tenure as the chief executive was quickly coming to an end. Licht has not commented on his departure and he did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Zaslav said Licht’s job was “never going to be easy” and praised the “amazing career” he has had, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
“For a number of reasons things didn’t work out and that’s unfortunate,” Zaslav said. “It’s really unfortunate. And ultimately that’s on me. And I take full responsibility for that.”
Zaslav told CNN employees that the company is “in the process of conducting a wide search,” both internally and externally, for a new network chief. He cautioned that it will “take a while.”
In the interim, Zazlav said the leadership team will be comprised of Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; Virginia Moseley, executive vice president of editorial; and Eric Sherling, executive vice president of U.S. programming. David Leavy, who was recently installed as chief operating officer, will continue overseeing the company’s commercial activities.
“We have great confidence in this group and will fully support them until a new CEO is named,” Zazlav said in an emailed statement to CNN staff. “We are in good hands, allowing us to take the time we need to run a thoughtful and thorough search for a new leader.”
Chris Licht, former Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide
A tumultuous tenure
Licht’s brief and rocky tenure as the head of the network came after he found tremendous success in morning news, producing MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” before he revamped “CBS Sunday Morning.” Prior to joining CNN, Licht was the executive producer of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” leading the program as it became the highest-rated late-night show on television.
But at CNN, Licht stumbled and quickly faced criticism. Replacing Jeff Zucker, the former CNN leader who was beloved by staff, Licht’s first action at the network was to dismantle CNN+, which had been hailed by previous network leadership as the streaming future of CNN. Zucker was ousted in February 2022 for failing to disclose a relationship with a subordinate.
Unlike Zucker who held an office on a newsroom floor in CNN’s Hudson Yards office in New York, Licht separated himself from the network’s journalists, a move that isolated the chief from his staff.
Licht announced mass layoffs at CNN in December. But the town hall with former President Donald Trump last month that Licht orchestrated was widely criticized as a mistake.
Licht faced a fury of internal and external criticism for the town hall, including from iconic anchor Christiane Amanpour during a Columbia Journalism School commencement speech.
Hindenburg Research’s investigation has uncovered substantial evidence indicating that Tingo Group, led by CEO “Dozy” Mmobuosi, is an unmistakable scam, complete with fabricated financial records.
Headquartered in New Jersey, United States, Tingo Group purports to operate various business divisions focused on mobile phones, food processing, and an online food marketplace for Nigerian farmers.
Dozy, frequently portrayed in the media as a billionaire, attracted widespread attention earlier this year when he made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase Sheffield United, an English football club that had recently been promoted to the Premier League.
He currently holds the position of CEO at Tingo Group Holdings, the primary holding company of the group. Dozy’s prominence has even led to his appearance on the cover of GQ Africa in December 2022.
However, Hindenburg Research in its comprehensive report noted that it identified major red flags with Dozy’s background.
He appears to have fabricated his biographical claim to have developed the first mobile payment app in Nigeria, the investigation revealed.
When Hindenburg Research contacted the app’s actual creator, identified as Deji Oguntonade, he called Dozy’s claims “totally false” & a “pure lie”.
Dozy claimed in his biography to have received a PhD in rural advancement from Malaysian university UPM in 2007. Also, this claim was also found to be false because when Hindenburg Research contacted UPM to verify the degree, the school wrote back and said no one by his name was found in its verification system.
In 2017, Dozy was arrested and faced an 8-count indictment over the issuance of bad checks, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.
He later settled the case in arbitration.
In 2019, Dozy claimed to have launched “Tingo Airlines” and posted social media messages encouraging customers to “fly with Tingo Airlines today”.
It was later uncovered that Tingo photoshopped its logo onto pictures of aeroplanes. Dozy later admitted to never owning any aircraft, saying Covid-19 pandemic affected its kick-off.
In April 2023, Tingo’s Co-Chair wrote a public letter to Dozy, filed with the SEC, saying he could not approve the company’s annual report & felt it “necessary” to “resign” due to “many critical questions, comments and recommendations” that went “unanswered and unheeded”.
Tingo’s food division is 7 months old, yet claimed to generate $577.2 million in revenue last quarter alone, representing 68 per cent of total reported revenue.
If accurate, its claimed 24.8 per cent operating margins would exceed those of every major comparable food company. Yet, Tingo has no food processing facility of its own, the report said.
Rather, it claims its explosive revenue and profitability are derived from acting as a middleman between Nigerian farmers and an unnamed third-party food processor.
In February 2023, the company held a groundbreaking ceremony for a planned $1.6 billion Nigerian food processing facility, attended by Nigeria’s agriculture minister and other political luminaries.
Hindenburg Research found that the rendering of the planned facility, featured in Tingo’s investor materials and on a billboard at the ceremony, is actually a rendering of an oil refinery from a stock photo website.
Following its groundbreaking, Tingo reported in a May 2023 SEC filing that it made “significant progress” on the facility, including laying “the foundations of its numerous buildings”.
When the research firm visited the site a week later, it found zero signs of progress. It described it as empty except for the plaque and billboard commemorating the groundbreaking ceremony, surrounded by weeds.
Subsequent to the “groundbreaking”, Tingo Group announced a $150M agreement with a UK entity called Evtec Energy to build solar panels for its non-existent facility.
Funding is slated to be provided through Evtec, but UK filings show Evtec was “Dormant” and held zero cash.
Tingo Group bought Tingo Foods from Dozy in February 2023 for $204 million, a price “approximately equal to the cost value of the inventory held by Tingo Foods”.
The inventory, which was reported in year-end financials, completely vanished from Tingo’s Q1 2023 accounts without explanation.
Hindenburg Research stated that in its experience, $204 million in inventory doesn’t just disappear at companies with internal controls and genuine financial reporting.
Tingo claimed its mobile handset leasing, call and data segments generated $128 million in revenue last quarter (~15% of total).
It also claims members of two unnamed farming co-ops supply the majority of its then 9 million userbase, consisting of local Nigerian farmers.
These farmers supposedly form the core of the company’s phone customers and provide ag products used in Tingo’s food & trading businesses.
Local media outlet WeeTracker identified and contacted the cooperatives.
Both said they had never heard of Tingo and had fewer than 100 farmers in each cooperative.
“We were able to make contact with one of the cooperatives.
“Its owner reiterated having no relationship with Tingo and flat out told us ‘they are scammers’.
“Our checks with the Nigerian Communications Commission showed it has no record of Tingo being a mobile licensee at all, despite licensing requirements and the company’s claim to have 12+ million mobile customers.
“Despite claiming to have millions of farmers using its phones, Tingo Mobile’s corporate presentation and webpage use stock photos of farmers using phones.
“We visited Tingo Mobile’s office in Nigeria and found only a handful of employees and a sign posted on its door by federal tax authorities stating that the company is delinquent on its tax obligations,” the report said.
Tingo Mobile claimed its Ghana expansion efforts would enroll 2-4 million members by February 2023. This would represent ~9%-18% market share in the country within months.
However, Hindenburg Research found zero records pertaining to Tingo Mobile through Ghana’s communication regulator.
“We tried to contact Tingo’s Ghana support in late May to buy a phone.
“The email bounced back and no one picked up the phone despite numerous attempts.
“We visited Tingo’s Ghana office location in late May 2023. We saw 2 cars in the parking lot and no customers.
“When we tried to enroll in a plan and buy a phone we were told the location wasn’t operational yet,” it said.
TingoPay (part of Tingo Mobile) claimed in 2021 to have launched a partnership with a major local bank.
Two days after Tingo’s blockbuster announcement, the bank put out a statement calling Tingo’s claim false and that it had “NOT concluded any agreement with Tingo International in respect of any payment system whatsoever”.
Tingo now claims its payment group has a point of sale (PoS) system and other merchant products.
But it was found that pictures of Tingo’s claimed PoS system were taken from different PoS operator’s website, with a Tingo logo photoshopped over them.
The company also claims its “seed to sale” online marketplace called NWASSA generated $125.3 million in revenue last quarter or ~15% of its total revenue, yet the website has been “under maintenance” and inoperable for months.
According to the company, it has launched its NWASSA platform in Ghana. But the Ghana website also doesn’t work and just says “Updating…” without ever going anywhere.
In a May 2023 press release, Tingo claimed its brand-new agricultural export business, Tingo DMCC, was on track to deliver over U.S. $1.34 billion in exports by Q3.
Tingo’s sales projections for that business are higher than the entire nation of Nigeria’s annual 2022 agricultural exports, which totaled about U.S. $1.15 billion, per government data.
Tingo DMCC’s website has numerous non-functioning links and includes a fake testimonial that appears leftover from the website template.
Its financial statements are riddled with errors and typos, including a note to itself that it apparently forgot to delete, saying “please update for the tingle (sic) transaction including the tingle (sic) foods transaction”.
Its financials include other basic errors like incorrect math and leaving zeroes off key metrics.
More troublingly, Tingo’s cash flow and balance sheet statements do not reconcile and show major errors indicating a complete lack of financial controls, the investigation done by Hindenburg Research also found.
Its cash flow statements regularly subtract items from cash that should be added and vice versa.
The apparent errors seem to also apply to Tingo’s audited annual financial statements, which were recently given an unqualified audit opinion by Deloitte Israel (a strange choice given the company lacks substantive operations in Israel).
“We strongly suspect Tingo’s cash balance, which it conveniently claims is held in Nigeria, is fake.
“The company collected only ~12% of the interest income one would expect from its claimed cash balances,” the report said.
Tingo is a word in the Pascuense language of Easter Island meaning, “to borrow objects from a friend’s house, one by one, until there’s nothing left.”
For a company that did an otherwise terrible job pretending to be a real business, it landed on an absolutely perfect name.
“Overall, we think Tingo is a worthless and brazen fraud that should serve as a humiliating embarrassment for all involved.
“We do not expect the company will be long for this world,” the report added.
Nicki Minaj is facing a legal dispute over alleged unpaid bills for custom jewellery, but her attorney is arguing that she bears no responsibility.
According to her attorney, the jeweller based in West Hollywood is merely seeking publicity by involving the singer.
The rapper has been sued by owner of Roseark jewellery store who claims to have provided her with loaned jewellery, a common practice for celebrities. However, the jeweller alleges that some of the pieces were returned in a damaged condition, which is not in line with standard practice.
According to a recently filed lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Nicki Minaj’s stylist, Brett Alan Nelson, entered into a contract with the Roseark jewellery store. The agreement stated that Roseark would lend jewellery to Nicki Minaj for a public appearance.
Getty Images
The store claims the contract called for Brett to return the bling within a week and pay for any damages the jewellery might incur under his watch.
In the documents, Roseark claims Nicki’s stylist failed to return 66 pieces of jewellery by the agreed-upon deadline, and, when Brett finally forked over the bling, there was noticeable damage to a set of earrings and a leaf ring.
A source close to Nicki tells TMZ everything was returned on time as promised and it was only after items were in the jeweller’s possession for some time that the store complained about a missing stone.
The jewellery store says it sent invoices to Brett for the damage, which it says totals $26,239.50 plus interest. The folks at Roseark claim they haven’t gotten paid, despite their repeated attempts to collect.
So, Roseark is suing Nicki and her stylist for the money even though it appears Nikki never had any direct dealings with the jeweller.
In fact, Nicki Minaj’s attorney, Jordan Siev, tells TMZ “we have not been presented with any evidence that any of the jewellery at issue was damaged by Nicki. This lawsuit appears to be nothing more than an ordinary insurance claim by the jeweller designed to generate publicity for itself and extract a payment to which it is not entitled. We will defend the lawsuit vigorously.”
Amid heavy rainfall, thousands of residents and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gathered in Assin Breku at Assin North, to give a thunderous welcome to James Gyakye Quayson, the party’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency.
This marked his first public appearance in the constituency since the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC), announced the by-election date of June 27, 2023.
Despite the inclement weather, the enthusiastic crowd filled the streets to show their support for Quayson.
Accompanied by prominent party figures, including national and regional executives such as Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer, and Dr. Louisa Hannah Bisiw, the National Women’s Organizer, Quayson’s arrival was met with excitement and anticipation.
Joining the gathering were other notable individuals like Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodioo, Abdul Salam Adam, the MP for New Edubiase, and Prof. Richard Asiedu, the Central regional Chairman, among others. Their presence added to the energy and unity displayed by the NDC supporters.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the determination of the people to show their support for James Gyakye Quayson remained unwavering, setting a strong tone for the upcoming by-election in Assin North.
Sammy Gyamfi is National Communications Officer of the NDC
He was met by hundreds of motorbike riders while others in vehicles were with joyous moods singing and dancing, and walked him through the principal streets of Assin Akomfude through to Assin Breku township.
Some of the residents who seemed to have been braced with a new hope explained to Assin Fosu-based Rich FM and Onua News that defying the heavy rainfall to meet Mr. Quayson is a symbol of the love and trust they have for him.
Endorsing his candidature, they described him as the perfect man to lead the Assin North constituency to the promised land since his achievements in the area are already astronomical even when he was tussling trials and afflictions initiated by the opposition NPP.
Others recalled with confidence that if he had had peace of mind to perform his parliamentary duties, Assin North would be on a pedestal in the coming years.
They, however, pledged to vote massively for him in the upcoming by-election to lead the constituency not based on sympathy but by competency, trustworthiness and credibility.
Addressing the multitudes, Mr. Quayson thanked them for the love, commitment and trust reposed in him to lead them again.
James Gyakye Quayson is NDC parliamentary candidate for Assin North
According to him, residents of the Assin North live in abject poverty and stagnation as a result of years of neglect by the ruling NPP government, and, in the face of that, is where he draws the confidence to change the narrative.
He was hopeful about making history by winning the seat back for the NDC and the good people of Assin North.
He, therefore, encouraged the constituents not to be perturbed about the lies being perpetrated by members of the ruling NPP suggesting he would be jailed if voted into power.
“It is a way to sway you of your votes ahead of the by-election,” he told them.
The Urban Roads Department in the Ashanti Region has announced that construction work on the Suame Interchange has already begun.
The Project managers say preliminary designs have been submitted to a review while diversion roads are under construction.
“Since February, we have started with the design works,” Ashanti Regional Director of Urban Roads, Francis Gambrah said, adding that per the programme, “the design work is expected to be completed by August 2023.”
“That does not mean we are not doing anything, we have started the works”, Mr Francis Gambrah told the Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah who visited the site.
The decision to commence the project follows increased demands from residents and road users in the region who have been advocating for its implementation.
Consultants and clients have already received the initial design of the interchange project for review.
A visit to the site indicated the camp site for the construction staff is 85% complete.
Project Manager at Rango Construction, Mohammed Omar Fazzani, says they are ahead of the design schedule.
“I think that by the next one and half month we will finish the design stage and go to the ground to start but we are ahead of our schedule”, he added.
In October 2022, President Akufo-Addo cut sod for construction works to begin on the Suame Interchange project.
The 4-tier interchange project, including five overpasses, is to be constructed in two phases within 30-months.
It will also result in the widening of sections of the road and improvement in selected roads in the catchment.
Meanwhile, Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah assured diversion roads are being constructed ahead of main works.
“They have some assess roads to construct so they can divert the road. The Suame Road is a very busy road.”
“Imagine closing one side of the road for all the vehicles to use the other, so the local roads will have to be fixed to ease the traffic”, he said.
Akumfi Ameyaw Senior High Technical School, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Senior High School, Atebubu Senior High School, and Kintampo Senior High School have emerged as the representatives from the Bono East region for the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).
Following their impressive performance during the regional qualifiers, these four schools have secured a spot in the national championship. The contest between Akumfi Ameyaw Senior High Technical School and Nkoranza Senior High School was particularly intense, with Akumfi Ameyaw emerging victorious with a significant 19-point lead.
Nkoranza Senior High School, which was once the Bono-Ahafo zonal champions, unfortunately, failed to qualify for the national stage for the second consecutive year.
ATEBUBU SHS
They managed 39 points at the end of the contest.
In the regional qualifiers, Akumfi Ameyaw Senior High School faced tough competition from Abease Senior High School, St. Francis Seminary, and Kwame Danso Senior High School. The latter three schools seemed to be falling behind in the race, unable to keep up with the pace set by Akumfi Ameyaw SHS.
Akumfi Ameyaw SHS strategically answered their main questions in the first round, accumulating bonuses and widening their lead over the other schools. Their dominance was further evident in the True/False round, where they scored a perfect ten out of ten, leaving their competitors trailing behind.
With a remarkable score of 58 points, the highest in the Regional Qualifiers so far, teachers and students of Akumfi Ameyaw SHS express confidence that their journey in this year’s competition will lead them to the grand finale.
Qualified yet downhearted, that was the feeling after students of the Atebubu Senior High School secured their slot at the national stage.
After what appeared to be an easy win for the school, contestants of the school who were optimistic of an impressive performance could only garner 33 points against schools they described as their unmatched contenders – Busunya SHS and Jema SHS who managed 8 and 15 points respectively.
They have however resolved to improve ahead of the national competition.
Kintampo SHS emerged victorious in the second contest for the day after they faced off with Prang SHS and Tuobodom SHS.
They secured 31 points while the two schools garnered 17 and 24 points respectively.
Students from the school say they are ready to melt their opposition at any level of the competition.
The last contest which featured Our Lady of Mt. Carmel SHS, Yeji SHS and Amanten SHS saw the only female school from the Bono East regional qualify as the fourth school to the nationals.
They beat their closest contender – Yeji SHS – by a 25-point margin after they scored an impressive 49 points.
Meanwhile some five schools pulled out of the regional qualifiers for unknown reasons.
They include Kesse Basahyia SHS, Kwabre SHS, New Konkrompe SHS, Guakro Effah SHS, and Kajaji SHS.
Parliament has resumed sitting after going into recess in March this year.
The House being presided over by Speaker Alban Bagbin is expected to vote on the approval of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Eraaba Torkornoo.
Ahead of the substantive matter, the Majority and Minority are arguing over the Supreme Court’s ruling that birth certificate is not a form of identification.
This is contained in the court’s judgment in the case filed by private citizen Mark Takyi Banson which the court delivered judgment on June 25 together with the case filed by the opposition NDC.
Also, the House is discussing how prudent its members can criticise the Judiciary without being contemptuous.
Russia has declared the nationalization of Volodymyr Zelensky’s holiday home on Crimea’s Black Sea coast and intends to sell the property to finance its invasion of Ukraine.
The leader appointed by Russia in Crimea, which was unlawfully annexed by Moscow in 2014, made a video announcement on Thursday, stating that the local legislature has decided to nationalize 57 properties formerly owned by Ukrainian tycoons and public figures.
“Crimea will regain rights for a number of properties including a building in Simferopol that belongs to the banned Crimean Tatar parliament as well as Olena Zelenska’s flat,” said Sergey Aksyonov, referring to the president’s flat that is registered in his wife’s name.
“Enemies of Russia won’t be making money in Russian Crimea,” he added.
Prior to his election as president in 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky was widely known as Ukraine’s most popular comedian and co-owner of a successful TV production company.
In 2013, the Zelenskys purchased a three-room penthouse apartment in the prestigious coastal town of Livadia in Crimea. However, they never had the opportunity to reside there due to ongoing renovations and the subsequent annexation of Crimea.
Russian state media estimated the value of the property to be approximately $800,000 (£648,000).
Russia’s annexation of 2014 triggered a massive land grab across the peninsula as at least 4,000 enterprises and individuals had their property expropriated just in the first year of the invasion.
In many cases, owners were forced to pay bribes to simply re-assert their property rights as the Russian government started to register properties anew.
Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Russia-declared parliament, said on Thursday the Zelenskys’ flat will be sold off and the proceeds are likely to be used to fund the war in Ukraine.
“It will be put up for sale, and money will first of all go towards the needs of the special military operation, families of the killed soldiers and families of the mobilised men,” he told state Russian TV.
He suggested the Ukrainian president is not going to miss the property: “Of course, it is not a big loss for him.”
Mr Zelensky reportedly was not renting it out.
Earlier this year, Russian authorities in Crimea ordered the nationalisation of about 700 properties, from vineyards to factories, belonging to some of Ukraine’s richest tycoons suspected of “enemy activity” and links to the Kyiv government.
It was not clear where the proceeds from that sell-off went.
A group of Russian hackers known as The Clop has issued a threat, stating that they have stolen payroll data belonging to over 100,000 employees from prominent British, American, and Canadian companies and organizations.
The hackers have demanded that the targeted firms initiate contact to engage in negotiations; otherwise, they will release the stolen data onto the internet.
The Clop group posted a message on the dark web, specifying that entities affected by the hack, including the BBC,British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, must send them an email before June 14th.
Failure to comply would result in the hackers publishing the pilfered data online.
“This is announcement to educate companies who use Progress MOVEit product that chance is that we download a lot of your data as part of exceptional exploit,” the post said, according to the BBC.
The hacking group successfully obtained personal information, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and bank details, by exploiting vulnerabilities in the widely used business software MOVEit, developed by Progress, a Massachusetts-based company. MOVEit is commonly utilized for file transfer within company systems.
Zellis, the largest payroll services provider in Britain and Ireland, acknowledged that data had been compromised from eight undisclosed organizations it collaborates with. The extent of the information accessed varied among the affected clients.
Zellis promptly responded by disconnecting the server that employs the third-party MOVEit software and engaging an external security incident response team for forensic analysis and continuous monitoring.
“All Zellis-owned software is unaffected and there are no associated incidents or compromises to any other part of our IT estate. We employ robust security processes across all of our services and they all continue to run as normal,” the company said.
Walgreens Boots Alliance said a “global data vulnerability, which affected a third-party software used by one of our payroll providers, included some of our team members’ personal details.
“Our provider assured us that immediate steps were taken to disable the server, and as a priority we have made our team members aware,” the company said.
British Airways, which employs 34,000 people in Britain alone, said it had notified staff whose information had been compromised and was providing them with “support and advice.”
“We have notified those colleagues whose personal information has been compromised to provide support and advice,” a spokesman said.
In a significant legal development, Prince Harry took to the witness stand in his lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror, marking the first instance in over a century that a senior member of the royal family testified in court.
The last known occurrence of a senior royal appearing as a witness dates back to the late 19th century. Prince Albert Edward, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and later known as King Edward VII, testified twice during that period.
One instance involved his divorce proceedings, where he refuted allegations of an affair. The second instance was in a slander case related to accusations of card cheating.
These events unfolded during the time when Prince Albert Edward held the title of the Prince of Wales. Notably, he is the great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II and Harry’s grandmother.
The following excerpts are taken from Associated Press stories from 1891, covering the scandal known as the baccarat scandal, wherein Sir William Gordon Cumming sued for slander after being accused of cheating at cards.
While the prince himself was not implicated in any wrongdoing, the plaintiff’s counsel attempted to use the case to scrutinize the prince’s behavior. The press at the time raised concerns that the growing controversy surrounding the prince could potentially pose a threat to the English monarchy.
LONDON, June 2 — At this stage a juryman caused a sensation by rising in his place and asking in a loud voice: “Are the jury to understand that you were banking on these two occasions and saw nothing of the alleged malpractice?”
The Prince hesitated for a moment, as if undecided as to whether he ought or ought not to reply. Finally, he said, with half a smile, “It is very easy for bankers when dealing cards not to see anything especially when in the company of friends in a country house; you do not for a moment suppose anyone would play unfairly.”
The juror asked: “What was your opinion at the time the charges were made against the plaintiff?”
To this the Prince casually replied: “The charges made against him were so unanimous that I had not any other course open to me than to believe them.”
The last answer caused another flutter of excitement, followed by a whispered comment. The jury apparently had succeeded in bringing out squarely and beyond any possible doubt the fact that the Prince of Wales, in view of the evidence that had been placed before him at Tranby Croft by the ladies and gentleman who had played baccarat with Sir Wm. Cumming on September 8th and 9th, had become convinced of the plaintiff’s guilt.
…
The Prince assented to this and his examination was concluded. He gave his evidence in a halting, hesitating manner and seemed to be very glad and exceedingly relieved when the examination was over.
__
LONDON, June 8
Sir Edward Clarke, as he uttered these last words, turned squarely around until he faced the Prince of Wales, upon whom every eye in the court was then fixed, and who nervously crossed his legs, while the audience was utterly aghast at what was considered to be the audacity of the solicitor general. In several directions the whispered comment: “Why, he is going to attack the Prince of Wales,” was distinctly heard and caused all attention to be riveted upon plaintiff’s counsel.
Continuing the solicitor-general remarked that Sir Charles Russell, for defendants, had said that “even if the jury found for plaintiff and disregarded the document the latter had signed at Tanbycroft, the military authorities would take the matter up, and that Sir William Gordon Cumming’s name would be stricken from the army list.”
“I wiSh to say in unmistakeable terms,” exclaimed Sir Edward Clarke, raising his voice until it rang tellingly through the court, “that it would be impossible for the authorities to do any such thing, and leave on that list the names of Field Marshal, the Prince of Wales, and General Owen Williams.”
This bold statement seemed to completely take away the breath of the audience, and caused by far the greatest sensation of the entire trial. A hushed murmur of astonishment, not unmixed with dismay and some irritation, swept over the court room. One must thoroughly understand the almost religious worship of royalty which prevails throughout Great Britain to clearly understand the full meaning of the crushing significance of the solicitor-general’s words, aimed directly at the heir apparent.
…
When the court adjourned for luncheon, the Prince of Wales hurriedly left his seat on the bench, and contrary to his usual habits of politeness, completely disregarded the humble courtesies of several dames seated in his immediate vicinity.
___
LONDON, June 12 — The storm rising around the Prince of Wales is fast growing in intensity, endangering his chances of succession to the throne if not the existence of the English monarchy. No class appears to be stirred so deeply as the great middle class, the real strength of the country and the hitherto solid prop of the monarchy. Whenever its voice becomes audible its earnest denunciations of the Prince are accompanied by regret at his nearness to the throne.
Representative gatherings of religious bodies, Congregational, Methodist, Baptist, Unitarian and Presbyterian, have already recorded their condemnation. Board of guardians are going out of their accustomed paths to discuss motions branding the gambling propensities of the Prince of Wales as a disgrace to the country. Several Liberal societies have adopted protests against his continuance in the Army.
…
A conference has been held at the War Office, attended by Secretary Stanhope, the Duke of Cambridge, Duke of Connaught, Gen. Redvero Buller and Col. Stracey, and it reported they decided that the Prince of Wales, Gen. Williams and Levett have committed no offense against military law, but only a technical breach of regulations.
…
Club sentiment naturally supports the Prince; nor has the scandal lessened the Prince’s popularity in turf sets. Rumors of his bad reception at Ascot are a perversion of facts.
Court circles are much exercised over letters from the German court reflecting the opinion of Emperor William. It is believed the Emperor has written the Queen a long and serious criticism on the Prince’s life and dilating especially upon gambling of officers as a grave offense to military honor, and made worse by the signing of a paper permitting a colonel of the Guards convicted of cheating to retain his commission in the army. The Queen, it is said, forwarded the letter to the Prince of Wales.
The government has submitted a proposal to its official creditors regarding the restructuring of its external debt.
Although the ‘working proposal’ is not legally binding, according to Reuters, it marks a significant move by the government to engage the Official Creditor Committee, which includes the Paris Club formed in May 2023, in discussions about the country’s debt restructuring program.
This submission initiates a more comprehensive negotiation process that is expected to involve the exchange of several proposals.
It highlights the government’s participation in the Common Framework process, established by the G20 in 2020, aimed at facilitating joint negotiations for sovereign debt restructuring involving newer creditor nations like China.
Ghana is hoping to cut about $10 billion out of a total of $52 billion over the next three years to successfully implement the International Monetary Fund programme.
The country’s debt to China and members of the Paris Club is estimated at $5.4 billion. As of December 2022, the total external debt stood at $28.9 billion.
It has already completed a Domestic Debt Exchange Programme in February 2023 in which about 65% of bondholders took part in the exercise.
A shooting incident at a graduation ceremony in Virginia has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, with five others sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred outside the Altria Theater in Richmond on Tuesday evening, causing panic among the attendees, many of whom were wearing graduation gowns. Police Chief of the city described the scene as chaotic, with people scattering in fear.
A 19-year-old suspect attempted to flee the scene on foot but was subsequently apprehended. Police have indicated that he will face charges of at least two counts of second-degree murder.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have had a connection with at least one of the victims. Law enforcement officials managed to make the arrest without resorting to the use of firearms, and multiple guns were recovered from the scene.
We grieve for the victims and the families who lost loved ones tonight. I'm also ANGRY. I'm angry that families attending a graduation celebration can't do so safely. When do we say Enough is enough and lock up the criminals responsible for terrorizing our communities? pic.twitter.com/4NrAZVE53u
— Lt. Governor of Virginia – Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) June 7, 2023
While the identities of the victims have not been released, it has been disclosed that the deceased include an 18-year-old male who was part of the graduating class and his 36-year-old father.
Additionally, a 31-year-old individual sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition, while four males aged 14, 32, 55, and 58 suffered injuries but are currently in stable condition.
The shooting took place in Monroe Park, which is situated directly across from the theater.
The incident occurred shortly after the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School had concluded at approximately 5:15 PM (21:15 GMT). As families and graduates were leaving the venue, gunshots rang out, causing a rush of people seeking safety.
Some individuals were seen carrying young children and babies, while others sought refuge in nearby buildings. Emotional reunions and tears were shared among the graduates following the distressing attack.
🚨#BREAKING: Mass shooting at Virginia Commonwealth University's during high school graduation ceremony⁰ 📌#Richmond | #Virginia
Currently multiple law enforcements are on scene of a mass shooting that took place during a high school graduation ceremony in Monroe Park on the… pic.twitter.com/18sEoB973z
As well as those who were shot, police said another 12 people were injured in the rush or treated for anxiety due to the chaos.
“This should have been a safe space. People should have felt safe at a graduation,” Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said at a news conference.
“It’s just incredibly tragic that someone decided to bring a gun to this incident and rain terror on our community,” he said.
Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools Jason Kamras said the attack occurred on what was “supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diploma”.
“I don’t have any more words on this, I’m tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot and I beg the entire community to stop,” he said.
Africa will be represented by Sierra Leone and Algeria as newly elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio hailed this achievement as a significant milestone for the nation, describing it as a testament to Sierra Leone’s successful transition from war to peace and its status as a resilient democratic country.
In addition to Sierra Leone and Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, and Slovenia were also elected as non-permanent members following a vote by the General Assembly.
These five countries will join Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland as non-permanent members of the Council.
The newly elected members will assume their seats on January 1 and serve until December 31, 2025.
The UN Security Council consists of 15 countries, with five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—who hold veto power over resolutions.
On Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis is scheduled to undergo surgery on his abdomen at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The Vatican has announced that he is expected to remain in the hospital for several days to recover from the hernia operation. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the hernia has been causing recurring, painful, and worsening symptoms.
In recent years, the 86-year-old pontiff has encountered several health challenges. He relies on a cane and a wheelchair due to a persistent knee ailment. The upcoming surgery adds to the list of medical issues he has faced.
“In the early afternoon he will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery… under general anaesthesia,” said Mr Bruni.
He added. “The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery.”
On Tuesday, the Pope was at the same Rome hospital for a scheduled check-up, months after he was hospitalised with bronchitis.
He spent three days in hospital in March to treat a lung infection, in the same month that he marked the 10th anniversary of his pontificate.
On what would have been her 150th birthday, let us ask Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, the patron saint of missions, for the grace to love Jesus as she loved Him, the grace to offer Him our trials and our sorrows, as she did, so that He might be known and loved by all.
A United Nations court has declared that an 88-year-old Félicien Kabuga, accused of being a significant financier of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is not fit to stand trial.
Félicien Kabuga’s defense lawyers had presented arguments stating that he suffers from dementia.
After evading capture for 26 years, Kabuga was apprehended in Paris in 2020, reportedly having moved around various locations in East Africa during that time. He stands accused of providing financial support to ethnic Hutu militias responsible for the brutal killings of approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Kabuga has consistently denied these charges.
This ruling marks the first instance where a court has made such a decision in the long-standing effort to hold Rwandan genocide suspects accountable for their actions.
The judges presiding over the UN war crimes court in The Hague have ruled that Mr. Félicien Kabuga is incapable of actively participating in his trial and is highly unlikely to regain fitness in the future. In light of this, they have proposed an alternative legal procedure that closely resembles a trial but does not allow for a conviction.
In March, the court had temporarily halted Mr. Kabuga’s trial to facilitate a thorough assessment of his health. While his age is subject to some dispute, court documents state that he is 88 years old.
It is alleged that Mr. Kabuga utilized his significant fortune amassed from the tea trade in the 1970s to purchase machetes, which were subsequently distributed to Hutu death squads. Additionally, as a wealthy businessman, he stands accused of using his radio station to broadcast inflammatory hate speech, urging Hutus to carry out acts of violence against Tutsis and exacerbating the genocide.
After years of evading capture, French investigators eventually located Mr. Kabuga residing in an apartment in Paris under a false identity. The United States had previously offered a reward of $5 million (£4.1 million) for information leading to his arrest.
On Tuesday morning, a major dam in Kherson, southern Ukraine, suffered severe damage, putting approximately 42,000 people at risk of flooding.
Due to the rising floodwaters, some individuals in affected areas were left with no choice but to spend the night on their rooftops or seek refuge in trees.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has issued a warning, stating that hundreds of thousands of people are now without access to clean water. The flood levels in certain affected regions are expected to reach their highest point later today.
According to reports from Russia’s state media, at least seven individuals are currently missing, and a state of emergency has been declared in the annexed part of Ukraine’s Kherson region.
Both Ukraine and Russia have engaged in a blame game regarding the dam collapse. President Zelensky has accused Russia of deliberately triggering an “environmental bomb of mass destruction.”
Conversely, Russia claims that Ukraine orchestrated the attack on the dam to divert attention from what Moscow perceives as Kyiv’s failures in its counter-offensive.
The remaining structure of the Kakhovka dam is likely to deteriorate further over the next few days, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has said.
In an intelligence update posted on Twitter, the MoD says the dam partially failed shortly before 03:00 local time on Tuesday and the entire eastern portion of the structure was swept away by midday.
It also says the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir was at a record high shortly before the breach, which led to a “particularly high volume of water inundating the area downstream”.
But the MoD also says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is “highly unlikely” to face immediate safety issues over the dropping water levels in the reservoir.
Inter Milan manager, Simone Inzaghi, is confident as he prepares his team to face Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Inzaghi believes that Inter Milan will be up against “the strongest team in the world” but has urged his players not to be intimidated by the challenge.
Manchester City, who have already secured the English double, are considered the favorites to win the prestigious title and complete a historic Treble. However, Inzaghi remains optimistic and hopes to replicate the success of the Inter Milan team that won the Champions League in 2010.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 5, 2023
The 47-year-old head coach said: “I know we’ll meet the strongest team in the world at the moment. We face the best.
“We’re talking about a football match and with all due respect, I’m not afraid of anything.
“Guardiola is the best coach in the world and he has marked an era. We have respect, but we are proud to play in this final that we wanted with all our strength.
“It will be the last of 57 matches in which even the much-talked-about defeats have allowed us to get to where we will be on Saturday.”
Asked if the game would be the biggest of his illustrious career, Inzaghi added: “Yes it is, for me and for my players.
“[Andre] Onana and [Edin] Dzeko have played in the semi-finals, but nobody has ever made it to the final. It pays us back for all the efforts made throughout the year.”
Much of the focus in the build-up to the game has centred on the threat posed to Inter’s hopes by 52-goal City striker Erling Haaland, even though the Norway international has scored only once in his last seven appearances.
Inzaghi, who revealed he had unexpectedly bumped into Guardiola at a New York hotel during his honeymoon in 2019, said: “Haaland said City bought him to win the Champions League, but City isn’t just Haaland; they have numerous players who can put us in trouble.
“[Real Madrid’s Antonio] Rudiger managed to stop him very well in the semi-final and we’ll try to take our cue from that.”
That was a theme taken up by defender Alessandro Bastoni, who warned his team-mates not to ignore the danger posed by Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in particular.
Bastoni said: “City bought Haaland to win the Champions League, but they also have Bernardo [Silva] and [Kevin] De Bruyne who can put us in trouble.
“I watched a video of how Rudiger stopped Haaland and we will try to do the same. But it’s not Inter against Haaland, it’s Inter against City.”
Inzaghi remained coy over his team selection, insisting he has yet to make a decision over whether to start Dzeko or Romelu Lukaku in attack, adding: “A coach can have ideas, but maybe he changes his mind at the last second.”
Staff from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are scheduled to arrive in Accra this week for a mission visit aimed at monitoring the progress of Ghana’s Economic Recovery Programme.
During the visit, the IMF team will engage with various stakeholders involved in the implementation of Ghana’s programme.
This visit holds significance as it marks the first review since Ghana entered into a programme with the IMF on May 17, 2023.
However, it is important to note that this mission visit “ is not a review of Ghana’s Programme, but a regular Mission Visit to track progress of the country’s programme,” a source told Joy Business.
The mission visit to Ghana will be led by Stephane Roudet, the Mission Chief for Ghana from the Fund. As part of their visit, the team will hold meetings with key figures such as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and representatives from the Bank of Ghana.
Furthermore, the IMF team will engage with the Finance Committee of Parliament and various interest groups. These meetings aim to ensure the participation and collaboration of all relevant parties in the implementation of the programme.
The IMF team will assess the government’s advancement in meeting the targets set for the end of June 2023. Their visit is expected to conclude by June 16, 2023.
Ghana has been grappling with a severe economic and financial crisis, characterized by an unsustainable debt burden.
The country has been significantly impacted by a combination of pre-existing vulnerabilities and external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
These factors have contributed to mounting financing pressures, a devaluation of the national currency (cedi), diminishing international reserves, a slowdown in economic activity, and high levels of inflation. In view of this, the government ran to the IMF for assistance.
On May 17, 2023, the IMF Executive Board granted approval for a 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Ghana, amounting to SDR 2.242 billion (approximately US$3 billion).
This decision paved the way for an initial disbursement of SDR 451.4 million (about US$600 million), with the remaining funds set to be disbursed in subsequent tranches every six months, subject to program reviews endorsed by the IMF Executive Board.
The community of Awutu Bereku in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region experienced a distressing incident when a rabies dog attacked eight children, resulting in the tragic death of 12-year-old Samuel Ofosu.
This incident has plunged the community into grief and raised serious concerns about the safety of its residents. Yaa Tawiah, Samuel’s grieving mother, disclosed that the dog specifically targeted eight children, leaving behind a distressing aftermath.
Samuel, unfortunately, died at the Mother and Child Hospital, leaving his family and the entire community shattered and searching for answers. The loss of Samuel has had an indelible impact on his family, who are struggling with profound sorrow.
The possibility of rabies spreading to the affected children is also a grave concern at this time. Yaa Tawiah has expressed deep worry about the risks associated with the infection, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
The topmost priority for the authorities is to promptly address the situation and ensure the health and well-being of the community.
According to the authorities, the incident will be investigated, the affected children will receive the necessary medical attention, and preventative measures will be put in place to stop similar incidents from happening again.
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. It is usually spread through an animal bite. Animals most likely to spread rabies include dogs, bats, coyotes, foxes, skunks and raccoons.
Symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis and mental confusion.
Rabies is a significant concern in Ghana, and dog bites pose a serious health risk to individuals. It is important for individuals to take precautions to prevent rabies, such as avoiding contact with stray animals, vaccinating pets regularly, and seeking immediate medical attention following animal bites or scratches.
Manchester City on Tuesday conducted an open training session in preparation for the upcoming Champions League final.
Kyle Walker was however absent from the proceedings. The England full-back had been substituted in the later stages of City’s FA Cup final win against Manchester United at Wembley over the weekend.
While all other players were present, Walker’s absence raised questions about his fitness for the final showdown against Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Manager Pep Guardiola is scheduled to provide an update on the squad’s fitness during a press conference later in the day.
Ahead of that, he said “We will do our best. A final is how you behave [in] that specific 95 minutes, [it’s] not about history. We have to be better than the opponent.”
Deezer, the streaming service, has announced the development of technology capable of identifying and potentially removing songs that imitate the voices of popular pop stars.
The French company aims to combat illegal and fraudulent content in order to safeguard artists.
“We need to take a stand now,” stated CEO Jeronimo Folgueira in an interview with the BBC. “We are at a pivotal moment in music.”
Recent times have seen a surge in songs that utilize artificial intelligence to replicate the vocals of renowned artists.
In April, Universal Music successfully requested streaming services to take down a track titled “Heart On My Sleeve,” which was allegedly performed by two of the label’s major artists, Drake and The Weeknd.
Universal Music argued that “the training of generative AI using our artists‘ music” constituted a copyright violation. However, this stance has yet to be tested in court and remains in a legal grey area.
The introduction of this technology has sparked division among musicians themselves. Alt-pop singer Grimes has made her voice accessible for anyone to use, while Sting expressed concerns that artists are engaged in a battle to preserve their authorship rights over music.
Image caption,Grimes’ music often lives on the threshold between humanity and machines
Deezer has a small share of the UK streaming market, but is more prominent in France and part of South America.
It says its new tool will tag music that has been created with generative AI, “starting with songs using synthetic voices of existing artists”.
Those tracks will be flagged up to labels, artists and other rights holders, who can then decide what action to take.
‘Destroying music as we know it’
Ironically, its new detection tool is based on machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“This is a good use of AI and technology,” said Mr Folgueira, who stressed he was not against AI music as long as it was created ethically.
“For example, personally, I would love to see AI bring Whitney Houston back to life, and come up with amazing new tracks with her voice.
“But we as an industry need to make sure that AI is used in the right way, that it complies with the law and intellectual property rights and that artists get compensated fairly.”
He likened the rise of AI-generated tracks to the spread of misinformation on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
“One of the reasons they allowed fake news to flourish is because they were making a lot of money out of it. When people became polarised it created a lot more engagement, and then we had this terrible impact in society. I think there’s a similar risk here as well.”
AI music can be cheap to create and royalty-free, which would increase profits for streaming services. But Folgueira warned that “diluting” the streaming catalogue with machine-generated music was potentially damaging.
“Pushing for that because of an economic benefit could create a world in which we start destroying music as we know it,” he said. “Doing that for the wrong economic reasons would be a mistake.”
He admitted that very few tracks were currently being uploaded with so-called “deepfake” vocals, but predicted there would be an explosion of AI music in the next six to nine months.
With more than 100,000 songs uploaded to the service per day, it is impossible to have the content checked by humans.
Folgueira said Deezer also uses its tool to root out “fake artists” – pseudonymous musicians with no discernible online presence, who create hundreds of songs (typically overly-simple mood music) to game the royalty payment system. Spotify has been routinely accused of hosting such artists.
“We eliminate a huge amount of artists and a huge amount of fake streams every day – and the trend is that this fraudulent behaviour just keeps accelerating,” Folgueira told the BBC.
He said that is one of the reasons Deezer had started working with Universal to change the way royalty payments are calculated.
Currently, musicians are paid based on their portion of overall streams, so if Taylor Swift accounts for 10% of the music played on Deezer, and the company’s royalty pot is £100m, she receives £10m.
That means that people who never listen to Taylor Swift will be sending her 10% of their subscription fees, like it or not.
Deezer, along with Tidal, is now exploring how to more accurately reflect the songs that individual listeners choose to play, and support smaller-level artists.
“These are very complicated discussions with multiple players – and when you’re talking about sharing the pie in a different way, obviously, it’s not an easy task,” said Folgueira.
“But I think is a task that we will be able to achieve, hopefully relatively soon.”
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi has made the decision to cancel several upcoming gigs in order to prioritize his health and well-being.
Citing struggles both mentally and physically, Capaldi expressed his desire to take the necessary time off to rest and recover, aiming to return to the stage at Glastonbury on June 24th feeling his best.
The cancelled concerts were set to take place in Glasgow, Dublin, London, and Norway over the next few weeks. In an Instagram post, Capaldi explained that he needed a break from touring to simply be “Lewis from Glasgow” for a while.
Capaldi’s recently released second album, “Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent,” achieved remarkable success as the fastest-selling album of the year. With over 95,000 sales within the first week of its release, the singer has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the music industry.
Capaldi said: “It’s been such an incredible time leading into this new album, and seeing all the support from everyone has been beyond I could have ever dreamed of.
“That said, the last few months have been full on both mentally and physically, I haven’t been home properly since Christmas and at the moment I am struggling to get to grips with it all.
“I need to take a moment to rest and recover, to be at my best and ready for Glastonbury, and all of the other incredible shows coming up so that I’m able to continue doing what I love for a long time to come.”
Image caption,Lewis Capaldi headlined BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee last month
Capaldi said he was “extremely sorry for the impact” of the cancellations on fans who had booked travel and accommodation for the gigs.
Appearing at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee last month, Capaldi told crowds he was living his childhood dream.
He said: “Its an honour to get to be up here and do this for and to headline a festival still is mental to me.”
Capaldi’s first album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, sold more than any other in the UK in 2019 and also went on to be the biggest seller of 2020.
Head of school feeding caterers, Dorothy Ofori has shed light on the alarming hardships experienced by some caterers enrolled in the programme with debt-related issues.
Sarpong disclosed that the unresolved challenges with the programme have resulted in one individual losing her eyesight due to the inability to afford necessary medication, while tragically, another person lost their life under the weight of pressure from debtors.
“It is sad. It is collapsing homes. I have one woman around me; she has gone blind because she couldn’t get any money to buy medicine. Another woman has died because of the pressure. With this school feeding thing, if we don’t find something else doing, we will all die,” 3news.com quoted her to have said in an interview with 3Fm on June 5, 2023.
Caterers participating in the school feeding programme, who have been on strike demanding an increase in the rate per child, have vehemently refused to accept the government’s recent offer.
The government proposed raising the rate from 93 pesewas (GH¢ 0.93) to 1 Ghana cedi and 20 pesewas (GH¢ 1.20). However, the caterers argue that the decision made by the government without their input demonstrates a blatant lack of respect and disregard for the value of their services.
The caterers firmly contend that the government’s proposed subsidy of GH¢ 1.20 per student is significantly inadequate to prepare nutritionally balanced meals for the pupils in basic schools. They assert that the amount fails to take into account the escalating costs of food and other essential ingredients.
“You just propose one cedi twenty pesewas (GH¢ 1.20) without consulting the caterers. How are we going to use one cedi twenty pesewas to cook a good meal for the children? It can’t be possible. We are just waiting for them (the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection) to come. They don’t respect us; they just want to push things on us. This one cedi twenty pesewas? We cannot cook with it,” she added.
According to her, they feel disrespected and disregarded by the government’s approach to resolving the issue.
“The minister never engaged anybody ever since we started this fight. Nobody has engaged us, so she shouldn’t say so. Because we said that this Wednesday, we are going to embark on a naked demonstration to the presidency, and that is why I also believe that the World Bank country director also threatened that they are going to withdraw their grant because there is no transparency in the school feeding payment. That is why she rushed to come and say that,” she alleged.
Supreme Court judge, Justice Jones Dotse, has officially retired from active service after 21 years as a judge today.
He was appointed acting Chief Justice following the retirement of Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who served as Chief Justice.
The 70-year-old has served as a Supreme Court judge for 15 years.
In his retirement speech in court on June 6, 2023, Justice Jones Dotse recounted special moments in his line of work and certain individuals he was privileged to work with.
He also expressed gratitude to his family and all who supported him while holding back his tears.
“I promised my family that I was not going to cry so I’m going to soldier on,” he said to the applause of the attendees of the event.
“All the good things have been said but today is a day of showing appreciation,” he added.
Chief Justice nominee, Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, in a speech, described Justice Dotse as a man who applied the principle of justice and fairness in his work.
“One only has to encounter his desperate quest to overcome abuse with justice in decisions such as Board of Governance Achimota School vrs Nii Aku Nortey II, Platinium Equity Limited and Land Commission… and Martin Alamisi Amidu vrs The Attorney General, Waterville Holdings (BVI) Limited and Alfred Agbesi Woyome to understand the fighter for justice for the deprived in the nation in Justice Dotse,” she said.
Profile
Justice Jones Dotse earned a law degree from the University of Ghana in 1976, and in 1978, was later awarded a BL in Law from the Ghana School of Law. He was called to the Bar in November 1978.
After three years as a state attorney, he spent 20 years in private practice. Justice Dotse served in a variety of capacities during this time while working as a lawyer, eventually reaching to the post of president of the Volta Region Bar Association. Additionally, he had a specialty in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
In 2002, he was appointed to the Bench as a High Court Judge where he served for seven years. In 2008, he was appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, a position he still occupies. That same year, he was in 2008 elevated to the Supreme Court of Ghana.
The veteran judge was part of different panels that handled the country’s two biggest political cases, the 2012 and 2020 Presidential Election Petitions filed at the Supreme Court by current President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, the Presidential Candidate, and former President John Dramani Mahama respectively.
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as our new First Team Head Coach.
Becoming the first Australian to manage in the Premier League, Ange will join the team on 1 July on a four-year contract.
Daniel Levy, Chairman: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play. He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
A former Australia national team player, Ange managed at South Melbourne, winning the National Soccer League twice and the Oceania Club Championship.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as our new Head Coach on a four-year contract 🤍
He then led the Australian national Under-17s and Under 20s before moving on to managing in the A-League, winning the Premiership in 2011 and the Championship Grand Finals in 2011 and 2012 with Brisbane Roar, becoming the first coach to win consecutive A-League Championship titles.
He then became Australian senior national team manager from 2013 to 2017, taking the team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2015 and securing qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He won the J1 League with Yokohama F. Marinos in 2019 and joins us from Celtic where he won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup in 2021/22 and delivered the treble, winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup in 2022/23.
Tottenham are yet to confirm Ange’s coaching staff.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs on Parliament’s Appointments Committee have officially endorsed Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo as the nominee for Chief Justice, 12 days after her appearance before the committee for vetting.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, 6th June 2023, Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, announced on behalf of the Minority NDC that they find Justice Torkornoo fully qualified to assume the position of Chief Justice, despite concerns raised regarding her involvement in the Supreme Court’s ruling on James Gyakye Quayson’s dual citizenship case.
“We, the members of the Appointments Committee representing the National Democratic Congress, unanimously approve the nomination of Justice Torkornoo as Chief Justice,” he affirmed.
“Her impressive CV showcases her extensive experience, having served as a judge from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and eventually at the Supreme Court. We believe that capable women should be given the opportunity to hold key national positions. While we may have differing views on certain aspects of her jurisprudence, we acknowledge her qualifications for the esteemed role of Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” added the MP.
Following her vetting on 26th May, the NDC initially announced that they would withhold their decision until the Supreme Court releases its full ruling on James Gyakye Quayson’s dual citizenship case.
On Monday, June 5, the apex court provided the reasons behind its decision to uphold the Cape Coast High Court’s verdict to annul the 2020 Parliamentary elections in Assin North, hence directing Parliament to expunge the name of James Gyakye Quayson from its records.
Reasons for SC’s verdict
1. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2))a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the 1st Defendant was not qualified at the time of filing his nomination forms between 5th to 9 October 2020 to contest the 2020 Parliamentary elections for the Assin North Constituency as a Member of Parliament.
2. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 the decision of the 2nd Defendant to permit the 1st Defendant to contest the Parliamentary Elections in the Assin North Constituency when the 1st Defendant had not shown evidence of the cancellation of his citizenship of Canada is an act that is inconsistent with and violates Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana.
3. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the election of the 1st Defendant as Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency was unconstitutional.
4. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the swearing in of 1st defendant as Member of Parliament for the Assin North Constituency was unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal effect.
NDC MPs displeased with court’s verdict
According to Mr Ayariga, the Supreme Court failed to deal with the substantive matter – qualification to be a Member of Parliament and rather dealt with the eligibility or qualification of a person to contest as an MP.
“While the clear language of the constitution was dealing with qualification to be a Member of Parliament, the Supreme Court veered off and was dealing with eligibility or qualification of a person to contest as a Member of Parliament.”
“I am quoting the Supreme Court directly in their reason. They said ‘we are dealing with eligibility or qualification of a person to contest as a Member of Parliament’. When the Supreme Court talks about the qualification to be a Member of Parliament, it is after the contest that you get sworn-in to be a Member of Parliament,” Mr Ayariga said.
He argued that Article 94 does not focus on eligibility to contest elections but on becoming a Member of Parliament.
“This only takes place at the point of swearing in,” he added.
Article 94 – Qualifications And Eligibility
2) A person shall not be qualified to be a member of Parliament if he—
(a) owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana; or
(b) has been adjudged or otherwise declared
(i) bankrupt under any law in force in Ghana and has not been discharged; or
(ii) to be of unsound mind or is detained as a criminal lunatic under any law in force in Ghana; or
(c) has been convicted—
(i) for high crime under this Constitution or high treason or treason or for an offence involving the security of the State, fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; or
(ii) for any other offence punishable by death or by a sentence of not less than ten years; or
(iii) for an offence relating to, or connected with election under a law in force in Ghana at any time; or
(d) has been found by the report of a commission or a committee of inquiry to be incompetent to hold public office or is a person in respect of whom a commission or committee of inquiry has found that while being a public officer he acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State or misused or abused his office, or willfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the State, and the findings have not been set aside on appeal or judicial review; or
(e) is under sentence of death or other sentence of imprisonment imposed on him by any court., or
(f) is not qualified to be registered as a voter under any law relating to public elections; or
(g) is otherwise disqualified by a law in force at the time of the coming into force of this Constitution, not being inconsistent with a provision of this Constitution.
(3) A person shall not be eligible to be a member of Parliament if he—
(a) is prohibited from standing election by a law in force in Ghana by reason of his holding or acting in an office the functions of which involve a responsibility for or are connected with the conduct of, an election or responsibility for the compilation or revision of an electoral register, or
(b) is a member of the Police Service, the Prisons Service, the Armed Forces, the Judicial Service, the Legal Service, the Civil Service, the Audit Service, the Parliamentary Service, the Statistical Service, the Fire Service, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, the Immigration Service, or the Internal Revenue Service; or
(c) is a chief.
Assin North by-election
The Electoral Commission has announced June 27, 2023 for the Assin North by-election.
Nominations will be received at the Assin North District Office of the Commission from Monday the 12th of June 2023 to Wednesday, the 14th of June, 2023 between the hours of 9:00am to 2:00pm to 5:00pm on each day.
The filing fee for the election is GHS10,000.00.
Ahead of the by-election, Mr Gyakye Quayson has announced his decision to contest for the seat once again.
According to the National Democratic Congress’ Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi the people of Assin North will vote for James Gyakye Quayson to ensure justice is served.
Criminal charges against James Gyakye Quayson
Meanwhile, Mr Quayson could face a decade-long prison sentence if he is found guilty of perjury and other criminal charges brought against him by the Office of the Attorney General.
The charges include deceiving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by falsely claiming he did not hold dual citizenship to obtain a Ghanaian passport.
Mr Quayson is facing five counts, including deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport or travel certificate, making a false statutory statement, perjury, and false declaration of office.
Perjury, a second-degree felony, carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, and the prosecution is determined to prove his guilt.
A caterer participating in the School Feeding Programme has alleged that the government levies a tax of 30 pesewas on the 0.97 pesewas cost per head paid under the programme.
The caterer, identified as Madam Ofosu Mensah, made this revelation during an interview on Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV, as reported by GhanaWeb.
According to Madam Ofosu Mensah, the fee of 0.97 pesewas per head covers all expenses involved, including food preparation and serving the school children.
However, she expressed concern about the additional 30 pesewas tax imposed by the government on each payment.
“The 97 pesewas we are given per student, is supposed to cater for you the ingredients, source of fire, water and even light bill, in fact, everything concerning the food is in the 97 pesewas,” she said.
She added that the government charges them 30 pesewas for each fee.
“The government even takes a tax cut from the money, 30 pesewas. If you noticed, yesterday when a woman [reference to the Gender Minister] was speaking, she brought GH¢ 1 and she deducted tax 30 pesewas, so we have been paying tax,” she alleges.
School Feeding Caterers Association has been on strike over unpaid allowances and subsequent increment of the cost per head from 97 pesewas to GH¢ 2.00.
But the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Lariba Zuweira Abudu noted at a press conference, on June 4, 2023, that there is a proposal before the government to have the fee per head for each student from 97 pesewas to GH¢ 1.20p.
The proposed amount has also been kicked against by the caterers.
Leicester City Football Club has confirmed that seven players will be leaving the club at the end of their contracts in June, including Caglar Soyuncu and Daniel Amartey.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season last month.
Caglar Soyuncu, the Turkish defender who joined Leicester in 2018 from Freiburg, has made over 100 appearances for the club. Daniel Amartey, another centurion, made his debut during Leicester’s historic Premier League title-winning season in 2016.
Additionally, Youri Tielemans, who had spent four years with the club since his arrival from Monaco in 2019, announced his departure via Instagram last week.
Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez, and Tete are the remaining players who will be leaving Leicester City as their contracts come to an end.
Seven professionals are among those confirmed to leave #lcfc upon the expiration of their contracts this June.
The Club extends its thanks to all seven players for their contributions during their time with us and wishes them every success in their careers.
Over the weekend, a container trailer collided with multiple vehicles on a road in Sokoban, located in the Nhyiaeso Constituency of the Ashanti Region.
A viral video on social media captured the moment when the container trailer lost control and crashed into several vehicles ahead of it.
The large vehicle initially collided with a sprinter van directly in front of it, subsequently forcing a public transport minivan (trotro) off the road.
This unfortunate chain of events led to a collision involving at least five vehicles. Distressed residents present at the scene could be seen in the video, praying and appealing for assistance.
According to a social media user, Sokoban Fatilow who shared the video, the road where the accident occurred has become a perilous hazard due to its poor condition.
The user further noted that on April 10, 2023, Easter Monday, three individuals lost their lives in an accident at the same location.
Prince Harry has taken the stand at the High Court, offering evidence against the publisher of the Daily Mirror.
This marks the first instance since the 19th century that a royal has testified in court.
As he appeared in court, Prince Harry’s witness statement was released, in which he stated that the decision to relocate to California was primarily driven by the “constant intrusion” he and his family faced.
He further revealed that the intense media scrutiny had a profound negative impact on their mental health and overall well-being.
Accusing Mirror Group Newspapers, the prince alleges that the publication employed illicit methods such as phone hacking to obtain stories.
He is sworn in, promising to “almighty God” to tell “the truth, the whole truth”.
The prince has a full day of evidence ahead of him.
Prince Harry’s witness statement has been provided to some media houses such as the BBC.
He starts by saying his decision to move to California with his wife Meghan Markle was “in large part… due to the constant intrusion, inciting of hatred and harassment by the tabloid press into every aspect of our private lives, which had a devastating impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
“We were also very concerned for the security and safety of our son.”
Prince Harry’s witness statement goes on: “It is no secret that I have had, and continue to have, a very difficult relationship with the tabloid press in the UK.
“In my experience as a member of the Royal Family, each of us gets cast into a specific role by the tabloid press.
“You start off as a blank canvas while they work out what kind of person you are and what kind of problems and temptations you might have.
“They then start to edge you towards playing the role or roles that suit them best and which sells as many newspapers as possible.”
Prince Harry’s witness statement goes on: “As a teenager and in my early twenties, I ended up feeling as though I was playing up to a lot of the headlines and stereotypes that they wanted to pin on me mainly because I thought that, if they are printing this rubbish about me and people were believing it, I may as well ‘do the crime’, so to speak.
“It was a downward spiral, whereby the tabloids would constantly try and coax me, a ‘damaged’ young man, into doing something stupid that would make a good story and sell lots of newspapers.
“Looking back on it now, such behaviour on their part is utterly vile.”
The lawyer representing Mirror Group Newspapers is now questioning Prince Harry.
Andrew Green KC starts by referencing the publisher’s apology to him – heard previously in court – for one instance of unlawful activity.
The court previously heard a private investigator was instructed by a Mirror Group Newspaper journalist at The People to unlawfully gather information about Prince Harry’s activities at the Chinawhite nightclub on one night in February 2004.
The article is not one of the claims being brought by the prince.
Green tells the prince he will be entitled to a “more extensive apology” if the judge finds the newspaper group were responsible for further acts of unlawful information gathering.
As Parliament reconvenes today, Tuesday, June 6, a set of financial bills, including the Revenue Administration Regulations, 2023, will be presented before the House.
Alongside this, the Customs (Amendment) Act, Income Tax (Amendment) Regulations, VAT (Amendment) Regulations, and the Insurance Regulations, 2023 are also scheduled to be laid before Parliament.
Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, disclosed this information on his Twitter page.
Members of Parliament return today after going on recess on March 31.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin in a statement recalling the MPs for the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament said the House will commence proceedings at 10:00 am.
Parliament adjourned sine die for the Easter festivities in March 2023 after passing the controversial three revenue bills presented to the House by the government seeking to boost domestic revenue mobilization.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has undertaken a significant reshuffle by appointing new military and intelligence chiefs in the country.
The reshuffle saw the appointment of Maj Gen Juvénal Marizamunda as the new defense minister, replacing Maj Gen Albert Murasira, who had held the position since 2018.
Additionally, Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga has been appointed as the new army chief, taking over from Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who had been leading the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) since November 2019.
It is noteworthy that the simultaneous dismissal of a defense minister and an army chief is an uncommon occurrence in Rwanda. However, no specific reasons have been provided for the reshuffle.
In previous instances of senior military personnel changes, President Kagame would occasionally provide hints publicly about the underlying motivations.
Alongside these key appointments, President Kagame also named new officials for positions such as the army chief of staff (land forces) and the head of military intelligence.
Furthermore, he made changes to the top commanders overseeing the Rwandan troops deployed in Mozambique, where they are assisting in the fight against militant Islamists.
President Paul Kagame’s recent reshuffle signifies a significant shift in the leadership of Rwanda’s military and intelligence sectors, although the specific reasons for these changes remain undisclosed.
In a landmark hardware launch, Apple has revealed its long-awaited augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, marking the tech giant’s first major hardware release in nearly a decade.
During the announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the innovative headset as a seamless integration of the real and virtual worlds.
Alongside the headset, Apple also introduced its latest iPhone operating system and unveiled updates for the MacBook Air.
The Apple Vision Pro, which will be available in the United States early next year, boasts a two-hour battery life and comes with a price tag of $3,499 (£2,849).
It is worth noting that this cost significantly exceeds that of currently available virtual reality headsets, such as Meta’s Quest, which retails for $449.
During the presentation, Apple provided limited details regarding generative artificial intelligence, a trending technology widely discussed in Silicon Valley.
The announcement caused a slight dip in the company’s share price, although the event took place at Apple Park, the company’s headquarters located in Cupertino, California.
The era of spatial computing is here. Where digital content blends seamlessly with your physical space. So you can do the things you love in ways never before possible. This is Apple Vision Pro.
Apple Vision Pro looks different to similar headsets on the market – and is more reminiscent of a pair of ski goggles than a virtual reality headset.
Apple used the phrase “augmented reality” to describe what the new device does.
Augmented reality, also known as mixed reality, superimposes virtual objects in the world around us – enabling us to mix reality with virtual reality by looking through a screen.
Users can access apps, watch movies, and write documents in a virtual world. But so far, there is little evidence of a big market for this kind of wearable tech.
Hartley Charlton, senior editor of MacRumors, was unsure how much the headset would appeal to the general public.
“It won’t appeal to mainstream consumers at first on account of its extremely high price point and immediate shortcomings as a first-generation device,” he said, “such as its separate wired battery pack.”
But he said Apple has a track record of “overcoming scepticism” about new devices, and has historically encouraged people to “part with their cash to add a new gadget to their repertoire”.
Image caption,Journalists and developers at Monday’s conference saw a glimpse of the headset
In his sales pitch, Mr Cook said the headset allows users to “see, hear and interact with digital content just like it’s in your physical space”.
It is controlled by using a combination of your hands, eyes and voice – such as tapping your fingers together to select, and flicking them to scroll.
The announcement comes a week after Meta and Lenovo announced new iterations of their pre-existing virtual-reality headsets, that do not superimpose objects onto a view of the real world.
Meta has also invested heavily in mixed reality – but right now the sector is struggling.
Apple’s last major hardware release was for the Apple Watch device in 2015.
Thomas Husson, of Forrester Research, told BBC News it may take time for Apple’s new headset to take off.
“The overall AR/VR space has been a bit overhyped over the past few years with the metaverse and that kind of experience,” he said. “That’s the reason why I think it will take a bit more time.
“Having said that, if I told you 10-15 years ago that people would be ready to pay almost $2,000 for a mobile phone, I don’t think many people would have said they would be willing to pay that.”
iOS 17
Aside from the Vision Pro announcement, Apple also unveiled iOS17, the latest version of its iPhone operating system.
Updates include “contact posters” – a picture or image of yourself that will appear on a person’s phone when you call them – and “live voicemail” – which provides a real-time transcription of an answerphone message being left to you.
This transcription will also apply to audio messages left using Apple Messages.
And Apple has introduced a system called Check-In – which will automatically tell a friend or family member when you’ve arrived home.
If your journey is substantially delayed, it has the power to tell others that you have not made it home safely yet.
The new operating system will be available in Autumn 2023.
Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has been honoured with the esteemed “Office of Head of Civil Service Award” during a vibrant awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 2, 2022.
This recognition was bestowed upon him to acknowledge his exceptional leadership and unwavering support for reform initiatives within the civil service.
Dr. Prempeh, renowned for his role as the Minister for Education during the first term of the Akufo-Addo administration, played a pivotal role in successfully implementing the government’s flagship program, the Free Senior High School Policy.
Moreover, he led various significant interventions in the education sector, making significant strides towards improving the quality of education in Ghana.
Currently serving as the Energy Minister, Dr. Prempeh has been spearheading critical efforts in the energy sector, guided by five overarching vision areas.
These areas include ensuring uninterrupted power supply, facilitating the availability of petroleum products to keep the nation functioning smoothly, and making concerted efforts to increase Ghanaian participation in the country’s petroleum resources.
Dr. Prempeh has also led the development of the country’s energy transition framework, which provides a clear blueprint for Ghana’s equitable and just transition.
The framework was launched by His Excellency the President during COP27 in Egypt last year.
Dr. Prempeh has also been working assiduously on local content and participation in the energy sector and has initiated and implemented a number of interventions.
This award, also comes on the back of the sterling relationship Dr. Prempeh as Minister continues to have with the civil service, the bedrock for the work at the various ministries of Ghana.
This award has been described by many as unprecedented, given the cagey nature of the civil service especially in the conferment of such awards to the political class.
It would be recalled that, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh was named as Best Minister at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards in 2022.
A number of awards and honorary conferments had preceded this as a result of his outstanding leadership in public service.
Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah and Director Legal Ms. Fafa Kpodo were also named 6th Best Chief Director and Best Director respectively at the ceremony.
Reports emerging from Libya indicate that a significant number of Egyptian migrants have been forcibly expelled and made to undertake a challenging journey on foot back to Egypt.
Libyan authorities have conducted raids on people traffickers in the eastern part of the country, resulting in the discovery of approximately 4,000 migrants, as confirmed by a Libyan security source.
However, an Egyptian security source has countered these claims by stating that only those individuals who were residing in Libya illegally, constituting around half of the total number apprehended, were subjected to deportation.
This suggests that the other half had legal status or valid reasons for being in Libya.
Migration agencies estimate that there are approximately half a million migrants currently residing in Libya.
Many of them harbor aspirations of reaching Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea, while others have managed to secure employment and establish settled lives within the country.
The Ukrainian military has leveled allegations against Russian forces for deliberately causing the destruction of a significant dam in the southern region of Kherson, which is currently under Russian control.
According to a local military official, this act has resulted in the flooding of numerous settlements, affecting at least eight different areas.
As a consequence, evacuation efforts have commenced, aiming to safeguard the lives of approximately 16,000 individuals who are now at risk due to the rising floodwaters.
In contrast, a local official appointed by the Russian administration has disputed these claims, asserting that only the upper portion of the power plant was damaged by shelling, denying any destruction of the dam itself.
Another war crime of the occupiers, a real #ecocide.
Failure to stop the terrorists means endangering entire planet, because they use the same methods in every corner of the Earth.… pic.twitter.com/zTvuNvx613
— Партія «Слуга Народу» (@sluganarodu_pp) June 6, 2023
Kherson’s regional head Oleksandr Prokudin has accused Russia of committing “yet another act of terror”.
In a video message posted on social media, he warns that water levels in the Dnipro river will be “critical” within five hours.
Prokudin says evacuation of those residents living in the threatened areas on the Ukraine-controlled right (western) bank of the Dnipro river has already started.
And he also appeals to the residents on the opposite bank – currently under Russian control – to immediately leave their homes.
In a unanimous ruling on May 17, 2023, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the petition challenging Mr James Gyakye Quayson’s eligibility and ordered Parliament to remove his name from the list of MPs.
The apex court noted that allowing Mr Quayson to remain in the capacity as MP “will be an indictment of the administration of justice” should it disregard the orders of the High Court which nullified the Assin North election on the basis that Mr Quayson had dual citizenship.
The Supreme Court has recently made available the complete judgment regarding its declaration of the election of James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North in the Central Region as unconstitutional.
Below are the explanations the court gave for its direction to Parliament:
1. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2))a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the 1st Defendant was not qualified at the time of filing his nomination forms between 5th to 9 October 2020 to contest the 2020 Parliamentary elections for the Assin North Constituency as a Member of Parliament.
2. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 the decision of the 2nd Defendant to permit the 1st Defendant to contest the Parliamentary Elections in the Assin North Constituency when the 1st Defendant had not shown evidence of the cancellation of his citizenship of Canada is an act that is inconsistent with and violates Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana.
3. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the election of the 1st Defendant as Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency was unconstitutional.
4. Upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution, 1992 of the Republic of Ghana the swearing in of 1st defendant as Member of Parliament for the Assin North Constituency was unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal effect.
The future of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo as the Chief Justice of Ghana will hang in the balance as Parliament reconvenes tomorrow to deliberate on her appointment.
President Akufo-Addo nominated Justice Torkornoo, who underwent vetting on May 26, shortly after the retirement of Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, the former Chief Justice who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
During the vetting process, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority on the Appointments Committee of Parliament refrained from voting on the president’s nominee.
The decision was attributed to the absence of the reasoned judgment of the Supreme Court regarding the James Gyakye Quayson case.
In a statement by Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip, it was clarified that although Justice Torkornoo had been previously vetted and approved as a justice of the Supreme Court in 2019, the Minority Members required a comprehensive assessment of her decisions in all other cases, including the James Gyakye Quayson case.
The House will convene on June 6 to make a crucial decision on the Chief Justice nominee. This highly anticipated session will shape the future of the judicial landscape in Ghana, as all eyes are on Parliament during this significant deliberation.
In a remarkable showcase of academic excellence and unwavering dedication, Francis Abradu-Otoo, a talented student hailing from Ghana, has received two esteemed awards at George C. Marshall High School.
The ceremony, held at the school, celebrated Abradu-Otoo’s exceptional achievements and contributions.
One of the most coveted accolades presented to Mr. Abradu-Otoo was the highly regarded Senior Faculty Award.
This prestigious honor serves as a testament to his outstanding accomplishments throughout his tenure at the institution. It recognizes his exceptional dedication, exemplary leadership skills, and overall impact on the school community.
In addition to the Senior Faculty Award, Francis Abradu-Otoo was also bestowed with the esteemed Debbie Witherow Award.
This distinguished recognition celebrates students who exemplify the spirit of selfless support and compassion within the school community. It serves as a testament to Abradu-Otoo’s commitment to uplifting others and fostering a caring environment.
Throughout his high school journey, Francis Abradu-Otoo consistently displayed remarkable academic performance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his studies. His dedication, perseverance, and exemplary character have set him apart, making him a deserving recipient of these prestigious honors.
Adding to his list of achievements, he was also bestowed with the Debbie Witherow Award. This special honor is presented to a graduating senior who exemplifies the true Marshall spirit by selflessly assisting and encouraging others without seeking personal recognition.
Nominated by faculty and staff members, Mr. Abradu-Otoo’s selection as the recipient of this award speaks volume about his character and the positive impact he has had on his peers and teachers.
Beyond his outstanding academic achievements, he has been instrumental in building bridges and fostering a sense of inclusivity within the school community. Known for his willingness to lend a helping hand, provide guidance, and cheerfully support others, he has become a role model for his peers.
The recognition he has received with the Debbie Witherow Award underscores the impact he has made, highlighting the importance of unity and support in creating a positive learning environment.
Mr. Abradu-Otoo’s success story serves as an inspiration for current and future students at George C. Marshall High School. His achievements demonstrate that hard work, determination, and a compassionate spirit can pave the way for personal and academic success.
By embracing the values of empathy, collaboration, and selflessness, students can cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive and excel.
The recognition of Francis Abradu-Otoo’s accomplishments at George C. Marshall High School not only honors his individual achievements but also celebrates the valuable contributions of Ghanaian students in the global academic landscape.
His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education, resilience, and the profound impact that individuals can make when they embody the spirit of selflessness and unity.
An institutional farewell and tribute ceremony for Karim Benzema will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 6 June, at noon, at Real Madrid City.
President Florentino Pérez will be in in attendance and Real Madrid TV will broadcast the event live.
Real Madrid Football Club and captain Karim Benzema agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at the club to a close.
Real Madrid extended their gratitude and affection to the player who is already one of their greatest legends.
Karim Benzema joined the club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of its history.
During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented the badge and their shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King’s Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
Meanwhile, sources say Karim Benzema has signed main part of docs to become new Al Ittihad player joining the Saudi league.
It is reported that the contract will be valid until 2025 but will also include option for further season.
Diasporans, descendants of Africa dispersed across distant lands, are undertaking a transformative journey of repatriation, reconnecting with their roots and rediscovering the continent their forebears once called home.
Since 2019, after Ghana successfully hosted “The Year of Return” to encourage people of African descent across the world, particularly those in the diaspora, to visit Ghana and connect with their African roots, many have made what has now become the best decision of their life to relocate.
In this article, we look at the family of Daniel who have moved from the UK and plan never to return (with regards to permanent residency) but rather, make a home for themselves here in Ghana.
Daniel moved down to Ghana about three years ago and has since never regretted his decision. Engaging Ghanaian YouTuber, Capt Hayford, Daniel recounted the hardship he and his family encountered while in London just because of the colour of their skin.
When push came to shove, Daniel moved to Ghana and has since faired relatively well as he began working on a 52 acres land he acquired in “nowhere”.
According to Daniel, he had no one to look up to before settling down but has been able to do so much for himself and his entire family he hopes would join him soon.
“When I was coming, I was looking for families that have moved to Ghana and it was hard enough at that time. We are all here. We are not suffering,” he said.
To the many other diasporans out there yearning for belonging, he encouraged them to take the bold decision as it would be better “suffering here than the UK.”
“We came, we paved the way and now they are here. Not like it’s going to be easy but make the move. I’d rather suffer here than the UK. I mean it is cold. Let us suffer in the heat,” he said.
As Daniel relocated to Ghana some three years ago, he hoped to be joined by some of his family members. In May 2023, he was joined by his two daughters, son-in-law and his two grand children.
His eldest daughter, Jada and her husband, Kay, after pondering over moving down to Ghana in November 2022, finally took the step last month.
In their interactions, the couple noted that they felt some sort of relief immediately landed into the country.
Kay described feeling the air of Africa as amazing, whereas Jada said it was “a sigh of relief.”
“I was trying to smell the air. Feel the heat and I can’t describe the feeling. Pure excitement,” she added.
The duo who met on Tinder had a lot in common over what pushed them to make the life-changing decision.
For Jada, it was the cost of living coupled with issues of racism against herself and her children.
“Life in the UK, it was getting on top of us. The cost of living crisis and that was getting to us. There was lot of pressure being a 22 year old,” she said.
On the offense of being black, Jada said they were “not seen at equals”.
The photographer and videographer became teary-eyed as she recounted the harsh experience her son had to encounter – a situation of isolation.
“My son went to school for reception for about a term and I didn’t want to send him to a public school but I sent him and we have conversations about how your day at school. He told me I don’t have friends. He said the little boys in my school don’t want to be my friend because I am not white,” she recounted.
On his part, Kay, who had always thought about heading down to some part of Africa, as young as 14, but had no idea about the route he’d have to take shared some experiences of racism.
“I was playing a school football match and I’m the only black person on the pitch and there is a crowd of people on the sideline to get out of here and go back to where I come from. Telling me I’m dirty,” he agonizingly recalled.
According to him, he felt “powerless as a child”.
But now, the family have tasted inclusion and are elated to share their wonderful experiences here in Ghana.
Jada noted that she can execute her tasks as a mother happily as she would not be struggling to keep up with the bills, counsel tax among others as in the UK.
“Here, they have the space to run around and be free. In the UK, our house was so small. Playing football in the house and all those things, you can imagine how that goes,” she added.
Jay of Nigerian descent noted that Ghana was the best place to come instead of his home of origin due to the current insecurity, however, was optimistic of a better Nigeria in the not so distant future.
“I have family there. I have access to land and all that. But within me, I felt Ghana was the better place to come. In Nigeria, it is a bit of different situation at the moment. But I know in the future, they will have the same kind of peace and tranquility that there is in Ghana,” he shared.
Appreciating the peaceful ambience in Ghana and the great potential of Africa, he entreated all to return home, Africa, as “you are going to be seen for who you are”.
The Supreme Court has recently made available the complete judgment regarding its declaration of the election of James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North in the Central Region as unconstitutional.
In a unanimous ruling on May 17, 2023, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the petition challenging Quayson’s eligibility and ordered Parliament to remove his name from the list of MPs.
After the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, one Michael Ankomah Nimfah dragged Mr Quayson to a High Court for contesting the Assin North seat while in possession of Canadian and Ghanaian citizenship.
The apex court noted that allowing Mr Quayson to remain in the capacity as MP “will be an indictment of the administration of justice” should it disregard the orders of the High Court which nullified the Assin North election on the basis that Mr Quayson had dual citizenship.
The case was heard by Justices Jones Dotse, Nene Amegatcher, Mariama Owusu, Gertrude Torkonoo, Prof Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, Emmanuel Kulendi and Barbara Ackah Ayensu
The release of the full judgment offers transparency and clarity regarding the court’s decision and the legal basis on which it was made.
The judgment emphasizes the constitutional violation at hand and underscores the importance of adhering to the principles of eligibility for parliamentary candidacy.
A British Financial Economist and lecturer at Aston University in Birmingham, Dr. Sajid Mukhtar Chaudhry, has called for the implementation of a ‘Bank Tax’ to generate additional government revenue as banks in Ghana have become excessively profitable.
Dr. Chaudhry believes that the introduction of a ‘Bank Tax’ would not only provide a consistent source of income for the country but also incentivize banks to reduce their reliance on short-term funding.
In an interview with Joy Business, he proposed two possible tax options: a tax of 2% on total liabilities (excluding equity and insured deposits) as a long-term solution, or a tax equivalent to 10% of profit before tax.
“It is not normal for having banks to be that profitable. It is surprising banks in Ghana are too profitable and earn much more than other industries”.
“This tax when introduced will aid Ghana in its revenue mobilisation measures’. I propose a 2% tax of total liabilities net of equity”, he said.
The objective behind this proposal is to strike a balance between ensuring banks contribute their fair share to the national economy and encouraging financial institutions to adopt more sustainable funding practices.
Dr Mukhtar Chaudhry furthered that Ghana would have to be swift in introducing this tax and learn from the experiences of other countries to address its large budget deficit.
“Many countries have introduced a ‘bank tax’ and the last country to do so is Australia which did the introduction in May 2017 and this has helped the country. So there is the need for that”.
The banking sector recorded ¢4.4 billion in profit before tax in the first half of 2022, data from the Bank of Ghana has revealed.
This was after it had suffered a loss of ¢6.6 billion in 2022 due to the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on its operations.
