The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has expressed his ambition to enhance leadership’s receptiveness to the aspirations and progress of his community.
He remarked that leadership involves prioritizing the welfare of the people in order to expedite progress and development.
Characterising development as an ongoing process, the chief noted that his two decades of rule had been dedicated to the well-being of the community by means of creating employment opportunities and launching endeavors to elevate quality of life.
The Agbogbomefia was addressing guests who joined him to launch his 20th anniversary on the throne and the launch of this year’s Yam Festival (Te Zã).
The event, which featured cultural performances from various Asafo groups, was chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Area, Nana Soglo Alloh IV.
October 4, 2023, will mark exactly two decades since Togbe Afede XIV ascended the throne.
The anniversary would be commemorated on the theme: “20 years of selfless and inspiring leadership”.
The people of Asogli celebrate the Yam festival to give thanks to God and their ancestors for a bumper harvest, while offering prayers for good health and prosperity.
Projects
Togbe Afede mentioned the establishment of a 560MW Sunon Asogli power plant and the Volta Region Development Agency as some of his legacies.
Others include the setting up of the Asogli Education Fund to support students across the length and breadth of the county.
He said negotiations were also ongoing to construct a 50 MW power project in the northern sector of the country, adding that a wind power project would also take off in Ada, while a medical aid fund would also be established to take care of children suffering from various illnesses.
Others are the construction of an African Traditional Leadership Institute and the re-launch of the Ho Business Development Fund, among others.
Togbe Afede, however, said that without peace, the country would not be able to attract investors, “so let us remember, between peace and anarchy there is no choice and that is why we must not go to war with Niger”.
“I was even surprised that such an idea was contemplated.
Wars are not easily won and what is happening in Ukraine should be a good lesson to us; diplomacy is the way,” he added.
Commendation
For his part, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, described Togbe Afede as a visionary leader, and expressed gratitude to him for his exemplary leadership and service to humanity.
He entreated him to use his influence and good leadership to help reduce the numerous chieftaincy issues in the country.
The minister also urged chiefs to use their judicial committees to speed up adjudication of disputes in their respective Houses of Chiefs, adding that they must also establish lines of succession for their stools.
A group of four officers from Ghana’s National Food Safety Laboratory (NFSL), which operates under the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, have successfully completed a practical training program focused on Salmonella serotyping in the United Kingdom (UK).
This educational visit was facilitated through the Animal Health System Strengthening project, an initiative aimed at supporting overseas development.
The project is overseen by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The delegation consisted of Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Deputy Head of the Laboratory; Hawaha Korkor Ashong, Quality Manager of the laboratory; Emmanuel Gameli Adzaworlu, Technical Supervisor; and Lovelace Darko, a Veterinary Laboratory Technician.
During their visit, the team was hosted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an organization recognized for its expertise in this field.
Salmonella bacteria, commonly associated with causing foodborne illnesses in humans, are frequently transmitted through insufficiently cooked food and cross-contamination.
These bacteria are commonly found in raw meat, undercooked poultry (such as chicken or turkey), eggs, unpasteurized milk, and even in fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.
Although there are over 2500 known types of Salmonella, only about 100 of them are capable of causing illness.
Serotyping is a diagnostic method employed by scientists to determine the specific serotype of Salmonella present.
Identifying the particular type of Salmonella in food products or in affected individuals is crucial for tracing the source of infection, potentially mitigating outbreaks by minimizing exposure risks.
Additionally, serotyping can guide the selection of appropriate treatment for severely ill patients.
The NFSL holds the distinction of being the sole ISO-accredited Veterinary (Animal Health) Laboratory in Ghana, signifying its adherence to international standards.
The training in Salmonella serotyping provided by the prestigious Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), endorsed as a center of excellence in this domain by the World Organisation for Animal Health, is a valuable opportunity for NFSL personnel.
Looking ahead, the Animal Health Systems Strengthening project aims to equip NFSL with essential tools to apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills effectively in Accra.
Eventually, the goal is to extend this methodology to the main NFSL Sentinel sites located in Takoradi, Pong Tamale, and Kumasi.
During their time in the UK, the team engaged in productive discussions with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate regarding the monitoring of veterinary drug residues and antimicrobial resistance in food products.
The NFSL’s endeavors are pivotal in safeguarding the health of both humans and animals in Ghana.
The University of Education Winneba on August 26, 2023, conferred degrees upon 8,356 graduates, accompanied by an appeal to the government to expedite the advancement of the digital economy in order to harness its capabilities for job creation and the revitalization of conventional sectors.
The university’s Chancellor, Neenyi Ghartey VII, emphasized the necessity of initiating specific and well-defined employment programs that prioritize labor-intensive industries like infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing. This, he stated, would address the issue of unemployment effectively through targeted and time-limited initiatives.
Out of the figure, 1,732 students were awarded diplomas, 5,492 students were awarded first degrees and 1,132 students were awarded various postgraduate degrees.
Among the first-degree graduates, 182 obtained first class, 932 had second class upper, 1,755 had second class lower, 1,821 had third class while 802 obtained a pass.
The graduands included 3,611 students from the College for Distance and e-Learning (CODeL).
Addressing the second session of the 27th graduation of the university at the weekend (Aug 26), Neenyi Ghartey who is also the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, said that could provide immediate relief to the unemployed while fuelling economic growth.
He said that should be done along with revamping dedicated programmes to equip young people with relevant skills for the modern job market by encouraging entrepreneurship and providing training, mentorship and funds to support the development of the next generation of job creators.
The graduands
Neenyi Ghartey also called on government to strengthen youth-focused policies that promoted education, vocational training and entrepreneurship to empower the next generation and enhance their contribution to the economy.
In doing so, he said the government policy must facilitate the collaboration of educational institutions with industries to align curricula with market demands and equip the workforce with relevant skills, especially in emerging sectors such as technology and green industries, to bridge the skills gap and increase employability.
“By supporting existing industries facing downturns due to external shocks, strengthening vulnerable sectors, and encouraging innovation, the government can safeguard jobs and promote long-term sustainability,” he added.
Be innovative
He urged the graduands to work harder to create jobs and effectively contribute towards the nation’s growth.
“Unemployment is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity for innovation and transformation.
Embrace your role as a graduand by adopting a proactive mindset rather than waiting for the perfect job to come your way, consider becoming a job creator yourself.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are two key avenues through which you can contribute to economic development and employment generation,” he stated.
Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mawutor Avoke, for his part, advised the graduands to be adaptable, open to new experiences, and willing to pivot when necessary and develop the ability to embrace change as it was a key driver of success.
“Our world is a tapestry of cultures, perspectives and backgrounds.
Embrace diversity, seek to understand different viewpoints and foster inclusivity wherever you go.
It will enrich your life and make you a better global citizen.
I also urge you to cultivate meaningful relationships with your peers, mentors, family and lecturers.
These connections can open doors, offer guidance and provide support throughout your career,” he added.
Status quo
He further advised them to challenge the status quo and to stay curious to fuel innovation and personal growth, adding that the pursuit of answers could lead to remarkable discoveries.
He also urged them to prioritise their physical and mental health, spend time with loved ones, and create a balance that ensures both personal and professional fulfilment.
Prof. Avoke indicated that apart from a few distractions by a cohort of staff, often too timid to use their real names, but rather come as concerned staff, peace and sanity had by and large been restored to UEW.
“Workers don’t feel intimidated generally any longer and are all focused towards working to realise their dreams and that of UEW,” he added.
He welcomed the incoming vice-chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, and called for support from all stakeholders for his tenure to be a successful one.
The measure was a response to a prior instruction from the Ministry of Education to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), mandating the suspension of salaries for the striking teachers during the month of August.
President of CETAG, Prince Obeng-Himah, verified the account to the Daily Graphic recently. He mentioned that members of the association became aware of the situation when they went to their individual banks to collect their salaries for August.
“Yes, there is evidence that the non-validation has taken effect. When people went to the bank, they were not paid for the month of August,” he stated.
Mr Obeng-Himah, however, described the action as unlawful, especially where it deprived members of their economic rights as workers in the country.
The National Labour Commission (NLC), he said, had not pronounced the industrial action of CETAG as illegal because “we followed due process and so it is not in the place of the Ministry of Education to arrogate to itself the powers of the NLC to make pronouncements or determination on the legitimacy or otherwise of strikes.”
“The inaction of the Ministry of Education should not be tolerated in our labour system because it has no legs to stand on,” he insisted.
Mr. Obeng-Himah asserted that the strike conducted by CETAG members was valid and justified.
He stated that the issue would be addressed gradually, and CETAG plans to visit the National Labour Commission (NLC) tomorrow to hear the commission’s perspective on the deadlock.
“If the NLC’s ruling is not satisfactory, we are open to several options, including going to the Appeals Court or Supreme Court.
So, we are determined to follow through to ensure that justice is served tutors of the colleges of education,” he emphasised.
Mr Obeng-Himah mentioned that the association had formally notified the NLC about the matter in written form, and as a result, they anticipate the commission to resolve the matter.
In addition to the outstanding payments and terms of employment, he remarked, the association also anticipated the government’s compliance with the directive issued by the NLC several months ago.
“We have the legal right and economic right and that the Ministry of Education needs the teachers and the teachers also need the ministry and so there should not be a situation like somebody is showing someone where power lies.
“We want to maintain that the inaction of the Ministry of Education is completely lawless and unacceptable and the earlier if rescinds its decision and pay the withheld salaries of the tutors, the better for all of us,” he said.
Members of CETAG embarked on an industrial strike from August 1, 2023, to impress upon the government to adhere to their negotiated conditions of service.
But the Ministry of Education last week directed CAGD not to process the August salaries and allowances of members of CETAG, who are currently on strike.
A letter dated August 21, 2023, and signed by the Director of Administration of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Saaka Sayiti, to the CAGD said: “Any arrears before August 2023 should be validated and paid”.
“We write at the instance of the Minister of Education, requesting you not to pay monthly salary and allowances for the month of August 2023 to the teaching staff of all the 46 colleges of education.”
However, a statement dated July 10, 2023, and jointly signed by the President of CETAG, Prince Obeng-Himah, and the acting Secretary, Thomas Amponsah, said the industrial action followed the non-compliance of the government to implement the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023.
“The leadership of CETAG wishes to serve notice of our intention to withdraw our services across the 46 public colleges of education effective Tuesday, August 1, 2023, if by Monday, July 31, 2023, the government has not implemented our negotiated allowances together with the one-off payment of one month’s basic salary based on CETAG’s salary grade as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022 payable to tutors per NLC’s Arbitral Award Order given on May 2, 2023,” it said.
The decision of the association, it said, had been necessitated by the fact that from August 2021, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), representing our employer, deliberately prolonged its negotiations for new conditions of service for more than a year till the NLC intervened with a compulsory arbitration following CETAG’s strike in January 2023.
At the end of the compulsory arbitration, the statement said the NLC issued its Arbitral Award Orders on May 2, 2023, granting CETAG members a new condition of service with effect from January 1, 2023.
“Following the NLC’s Compulsory Arbitral Award, the parties proceeded to sign off the negotiation agreement, which has been communicated to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) by FWSC since May 26, 2023, for approval and implementation.
“Surprisingly, the MoF has refused to act on the FWSC’s letter, together with the NLC’s Arbitral Orders, in spite of letters we have written to the MoF requesting the immediate implementation of the negotiated agreement. Practically, CETAG members cannot continue to survive on expired 2020 CoS in this biting economy of Ghana,” it said.
It cautioned that at the beginning of the 2023/2024 academic year, its members would no longer continue with what it called “the killer all-year-round academic calendar” being implemented in the public colleges of education even if members were given all the money in the world as compensation.
It said the practice was softly killing teachers and that “leadership is, therefore, calling on stakeholders to adopt the in-out-out-in system to let all cohorts of students remain in school and complete the academic year together to enable tutors to take their inter-semester break.”
“After all, no law says all tertiary students should be accommodated on campus,” he added.
Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has begun a series of engagements with teachers as part of efforts to ensure effective implementation of the new educational reforms in the country.
The goal is to share the transformation agenda with teachers who have direct contact with students to bridge the gap between policy and the implementation of the new vision of equipping learners with 21st century skills.
The Ministry is pursuing policies geared towards accelerating socio-economic transformation of Ghana and the teacher was at the center of that agenda.
Teachers in the Ashanti Region, who were the first to be engaged by the Minister, hailed him for the historic direct engagement with teachers as major stakeholders in education to transform the sector.
They said the initiative was the way to go in tackling the core challenges facing the teaching fraternity, whose role was critical to achieving the desired learning outcomes.
The meeting was attended by about 1,500 teachers drawn from all 43 districts across the region, which was put together by the Regional Education Directorate under the leadership of Dr Kwame Amankra Appiah, the Regional Director.
Also in attendance were officials of the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.
Dr Adutwum acknowledged the key role of teachers in educational growth and the need to resource them to deliver quality tuition to produce the right human resource for accelerated national development.
“The future of Ghana is in your hands, and we are determined to change the history of this country with your support,” he said.
He said education was not an end but a means to an end where an equitable society was created for the general good of the masses.
“When I talk about transforming basic education, I am talking about getting opportunity for those who may be less privileged to prepare themselves for schools that are perceived to be the reserve of the affluent in society.”
He commended teachers for their commitment to duty and implored them to work harder to improve learning outcomes as the Ministry took steps to reward their sacrifices.
The Government was building smart classrooms in junior high schools across the country to create a conducive environment for academic work and prepare pupils to handle courses at the second cycle level.
Dr Adutwum, who has been championing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, entreated the teachers to embrace the new direction of education in Ghana to train students to effectively compete in the fourth industrial revolution.
Four women have been apprehended by the Public Health Officers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for their continuous practice of sun-drying fresh herrings, commonly known as ‘Keta school boys’, on a public pavement near the vicinity of the Korle Lagoon.
Last Friday, four individuals, namely Cecilia Klottey, Regina Okinkoi, Okailey Norrah Ayi, and Mercy Tetteh, were captured and their goods were seized. This action came after multiple warnings from the Metropolitan Environmental Health Officers (MEHOs) regarding the hygiene and safety concerns associated with the practice of drying fish openly in proximity to the Korle Lagoon.
As per the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), this habit subjects the fish to smoke particles emitted by vehicle exhausts, deteriorated tires, and dust. Additionally, it generates a potent odor that spreads throughout the vicinity, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and nearby schools. This situation poses potential threats to public health and safety.
The Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah who disclosed this to the media said Public Health Officers of the Assembly had initially attempted to address the issue through a series of verbal and written warnings, outlining the health implications but the cautions were not adhered to leading to the decision to arrest and take legal action.
He emphasised that the exhaust emissions from the vehicles release a mixture of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter, which can settle on surfaces such as the fish being dried, adding that particles from worn-out tires, a common source of microplastics, could also contribute to contamination which compromises the safety and quality of the dried fish, potentially affecting the health of those who consume them.
“According to environmental scientists, inhaling or ingesting these contaminants can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions,” he said.
He assured that the Assembly would strike a balance between the cultural heritage and contemporary regulations stressing that efforts would be made to work with the fishmongers and other traditional businesses to find suitable solutions that respect both their practices and the city’s standards.
“Efforts are being made to educate traditional businesses about the potential risks associated with drying food in open, uncontrolled spaces and to encourage them to adopt safer alternatives…We intend to strike a balance between the cultural heritage and contemporary regulations, ” he said.
He expressed concerns over the broader environmental impact associated with such practices in an increasingly urbanized setting and urged citizens to report any such activities taking place in their neighbourhoods to ensure swift and effective action.
He reiterated the AMA’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and harmonious urban environment for all residents and visitors.
Jessica Tetteh, a resident who witnessed the arrest, shared her concern about the incident. “I’m glad the authorities are cracking down on this illegal activity. Drying fish in public areas is not only unhygienic, but it also creates an unpleasant and unsightly environment for everyone.”
The four fishmongers are currently awaiting their day in court, where they will face charges related to public health and safety violations.
A fatal car crash in County Tipperary, Ireland has claimed the lives of multiple individuals last evening.
The police said there was a car accident last night near Cashel, and only one vehicle was involved.
A spokesperson from the Garda said that it seems like several people have died.
They said: “The police can’t give more information right now because they are still working at the place. ”
The police said they were telling the families of the dead people.
The police are currently at the site of a car accident where one person died. The accident happened earlier last evening near Cashel, County Tipperary.
Preliminary signs show that a few people have died.
The police cannot give more information right now because they are still working at the place.
The police are also letting families know about this sad event and ask for some time and privacy to do so.
After eight years of marriage, they welcomed a set of twins, and since then, congratulations have flooded their timelines.
Selly, who continues to post images and videos of her pregnancy on social media, has expressed her gratitude to Nana Ama McBrown, a coworker who previously foretold that she would give birth to twins.
Previously, during an interview with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom Plus, Nana Ama McBrown revealed that she had received a divine message indicating that a particular event would transpire.
As time passed, Selly indeed gave birth to twins, aligning with Nana Ama McBrown’s prophetic words and validating her foresight.
However, reacting to Nana Ama McBrown’s prophecy, Selly has shared a video on her page with the caption, “As it is written, so will it be manifested through God’s chosen. VO ?? @iamamamcbrown GREAT woman of our time. Great!”
Nigerian singer Ugee Royalty delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the evening during the “Glorified” concert held on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Victory Bible Church in Awoshie, Accra.
The concert, orchestrated by Perez Musik, the Songwriter of the Year awardee at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), showcased stellar performances not only by Ugee Royalty but also by esteemed artists like Pastor Joe Beecham, Cindy Thompson, and other talented Ghanaian musicians.
Ugee Royalty’s performance was a highlight of the night, and she left the audience in awe with her puissant vocals and energetic stage presence.
She performed the popular song “Aseda” by popular Ghanaian singer Nacee with such passion and conviction that it moved many audience members to tears. The crowd particularly enjoyed her rendition of this song.
Minister Ugee Royalty, a Nigerian, was able to deeply engage the Ghanaian audience with her music despite being of Nigerian descent.
Minister Ugee Royalty, real name Kalu Orieke Esther Ugee Royaltee, gained notoriety in 2022 when she triumphed in Season 2 of the De9ja Spirit Talent Hunt Competition. Among other incredible prizes, she took home a cash prize of 7 Million Naira.
A man was found in Dinard, a seaside resort in northern Brittany. He had been reported missing and was discovered on Tuesday.
He died sadly when the UK was participating in the World Defence Rugby competition in France.
Investigators think that the man may have died because he fell by accident, according to local prosecutor Fabrice Tremel.
Two coaches from the team have said that they recognized his body. We have learned that the man was in the Royal Navy.
Mr Tremel shared with a news outlet called Ouest France that at the same time the body was found, the English rugby military team reported to the police station in Saint-Malo about one of their players who went missing.
The coaches have recognized the body.
A closer examination of the player’s body will be done on Wednesday to find out exactly how they died.
The police found the player on the rocks at Port Nican, which is near the tip of Avenue de la Vicomte.
The British team is currently staying in Dinard and they have been practicing in the nearby town of Saint-Malo.
They will be playing against Fiji in the semi-final on Sunday at the Commandant Bougouin Stadium in Rennes, after winning against Spain with a score of 128-3, which is the best score in the team’s history.
The government department responsible for protecting the country has been asked for a response.
Earlier this year, a soldier from Britain died by drowning after accidentally falling into a river in Estonia. This happened while he was walking back to his home after spending time with his friends during the night.
]The designated centres for the registration of public sector workers without the Ghana Card have been deserted across the country.
As a measure to eradicate non-existent workers from the public sector payroll, the Controller and Accountant General has mandated all public sector employees to register for the Ghana card.
In order to facilitate this process, the National Identification Authority has allocated a specific 10-day timeframe exclusively for the registration of public sector personnel. Nevertheless, despite the substantial count of public sector employees lacking a Ghana card, the uptake of the mandatory and cost-free biometric registration for those without the card has been notably minimal, even after two days.
In alignment with the government’s objective to eliminate fictitious names from its payroll, the National Identification Authority (NIA) initiated compulsory registration for the Ghana Card among all public sector employees who do not possess the card. This initiative commenced on Monday, August 28, 2023. The limited registration process, which encompasses the enrollment of first-time applicants aged 15 and above, is anticipated to span a period of 10 days.
This unique initiative stems from a biometric audit carried out in the past year by the Controller and Accountant General Department, in conjunction with the NIA. The audit findings highlighted that out of the 601,000 public sector employees assessed through their Ghanacard registrations, approximately 148,060 individuals had data discrepancies with the NIA’s records.
This revelation raised significant concerns regarding potential instances of fraudulent ghost names or duplicate identities within the government payroll.
Officials believe many are not showing up because they are afraid of being exposed over ghost names and double identities, due to stringent measures put in place by the Controller and Accountant General Department for registration of public sector workers.
“It is quite obvious that if you are involved in ghost name scam or you have double identity, you cannot come here because you will be exposed. It is a reason they are deserting the centres,” a registration supervisor in Accra, who confirmed the low patronage said.
The registration of public sector workers forms part of an upcoming registration of first-time applicants from age 15 years and above, made possible by the supply of some 484,000 new blank cards to the NIA to enable it to fulfil its mandate.
Public sector workers are required to present a copy of their July payslips, alongside other mandatory documents, such as a birth certificate, a valid Ghanaian passport, or a certificate of citizenship, to get registered and be issued with a Ghanacard.
NIA officials and the CAGD have explained that the payslip is essential because the name on the payslip is exactly what will be used for the Ghana Card; to ensure uniformity and easy verification, and also expose ghost names and double identity on the payroll.
Public sector workers who fail to register for their Ghanacard, after this window, risk forfeiting their monthly salaries as the Ghana Card registration is a key requirement, following the revelation that ghost names on government payroll are costing the government millions of Ghana Cedis every month.
Russia experienced the largest attack by drones on its land since it started fighting with Ukraine. At the same time, Moscow also attacked Kyiv and killed two men in a similar way. This shows that the conflict is getting more intense in the air.
Six areas in Russia, including Moscow, were attacked on Wednesday. In the city of Pskov, near Estonia, some planes at an airport were damaged by drones.
Russian officials have not said that anyone got hurt, and they said they stopped almost all of the attacks.
Officials in Kyiv said that Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital with a very big bombardment last night. Serhii Popko, the head of the Military Administration in Kyiv, said on Telegram that the city has not had such a strong attack since spring.
Popko mentioned that multiple groups of drones were heading towards Kyiv from various directions. Afterwards, missiles were launched towards the capital. More than 20 “enemy targets” were destroyed by the air defense forces, he said.
According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, two men, one who was 26 years old and the other who was 36 years old, died. Additionally, three people were hurt by falling debris, but the seriousness of their injuries varied.
In Ukraine, they shot down 28 cruise missiles and destroyed 15 out of 16 drones that were sent overnight, according to Ukraine’s top military leader, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who said this on Wednesday.
Recently, Ukraine has become more confident in attacking important places in Russia from the sky. This is happening even though Ukraine itself is being attacked. This marks a new stage in the conflict, where Kyiv is trying to make Russians in their own country feel less supportive of the war.
After the raids, all four Moscow airports stopped flights for a little while. According to TASS, the Federal Air Transport Agency said that at least 11 passenger flights were sent to different airports, which caused problems. Afterwards, it was reported that the airports started working normally again.
The leader of Bryansk, a region next to Ukraine, said that their air defenses stopped a Ukrainian drone from attacking a TV tower on Wednesday morning. Aleksandr Bogomaz said that a fire had been put out and emergency workers were helping at the location of the supposed attack.
The strikes started soon after the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region said that the Ukrainian military had attacked the village of Klimovo with rockets and caused some deaths.
On Tuesday night, drones attacked an airport in the western city of Pskov, Russia. The airport is used for both civilian and military planes. The governor of the region reported the attacks.
Mikhail Vedernikov shared a video showing a big cloud of smoke coming from behind buildings in a neighborhood where people live. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, four Il-76 airplanes were damaged in Pskov due to drone attacks. According to emergency services, there was a fire that started and both airplanes were caught on fire.
‘We will not make foolish errors,’ a former individual stated. The defense minister of Ukraine has given a response to criticism about their counteroffensive.
There is still intense fighting happening in the ground war, and the movement of troops is slow. Ukraine increased the number of children being taken out of the town of Kupiansk, which is close to the fighting, on Tuesday. This happened because Russian forces were still moving towards the city, causing a lot of damage.
Kupiansk is a town in the northeastern part of Ukraine, far away from where Ukrainian soldiers are fighting in the south. The Ukrainian soldiers are trying to push back the enemy, but it is taking them a long time. The two fighting theaters may show that both sides are trying to distract the enemy troops from their main objectives.
The Ukrainian military says that their forces have moved forward in a part of the southern front, in the direction of the villages of Novodanylivka and Verbove. If the Ukrainians are successful in the Verbove area, they will be able to increase the size of the territory they have gained as they continue to move south towards Tokmak. Currently, the Russians are in control of Tokmak.
The occasion will honour and recognise the contributions made by women who stood out in their respective fields of endeavour during the year in review.
Eno Barony, one of the biggest names in female rap, is scheduled to perform at the event, and Princes Xornam, Miss Kidi III’s third-place finisher, will read a poem.
Korle Klotey constituency’s Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has firmly stated that the Minority in Parliament will persist in guiding Ghanaians to ensure the government is held accountable and to uphold principles of effective governance.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings conveyed that Ghanaians are weary of the irresponsible conduct exhibited by certain individuals holding positions within the Akufo-Addo administration. She particularly highlighted Dr Ernest Addison, the Bank of Ghana Governor, who oversaw the Central Bank’s losses amounting to approximately GHS 60.8 billion in 2022.
In addition to that the Bank of Ghana has allocated $250 million for the construction of a new headquarters, a move that has sparked public outcry at a time the country’s economy has declined.
Speaking on Dwaboase on TV XYZ, the MP argued that the explanation given by the governor, Dr Ernest Addison about the losses the Bank incurred did not make sense and that is the reason the Minority wants him and his deputies out of office.
The Minority has planned to march to the BoG headquarters in protest of what the group terms as gross recklessness led by Dr Addison.
Asked what the Minority would have achieved with the protest dubbed #OccupyBoG, the MP said the losses had not happened before and the group would have made its case clear with the march.
“There is no business as usual; what has happened has not happened before. As the leader in a particular place, when that place goes wrong, the most dignified thing to do is to step down,” she stated.
According to her, if even Dr Addison refuses to resign, posterity will judge them and the world will know they didn’t superintendent over wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Dr Ernest Addison has dismissed claims that the Central Bank breached procurement laws in pursuit of the construction of the edifice.
Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has underscored his dedication to prioritizing the welfare of his people and the nation.
He expressed his commitment to persistently engage in the “noble struggle against poverty and lack” and enhance endeavors to foster development not only in the Volta Region but also across broader areas.
He addressed the audience in Accra on Monday during the launch of the 2023 Asogli (Te Za) Yam Festival and the commemoration of his 20th year as ruler, under the theme: “20 Years of Selfless and Inspiring Leadership”.
Togbe Afede, in an address, said he had over the years adopted “a nationalistic approach” to his leadership since the development of the Asogli people and the nation was “inextricably linked”.
He said he had decided to “modernise traditional leadership and make it more responsive to the development aspirations of the people” despite the limited resources available, stressing that selfless leadership was important for development.
Recounting the journey to his “capture” and enstoolment two decades ago, he said everything he had done under his tenure was to bring “the desired change” in the lives of the people of Asogli and the nation at large.
He noted that the celebration of the festival and his anniversary was to take stock, plan for the future, and thank God for his guidance throughout the years.
The Agbogbomefia of Asogli paid tribute to his relations, predecessors and stakeholders, who continued to play significant roles in providing good governance to the people in the traditional area.
To that end, he announced plans to establish a Foundation to honour the memories of his mother, Rose Anyawoe; and late twin brother, Philip Ata Akpo, who played significant roles in his early life.
He said he intended to commit 60 percent of his business interests towards operations of the organisation and also relaunch, by end of year, the Ghana Medical Aid Fund, to cater for people suffering various forms of “strange illnesses,” especially children.
“I want my work to benefit generations upon generations, and I believe that even though I don’t have a whole lot, 40 percent of what I have is enough for me and my family.”
“My mother did not go to school, but while I helped her to sell the local palm wine and worked on the farm, I learnt hard work, perseverance, honesty, selflessness and empathy. Those have been my guiding principles,” he said.
Togbe Afede highlighted key achievements and initiatives in the aviation, education, agriculture, and energy sector, which included execution of the third phase of the Sunon Asogli Power Project which, he said, would add about 500 megawatts to the country’s power generation capacity.
Announcing the release of his 20th anniversary book in due course, he cited, among other projects, publication of the 3rd Edition of the Volta Region Tourists’ Guide, and the establishment of the Volta Development Agency, which had formed alliance with other agencies with the vision to bring development to the Volta Region.
The former President of the National House of Chiefs expressed thanks for the support offered him in the past 20 years as he executed his responsibilities in various capacities.
The launch brought together traditional leaders from the Volta Region, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy, and other dignitaries, who hailed Togbe Afede for his exemplary leadership.
The launch was characterised by traditional and cultural performances.
Davido captivated a distinguished audience of top-tier players from around the world, alongside club officials. This remarkable event unfolded at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester on Tuesday, August 29th.
The PFA Awards marked the latest prominent sports occasion where the musician showcased his talents, following his inclusion in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
Davido’s participation also signifies a significant milestone, as he becomes the first Afrobeats artist to grace this event.
The PFA stands as the representative body for professional footballers in England and Wales, boasting a membership of over 5,000 players across various divisions.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City claimed the honor of PFA Players’ Player of the Year, commemorating his outstanding debut season with the club during the 2022/23 campaign.
On another note, Bukayo Saka secured the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, while Lauren James emerged victorious in the same category for women.
Ex-President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has conveyed his congratulations to the recently appointed directors within the party.
In an official statement, Mahama expressed his congratulations to the accomplished individuals, both men and women, who have been chosen for different roles within our party, the NDC.
He highlighted that the caliber and diversity of the appointments create opportunities for comprehensive leadership and effective administration of the party.
He said the appointments show the NDC’s intent to secure victory in the 2024 elections.
“I want to commend the Council of Elders, the National and Functional Executives, and all stakeholders for their seamless handling of the appointments, which underscores the close working relations established since the re-organisation exercise,” Mahama stated.
President Akufo-Addo, has advised judges in the nation to be cautious about excessive delays in managing cases, as it undermines the advancement and credibility of the judicial system.
He emphasised that judges should give precedence to the timing of cases and ensure their swift resolution, as delays could have serious consequences for individuals and damage the reputation of the judicial system.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for some new judges at the Jubilee House, Accra, on August 29, 2023, President Akufo-Addo entreated the judicial council to be wary of delays to make the country attractive to investors.
“I [Akufo-Addo] thus urge you [judges] to be sensitive to undue delays that project the image of Ghana as a destination where litigation takes too long. This affects the attractiveness of the country as an investment destination,” he said.
He further advised the judges not to allow their religion, ethnicity, or political affiliations to influence their decisions to ensure fairness prevails in their rulings.
“Let me use this occasion to repeat that the dispensation of justice requires that application of the laws of the land must occur in the hallowed words of the judicial oath you have just taken without fear or favor, affection or ill will, that is, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any persons before you,” President Akufo-Addo reiterated.
The new High Court judges sworn into office are Justices Dorothy Ayodele Kingsly-Nyinah and Ama Sefanya Ayittey.
Twelve soldiers appeared on television early on Wednesday morning, announcing they were cancelling the results of the election and dissolving “all the institutions of the republic”.
They added that the country’s borders had been closed “until further notice”.
The soldiers said they were from the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions and represent security and defence forces in the country.
One of the soldiers said on TV channel Gabon 24: “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime.”
This, he added, was down to “irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos”.
The sounds of loud gunfire could be heard in the country’s capital, Libreville, following the broadcast.
The electoral commission said Mr Bongo had won just under two-thirds of the votes in an election the opposition argued was fraudulent.
A potential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s presidential nomination, Kennedy Agyapong, appeared before a party committee at its headquarters in Accra to participate in disciplinary proceedings.
The gathering on August 29, 2023, garnered significant attention, particularly when he arrived at the location. Exiting his Lincoln Navigator, he engaged in a brief exchange of greetings before proceeding directly into the office premises.
After several hours, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central emerged from the building and was surrounded by reporters eager to learn about the proceedings with the committee.
The MP, with a straight face, refused to speak to the media even as he was momentarily stranded beside his car as his driver was nowhere to be found.
In a video, an aide was heard telling the media thus: “he says today he will not talk,” just as the MP’s driver arrives and he hops into his car and it exits the premises.
He was summoned over alleged threats and accusations he directed towards President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the Special Delegates Conference on Saturday, August 26.
Agyapong was summoned by the committee to answer the claims he made in the video.
In a widely circulated video, the Assin North MP was captured threatening the president and the vice president over alleged attacks on his agents.
He was heard saying, “President Akufo-Addo, I will give you a showdown in this country, I swear to God. Vice President, I will give you a showdown for chasing my agent away. I swear to God. You will hear what will happen here. I swear to God, I will challenge President Akufo-Addo big time.”
Kenndy Agyapong arrived at the party headquarters in a convoy of vehicles and was greeted by some of his supporters.
Aside from Kennedy Agyapong, the committee is also expected to meet the Hopeson Adorye and Raphael Patrick Sarfo, Charles Dokyi Yaw-Addo, and Musa Sulemana for going against the laid down for the elections and misconduct.
China‘s recent release of a new map, asserting territorial rights over Indian land, has left India discontented.
Indian news outlets have stated that the map indicates that Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin are considered to be China’s land.
China’s ministry of natural resources announced it on Monday. India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, said that wedo not accept these claims because there is no evidence to support them.
He said that China’s actions make it harder to solve the border issue.
China has made maps that say it owns land that really belongs to other countries. “He said to the TV channel NDTV on Tuesday that this is a habit they have had for a long time. “
India recently protested shortly following a meeting between their Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the President of China, Xi Jinping, during the Brics summit in South Africa. An official from India said later that both countries agreed to work harder and faster to reduce tensions and withdraw troops along the disputed border.
India gets very upset when China tries to claim its land.
The reason for the tension between the neighbors is a disagreement over a border along the Himalayas. This border, called the Line of Actual Control or LAC, is 3,440km (2,100 miles) in length and is not clearly marked. Rivers, lakes, and snowcaps can cause the line to move in certain areas.
Soldiers from both India and China meet each other in many places, which can create tensions. The most recent clash happened in December when Indian and Chinese troops fought each other along the border in the town of Tawang.
China claims that the entire region of Arunachal Pradesh belongs to them and they refer to it as “South Tibet”. However, India strongly disagrees with this claim. India says it owns the Aksai Chin plateau in the Himalayas, but China is currently in charge of it.
In April, Delhi strongly responded to China’s efforts to give new names to 11 areas in Arunachal Pradesh. Delhi stated that the state will for ever remain a significant and inseparable part of India.
The relationship between India and China got worse in 2020 when their soldiers had a very violent fight in the Galwan valley in Ladakh. It was the first time in many years that there was a deadly battle between the two sides.
A member of Alan Kyerematen‘s campaign group, Kwesi Korang, has refuted allegations that the ex-Minister of Trade and Industry was presented with the opportunity to become the running mate for any candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
During an interview with Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline program, he rejected the assertions as inaccurate and lacking in respect.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has voiced his disapproval of Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen for not endorsing Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s suggestion to collaborate with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the NPP’s 2024 candidacy.
Chairman Wontumi holds the view that Alan Kyerematen’s third position in the Super Delegates Conference will shift attention to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong. He suggests that the remaining contenders will encounter a learning curve in the political arena.
Wontumi is of the opinion that Dr Bawumia’s widespread appeal and absence of prior political involvement position him as the favored contender, given his lack of previous election participation.
He believes that other contestants will be better off out of the contest, as they will be paying “Political School Fees.”
However, in response to these remarks, Kwesi Korang stated that it would be disrespectful for such a proposal to be made given that Alan was far more senior in the party than him.
”I don’t think Dr. Bawumia will not make such a move,” he told host Kwabena Agyapong. This disgusting act will not be carried out by the Vice President of this country. Alan Kyerematen is Bawumia’s senior. Alan will not make such a move out of respect for Alan”.
When confronted with the example of Barrack Obama and Joe Biden Biden and that Obama was not politically exposed and experienced, but Biden agreed to partner with Obama, so Alan partnering with Bawumia was not a big deal, he said, ”Bawumia would not do this. I don’t think he’ll do it. I also doubt the party will allow this to happen. Such a proposal must be rejected by the party. We cannot allow anyone from anywhere to become president, and someone who has been a member of the party for years would be sacrificed”.
Meanwhile, he has refuted claims that the ‘Adrumiso’ campaign caused Alan in the superdelegates conference, saying, “I don’t think that caused him. Show me one person who had not declared for Bawumia before the superdelegates conference. We even thought that Bawumia would get 99 percent. So the votes he secured saved the party from those who wanted to impose a candidate on us. Some planned to push for an agenda to impose Bawumia on us if he received 80 percent of the vote at the superdelegates conference.”
Ghanaian artist Barbara Naa Okailey Nyarko, well-known as OV, has shared the story of how one of her previous relationships came to an end.
OV revealed that her former fiancé decided to break up with her and cancel their wedding plans on the very day they were supposed to get married.
“I was about to get married, but I was stood up. I was in my wedding gown, my make-up and hair were done, and my family was waiting at my godfather’s house, which was the venue,” she recounted on Accra-based Angel FM.
Although she didn’t reveal the specific year, OV mentioned that the breakup occurred through a text message. She described the incident as deeply distressing, yet over time, she has been able to move on and heal from it.
“I suddenly received a text from him telling me that he couldn’t marry me anymore and was travelling abroad, but I think he had already left. I was hurt and disappointed, but I’ve moved on since then,” she said.
Asked if there was a possibility she could get back with this ex-lover, OV retorted, “We may get married and do everything alright but I will mafia him.”
A recent report from the United Nations (UN) states that many people from different parts of the world have been brought to Southeast Asia to carry out online scams.
Around 120,000 individuals in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia have been compelled to participate in these fraudulent schemes.
Many of the people affected are men from Asia, but there are also some from other places like Africa and Latin America.
The UN report is the first study to look at the problem in a detailed way, even though this problem has been around for many years.
The report says that because of the pandemic, many people had to stay at home and use the internet more. This made it easier for online scammers to trick them.
Criminal gangs used to exploit vulnerable, uneducated individuals who needed money quickly. However, they are now focusing on victims with high-level jobs and advanced education, such as college graduates or even those with post-graduate degrees.
According to the report, a lot of the places where people are compelled to commit cyber crime have weak government control, lack proper rules and laws, and have disputed authority.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that while we keep asking for fairness for those who have been tricked through online crimes, we need to remember that there are two groups of people who are hurt by this problem.
The UN believes that these scam centers make billions of US dollars each year.
Different news sources, like the BBC, have talked a lot with people who have been tricked by these groups of criminals.
Many times, people are tempted by advertisements that offer simple jobs and amazing benefits, but are fooled and end up going to Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
After they come, they are locked up and made to work in places where they deceive people on the internet. If people don’t obey, they could be in danger. Many people have been tortured and treated in a cruel and inhumane way.
Some networks also trick people looking for love and romance, which is often called “pig-butchering” scams. Last year, a 25-year-old person from Malaysia went to Bangkok to meet a person they only knew online. Unfortunately, this individual was tortured and killed in a very sad incident.
Instead, he was taken to Myanmar against his will and made to work for companies that are part of fraudulent activities on the internet. In one of his final phone calls to his parents, he told them that he was attacked because people thought he was lying about being sick. He passed away after spending a month in the intensive care unit.
The UN says that regulations in Southeast Asian countries are not as good as international standards. These regulations have not been able to keep up with the changes in online scam operations caused by the pandemic.
Pia Oberoi, someone who gives advice at the UN Human Rights Office, said that there are many more situations of people being taken advantage of that haven’t been reported. This is because the victims feel embarrassed and ashamed about the work they were tricked into doing.
The report said that we shouldn’t only focus on stopping organized crime or controlling the borders when dealing with this issue. Instead, we need to make sure that these victims of trafficking are kept safe and treated fairly.
Mr Türk asked governments to be firm in dealing with these criminal networks.
“He said that all states that are affected need to have the determination to make human rights stronger and improve how they are governed and how laws are followed. This includes making strong and continuous efforts to address and fight against corruption. ”
A crash on the Kasoa-Winnebahighway at Gomoa Potsin in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region has resulted in injuries to five individuals and left two people in an unconscious state.
Eight individuals, all dressed in mourning clothes, also lost their lives immediately.
Reports indicate that the collision, which took place on Saturday, August 26, 2023, involved a DAF Cargo Truck and a Hyundai H100 minibus.
The truck driver, while attempting to overtake the water tanker, veered into the lane of the Hyundai H100, resulting in a collision that led to the death of eight passengers on the Hyundai bus.
An eyewitness who spoke to Class91.3FM’s Central Regional Correspondent, Nana Tawiah, revealed that a water tanker which was ahead of the cargo truck had attempted to branch off the road.
The truck driver in an attempt to overtake the water tanker, veered into the lane of the Hyundai H100, resulting in a collision, killing eight passengers aboard the Hyandai bus; two men and six women on the spot.
The Winneba Fire Service Divisional Commander, DO2 Kwesi Hughes confirmed the incident, noting the accident occurred due to impatience on the part of the DAF Cargo Truck.
He, therefore, appealed to drivers to slow down while driving on the Kasoa-Winneba highway since the stretch has become a notable accident zone.
Right from the beginning, Steve Harvey was convinced that Marjorie Harvey was the woman meant to be his life partner.
Their initial encounter took place in 1990 at a comedy club, leading to a short-lived romance. Unfortunately, circumstances were not favorable at the time. Yet destiny had other plans. In the subsequent years, Steve and Marjorie found their way back to each other, ultimately sealing their love through marriage in 2007. This union also marked the merging of their families, which collectively includes seven children.
The Family Feud host had been married twice before, but his connection to Marjorie is unlike anything he is ever known.
“Marjorie changed the way I existed,” he told People in 2012. “I’d never been in a healthy adult relationship. I’d never been loyal, I’d never been fully respected.”
Marjorie agreed, telling People”We’re best friends. It’s the first time either of us has had someone we can talk to about everything.”
The couple has been together for more than 30 years, during which time they have become grandparents, shared many adorable moments on social media, and, most importantly, supported one another.
Steve dispelled rumours that Marjorie had cheated on him in August 2023.
“[My] marriage is fine,” he said to an audience at Invest Fest in Atlanta. “I don’t know what y’all are doin’, but find something else to do cause we fine, Lord have mercy.” Later that day, Marjorie called the rumors “foolishness and lies” in a post on Instagram.
So who is Steve Harvey’s wife? Read on to find out more about Marjorie Harvey.
She first met Steve in 1990 at a comedy club
Although Marjorie and Steve didn’t get married until 2007, the pair met years prior when the comedian was performing at a club in Memphis, Tennessee.
They discussed their first meeting during a 2018 episode of Steve’s talk show, The Steve Harvey Show. “I was late, and I thought he was gonna give me the business because he got real quiet. He was just staring at me. I thought I was going to become part of the show,” Marjorie told the audience. “He finally realized, ‘Oh, I gotta say something.’ He was, like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t know who this is, but I’m gonna marry her.’ “
While their connection was immediate, they ultimately went their separate ways after a few weeks of dating. “I knew he was The One shortly after I started [dating] him…but then he just left. Disappeared,” Marjorie told Essence in 2014.
Steve explained that he was not in a good place financially and was focused on his career at the time. “Before a man can be of use to a woman…he’s got to know who he is, what he does and how much he’s going to make,” he told the magazine.
Over a decade later, in 2005, he and Marjorie reconnected and the timing was right. Steve’s second marriage to Mary Shackelford had just ended and he was fresh off his sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.
She has Steve’s bodyguard to thank for their reunion
When Steve found himself single again in 2005, his bodyguard suggested a reunion with Marjorie. As Steve recalled to PEOPLE in 2016, “He told me, ‘Look, the only time I’ve ever seen you happy was when you were with that woman Marjorie. Now, before you go and do something stupid and marry another woman, I’m calling her.’ “
Of their second chance, Steve said, “It was like being reborn. I messed up so many times in my life. She made all the difference. When you’re happy at home, you can make a lot of things happen.”
Marjorie added, “When Steve came back into my life, it was effortless.”
She and Steve got married in 2007
The couple celebrated 16 years of marriage in Lake Como, Italy. While there, they got all dressed up for a special wedding anniversary photoshoot.
“Still going strong,” Steve captioned a video of him and his wife on Instagram.
She’s “mom” to a large blended family
Together, Marjorie and Steve have seven children who make up one large blended family. Steve shares twin daughters Brandi and Karli and son Broderick with his first wife Marcia Harvey, as well as son Wynton with Shackelford. Marjorie has three children from a previous marriage, Morgan, Jason and Lori, whom Steve legally adopted after their 2007 wedding.
Although Marjorie and Steve were ready for a new life together, their kids were a bit more hesitant about blending their families.
Marjorie had some words of encouragement, though. “When you’re dealing with a blended family, everyone is coming from a place of broken,” she told People in 2016. “We knew this was right. But I just told them, ‘Everyone is included. Everyone has access to their parents. Whatever you didn’t have before, don’t let that interfere with what you can have now.’ “
“Now,” she added, “we’re Mom and Dad to everybody.”
She’s a grandparent
In addition to their seven kids, Steve and Marjorie are also grandparents to seven grandchildren. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Steve shared that Marjorie “loves being a grandparent.” When asked if he feels the same way, the comedian answered, “Not at all.”
“I spent all my life trying to become an empty nester, I wanted my kids to go away and get out. Now they come back with more people,” Steve joked.
She runs a foundation with her husband
In 2010, Marjorie and Steve initiated The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, a platform that aims to empower underserved communities by providing them with the necessary resources for achievement, as stated on Steve Harvey’s official website. The foundation’s central objective is to furnish young individuals with access to services that facilitate their success and foster their development as capable leaders.
One notable initiative within the foundation is Marjorie Harvey’s “Girls Who Rule the World” program. This program is geared towards helping young girls cultivate positive self-esteem, excel in their education, and realize their potential through mentoring and various resources. Marjorie plays an active and hands-on role in this program, engaging in activities such as hosting meet-ups, surprising students with scholarships, and more.
She and Steve both love fashion
Marjorie shares a deep passion for fashion, a shared interest with Steve. In a 2014 appearance on his talk show, she highlighted this connection, saying, “As you know, you and I, that’s one of the things we have in common, we both love fashion. I’ve been passionate about it all my life.” During this segment, she discussed her fashion and lifestyle blog, “The Lady Loves Couture,” which she launched in the same year.
Her Instagram account is a canvas for her fashion enthusiasm, as she frequently posts snapshots of her outfits.
Over the years, the couple has attended several fashion shows together, further highlighting their mutual interest.
Interestingly, Marjorie also had an opinion on Steve’s appearance. On The Ellen Degeneres Show, Steve shared how Marjorie encouraged him to embrace his greying beard and mustache, showcasing their affectionate dynamic.
“I was on vacation and I actually left my Just For Men [hair dye] at home ’cause I had been dying my mustache, you know, black. So I was on vacation, so I didn’t dye it and the rest of it started growing in,” he shared. “And next thing I knew I went, ‘Damn. This is either going to be sexy or I’m ugly as hell one of the two.’ “
He added of Marjorie, “My wife told me to keep it.”
She supported Steve during his Miss Universe debacle
While hosting the Miss Universe pageant in 2015, Steve accidentally announced Miss Colombia (Ariadna Gutierrez) as the winner, when Miss Philippines (Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach) had actually won after misreading his cue card.
“I feel horrible for the two countries. I feel horrible for the fans. It was a mistake,” he told reporters after the show. “The dishonorable thing would be to just leave it like it was. It didn’t deserve to happen that way, but it happened from an honest mistake.”
Marjorie had her husband’s back and was quick to offer him some support. “You are a Stand Up Man and A True Class Act the way you went back out on the stage on live TV and took full responsibility alone,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am so proud to be your wife! I love you.”
Later reflecting on the “devastating” mix-up during an interview with PEOPLE in 2016, Steve said Marjorie’s support encouraged him to move forward. “[She said,] ‘I’m proud of the way you handled it. Don’t beat yourself up,’ ” he shared.
She has a special relationship with her parents
“Marjorie’s strong bond with her parents is evident through her Instagram posts. Numerous pictures depict her enjoying quality moments with them. These snapshots capture heartwarming instances, such as surprising her mother for her 80th birthday, sharing cozy moments in their bed, and commemorating their 60th anniversary. Her parents’ enduring marital relationship serves as a significant source of inspiration for Marjorie, and she affectionately labels them as “Goals For Real.”
In January 2020, Marjorie opened up about her dad’s Parkinson’s and dementia diagnoses as well as how the family was coping with the news. “My dad was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and dementia. Steve, my [mom] and I have been researching some things to keep the brain and body active,” she wrote alongside a video of her and her dad playing a game together. “We are all committed to fighting this. Let’s go, Daddy … my hero … my heart … my example of what a real man is. I love you.”
She’s a thrill-seeker
Marjorie went skydiving in Dubai in February 2023. On Instagram, she described the “amazing experience.” She had previously uploaded pictures from shark-feeding excursions in the tropics and ice car racing in Aspen, Colorado.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has explained that it is important to have discussions with Chinese officials in Beijing, as completely disconnecting from them would not be seen as believable or reliable.
When Cleverly met China’s vice president, he said that this trip, which is the first one by an important UK representative in five years, would help prevent misunderstandings and mistakes.
However, before his visit, some UK members of parliament criticized the government’s way of dealing with China as confusing.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a senior member of the Conservative party, said that it is like appeasing someone.
The relationship between the UK and China has gotten worse in the past few years because of worries about people’s rights in Hong Kong, China’s attempts to spy and influence people in the UK, and China supporting Russia when it invaded Ukraine.
Mr Cleverly spoke to the BBC and said that his visit was a chance to talk clearly about their differences and collaborate when it benefits both parties.
He said it would let the UK to “reopen communication” and added that not meeting in person could create “more chances for misunderstandings, lack of trust, and mistakes”.
He said that one call, one visit, or one meeting won’t completely change things. However, if we communicate patiently, consistently, and reliably, it could make a difference.
I talk about human rights, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and individual cases whenever I meet with Chinese government representatives.
When asked about China’s support for Russia in Ukraine, Mr. Cleverly said that China wants the war to end fairly and successfully.
I don’t believe China wants people to think that they support what Putin is doing, whether actively or without doing anything.
I believe Beijing pays attention to what the world thinks about them. They know that their future depends on other countries around the world.
Difficult to find or catch.
On Wednesday, Mr. Cleverly had a meeting with China’s Vice President Han Zheng at a big building called the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He is also supposed to have discussions with China’s foreign affairs minister Wang Yi.
The relationship between the UK and China has changed a lot since 2015 when David Cameron’s government called it a “golden era”.
Back then, Chancellor George Osborne said the UK had become China’s top partner in the West, and Prime Minister Cameron took Chinese President Xi Jinping to a pub for a drink.
However, since then, disagreements about various problems have caused relations to become very bad.
The UK government has expressed dissatisfaction with China’s treatment of a specific group of Muslims called Uyghurs who live there. In 2021, the UK government also decided to prohibit a Chinese company named Huawei from participating in the country’s 5G network due to worries about safety and security.
In the same year, China stopped five Members of Parliament (MPs) from entering the country. One of them was Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the Conservative party. China accused them of spreading false information and lies.
Liz Truss, who was the prime minister, was said to be considering labeling China as a danger to the UK.
Rishi Sunak didn’t want to go that far, but in 2022 he said that the good times of relations with China were over and trying to improve relationships had been foolish.
MrCleverly is visiting at a time when the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Commons has expressed criticism towards the government’s dealings with China in a recent report on UK’s policies in Indo-Pacific region.
The report says that the Chinese Communist Party’s activities are seen as a danger to the UK and the things it cares about.
This statement raises worries that the government doesn’t have a clear plan and it asks for a version of its strategy on China to be published in a way that everyone can understand, so it can help both the public and private parts of society.
The committee also says that all important ministers should be told about the more important version of the plan.
The Conservative chairwoman of the committee, Alicia Kearns, said: “The secret China plan is hidden in the government offices and not shared with important ministers. ”
How can people who create rules and laws do it without knowing the big plan.
When asked if Mr. Cleverly should be going to Beijing, she told the BBC on Tuesday: “It is more important for us to be in the same place with them, even if we strongly disagree, instead of ending our relationship. ” ‘Weak’ means not strong or not having a lot of power or ability.
But former leader of the Conservative party and minister Sir Iain called the visit the most recent part of “Project Kowtow”.
He said to the PA news agency that the UK’s stance “strongly suggests giving in to avoid conflict”.
“He said that we want to increase our business, so we don’t want to make the Chinese too angry. ”
What happens is that they believe we are not strong enough.
Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, accused the Conservative government of being divided, inconsistent, and complacent towards China for over ten years.
He said the government needed to achieve real victories in diplomacy, like stopping Chinese sanctions on British parliament members.
A startling occurrence unfolded in the Akuapem North Municipality, where Reverend Benjamin Acheampong, the Lead Pastor of Adonai Revival Church, suffered a vicious assault on his Bewase farmland in Akuapem.
As per information from Happyghana.com, the event has led to the arrest of nine individuals, who were later released on bail.
Rev Acheampong acquired the land with the intention of establishing a retreat center for his church. Additionally, he engaged in farming activities, cultivating crops like corn, cassava, and coconut, as a means to ward off encroachment. Conflict arose when an individual confronted him on the farm, asserting ownership of a segment of the pastor’s property.
The pastor, hoping to resolve the dispute amicably, contacted his land lessor; A Chief (The Bamuhene of the Akuapem Traditional Council) to be present and respond to the man’s claim. Despite this intervention, tensions escalated, prompting the chief to send a representative to mediate the situation in his absence.
According to reports, the situation took a dangerous turn when the other party threatened the pastor’s life, demanding he vacates the piece of land despite the pastor’s suggestion that since he purchased it from the lessor, the lessor should be present to respond to the claims.
“He had initially threatened me and told me if I didn’t want anything to happen to my life, I should leave the land,” the victim said.
Despite his attempts to calm the situation, the other party left the scene and, unknowing to the pastor, went to the community to mobilise some people to attack the pastor.
Rev. Acheampong, upon seeing the mob and fearing for his life, tried to flee but was pursued and assaulted by a group of individuals who had planned the attack. During the ordeal, the attackers accused him of theft.
Miraculously, Rev. Acheampong was rescued by one of his farm workers and taken to a nearby medical centre at Kwamoso. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Tetteh Quashie Hospital and subsequently to St. Joseph Hospital in Koforidua, where medical examinations revealed multiple fractures.
In the wake of this horrific incident, Rev. Acheampong, with support from his colleagues and the Chief who sold him the land, reported the attack to the Mamfe Police, providing evidence of his injuries through medical reports.
Additionally, an audio and video recording of the incidence revealed the identities of the attackers, the pastor’s constant plea that his life be spared and the matter discussed whilst he was being attacked.
The police responded swiftly, arresting approximately 12 individuals involved in the attack, while approximately 6 others remain at large.
The arrested individuals were brought before the Mampong Magistrate Court, presided over by Judge Felicia Anane-Antwi.
According to reports, after deliberations, the court granted bail to the accused, each required to provide sureties of Ghc 50,000. Additionally, they are obliged to maintain regular contact with the police. Their next court appearance is scheduled for the 26th of September.
Rev. Benjamin Acheampong is still responding to treatment after sustaining broken legs and multiple fractures in the ribs.
The shocking incident has drawn attention to the issue of land disputes, lynching and violence in the region, and the legal proceedings that follow are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the attack on Reverend Benjamin Acheampong.
Many innocent persons have died from mob attacks in Ghana, and it is therefore critical that the law takes it course and brings perpetrators to book to curtail such attacks.
Tragically, a car accident near Cashel in County Tipperary claimed the lives of a three-year-old boy and a man and woman in their 40s.
The car they were in crashed into a wall in the Windmill Knockbulloge area of Cashel.
It happened right before 9:00 PM on Tuesday night. The news from RTÉ says that the people who died were the child’s grandparents.
They were sitting in the back of the car. The man driving and another woman passenger, who are in their twenties, are getting medical care at the hospital for severe injuries. The road is still closed and it will take a while before it can be opened again.
The police set up a special room at Cahir Garda Station to deal with a situation, and they assigned a head investigator to lead the inquiry.
The police are asking anyone who saw something to please tell them.
Authorities are asking anyone who was driving in the Windmill Knockbulloge area near Cashel on Tuesday between 8:30 PM and 9:15 PM and has any video footage, like from a dashcam, to share it with them.
The TD for Tipperary, Michael Lowry, said that people in the area are very shocked.
He wrote on social media that he is thinking of and praying for the family members of the people affected by the terrible news they received.
The crash happened four days after another crash in Clonmel, where four young people died.
A contender for the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidacy, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has asserted that his swift response to reported cases of coercion and harassment played a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of a representative who stood for him at the Special Delegates Conference in the NorthEast Region.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 26, 2023, a video captured the Member of Parliament for Assin Central visibly angered by certain mistreatment his representatives were facing.
In his state of anger, Agyapong was recorded stating that he intended to confront President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also a candidate in the competition, regarding the incident.
Reacting for the first time following varied public reactions to his outburst, Kennedy Agyapong in a Twitter post said his actions on Saturday saved the life of one of his agents.
He described the treatment of his agents as a case of injustice.
I reacted against injustice and that saved the life of GANIU one of my polling station agents in North East.#ShowDownpic.twitter.com/9SO1hweWw8
“I reacted against injustice and that saved the life of GANIU one of my polling station agents in North East,” he tweeted.
Accompanying his post was the testimony of one of his agents for North East Region, Ganiu who shared his story of threat, intimidation and inducement at the polling station during the election.
“When the people were lining up to vote they were all showing their vote to the next person following them. After voting, the first three people showed their votes to each other, confusion erupted at the turn of the fourth person who is the regional youth organiser. When that happened, I had been told by my superior, the national campaign manager not to sign the pink sheet.
“Then the regional chairman said they are going to give us some amount of money, GHC2000. I said no, we are not there for money and he insisted that they were going to increase the amount but I said no, whatever amount they were going to give, we were not ready for it.
“So, afterwards we told him we are leaving, myself and the agent of Hon Kyerematen and Kojo Poku’s agent. Then he run and locked the door asking that we better go and sign, if we don’t sign, we were not going to leave the hall.
“Then I said to the chairman we will not sign because we are under supervision, unless they kill us… He even told us that if we go out, he will allow boys to attack us,” Ganiu alleged during a press conference held by Ken’s campaign team on Monday.
In his immediate statement after Saturday’s election, Kennedy Agyapong said he felt proud and motivated by the support in his camp in the “heat of backbiting, intimidation, and smeared campaign” he suffered and is hopeful of clinching victory in the party’s general delegates election slated for November 4, 2023.
The August 26 election was aimed at pruning the number of candidates in the party’s flagbearer race from 10 to five.
Kennedy Agyapong came second with some 132 votes behind vice president Bawumia who polled 629 votes out of the total votes of over 900.
Hollywood media figure Steve Harvey has revealed that he crossed paths with his wife, Marjorie Harvey, in 1987 at a comedy club where he was performing.
Steve recalls that Marjorie’s lateness to the show was what initially grabbed his attention. Intrigued by her presence and demeanor, he confidently expressed at that very moment that she was the person he had been waiting for.
“The very first thing I said to Marjorie was, ]I don’t know who you are, but I’m going to marry you one day. And that was the beginning,’ the comedian recalled during his ‘Family Feud’ show.
Continuing his account, Steve mentioned that he and Marjorie went their separate ways in 1989. He noted that as his career began to flourish in 1991 and he gained financial stability, Marjorie had already entered into another marriage.
Steve eventually moved forward and entered his own marriage as well, but by 2005, circumstances led to their separation. It was during this period that destiny intervened.
“We dated about a year and a half, I got into trouble and lost everything and we split. So, I quit going to Memphis, there were no cell phones by then. She got married and I got married. We gave birth the same year. I got divorced in 2005,” he added.
The television personality shared that his bodyguard, who happened to be acquainted with one of Marjorie’s friends, reached out to her, leading to their reconnection.
Reflecting on their phone conversation after several years apart, Steve recounted that his initial inquiry was about Marjorie’s husband. Surprisingly, she disclosed that she had been divorced for three years.
Without hesitation, he boarded a private jet the following day to visit her in Memphis. In the wake of this reunion, they swiftly tied the knot.
“I was out in Vegas shooting dice the day after I got divorced. My bodyguard knew Majorie’s girlfriend. He called and asked if I keep up with Majorie. One day he called and said he’s got someone on the line. It was Majorie. She said boy what do you want? I said Maj? The first thing I asked was how is your punk ass husband doing? Then she said she has been divorced for three years. I got on a private jet the next day and flew to Memphis. I told her I was divorced and she didn’t believe me. She didn’t talk to me for three months because she thought I was lying.
“Finally, I convinced her. She read somewhere that I had finally divorced and I went back to Memphis to have dinner with her. I asked her to come back to New York for dinner. I told her I was in love with her. I’ve always been in love with her. I married her and we have been together ever since. Same chick,” he added.
This account was captured in a short video clip he shared on Twitter on August 29, 2023.
Cheating, divorce rumours
In recent days, there have been widespread reports suggesting that Marjorie Bridges was unfaithful to Steve by engaging in a romantic relationship with both their bodyguard and personal chef. The reports indicated that Marjorie had an extramarital affair with members of their staff, which subsequently led to her filing for divorce following the alleged discovery.
Furthermore, it was claimed that she was seeking a substantial portion, specifically $200 million, of Steve’s assets.
However, both individuals have addressed these reports, vehemently denying the accusations and clarifying the situation through various platforms.
Steve, aged 66, decisively dismissed the rumors during his speech at the Invest Fest 2023 event held in Atlanta on Sunday, August 27.
“Before I get started, just let me say, I’m fine. Marjorie’s fine,” he remarked amidst cheers from the audience.
“I don’t know what y’all doing, but find something else to do ’cause we fine. Lord have mercy. Man,” Harvey stated, later adding, “I ain’t got no time for rumors and gossip. God’s been good to me, I’m still shining.”
On her part, Majorie shared a post, saying: “My husband and I don’t usually stop to address all the foolishness and lies that have been spread about us.”
She continued: “However, to whom much is given, much is required. I understand that with my platform comes some sort of responsibility to those who may not be as strong as we are. Read and share this with your loved ones who may not know how to properly cope. God Bless all of you.”
Human rights activist and singer Deborah Vanessa has explicitly stated that she is in no rush to settle down.
In an interview, she claimed that she was content in her current relationship and that marriage was not something she yearned for desperately.
“I am not desperate for marriage at all. If I don’t get married or have children, I am still happy and fine with myself. I don’t feel like it is the end of the world because of it, I have always been independent.
. Will it bring me 5 million dollars?” she asked.
Earlier this year, Sister Derby, who has had numerous failed relationships, said she was not looking forward to getting married.
Sister Derby’s failed relationships were well known to the public. She insisted that she is not secretive about her romantic relationships.
Sister Derby, who just turned 39 also admitted that despite caring for many children, she is not interested in having her own.
This resulted from a fan inquiring about her parenthood because of how youthful-looking she appears despite her advanced age.
Derby also gave advice to young women on how to be self-assured and defy social pressure to settle down and enter into unhealthy relationships. She explained why she frequently showed off her new partner in public.
She asserted that she does not see a reason to keep him a secret if he is sincere and at ease around her.
“I am the kind of person that likes to be free and not stressed. Hiding, pretending, and calculating are very stressful to me. But if I am comfortable and the person is showing signs of seriousness why should I be hiding? Why should I care about society? everybody goes through relationships and breakups.
“The truth is if you’re comfortable with someone and enjoy their company then you want to be around them all the time. My partner enjoys my company and so do I,” she stressed.
After the apprehension of a person suspected of being involved in the killing of a 28-year-old man in Ayiem, located in the Western Region, a recent video has surfaced. This video displays the group carrying out an experiment to assess the effectiveness of their bulletproof ‘juju‘ (magical charm).
Emmanuel Quayco, the individual in question, was taken into custody on August 25, 2023, subsequent to the circulation of a widely shared video depicting him fatally shooting a fellow individual while purportedly conducting a trial of a protective charm.
In a new video which has since emerged on social media, the group of five were captured conducting another test of their charm.
In the said video however, the deceased identified as Amoh Kwadwo alias Mallam walked away unscathed after a locally manufactured pistol was fired at his stomach.
Amoh Kwadwo, a 28-year-old also known as Mallam, tragically passed away when his friend, 22-year-old Emmanuel Quaicoe shot him while attempting to test certain juju powers.
This unfortunate event unfolded at Ayiem, near River Subiri, in the Wassa Mpohor District of the Western… pic.twitter.com/oFh8FQ93DY
In the earlier video showing his death, Amoh slumped and died on the spot after he was shot in the stomach during another testing process.
In a statement announcing the arrest of his shooter, the police said “Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect, Emmanuel Quayco, together with five other accomplices currently on the run, was in the process of exhibiting the potency of their alleged spiritual powers when he shot and killed the deceased, Amoh Kwadwo alias Mallam, with a single-barrel gun loaded with an AA cartridge.
“The suspect is currently in Police custody assisting the investigation while efforts are underway to arrest the other five suspects to face justice. They are advised to surrender to the nearest Police Station or be fished out from their hideouts,” the statement added.
Canada has given a new warning to its LGBT citizens who want to visit the United States.
There were a lot more protests against LGBT people in the US last year than in 2017, and there is also a growing number of laws being passed that limit the rights of LGBT individuals.
Global Affairs Canada alerted people that certain laws in certain states might impact them during their journeys, but didn’t mention which states exactly.
Usually, these warnings are only given to countries like Uganda, Russia, or Egypt.
Some states have made rules that can impact people who identify as 2SLGBTQI+. The US travel advice page says to look at the laws of the state and city you are going to visit.
In Canada, the term 2SLGBTQI+ is used to describe people who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or intersex.
A representative from Global Affairs Canada mentioned that there are laws in the US that specifically affect and target transgender individuals.
“They said to CBC News that some states in the US have made laws stopping drag shows and limiting the transgender community’s ability to get gender-affirming healthcare and join in sports events since the start of 2023. ”
In March, the governor of Tennessee passed laws that made it illegal for drag shows to be performed in front of children and limited the medical treatment that transgender youth can receive.
Two months later, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approved laws that prohibit kids from receiving transgender medical treatments or attending drag shows, and limit the use of certain pronouns in classrooms.
Many states run by conservative politicians in the US have suggested lots of similar rules about LGBT matters.
The Human Rights Campaign, which is the largest group that supports the rights of the LGBT community in the US, said in June that LGBT Americans are in a state of emergency. This is because some states are making laws that specifically aim to harm or discriminate against them.
On Monday, someone ruined a painting in Florida that was made to honor Lyra McKee, an Irish journalist who was killed in 2019. They drew a swastika and wrote mean things about LGBT people on it.
When asked why the advice had been changed, Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland said that the government asked experts to look around the world and see if there are any specific risks to certain groups of Canadians.
She said no when asked if they talked to the US government before making the change.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Thomas Musah,has urged all citizens of Ghana to continuously work together in fostering an environment that promotes and supports the continued education of boys. This support is essential in helping them unlock their complete potential for both personal growth and the advancement of the country.
He stated that all stakeholders, including organisations, parent-teacher associations, philanthropists, and former students, needed to be actively involved in an “all hands on deck” approach if initiatives to encourage boys to attend school and stay throughout their studies were to be successful.
According to him, a gender balance was necessary for the country’s economic development indicator.
“So the supply of labour must always be there for you to enable you to turn your capital around, turn your land around and also engage in entrepreneurship.
And so, if we are having a situation where you have the female number increasing against the males, then we are in for trouble.”
“Where are the males going to? Where are they?
Are they dropping out of school and if they are dropping out of school, where are they now?”
“It means they would certainly go into child labour, they would go into other social vices which the nation might not be able to contain.
We need these people in the various sectors of the economy and not in prisons,” he stressed.
Mr. Musah made reference to the proverb “the devil finds work for idle hands,” implying that the situation should not be taken lightly and that it was necessary to identify the source of the issue.
The GNAT General Secretary was responding to a Daily Graphic report that showed that this year’s candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates and the Basic Education Certificate Examination, also for school candidates, were more likely to be girls than boys.
“So in policy formulation and being mindful of the requirement of ensuring that the country lives a healthy life in every aspect of economic development, you need both males and females,” he said.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has recently released statistics showing that girls have outperformed boys in the two exams.
For instance, girls last year were more than boys in the 2022 WASSCE for School Candidates (SC).
There were 203,753 men and 219,130 women applicants out of the total 422,883 applicants.
This year, 211,834 men and 235,370 women are among the 447,204 candidates taking the WASSCE-SC.
This year, there were 68 more girls than boys who were taking the BECE.
There were a total of 600,714 school applicants, 300,323 of whom were male and 300,391 female.
The Ghana Only Version of the 2023 WASSCE-SC is still being administered, while the BECE was finished on August 11 two weeks ago.
The anticipated end date is September 26, 2023.
Mr. Musah stated that in order to address the issue and encourage more boys to continue their education, the necessary resources, including the payment of the Capitation Grant, must be made at the beginning of the school year. This will help to create a supportive environment for all students.
“Currently, the basic schools are not attractive, particularly the public basic schools.
Look, if you go to the kindergarten (KG) today, what is there to attract you; the teaching and learning materials, the resources that must be provided for the children to learn are not there.”
“When the children go to school and the environment there is not attractive, they will not come again because whatever you are teaching should be relevant to the child.”
“When the school is attractive, the child will come.
When the child wears the uniform, he must have a reason as to why he should not go fishing but rather go to school,” he said.
Mr. Musah reiterated that in order to keep junior high school (JHS) students in the classroom, they must be fed through the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
According to Mr. Musah, in order to fulfil the promise made in Article 25 of the Constitution, the feeding at SHS actually ought to have taken place at the JHS level.
He said it was in the interest of the nation to ensure that everyone was well developed and no one was left behind, adding that education was about national development.
A prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has proposed that Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh, who shared the fifth position at the Super Delegates Conference, should be given the opportunity to compete in the Party’s Presidential Primary scheduled for November 4th.
He clarified that even though the requirement for the upcoming election’s next phase was five candidates, it might be practical to permit all six contenders to participate. This would help avoid the expenses associated with organizing a run-off specifically for the two candidates.
Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko both secured an equal fifth position during the NPP Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26. In the conference, they each received nine votes.
The Party was expected to select five out of 10 aspirants to compete in the November 4, Presidential Primary.
Mr Agyepong, who could not form the top five aspirants in the first round, pledged to table the issue before the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee as well as the National Council meeting on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
“The National Council is meeting on Wednesday; I am a member of it. If I have the opportunity, I will suggest that they should allow them to join. Six is not different from five….”
“After all, the whole idea behind pruning down is because of the massive numbers that we saw in 2007, when I was the youngest of the 17 aspirants and this time, we had 10, which with some of us, in our view, they could have allowed us to go straight on.”
He stressed: “I think they should be allowed since they are sharing the fifth position.”
Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the Vetting Committee speaking after the declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission (EC), announced a run- off on Saturday, 2nd September to break the tie between Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko.
Former President John Mahama has disputed claims suggesting that he has US$900 million in his bank accounts.
Mr Mahama in a statement released by his spokesperson described the claims as “false and baseless.”
He further noted that this is a calculated attempt to discredit his reputation and undermine his leadership.
The said reports put Mahama as the fourth richest person in Ghana with over $900million in his personal accounts.
The politician said the claims were “another attempt to cause disaffection” and a part of a wider political smear campaign ahead of the 2024 election.
Mahama urged the public to focus on critiquing the current government’s performance and hold them accountable for their economic mismanagement.
Below is the full statement issued by his spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari.
PRESS STATEMENT: MAHAMA DENOUNCES FALSE PUBLICATION OF HIS WEALTH
The Office of HE John Dramani Mahama has been made aware of false publications claiming that the former President is the fourth richest person in Ghana and worth around $900 million.
We wish to state categorically that the publications are entirely false and baseless.
Mr. Mahama vehemently denies the claims, which he considers yet another attempt to discredit his reputation, cause disaffection for him, and undermine his leadership of selfless service.
These malicious false publications from obvious political opponents will be expected as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections, an election John Mahama will win.
It is obvious that this publication is part of a deliberate and discredited strategy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to spread lies and seek to generate public disaffection for the leader and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)— a man in whom many Ghanaians have expressed their confidence and are looking forward to his visionary leadership from January 07, 2025.
We urge Ghanaians to disregard this false claim and any similar future publications. Instead, we encourage the public to focus on holding the non- performing NPP government accountable for its gross mismanagement of the economy and dissipation of state resources.
President Mahama remains committed to an issue-based campaign that seeks to salvage our country from the incompetent, inept and terrible administration of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia.
SIGNED:
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Special Aide to HE John Dramani Mahama Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Police officers who spoke to Bugri Naabu about having their candidate become the next Inspector General of Police, were directed to seek the help of a spiritualist.
This was revealed by the Former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Speaking at the Adhoc committee investigation an alleged plot to oust the IGP, he noted that he directed the senior police officers who contacted him over the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to seek assistance from mallams to enable them to have their candidate becoming the next IGP.
The move according to him, was to help the officers to plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police from office, after admitting that he recorded the conversation between him and the officers.
According to him, he recorded the conversation between himself and some senior police officers regarding a plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare to protect the interest of his party.
Answering questions regarding the leaked tape when he appeared before a Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea, Bugri Naabu said his decision to record the conversation was to enable him to pass the message unaltered to President Akufo-Addo.
The former NPP Chairman explained the reasons why he asked the officer to consult a spiritualist, which is that he believes that God had the ultimate hand in leadership positions and that if they wanted the IGP post, then, they needed to go and see Mallams for that spiritual favour.
The former NPP Northern Regional Chairman became the center of attraction when an audio recording involving some senior police officers hatching a plot to cause the removal of the current IGP, George Akufo-Dampare, surfaced in the media.
He also named the three senior police officers who visited him and discussed the said plot as Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Superintendent Gyebi.
Explaining how he recorded the conversation, the former NPP Chairman said he bought the recording device at the Accra Mall, adding that since he couldn’t have captured everything in his mind, hence his decision to record their conversations so that he would not leave any detail out.
The content of the leaked tape has generated a national discussion considering the nature of the conversation with senior police officers involved.
Following public reaction, Parliament set up the Committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, to delve into the issue.
The panel has the mandate to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked tape and the intricate allegations that have captured the nation’s attention.
The executive secretary of the commission, Ishmael Ackah is of the view that there is a chance for Ghana’s utility rates to be decreased rather than raised as is customary.
However, he stated that for this to be accomplished, the exchange rate and inflation rate must be stable or see a decline in their figures.
“So our hope is for the exchange rate to remain stable or even fall if possible. Inflation would remain stable or even if it will go up, not so much like the June level. If some of these things happen, we will reduce the tariffs,” he said on JoyNews’ PM Express.
Mr. Ackah said the goal of the quarterly review of utility rates was to track and take into account changes in the important variables that were used to calculate the rates for natural gas, electricity, and water.
He further clarified that the mechanism aims to prevent the public from becoming overburdened with an accumulation of increments all at once after years of no review.
On Tuesday, August 22, the PURC announced an increase in electricity and water tariffs by 4.22 % and 1.18% respectively, effective September 1, 2023.
A statement, the PURC noted that, “The Commission however approved a 4.22% increase across board in the average end-user electricity tariff for non-lifeline residential customers.”
It added that, “For the average end-user for water, life-line customers will experience no increase or change in tariff. The Commission however approved a 1.18 % increase in tariff for all other water customer group”.
A group of military officers who call themselves “defense and security forces” in Gabon said on Wednesday that they have taken control of the African country. This announcement was made in a speech that was being shared on social media.
The announcement was made a few minutes after Gabon’s election authority declared that the current President Ali Bongo had won the election for the third time. This means that his family, who has been ruling the oil-rich Central African country with a population of 2. 3 million for the past 50 years, will continue in power.
A military officer said on Gabon24, which is now called X, that they are defending peace by ending the current regime to protect the institutions and the people of Gabon. CNN saw this broadcast on Twitter.
During the broadcast, the army officer said that the election results would be cancelled and the country’s borders would be shut until they give a new update.
“The officer said that all the institutions of the republic, including the government, Senate, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, Economic and Social and Environmental Council, and Elections Council of Gabon, have been dissolved. ”
We are asking the people of Gabon, the communities of nearby countries living in Gabon, and Gabonese people living abroad to stay calm.
Gunshots were heard loudly in the capital city of Libreville, as reported by a Reuters journalist, soon after the person appeared on television.
According to Reuters, if it succeeds, the coup will be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The overthrow of governments in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger has damaged the progress towards democracy in these countries.
Recently, a group of military leaders took control of Niger, a country in West Africa. This made the African Union suspend Niger’s membership in their organization, which consists of 55 countries. This month, the leader of Niger’s military suggested that they should go back to having a democratic government in three years. They will figure out the details of how this transition will happen within the next 30 days.
On Wednesday, the election officials in Gabon announced that Bongo had won the presidential election with 64. 27% of the votes. However, the opposition criticized the election, claiming it was fraudulent and faced many delays.
Bongo’s biggest competitor, Albert Ondo Ossa, came in second place with 30. 77%, according to the election authorities. Bongo’s group said that Ondo Ossa’s claims of unfairness in the election were not true.
Ali Bongo, who is 64 years old, became the leader after his father, Omar Bongo, passed away in 2009. Omar Bongo had been in power for 42 years but unfortunately died from a heart problem while being treated for intestinal cancer in a Spanish clinic.
The older Bongo became the leader in 1967, seven years after the country became independent from France.
He was in charge of a small country and had complete control. He made it so only one political party was allowed to rule for a long time. It was only in 1991 that he allowed more than one party to rule, but his party still had power over the government.
In this week’s election, Ali Bongo competed against 18 other challengers. Six of these challengers supported Ondo Ossa, who used to be a minister and a professor at a university, in order to make the race more competitive. Many people who were against the government wanted to make changes in the country that was affected by poverty.
People are worried that there might be trouble after the election on Saturday for the president, parliament, and other government positions. There are worries about whether the election process was fair because there weren’t enough international observers, some foreign broadcasts were stopped, the government cut off the internet, and a nighttime curfew was imposed everywhere after the vote.
Before the election, the organization called Reporters Without Borders criticized the government of Gabon for stopping foreign journalists from reporting on the event.
The organization said that many reporters from foreign media who wanted to go to Gabon to report on the election were not allowed to go. They mentioned some journalists and news organizations who were affected.
“It is old fashioned and out of touch to not allow foreign media to report on such an important moment in a country’s democracy. The population needs diverse reporting at this time. ”
And on Friday, the day before the vote, the United Nations said in a statement that it wants the voting process to be peaceful and fair. They are asking everyone involved, like the candidates and their supporters, to prioritize the country’s wellbeing over anything else.
Gabon has seen many conflicts and unease in the past regarding Bongo’s leadership, which has often been questioned by critics.
In 2016, the parliament building was set on fire during angry street protests against Bongo’s disputed re-election for his second term. The government stopped people from using the internet for a few days.
In 2019, some soldiers and military officers tried to takeover the country by forcefully entering the state radio and television building. They held the staff inside as hostages and proclaimed that they were now in charge of the whole nation.
They expressed their unhappiness with Bongo as president and promised to bring back democracy in the country. Then, the defense and security forces of Gabon took action to stop the takeover and free the hostages. Two soldiers died and eight military officers were taken into custody.
Ghanaian actress and social media influencer, Moesha Boduong, has once again ignited a flurry of conversations and attracted significant attention with her latest post, where she expressed a desire to marry her father.
The curvy woman expressed her deep love for her father and her desire to wed him in a post on Instagram today (August 28).
Moesha Boduong, who boasts a substantial online following, took to her social media platform to declare, “Love my daddy soo much 🙏❤️I want to marry him ❤️.”
Many online users were shocked by the public statement because it appears to show an unusual and inappropriate amount of affection for her own father.
The post has received a lot of attention and has been met with a range of confused, outraged, and condemning responses.
The post has drawn criticism for being inappropriate and for raising important issues regarding the limits of familial love. Others have expressed concern that Moesha’s post might be misconstrued or taken out of context in order to draw unwarranted attention.
This is not the first time Moesha has published a post that has sparked discussions about her propensity for seeking attention by making statements that are seen as controversial.
When she posted earlier this month that she would be willing to be John Dumelo’s mistress, online users cautioned her to avoid the politician and actor.
“My John Dumelo was soo cute and I would be his mistress. This one, I can’t hold it anymore,” she stated.
Australia has decided on a date for its first referendum in 24 years. Recent polls indicate that the government is likely to fail if it cannot regain its dwindling support.
On October 14, over 17 million people who are allowed to vote will decide if they want to change the rules of the country’s constitution. This change would mean that the government would acknowledge and give importance to the people who were the first to live in this land by creating a special group that would give advice to the government.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that every Australian will have a rare opportunity to unite our country and make it better.
As soon as the date was announced, the no campaign sent a text message asking for donations that can be deducted from taxes. The message said: “It’s happening. Albo has declared it, and we have until October 14th to defeat the Voice. ”
Only one question will be asked, and you can only answer with “yes” or “no”. The question is about changing the Constitution to acknowledge the First Peoples of Australia by creating a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Do you agree with this suggested change.
This question has led to many discussions and debates both online and on television. Both sides are trying very hard to convince most people in all states and territories to support their viewpoint.
To pass the vote, it requires two conditions to be met. Firstly, more than 50% of all voters in the country must vote in favor. Secondly, at least 50% of the states, which is four out of six, must also vote in favor. Votes in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory will only count towards the overall number of votes in the country.
People see the vote as an important moment because it doesn’t happen often and can’t be undone. It has also brought attention to long-standing problems that have been around for hundreds of years.
The Voice, if agreed upon, would include a group of Indigenous people in the constitution. They will provide guidance to the government regarding laws that affect them.
Advocates claim that the vote is a chance to address the deep pain caused by unfair treatment, and to finally give attention to the concerns of First Nations people after enduring many years of mistreatment, prejudice, and lack of care.
Some people believe that it’s just a small action that won’t make a difference and could create divisions by giving certain Australians special treatment in the constitution.
The situation becomes more complex because there are people who support the “yes” side, believing that marking a choice on a ballot is a small way to oppose racism. On the other hand, there are also some Indigenous people who are against voting “yes” because they think that this vote will let Australians off the hook without taking real action against racism, and they believe that what is really needed is a treaty.
Campaigners will now try harder to win over voters who are unsure and may not vote for a specific party.
The Labor government wants people to vote yes, but the other major parties in Australia, the Liberal Party and National Party, are supporting a no vote.
The intense political atmosphere has created small fires of false information that the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has tried to stop before they spread.
For instance, the Liberal leader Peter Dutton said last week that the AEC process was not fair because the AEC commissioner stated that they would probably accept a check mark for yes but not a X mark for no.
Dutton told Sky News that he feels like they are purposely making the situation favor the yes vote, even though Australians just want a fair election, not a dishonest one.
The AEC said that they strongly disagree with the idea that by openly following the laws and rules for the referendum, they are going against fairness and neutrality.
The AEC said it must count votes that have been cast incorrectly but show a clear voting intention because the law requires it. They also mentioned that according to legal advice they have received, a cross on a ballot can sometimes be unclear and can be interpreted differently whether it implies approval or disapproval.
Apart from arguments about how things are done, this debate is about how the country sees its Indigenous people, 235 years after the British settlers came and changed the lives of those who had lived in Australia for tens of thousands of years.
Every year, the government updates its statistics that reveal the ongoing effects of colonization. These statistics provide a general overview of the Indigenous population, which consists of many different groups and makes up less than 4% of the total population. In a country with a population of 26 million, this translates to around 800,000 Indigenous individuals.
Australian history used to be told by the people who colonized the country. They didn’t pay attention to or made less important the violent beginnings of the country.
In the late 1800s, she stated that Indigenous people didn’t fit in Australia’s plan to create a nation, and as time went on and civil rights movements occurred in America and anti-apartheid movements took place, the lack of attention towards Indigenous people became very noticeable and strong.
The Indigenous community’s requests became stronger and were talked about, improved, and eventually written down as the “Uluru Statement from the Heart” – a paper supported by almost 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and elders. This statement is the foundation of the Voice proposal – something that historians widely support.
This is a very significant time because Australian historians have decided what Australian history is and who can be a historian and share that story. Right now, we are being asked to take a step back and listen to the stories and knowledge of Aboriginal people.
However, recent polls indicate that if a vote took place now, it would probably not succeed.
The campaign against the Voice is getting stronger because people are questioning the specifics and saying that voters don’t have enough information to decide on it. The government says that those details will be discussed in parliament once there is a change in the constitution.
The last time Australians were asked to vote on the rights of Indigenous people was in 1967. At that time, 90% of voters agreed to include Indigenous Australians in the population counts and have laws made specifically for them.
This time, June Oscar, who works for the Australian Human Rights Commission, is worried that some people in faraway places or those who are avoiding talking about it aren’t getting the information. This has been tough for some Indigenous people.
Oscar said that we are observing and hearing a lot of mean and hurtful things about different races regarding the referendum. He mentioned that the AHRC created a kit that helps people understand how to reduce the harm caused by this type of talk. Some tips are to focus on Indigenous knowledge, opinions, and perspectives and to avoid using offensive language based on race.
Oscar expressed feelings of sadness and disappointment about false information being spread as well.
Some people are worried that if the vote doesn’t pass, it might give the impression, whether it is true or not, that racists have succeeded. This could jeopardize the progress made over centuries in earning respect for the country’s Indigenous peoples, and future generations may suffer from it.
Oscar said he believes strongly that we can and should fix things in our lifetime, and that we shouldn’t leave the problem for future generations.
What happens if it doesn’t work.
“We start over and take lessons from this experience to be better prepared for the next opportunity. ”
But Albanese has stated that there will not be any additional opportunities.
Not voting leads to no progress. It means things stay the same. He said on Wednesday that if you vote against it, the chance to progress will be lost.
Speaking directly to Australians, he told them not to reject ideas that originate from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or from the younger generations of Indigenous Australians.
Borders of Gabon has been closed after a group of senior military officers announced on national television that they have seized power from President Ali Bongo, who won a disputed third term in the recent general election.
They said they represent all the security and defence forces of Gabon and that they have cancelled the election results, dissolved the state institutions, and closed all the borders until further notice.
The officers, who called themselves the Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon, said they acted to defend the peace and restore democracy in the oil-rich but impoverished nation. They accused Bongo of being unfit to rule and of rigging the election, which was marred by delays, irregularities, and a lack of international observers .
Gunshots were heard in the capital, Libreville, shortly after the televised coup announcement, according to a Reuters reporter. The government has not yet commented on the situation, and it is unclear how much support the coup plotters have among the military and the population.
Bongo, who has been in power since 2009, succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for 42 years. He won the presidential election on Saturday with 64.27% of the vote, according to the official results announced on Wednesday by the Gabonese election centre. His main challenger, Albert Ondo Ossa, came second with 30.77% and denounced the vote as fraudulent .
The election was held amid high tensions and fears of violence, as Bongo sought to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power while the opposition demanded change. The authorities had suspended some foreign broadcasts, cut internet service, and imposed a night-time curfew nationwide after the poll, raising concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.
Ghanaian vlogger and LGBTQ right advocate Kwadwo Sheldon has attacked Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Goerge, blaming him for the assaulted on male teacher alleged to have engaged in sex with a fellow man.
An unsettling incident ensued involving an alleged assault on a male teacher in the town of Blue Town, located in Prestea, Western Region.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, captured in a viral social media video, the ignorant blogger blamed Sam George-a leading sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Value bill-for the attacked.
“Blame Sam George for this nonsense!! Blame him!” he tweeted reacting to the video.
This reaction comes as shock when the MP has over and over again asserted that he does not endorse the mutiny on members of LGBTQ community, but the bill is just seeking to correct and preserve Ghanaian values
Ukrainian authorities have criticized Pope Francis’ later address to Russian youth, calling his comments “imperialist propaganda.”
The pontiff made a video address to the 10th All-Russian Catholic Youth Get together in St. Petersburg on Friday, amid which he encouraged them to see themselves as relatives of the Russian domain.
“Never disregard your legacy. You’re the relatives of extraordinary Russia: the extraordinary Russia of holy people, rulers, the extraordinary Russia of Dwindle I, Catherine II, that domain – taught, awesome culture and extraordinary humankind. Never allow up on this heritage,” the pope said.
“You are relatives of the incredible Mother Russia, step forward with it. And thank you – thank you for your way of being, for your way of being Russian.”
On Monday, Ukrainian Remote Service representative Oleh Nikolenko attacked the pope’s discourse.
“This is the kind of radical publicity, ‘spiritual bonds’ and the ‘need’ to spare ‘Great Mother Russia’ which the Kremlin employments to legitimize the kill of thousands of Ukrainians and the pulverization of hundreds of Ukrainian towns and villages,” Nikolenko said in a Facebook post.
The pope’s mission ought to be “precisely to open the eyes of Russian youth to the obliterating course of the current Russian leadership” and instep he is advancing “Russian great-power thoughts, that are, in truth, the reason for Russia’s unremitting aggression,” Nikolenko said.
Final year, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared himself to Dwindle the Extraordinary amid an exhibition dedicated to the primary Russian head, utilizing the comparison to legitimize Russia’s intrusion of Ukraine.
“Peter the Incredible pursued the Awesome Northern War for 21 years,” Putin said at the time. “On the confront of it, he was at war with Sweden taking something absent from it … He was not taking away anything, he was returning. This can be how it was.” He included that it didn’t matter that European nations didn’t recognize Dwindle the Great’s seizure of region by constrain.
Those comments were quickly condemned by Ukrainians, who saw them as a exposed confirmation of Putin’s royal aspirations – and were highlighted once more this week after the pope’s address.
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said in a explanation that Diminish the Incredible and Catherine the Incredible are the “worst illustrations of government and extraordinary Russian nationalism,” caution that the pope’s words “could be seen as bolster for the patriotism and dominion that has caused the war in Ukraine today.”
“As a Church, we need to state that within the setting of Russia’s animosity against Ukraine, such explanations rouse the neocolonial aspirations of the assailant country,” Shevchuk said.
On Tuesday, the Vatican rejected the translation of the pope’s words as praise of imperialism.
“The Pope expecting to empower youthful individuals to protect and advance all that’s positive within the incredible socialand Russian most profound sense of being, and certainly not to lift up settler rationale and government identities, cited to demonstrate a few verifiable periods of reference,” the Vatican articulation said.
The pope has already been criticized for a few of his comments around Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In comments distributed by Italian daily paper La Stampa in June final year, Francis said the war “was maybe in a few way either incited or not prevented.” He said that some time recently Russia attacked Ukraine he met with “a head of state” who “was exceptionally stressed approximately how NATO was moving.”
In Eminent final year, the pope irritated Kyiv by alluding to Russian political commentator Darya Dugina, the girl of an ultra-nationalist logician, as being among the “innocent” casualties of the war after she was murdered by a car bomb on the edges of Moscow.
The Ukrainian Service of Outside Undertakings summoned Missional Nuncio to Ukraine, Ecclesiastical overseer Visvaldas Kulbokas, to talk about Francis’ articulation, saying that it “unjustly” likens “the assailant and the victim.”
Ukrainian authorities have already said they have “no knowledge” of a Vatican peace mission to resolve the struggle with Russia, taking after the pope’s claim of association within the handle.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the pontiff in Rome in May, when Francis guaranteed “his consistent prayer” for peace and pushed the require for “human gestures” toward casualties of the war, agreeing to the Vatican.
An unsettling incident involving an alleged assault on a male teacher has raised significant concerns regarding LGBTQ+ tensions in the town of Blue Town, located in Prestea, Western Region. The incident, captured in a viral social media video, has ignited discussions about discrimination, intolerance, and the broader LGBTQ+ rights debate in Ghana.
In the video, the victim, whose identity has been concealed, is shown with torn clothing and blood visibly seeping from a wound behind his ear. A narrator in the background provides commentary, suggesting that the man had “turned himself into a woman” and engaged in sexual activity with another man.
The incident sheds light on the deep-seated biases and prejudices that persist in Ghanaian society, particularly in smaller communities like Blue Town. While details remain unclear about how the mob learned of the alleged incident or the whereabouts of the other individual involved, the violent response underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
This incident has broader implications within the context of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. The country is currently grappling with a contentious private bill known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities. The bill’s potential enactment has stirred heated debates and raised concerns about human rights violations.
The incident in Blue Town highlights the urgent need for dialogue, education, and understanding surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. Advocates emphasize the importance of fostering an inclusive and tolerant society, where individuals are respected regardless of their sexual orientation.
As the news of the assault spreads, attention turns to law enforcement and the justice system. While it remains uncertain whether a formal complaint has been filed with the police, the video evidence captures the faces and scene of the attack, prompting expectations for a swift and thorough investigation.
Beyond the immediate violence, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in communities where prejudice and discrimination persist. It calls for a broader conversation about creating safe spaces, combating intolerance, and upholding the values of equality and human rights for all.
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reacted to the alleged assault on his campaign coordinator, Ali Zakaria, during the party’s recent Super Delegates Conference.
Mr Kyerematen strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “total indiscipline and inappropriate behavior” within the party. He expressed surprise at the reported mob assault and lamented the contrast between the party’s values of decency and unity and the misconduct displayed during the leadership selection process.
Kyerematen emphasized that such behavior goes against the principles that led him and others to join the NPP in the first place. He stated that he would not tolerate this kind of behavior, particularly when the party is unable to conduct a peaceful and organized process for selecting leaders among its members. He also called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the party’s leadership not to ignore the incident.
The incident involved Ali Zakaria, the coordinator for the Alan Kyerematen campaign team in the Northeast region, who suffered violence during the special delegates conference. He was brutally attacked and left hospitalized. The assault reportedly occurred after Zakaria questioned voters who were publicly displaying their ballot papers to other delegates. He recounted being outnumbered and caught off guard, becoming the target of aggressive individuals.
This incident highlights the internal challenges that political parties sometimes face during their internal processes, and it underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respect within the party’s ranks. It’s also indicative of the broader issue of ensuring peaceful and orderly political activities in any democratic system.
Former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Afram Plains, Fuseini Donkor has entreated the camp of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to ensure some candidates do not cross a certain threshold in the upcoming November 4, 2023, presidential primaries.
He noted that failure to adhere to this caution, would potentially spell disaster for the Bawumia camp. He cited for instance, if a candidate like Kennedy Agyapong manages to secure 30 percent of the votes cast at the end of the race, it could drastically shift the dynamics and weaken Bawumia’s standing in the election.
Speaking in an interview on Sompa Tv, he noted that it was obvious Kennedy Agyapong was going to beat Alan Kyerematen, from his observation and further stressed the need for the Bawumia camp to ensure that Ken does not score 30% or more votes.
“Alan has a rural bank [and] Ken Agyapong does not have any bank like Alan does. He [Ken] is doing joint ventureship with Bawumia. Bawumia’s commercial bank is where he’s made his deposit and intends to share the profit with him and that’s the danger for Bawumia now. Alan has a rural bank he solely owns.
“I knew Ken would beat Alan because of how he was rising and if they are not careful and he gets more than 30% votes, they are in trouble. This means there would be a runoff. And I’m very sure Alan will get about 20% so in the event of the second round, Bawumia is in trouble, but if he and his team work hard and spend more, they can win between 50 to 55 but if they allow Ken to cross 30%, there’s a second round,” he added.
He made the remarks in the aftermath of the NPP‘s Super Delegates Conference and in the lead up of party’s much anticipated primaries. Giving his remarks on the outcome of the results, he noted that he was particularly surprised at the results in Central region.
“My biggest surprise was in Central Region. Some say Bawumia won 22 votes and others say he 25 against 19 for Ken Agyapong. It means in the General elections, Ken will beat them in Central Region and that’s where the showdown will happen,” he added.
