At least 36 people have died as a result of the swiftly spreading flames that are ravaging the Hawaiian island of Maui, according to authorities.
The fires were fueled by strong winds from a neighbouring cyclone, which led to the total burning of numerous regions and the destruction of hundreds of buildings.
An emergency has been declared on the island, forcing thousands of people to abandon their homes.
Several people are still missing despite the extensive search and rescue efforts.
“We barely made it out in time,” claimed Kamuela Kawaakoa, who arrived at an evacuation shelter on Tuesday with his partner and 6-year-old kid.
The man remarked, “It was so difficult to watch my town burn to ashes and not be able to do anything.” I was defenceless.
There are currently five active evacuation shelters on Maui; according to earlier reports, they were “overrun” with people. The island, a popular tourist site, has been warned against by visitors.
Sylvia Luke, the lieutenant governor of Hawaii, told the press, “This is not a safe place to be.” Taxes are levied on the resources we have.
Firefighters are still putting out active fires by utilising helicopters to drop water on them from above.
When this breaking news article is updated, more information will be disclosed.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has urged citizens to refrain from mistreating journalists and instead concentrate on using lawful avenues to handle concerns related to their profession.
She shared these remarks while conversing with reporters during the sidelines of a roundtable event marking the one-year anniversary of the present administration of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).
She believes that the safety of journalists is a societal duty that should not be viewed solely as a political issue.
She also emphasised the importance of public education in educating Ghanaians about the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists.
“I look at the safety of journalists as the collective responsibility that all members of the Ghanaian society must be educated on. The issue is that when you look at the data of infringement that maybe the Media Foundation for West Africa and other stakeholders came out with, you can see that they vary from traditional communities to churches towards the football field and others and even security agencies.”
“So, if we don’t sensitise the general public and look at the safety of journalists as more or less as a political problem, we will not get anywhere close to solving the problem we may not get anywhere close to resolving the problem. The most important thing has to do with education and letting the Ghanaian people know that if you don’t agree with somebody’s report it doesn’t mean you should threaten or go and harm the person. There are other avenues you can resort to in terms of seeking redress like reporting to the NMC or using other legitimate and legal processes to get have those issues resolved,” she stated.
On his part, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour speaking on the theme “current threads in Ghana’s media landscape” said the association was collaborating with various stakeholders to combat attacks on press freedom.
The husband of Popular Ghanaian Gospel musician Diana Hamilton, Dr Joseph Hamilton, has opened up about his relationship with his wife, as well as his upbringing in Ghana.
During the interview with Hitz FM, he shared that during his childhood, he had to sell newspapers over the weekends to support his schooling during the weekdays.
Dr. Hamilton recalled how his time as a newspaper boy helped to teach him how to read.
He emphasized that his early life in Ghana, despite its challenges, laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements in the medical field in the UK.
The husband of Diana Hamilton is a native of Ghana’s Eastern Region. He was raised in Kwabeng, where he completed his primary education, before attending Nsutem in the Ashanti Region to complete his BECE.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I have come a long way, and I believe grace has sustained me. Selling newspapers and reading articles helped me learn how to read.” He acknowledged that his past experiences have equipped him to navigate challenges abroad.
He continued, “While I wouldn’t describe them as difficult times, those experiences have molded me, as I grew up in a family that sold newspapers. During holidays, I would collect newspapers and sell them, including at the Bunso area, and then attend school on Mondays.”
Gordon Brown has condemned cruel treatment meted out against women by the Taliban.
The former prime minister in an interview told the BBC that the kind of treatment meted out to women and girls in Afghanistan constitutes a “crime against humanity.”
He is therefore urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring charges against those involved for the “vicious” violation of human rights.
Since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban administration has severely limited the liberties of women and girls.
He declared, “This is the systematic brutalization of women and girls.”
They’ve been excluded from education, from employment, and from going to public places, Mr. Brown, who is now the UN’s special envoy for global education, said in an interview with Nick Robinson of BBC Radio 4 Today.
“All of these restrictions constitute discrimination. It is arguably the most vile, vicious, and extensive violation of human rights in existence today.
He called the system “gender apartheid” and said it ought to be treated as a crime against humanity.
Therefore, it is proper for the International Criminal Court, which is in charge of handling crimes against humanity, to look into and pursue those involved.
The former Labour premier expressed dismay that “so little international pressure on the regime” and warned that the Taliban would change their minds under the strain of a probable trial.
Mr. Brown also urged leaders and clergy from nations with a majority of Muslims to act and for the UK to impose sanctions on the Taliban leadership.
Last month, Afghan women staged a rare demonstration against the Taliban’s decision to close female beauty salons.
Women are not allowed to enter universities, and girls are not allowed to attend secondary schools.
The entry of women and girls is also restricted, as is employment in non-governmental organisations.
Women described feeling “invisible, isolated, suffocated, living in prison-like conditions,” with many unable to meet their basic necessities without employment or assistance, according to past UN reports.
President of the Ghana Association of Medicine Counter Assistants, Constant Abbey, has conveyed concern regarding certain prescription documents issued by specific doctors.
He mentioned that the information present in the medical prescriptions is alarming and has the potential to lead to a major disaster within the industry if appropriate measures are not implemented.
During a private discussion with Bohyeba K Afriyie on Rainbow Radio, numerous challenges affecting the sector were discussed, with minimal efforts from the Pharmacy Council to tackle these issues.
Abbey noted that the contacts of the doctors who prescribed the drugs on the papers are often not captured, enabling the person administering the drugs to contact them for confirmation.
“We have been trained on how to identify drugs recommended by doctors, but in recent times, the handwriting that has reached our members has been appalling.” When situations like these happen, it puts a strain on us. You also won’t see the doctors’ phone numbers on the documents, so you can’t call and confirm the drug recommendation. In this instance, the patient who requires the drug or drugs moves from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of the same medication.”
He was speaking to him on the sidelines of Merkot Health College’s graduation and matriculation ceremony for Medicine Counter Assistants over the weekend.
He further lamented that the Ghana Pharmacy Council has yet to give the pin codes for them to work with.
This, he observed, has affected the job of their members who work in public or government facilities because they are unable to complete their mechanisation.
“Our regulator, the Pharmacy Council, has not released our pins for us to work with as we speak.” Our members who work in public facilities have been impacted since they are unable to complete their mechanisation. When you log into the portal, you will see a pharmacy counter helper, which we no longer have. Medicine Counter Assistants are what we have. We’ll be able to work more efficiently if they update the portal and give us our pins.”
He requested that the Council take action to ensure that members follow the profession’s norms and ethics.
Efforts to engage their regulator to resolve these concerns, he claims, have been futile.
Isaac Kotey, CEO of Merkot Health College, assured all in attendance that the school would continue to defend, protect, and ensure the peaceful stay of both new and continuing students.
He emphasised the need for the graduates to continue to demonstrate their abilities with the greatest standards of ethics, integrity, and compassion when providing services in the future.
The Special Guest for the ceremony, ACP Samuel Tibil Punobyin from the National Police Headquarters, complemented the Merkot Health College Management on their efforts in his address.
He stressed the importance of students taking their education seriously and pursuing success in their chosen fields.
Gladys Adenyo, one of the individuals affected, shared her experience with JoyNews. In the interview, she expressed that all she possesses now is the lives of herself and her three children, along with the clothes they had on during the incident. She struggled to find words to describe her feelings
While seeking fresh air beneath a tree near their home, Gladys and her children observed smoke emerging from one of the rooms, marking the beginning of the unfortunate incident.
They then rushed to alert neighbours who were in their rooms at the time with a resident dashing to Ashaiman Municipal Fire Station which was a few meters away.
After putting out the fire, Gladys with tears in her eyes said all their personal effects were gone.
“My children are wondering how they can be ready for school on Monday having lost their uniform, footwear, and books among other school items,” she said.
As a mother raising these children by herself, she is pleading with residents and others who are in a position, to help them in this difficult period.
“I’m pleading with anyone who comes across our situation to lend a helping hand because the fire has dealt us a big blow and have to start from scratch.
“As I speak with you, my children and I do not know where to spend the night because we have lost it all to the fire. I lost my iPhone and 800 cedis,” she narrated.
She is quite sad having relocated to Official Town just about three months ago.
We are informed that some neighbours were not home at the time of the incident.
Patience Awako, another victim, also requested assistance because she, her five children, and a hearing-impaired old lady with them do not have a place to sleep.
“We really need help. My last born is less than 3-year-old and we can start all over again if we get the needed help,” she cried.
The neighbours said the exact cause of the fire is unknown.
Assistant Divisional Fire Officer (ADOI) Matthew Kumi who is the Second in Command at the Ashaiman Municipal Fire Station said his team was able to fight the fire within 20 minutes.
“When the team got to the scene, we realised that we will need assistance. The firefighters from the station at the Tema Motorway sped off to the scene to assist.
“We were able to confine the fire and prevented it from spreading to help minimise the damage. No casualties were recorded but the victims lost so much including laptops, unspecified sums of money, and phones among other items,” he indicated.
ADOI Matthew Kumi revealed the team was able to salvage a wooden structure.
Six police officers in the Philippine capital are under criminal investigation for shooting and killing a boy they believed to be a murder suspect.
Jerhode Baltazar, who had been shot in the head, drowned in a fishing town outside of Manila.
As officers tried to take him into custody, he panicked and dove into the ocean.
Authorities acknowledged that the policemen‘s decision to kill the unarmed 17-year-old was a “lapse in judgement” given the circumstances.
They are unable to use self-defense. According to local news, Navotas city police commander Col. Allan Umipig, “They were unable to demonstrate that the victim resisted arrest.”
What made police think the adolescent was the individual they were looking for was not immediately clear. They were assigned to apprehend a suspect in a different shooting that had also occurred in Navotas.
The six officers have been suspended from duty and are being held while authorities look into the possibility that they could be charged with homicide, a crime that in the Philippines carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.
Local news organisations have prominently covered the shooting.
The victim’s father, Jesse Baltazar, was shown on social media footage hugging his son’s body after it had been pulled from the ocean.
Mr. Balazar questioned why, despite the police officers’ claims that they had only fired warning shots, his son had been shot in the head.
Through a video chat, the victim’s mother, who works in Qatar, saw her son’s coffin. She admitted to local media that she never expected her son’s funeral would be the subject of her subsequent payment.
Jeraldine Tolentino, the victim’s sister, also revealed to the local media that she turned down a 50,000 peso ($1,000; £698) bribe to stop the family from pursuing the case.
Authorities in the Philippines have recently refuted claims that suspects in crimes, notably those connected to illegal drugs, have been killed extrajudicially. They’ve refuted any misconduct.
During the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose term expired in mid-2022, reports of summary executions of suspected criminals who allegedly resisted arrest rose. The International Criminal Court, which he has refused to recognise, is looking into him. Currently retired, Mr. Duterte resides in Davao City.
His opponents claim that his zealous approach to combating crime has encouraged police wrongdoing. However, he has defended his most well-known programme as essential for protecting Filipinos from street violence.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte’s successor, has scaled back his anti-drug crusade. State actors have been charged with taking part in high-profile homicides, including the murder of journalist Percival Mabasa in November 2022.
Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, alias KKD, has expressed that President Nana Akufo-Addo has overseen a considerable amount of decay during his tenure as the leader in the Fourth Republic.
He particularly emphasized that corruption has escalated within President Akufo-Addo‘s appointees, leading to a decrease in the feeling of national loyalty among Ghanaians. This trend could have adverse effects on the ethical foundation of the next generation.
Discussing the deterioration in effective governance observed since Akufo-Addo assumed the presidency, KKD expressed his dismay at the absence of integrity within the Akufo-Addo leadership, even though he criticized Mahama’s administration for similar misconduct.
“During John Mahama’s time, they said his government appointees were doing create, loot and share but under Akufo-Addo, they are doin g create, loot and keep,” he said in Akan.
His comment comes after a former Minister for Sanitation, Abena Dapaah is being hounded by Ghanaians for stashing huge sums of dollars in his bedroom.
The Ghanaian veteran broadcaster also expressed disappointment in the governance of President Akufo-Addo, and hastened that the time has come for Ghanaians to speak up against the bad policies and maladministration of the NPP government especially as the economy is crumbling.
He indicated that prior to the 2016 eletions that resulted in the defeat of the John Mahama administration, Akufo-Addo made a lot of promises and spoke to the conscience of the electorates for their mandate to serve the country but has turned away from the promises.
KKD who was speaking on Inside Politics hosted by Mugabe Maase on Power FM/TV XYZ referred to an interview Akufo-Addo, then opposition leader, granted Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM in the run up to the 2016 general elections where he narrated the Ghanaian challenges and proffered practicable solutions which he has failed to tackle in power.
In that interview, the NPP flagbearer then maligned the Mahama administration and tagged him and his appointees as incompetent while pointing to unemployment and rising cost of living for the average Ghanaian as the reasons he was soliciting votes from Ghanaians to serve them.
“Even now, things are hard and it looks like there are no leaders in the country,” he said in Akan while charging Ghanaians to try him. “Today as we speak, some Ghanaians have relocated to Ivory Coast to find jobs and this is because jobs are scarce in our country.”
After watching the video clip which was aired on the programme, KKD said, “I don’t know whether our president at the time was speaking about how he had planned to govern us.”
He said the issues Akufo-Addo raised are prevalent under his watch as the president of the country, adding “they were lies.”
KKD said it is disgraceful that Akufo-Addo knows no shame and did not correct the wrongs of his predecessor but has plunged the country into severe hardship than he met the country when he was sworn in as a president.
He mentioned the high cost of living, the lack of jobs for the youth, heightening corruption and impunity as well as creating wealth for a few family and friends in the NPP government as what Akufo-Addo kicked against when he was seeking the mandate of Ghanaians.
To him, Akufo-Addo has failed woefully because he knew the challenges and solutions of the country but has failed to draft policies that will assuage the plights of the people.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a former governor of Nigeria’s central bank and the Emir of Kano, met with the leader of the military coup in Niger on Wednesday in the Nigerean capital Niamey in an effort to mediate the issue.
The coup commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has avoided multiple envoys, including one from the West African regional organisation, Ecowas. This is the first delegation he has personally met.
Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, Victoria Nuland, the US Acting Deputy Secretary of State, and other African Union and UN delegations have all been ignored by Gen Tchiani in the past.
The Ecowas chairman, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, would get a “message” from Mr. Sanusi, who said he had spoken with Gen. Tchiani on Wednesday.
The leaders of Niger and Nigeria are expected to hold substantive conversations after our arrival, Mr. Sanusi continued.
It occurs as the heads of state of the Ecowas are about to meet in Abuja, Nigeria, to debate the next steps after the military junta in Niger disregarded an ultimatum to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has announced intentions by the Ghanaian government to enact stringent measures aimed at effectively addressing the issue of cocoa bean smuggling to neighboring nations.
As per the minister’s statement, the enhanced Planting for Food and Jobs strategy encompasses measures that involve distributing confiscated smuggled cocoa beans evenly between the government and individuals who provide information about such activities.
“If anyone feels they still need to smuggle to Cote D’Ivoire we are going to launch an operation called ‘Catch and Share.’ With that, when we arrest the cocoa, anyone who will play a role in the arrest will receive a 50% share. We will share it with you 50/50. Not just the police or immigration officers, every single Ghanaian who will aid in the arrest of smuggled goods.”
The minister said the government as part of the measures has also ensured a significant increase in cocoa prices on the local market as another disincentive to smugglers.
As one of the two leading cocoa producers in the world, Ghana has over the years faced challenges in cocoa foreign exchange as compared to output due to smuggling.
The situation has largely been attributed to the low price on the local market as compared to neighbouring countries.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda claims that the World Bank is trying “to coerce” his country’s government into changing its anti-LGBT laws.
It comes after the lender’s declaration that it will stop making new loans to the nation because the law prohibiting same-sex relationships goes against its core principles.
However, in a message distributed over social media, according to President Museveni, “Loans or no loans, Uganda will develop.”
He expressed regret that the lender was attempting to “use money to coerce us into giving up our faith, culture, principles, and sovereignty.”
“They significantly undervalue all Africans. Nobody needs to put any pressure on us; we already know how to address issues in our society. They are issues we have,” he continued.
However, Mr. Museveni stated that the nation was still in contact with the World Bank “so that they and we avoid this diversion if possible”.
The death penalty is applied for “aggravated homosexuality” and a 20-year prison sentence is imposed for “promoting” homosexuality under the anti-LGBT law that President Museveni signed in May.
Human rights organisations from Uganda and around the world have denounced the law. The new law has also been denounced by the UN, the US, and other nations.
In addition to the US, the World Bank has imposed penalties on Uganda because of its anti-homosexuality law.
The MultiChoice Ghana has launched a new package, called GOtv Supa-plus, in its lineup of existing GOtv packages.
Featuring over 70 channels and exclusive content, this exciting new package offers subscribers an unmatched level of entertainment.
With GOtv Supa+, viewers can enjoy a wide selection of top-tier content, making it the ideal choice for those seeking high-quality entertainment. There are sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and kids channels included in this impressive lineup.
Speaking to Joy Business on the new package, Managing Director of the MultiChoice Ghana, Alex Okyere, said, his outfit remained dedicated to offering top-notch entertainment and sports content that caters to the varying interests of their audience.
“Most of the GOTv subscribers are saying can’t we get the Premier League on GOTv, So we’ve listened. That’s the GOtv Supa-plus which will have all the Premier League matches so all the big teams in the league will have them on Supa-plus. It’s just ¢255”.
Head of Marketing at Multichoice, Afua Kissi-Nyame explained how viewers who seek high-quality entertainment can access this super plus package.
“If you are an existing subscriber, all you need to do is to dial *759# and follow the prompt and then you upgrade. If you do not have your GoTv decoder yet you visit any of our dealers and branches nationwide, acquire a GOTv to Supa plus”.
Meanwhile, the company says its will continue to provide unbeatable local and international series to its customers.
The Western Regional Police Command has arrested Nana Ackah, 37, a small-scale miner, for allegedly murdering his six-year-old niece in a suspected failed money ritual saga.
The suspect is believed to have gone to a ritualist to assist him in becoming wealthy overnight or to do ‘pocket no dry’ magic for him.
He was told that for the process to proceed, he would have to use his niece as a sacrifice.
The 37-year-old Nana Ackah, a small-scale miner, has been arrested by the Western Regional Police Command on suspicion of killing his six-year-old niece in an alleged failed money ritual.
The suspect is thought to have sought the help of a ritualist to help him become wealthy over night or to perform “pocket no dry” magic.
He was informed that in order for the procedure to continue, he would have to sacrifice his niece.
Sandra Manu’s uncle Nana Ackah hurried home, picked her up, and told her parents and other family members that he was taking her out for a treat.
The two set out on their trek, and along the way, another relative approached them and asked where he (Ackah) was taking her.
He was offended and asked if he didn’t have the right to take his niece out.
The stated relative then warned them not to stay too long where they were.
Sandra Manu questioned the uncle about where he was taking her while they were on their way, but he refused to say.
The girl then began crying, but the uncle consoled her with toffee and requested that she stop.
A few moments later, the uncle allegedly severed the minor’s head with a machete, removed her genitals and other parts of her body, and took them to the ritualist.
Nana Ackah informed the ritualist that he had brought some pieces of the niece, as was required.
But the ritualist told him that he did not ask him to kill the girl and send her pieces since she was needed alive for the money rituals.
Nana Ackah then left the shrine and returned to the bush, where he allegedly murdered the girl and buried her remains.
According to Agya Ben’s story on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Nana Ackah went home and told them Sandra had gone missing.
He claimed to have requested that she wait for him at a specific location while he went to hear nature’s call.
But met her absence after returning to the location where he had asked her to wait.
The police were notified, and a three-day search for the girl was launched, even though Nana Ackah had reportedly murdered her.
On the third day, he confessed to the crime and brought police, family members, and journalists to the site where Sandra was buried.
The Police dug up the site and, to their astonishment, discovered Sandra’s headless body and the other pieces he had removed and planned to use for the money rituals.
He then led the police to the ritualist, who has also been arrested but has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he did not request that Nana Ackah kill Sandra but rather deliver her life to the shrine.
Aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Joe Ghnartey, has conveyed his confident outlook on securing a spot among the five potential presidential candidates.
Joe Ghartey, who previously served as Ghana’s Attorney-General from 2006 to 2009, held the position of Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament from 2013 to 2017, and later served as the Railways and Development Minister from 2017 to 2021, believes he will be selected among the top five candidates after the special delegates congress.
His optimism stems from his anticipation of being chosen from the pool of ten contenders who have received approval to participate in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) special delegates congress.
This was stated by the lawyer, who is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) for the ESSlKADO-KETAN Constituency, during an interaction with the Bono East Regional Executive Committee on Monday, August 7, 2023.
He said that at the current time, the NPP requires an experienced personality to represent it in the 2024 presidential race.
He feels that his considerable expertise and track record make him a better contender than the others for NPP candidate and, eventually, president.
He stated that as someone who has worked extensively in public service, comes from a struggling family, and whose father died when he was six, and how education helped him achieve his goals, he is willing to provide better leadership and serve as an inspiration to others who come from homes like his.
He aspires to implement inclusive policies and development methods that will improve the lives of Ghanaians.
He emphasised that Ghana’s development will be a collaborative effort that will demand everyone’s participation.
According to him, he is prepared to run for and win the presidency because it has been something he has been thinking about for a long time.
He said that everything his hands touched had been blessed, and that being elected as the candidate would be a benefit for the NPP.
Lawyer Ghartey went on to say that he will speak to the party’s delegates and ask them to view him as the only choice for victory in 2024.
“The message to the delegates is that their candidate is Joe Ghartey and I will be coming to them. I have gone to some of them and I will be coming to each of them and I want to sure them that by the time they finish listening to me, they will come to the conclusion that there is only one candidate and that is Joe Ghartey.”
Constant Abbey, president of the Association of Medicine Counter Assistant Ghana, has expressed worry about some prescription forms issued by some doctors.
He stated that the contents of the medical prescription are dreadful and could cause a significant catastrophe in the industry if precautions are not taken.
In an exclusive interview with Rainbow Radio’s Bohyeba K. Afriyie, there are various difficulties plaguing the industry, but the Pharmacy Council has done little to address them.
He stated that the prescription’s awful contents could lead to a serious industry catastrophe if safety measures are not taken.
The Pharmacy Council has not done much to address the various issues plaguing the industry, according to an exclusive interview with Rainbow Radio’s Bohyeba K. Afriyie.
According to Abbey, it is frequently not possible to capture the doctor’s contact information, making it possible for the person dispensing the medication to get in touch with them for confirmation.
Abbey noted that the contacts of the doctors who prescribed the drugs on the papers are often not captured enabling the person administering the drugs to contact them for confirmation.
“We have been trained on how to identify drugs recommended by doctors, but in recent times, the handwriting that has reached our members has been appalling.” When situations like these happen, it puts a strain on us. You also won’t see the doctors’ phone numbers on the documents, so you can’t call and confirm the drug recommendation. In this instance, the patient who requires the drug or drugs moves from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of the same medication.”
He was speaking to him on the sidelines of Merkot Health College’s graduation and matriculation ceremony for Medicine Counter Assistants over the weekend.
He further lamented that the Ghana Pharmacy Council has yet to give the pin codes for them to work with.
This, he observed, has affected the job of their members who work in public or government facilities because they are unable to complete their mechanisation.
“Our regulator, the Pharmacy Council, has not released our pins for us to work with as we speak.” Our members who work in public facilities have been impacted since they are unable to complete their mechanisation. When you log into the portal, you will see a pharmacy counter helper, which we no longer have. Medicine Counter Assistants are what we have. We’ll be able to work more efficiently if they update the portal and give us our pins.”
He requested that the Council take action to ensure that members follow the profession’s norms and ethics.
Efforts to engage their regulator to resolve these concerns, he claims, have been futile.
Isaac Kotey, CEO of Merkot Health College, assured all in attendance that the school would continue to defend, protect, and ensure the peaceful stay of both new and continuing students.
He emphasised the need for the graduates to continue to demonstrate their abilities with the greatest standards of ethics, integrity, and compassion when providing services in the future.
The Special Guest for the ceremony, ACP Samuel Tibil Punobyin from the National Police Headquarters, complimented the Merkot Health College Management on their efforts in his address.
He stressed the importance of students taking their education seriously and pursuing success in their chosen fields.
Australian police say they have identified the victim and think she was murdered more than ten years ago as they continue to investigate the alleged murder of a woman whose bones were discovered behind a concrete wall last year.
Tanya Lee Glover, who was born in 1971 and had hearing and vision impairments, would have been about 38 years old when she passed away, according to a statement released by Queensland Police on Thursday.
Her fate initially came to light when cleaning staff discovered unidentified human remains in the basement of an apartment block in the Brisbane suburb of Alderley last December.
Police reported at the time that her body was discovered firmly wrapped in garments and bedding and partially buried.
According to Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham, it took eight months for officials to successfully identify Glover using DNA forensics and public databases. Her death is currently under homicide investigation.
The few details we do have about Glover’s life depict a picture of a lonely lady who had fallen between the gaps to the point that no one had reported her missing.
“At this point, we are unsure if she was employed in any capacity. According to preliminary information, she was very private, lived a very quiet and reserved lifestyle, and didn’t use social media much, Massingham added.
When Glover’s DNA was used to identify her, authorities contacted her family and learned that she had lost touch with them in the past and that they had “the mistaken belief that she was elsewhere in the country,” according to Massingham.
He went on to say that the crime was “concerning and peculiar,” and that police had not yet identified a cause for why someone would pick on a helpless, unmarried woman before ruthlessly disposing of her body.
Police published a blurry photo of Glover, who is shown as a happy woman with shoulder-length brunette hair and glasses.
Glover, who is characterised as looking Caucasian and standing between 155 cm and 165 cm tall, arrived to Queensland from New South Wales in 2006 and remained there until 2010.
Detectives issued a request for information from anyone who may have met Glover or interacted with her, especially between the years of 2006 and 2010.
Boomplay, Africa’s top music streaming and download service, has bestowed yet another prestigious plaque upon Black Sherif.
This recent plaque is for amassing a record total streams for his catalogue and a historic feat for his debut album.
Blacko reached a milestone of 300 million streams on Boomplay in February 2023 with his debut album, “The Villain I Never Was (TVINW).”
This makes Blacko the most streamed Ghanaian artiste on Boomplay currently, and TVINW, the most streamed Ghanaian album.
Receiving the plaque from Oliver Ameyedowo, Artist Relations Manager at Boomplay Ghana, Black Sherif recalled his humble beginnings as a great fan of music and wanting to share his story through music.
He relayed not being able to achieve all that he has in a relatively short time without the support and love of his fans and for that he expressed his heartfelt gratitude.
“300M+ streams on Boomplay in few years, it takes a village and everyone’s effort. I am very grateful for you guys – for your energy, support and streaming. I do appreciate this so much.
I used to make music not knowing what would come of it. From that to the accolades and receiving this new plaque have been nothing but mind blowing.
I love and appreciate the fans for being there for me and the music I create. This one is for them. My gratitude also goes to Boomplay for continuously supporting my journey,“ Blacko intimated.
Commenting on Black Sherif’s rise and Boomplay’s commitment to supporting the African artiste and music ecosystem, Paul Azumah-Ayitey, Communications and Public Relations Manager for Africa at Boomplay shared, “Having played an important role in Black Sherif’s emergence and success story, Boomplay is always proud of his achievements and the new grounds he keeps breaking.
Blacko’s meteoric rise has been phenomenal and a testament to his great talent and potential. Boomplay is committed to providing an enabling platform for African artistes to unlock their potential and grow their audience, and we will make sure we are right by their side to celebrate every milestone along the journey.”
Born Mohammed Ismail Sherif, the 21-year-old talented artiste, has been on a sensational run since the release of his viral hit, “First Sermon” which gave him mainstream attention.
Single after single, Blacko’s career has soared. He released the likes of “Second Sermon” (plus its remix with Burna Boy), Kwaku the Traveller and Soja, leading to his debut album, “The Villain I Never Was” which was dropped on 6th October, 2022, much to critical acclaim.
Blacko has broken many records and won many awards including the coveted “Artist of the Year” at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
Ahead of his sophomore album anticipated this year, Black Sherif has announced a two-song EP dubbed “Take Care of Yourself, Blacko” scheduled for release on Thursday, 10th August, 2023.
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has reportedly fired the country’s top general amid a reorganisation of the military hierarchy and wants his army to “gird for a war,” according to official media on Thursday.
According to the government-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Vice Marshal Ri Yong Gil has been nominated as General Pak Su Il’s replacement.
Without getting into specifics, KCNA said that other “leading commanding officers” were let go, moved, or appointed during a Central Military Commission meeting on Wednesday.
North Korea frequently changes the military’s top brass. Some former military commanders eventually surface in new roles, while others vanish from public view.
Analysts noted that the new top general Ri’s career, who recently took over the No. 2 position in the North Korean military hierarchy on December 31, reflected this.
“Ri Yong Gil has been a stalwart member of North Korea’s military elite for many years, but his career had its ups and downs before he reached the top. After a reorganisation of personnel seven years ago, he was even said to have been put to death, according to Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
Cheong Seong-chang, a senior analyst at the Sejong Institute private think tank outside of Seoul, stated that Kim’s military rearrangement may have been motivated by a variety of factors and was not necessarily punitive.
“It is inappropriate to regard CEOs’ dismissals as punishment,” Cheong stated. “Kim Jong Un has regularly promoted, demoted, and terminated executives according on their capacity to accomplish duties.
Easley suggested that the North Korean leader may be only trying to prevent anyone below him from gaining excessive authority.
“Kim Jong Un frequently rotates leadership posts below him to prevent the emergence in North Korea of anyone like [founder of the Wagner Group] Yevgeny Prigozhin, who challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority after gaining personal control of financial assets and loyalty among armed forces,” Easley said.
The reorganisation of the military hierarchy was only briefly mentioned in the KCNA report, which otherwise concentrated on what it called the “important issue of making the army more thoroughly gird for a war given the grave political and military situation prevailing in the Korean Peninsula.”
The report omitted mentioning South Korea or its main ally, the United States. The statement that the group “analysed the military moves of the chief culprits of deteriorated situation” on the peninsula appeared to make indirect reference to them.
According to the KCNA report, “making full war preparations” was the meeting’s main agenda item.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) army is required to have more positive, proactive, and overwhelming will as well as thorough and perfect military readiness for a war, according to the statement. “The current situation, in which the hostile forces are getting ever more undisguised in their reckless military confrontation with the DPRK,” it said.
This summer, North Korea has stepped up its military rhetoric, threatening to fire down US spy planes and retaliate against South Korea for allowing a US ballistic missile submarine with nuclear capability to dock there for the first time in 40 years.
Pyongyang has also demonstrated its improvements in ballistic missile technology, launching last month what it claimed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) called the Hwasong-18 with a flight time that shows it might reach the US mainland.
This weapon was one of many displayed at what North Korea referred to as its “Victory Day” parade last month, which was held to commemorate the armistice that put a stop to hostilities in the Korean War 70 years ago. Since no formal peace treaty has ever been signed, the two Koreas technically are still at war.
Kim signed the directives for war exercises using the nation’s most recent weaponry during the summit on Wednesday in Pyongyang.
Kim visited munitions and weapons companies late last week and delivered “important directions” regarding “capacity-building for the serial production of new ammunition,” according to a KCNA report.
South Korea declared this month that it would organise a national civil defence exercise on August 23 in the midst of the tension on the peninsula.
The majority of the 51 million people in the nation are anticipated to practise retreating to secure areas beneath the earth or bunkers during the 20-minute drill, which Seoul claims is in reaction to “provocations” from Pyongyang.
The amended charge sheet in the Cecilia Abena Dapaah case, which was read in court earlier this week, named four additional defendants, while the court released one of them after the Attorney General’s advice to the police.
A key detail that GhanaWeb picked from the charge sheet as amended was how one of the new accused persons had received a huge sum of money from the two main accused, former house helps of Ms. Dapaah.
The fifth defendant in the case, trader Christiana Achab (A5), also involves her husband, Job Pomary (A6), and their son Franklin Sarakpo (A8), who is currently at large.
According to records, she spent close to 2 million cedis on buildings in Accra and the Northern Region for herself after allegedly receiving about 3 million cedis of the stolen proceeds.
Below is a breakdown of how she expended ‘stolen’ monies she received
Police said A5 knowingly received Two million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,830,000.00) of the stolen money from A1.
With the said proceeds, she purchased an eleven-unit chamber and hall self-contain house at Budumburam at the cost of Eight Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢800,000.00) for herself.
A5 and A6 also purchased a four-bedroom house at Kokrobite at the cost of Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Cedis (GH¢280,000.00) for A5.
A5 called A7 from Tamale and purchased a three-bedroom self-contained house at Amrahia at the cost of Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Cedis (GH¢850,000.00) in the name of A7.
The seventh accused is Yahya Sumaila, an excavator operator in Tamale.
Another expense A5 undertook was to buy a three-bedroom house at Aplaku at the cost of Three Hundred Thousand Cedis (GH¢300,000.00) also for A1.
Venerable Archi-Bishop Nicholas Duncan William is prophesying a civil upheaval in Ghana in the year 2024 if things remain the same.
The General Overseer of Action Chapel International added politicians will bear the brunt of the people’s anger.
“There will come a time in 2024 when Ghana will experience a civil uprising. it will not be the police or military but civilians. People will just be tired and fed up with political party and take things into their own hands. The military, police, will all join the protest.”
The recent coup d’etats which have taken West Africa by storm were earlier predicted by General Overseer of the Action Chapel International ministry, Archbishop Duncan Williams.
In an interview with broadcast journalist, Paul Adom-Otchere in 2021, the revered man of God announced an uprising by the youth in West Africa.
According to Archbishop Duncan Williams, the revolt coming like a “wind” can be likened to the Arab uprising – anti-government protests, demonstrations, and uprisings that swept across several countries in the Arab world, primarily in North Africa and the Middle East, starting in late 2010.
“There is a wind coming. And it’s not 2019, it will begin after 2020. The Arab uprising is coming. It’s coming not just to Ghana – West Africa, all over if we don’t do something,” he said.
The only way to avert such a calamity he said, is to provide the youth with hope of a better tomorrow.
During the period he conducted the interview, the Archbishop noted that the youth have no will to live, hence will give up their life to fight the current system – a matter he found concerning.
“If we don’t give them hope, that’s why I am going back to the schools, speak to them. I am engaging the youth again because if we don’t give them hope and a sense of direction…”
He stressed: “The most dangerous thing in life is to fight somebody who has nothing to lose. They don’t have wives, children, cars, lands. They have no hope, nothing to live for. They don’t mind dying.”
Archbishop Duncan Williams acknowledged the potential of AGENDA 2063, which is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
Nigerian content creator Gbenga Adewoyin, renowned for exposing religious fraud, has released an undercover video detailing dealings within the church of Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng, also known as Nana Agradaa. Agradaa is a former fetish priestess and the founder of the Heaven Way Gospel International Church.
Adewoyin’s video suggests that his initial impression of Agradaa’s church was that it resembled more of a cult than a traditional church. He noted that photography and video recording were strictly prohibited within the premises, and this restriction raised concerns about the nature of the church.
In his attempt to interact with Agradaa, Adewoyin encountered a junior pastor who outlined certain requirements, including the purchase of a spiritual item called “oil” and a mandatory payment of 50 Ghana cedis. After complying with these demands, Adewoyin finally had a face-to-face meeting with Agradaa.
“This is just a plain cult as it stands right now. People are not allowed; you are not allowed to take pictures in her church. Your are not allowed to actually record any video, you can’t even take a picture of yourself.
“I got there and I was taking a picture, I wasn’t even doing any kind of secret thing, I was just taking a picture of the hall and they just took my phone. And I was like wow, f**k. ‘why are you taking pictures, why are you taking pictures, there are no pictures’ and this is a church for Christ sake,” he stated while showing a bold notice on a pillar in the auditorium stating “no pictures allowed.”
During the conversation, Adewoyin fabricated a story about a sexual issue he was facing and sought spiritual assistance. Agradaa responded by demanding GHC200 from him to address his problem. She further indicated that additional amounts would be needed to acquire specific spiritual items, including “Mialingle Oil” and “Camo Oil,” supposedly priced at GHC100 and GHC200 per bottle, respectively. Adewoyin’s skepticism grew as he could not find any evidence of the existence of these oils online.
“We have protection oil, oil that will protect you from evil things,” the junior pastor said.
“I came to see her personally,” the undercover investigator insisted.
In response the junior pastor said “Yeah, you will pay GHC50 for a card and GHC20 for oil.”
“I have an issue, I was recommended to come here. It is a sexual issue… I have this incredible issue, on the minimum I have sex with about three girls in a day. I have someone actually waiting for me at home right now,” he narrated his made-up story to which the junior pastor retorted saying “so what do you want Mama to do for you?”
“There is an oil you should buy, when you go you are not a spiritual person, so they won’t sell it to you unless you give us money then I will send them to go and buy,” she stated.
“Then we asked people, what does this Mianlingia Oil and Camo Oi actually mean? And people that were familiar with that thing actually told me that she was making things up. Because there was no evidence of this oil, I asked Ghanaians.” Adewoyin stated.
“Not transfer, we are using it to buy the things. You can’t transfer it to anybody’s account. So if you have small, you bring it. I will add the this thing here and start…” she said.
Agradaa insisted that the payments should be made in cash and rejected the idea of wire transfers. Despite her persistence, Adewoyin expressed hesitation about providing the requested amounts. Nonetheless, an agreement was reached for him to return with the money on a future date.
Adewoyin’s video sheds light on the practices and demands within Agradaa’s church, raising questions about the authenticity of the spiritual offerings and the transparency of the financial transactions involved. The video emphasizes the need for critical scrutiny of religious practices and financial dealings within religious organizations.
In the midst of a fatal rise in crime and violence that has gripped the South American nation, Fernando Villavicencio, a contender in the 2017 presidential election in Ecuador, was killed at a campaign event in the capital on Wednesday.
The murder would not go unpunished, Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso warned, adding that “organised crime has come a long way, but the full weight of the law will fall on them.” Three days of national mourning were also declared, along with a 60-day state of emergency and an urgent military mobilisation nationwide.
Ten days before the first round of the presidential election was scheduled to take place on August 20, Villavicencio was shot and assassinated as he was leaving a campaign gathering at a school north of the capital Quito.
He was a member of the National Assembly and had been outspoken about the violence brought on by drug trafficking and corruption in the nation, telling CNN En Espaol Conclusiones in May that Ecuador had turned into a “narco state” and offering to lead an effort to combat the “political mafia.”
The Attorney General’s Office of Ecuador announced the death of the alleged shooter in custody after exchanging gunfire with security personnel on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The attack, which left nine people injured, including a candidate for the National Assembly and two police officers, has been the subject of an investigation.
The Ecuadorian Prosecutor’s Office later said that six persons had been detained during raids in the Quito neighbourhoods of Conocoto and San Bartolo, and that Villavicencio’s body had been taken to a mortuary for an autopsy.
Social internet videos purport to capture the moment Villavicencio was fatally shot.
The video appears to show Villavicencio leaving the campaign event and heading towards a car while being surrounded by numerous law enforcement personnel and onlookers. At least 12 gunshots can be heard as he climbs into the rear seat of the car. Villavicencio’s security detail is among the numerous people spotted seeking refuge from the gunfire as a police officer swiftly slams the door behind him.
Sister Patricia Villavicencio, who was present at the gathering, claimed to have been standing next to the murdered lawmaker when he was assassinated.
She informed reporters outside the school that she held the Interior Ministry and the national government accountable for her brother’s passing.
She questioned, “Where is the security?”
Seven of the eight candidates, including Villavicencio, were reportedly under police protection, according to Ecuador’s interior minister Juan Zapata earlier this week, local media reported Tuesday.
The opposition-led congress was dissolved in May by President Lasso, who declared himself “outraged and shocked” by Villavicencio’s murder. This opened the door for early elections.
Due to allegations of embezzlement made by opposition lawmakers before he assumed government, which Lasso denies, he was up for impeachment. His resignation has been demanded more frequently recently as the nation struggled with a high cost of living and a rise in violent crime.
The murder occurs as Ecuador battles a deteriorating security situation brought on by drug trafficking and a turf war between competing criminal organisations.
The Andean nation, formerly referred to as the “isla de paz” or “island of peace,” has recently recorded some of the highest homicide rates in the region.
Despite not having a history of producing cocaine or coca, its main constituent, Ecuador is sandwiched between Peru and Colombia, the two countries with the highest rates of drugs production worldwide.
Security analysts claim that Ecuador has grown to play a crucial role in the lucrative routes used to transport cocaine from South America to North America and Europe. The country’s Pacific coast has seen the most violence as criminal organisations compete for control of the drug trade.
Additionally, the nation no longer has authority over its overcrowded jails, which are frequently run by criminal gangs. According to Ecuadorian officials, security services have had difficulty dealing with gangs within jails where convicts frequently seize control of prison facilities and manage criminal networks from solitary confinement. Brutal prison riots between opposing gangs have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of prisoners.
Agustin Intriago, the mayor of the coastal city of Manta, was shot and killed in July, along with Ariana Chancay, a young athlete he was chatting with.
All of the contenders for president of Ecuador have vowed to stop the violence from getting worse.
However, as security and the economy worsen, more Ecuadorians are leaving the country. According to data, hundreds have travelled through the perilous Darien Gap this year in an attempt to reach the United States.
Michael J. Fitzpatrick, the US ambassador to Ecuador, issued a statement on X saying he is “deeply shocked” by the murder and referring to Villavicencio as a “fighter against the corrupt and narco-criminals who have done so much damage to Ecuador.” He declared that the US “strongly condemns” the attack and extended an offer of US government support for the inquiry.
Kwame Asare Bediako, widely known as A Plus, a musician and political activist, has demanded the resignation of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) leadership following a GH¢60 billion financial loss incurred in 2022.
Expressing strong criticism of what he perceives as mismanagement of public funds, A Plus drew parallels between the current BoG leadership and the heads of banks that were shut down during the previous banking sector cleanup.
In a Facebook post dated August 9, 2023, A Plus stated: “Some people mismanaged banks so you collapsed their banks and brought charges against them, but you have lost 60 billion of poor taxpayers’ money and you are still at post instead of c@m!ting su!c!de. Kwasea! If BoG can’t manage money, how do you expect Kwabena Duffour to be able to do that?”
Background:
The Bank of Ghana incurred a substantial loss in 2022, primarily due to the Debt Data Exchange Program (DDEP), as outlined in its 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statement, released in the previous month.
According to the report, the central bank restructured its holdings of government debt, and non-marketable holdings of Government of Ghana instruments, including long-term stocks and a Covid-19 Bond, underwent a 50 percent haircut.
Additionally, the Bank of Ghana’s other claims, such as holdings of marketable instruments, were exchanged under terms similar to those applied to other financial institutions as part of the DDEP.
These actions resulted in an impairment of GH¢48.40 billion in 2022.
Simultaneously, the Central Bank suffered revaluation losses on its foreign assets and liabilities due to exchange rate depreciation. These impairments and revaluation losses collectively led to a negative equity position of GH¢55.12 billion for the year 2022.
The report also indicated that despite a favorable trade surplus, the balance of payments registered a deficit of US$3.64 billion due to significant net outflows in the capital and financial account.
Consequently, there was a drawdown of US$3.46 billion in Gross International Reserves from US$9.70 billion at the end of December 2021 to US$6.24 billion at the end of December 2022, providing 2.7 months of import cover.
This substantial reserve reduction triggered significant currency pressures and caused a decrease in the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent, alongside an increase in the maximum Tier 2 capital ratio from 2.0 percent to 3.0 percent of total risk-weighted assets.
Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has revealed that each non-executive director or independent director on the board of the Bank of Ghana receives a monthly payment of US$8,000.
An independent director also known as non-executive is a member of a board of directors who does not have a material or pecuniary relationship with company or related persons, except sitting fees.
According to information from the Bank’s 2022 annual report, the board consists of thirteen directors, including the governor, two deputy governors, and ten other directors.
Simons contends that this compensation amount is comparatively high when compared to similar positions in other African countries, citing examples like Nigeria and Kenya. His statement comes at a time when the parliamentary Minority is pressuring the Bank’s leadership to resign due to a reported loss of approximately US$6 billion.
In a tweet, Simons expressed his observations: “The Bank of Ghana has 10 independent Directors. It seems some people, esp in the Political Opposition, are not happy that they are paid ~$8,000 a month (~86,000 GHS). Given the calibre of people needed to helm a central bank board, what would folks be comfortable with?”
The ten independent directors include:
Dr. Samuel Nii-Noi Ashong – Non-Executive Director
Mr. Joseph B. Alhassan – Non-Executive Director
Dr. Kwame Owusu-Nyantekyi – Non-Executive Director
Mr. Andrew Boye-Doe – Non-Executive Director
Mrs. Comfort F. Ocran – Non-Executive Director
Mr. Jude Kofi Bucknor – Non-Executive Director
Dr. Regina Ohene-Darko Adutwum – Non-Executive Director
Mr. Charles Adu Boahen – Non-Executive Director (Till 24/11/2022)
Ms. Angela Kyerematen Jimoh – Non-Executive Director
Prof. Eric Osei-Assibey – Non-Executive Director
The allegations of high director compensation come amid broader concerns about financial oversight and performance within the Bank of Ghana, particularly related to the reported loss.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has provided reasons to support its decision to construct a new headquarters, citing concerns about the suitability of its current head office, which was built in the 1960s.
However, during a press conference on August 8, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused the Bank of Ghana of allocating approximately $250 million for the construction of the new headquarters. The NDC expressed worry about the substantial financial commitment, particularly considering the country’s existing economic challenges.
In response, the BoG offered an explanation. It revealed that a comprehensive assessment of the structural integrity of the current office had been undertaken. The findings highlighted deficiencies in the building’s strength to withstand various conditions, including earthquakes and strong winds. This analysis prompted the conclusion that a new headquarters was a necessary step.
Furthermore, the BoG justified its decision by emphasizing its strategic objective of positioning Ghana as a financial hub in the subregion. The Bank also aspires to potentially host the headquarters of a future regional Central Bank, similar to its current hosting of the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI). According to the BoG, a new headquarters would enhance operational efficiency and reinforce its positioning.
The NDC’s criticism revolves around the financial prudence of this decision, given the perceived financial challenges facing both the Bank and the nation. The NDC labeled the move as insensitive, considering the prevailing economic conditions.
In essence, this situation involves a complex interplay of safety concerns, operational goals, strategic aspirations, and political scrutiny. The Bank of Ghana’s choice to construct a new headquarters is motivated by a combination of safety considerations, efficiency aims, and ambitions to establish Ghana as a financial hub within the subregion.
Three individuals employed at the Upper East Regional Hospital, who were apprehended last week for stealing 34 boxes of various government medications from the hospital, have been placed in custody by a Bolgatanga Circuit Court.
Journalist Edward Adeti’s investigation revealed the group responsible for the thefts, resulting in their individual arrests on Friday, August 4, 2023, and Saturday, August 5, 2023.
The trio of suspects—Raymond Asoke, a hospital driver, Fasilat Raheem, the drug storekeeper, and Bridget Noeyelle, an assistant at the hospital’s pharmacy—are facing charges of theft, aiding theft, and conspiracy.
They pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on Monday, August 5, 2023. Their lawyers applied for their bail but the police prosecution team opposed the application.
Giving their reasons for opposing the bail application, the police said the suspects had declined to mention those who had been buying the stolen government drugs from them and argued that further investigations were needed to track their buyers.
The court presided over by His Honour Sumaila Amadu, considered the points made by the police prosecution team and accordingly remanded the three suspects into police custody for two weeks. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Edward Adeti launched the investigations in 2022, following public complaints about drug shortages at the regional hospital. The drug shortages are said to have resulted in untimely deaths of patients.
His months-long investigations uncovered a building in Bolgatanga, the regional capital, where the stolen drugs were always hidden in many boxes before they were transported to the Northern Region for resale. The building is situated outside the hospital’s premises.
Raymond Asoke (the hospital’s driver) was sent at night by Fasilat Raheem (the hospital’s drug storekeeper) on Friday, August 4, 2023, to relocate the stolen drugs from the building. But Adeti, knowing their move, led a team of police officers from the Divisional Police Command in Bolgatanga to the scene to effect the arrests of the perpetrators.
The building, where the drugs were being kept, belongs to Bridget Noeyelle, who is also a wife to an administrator of a Ghana Health Service (GHS) regional health directorate.
The stolen drugs were supplied to the regional hospital by the Ministry of Health (MoH). There is a notice on the boxes that says the drugs are not for sale. The stolen drugs were produced in 2023 and are due to expire in 2025.
A segment of the bridge located at Nyomoase along the Atebubu-Yeji road within the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality in the Bono East Region has collapsed.
According to reports, a section of the bridge over the Nyomo River collapsed during the early hours of Wednesday, August 9, 2023, forcing travelers to utilize only one side of the road.
Aside from the inconvenience to road users, only smaller vehicles and motorbikes are allowed to use the side that is functional as a precautionary measure by the residents.
According to the Assembly Member for the Nyomoase Electoral Area, Jacob Bimpor Kuuchando, he suspects a recent heavy downpour in the area that submerged the bridge might have contributed to its collapse.
“We woke up today to see that one side of the bridge on the Nyomo River has caved in so as we speak road users are only using one of the roads. There was no rain yesterday so I suspect a recent downpour that submerged the bridge is the reason for the collapse of the bridge”.
He however expressed fear that he is afraid the other side might as well cave in and appealed to the Regional Highway Authority to immediately fix the side that has caved in to forestall any disaster. “I am afraid that the other side might also cave in in the coming days so I am appealing to the Ghana Highways Authority to quickly fix the bridge before we are completely cut off or to avert any disaster”.
A driver, Ahmed Iddrisu expressed worry that the situation is likely to affect movement on the road unless it is addressed immediately.
“The situation will affect movement on the road in the coming days and that is my worry,” he said.
Speaking in a phone interview, the Municipal NADMO Director, Musah Shaibu, disclosed that they have visited the scene to ascertain the extent of damage and assured that the issue will be fixed soon.
“I have visited the scene with my men to see the situation for ourselves and we realised one side of the bridge has caved in so we have sent a report and we know the situation will be addressed.”
Setting effective employee goals is a crucial aspect of fostering growth and development within an organization. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set employee goals to help everyone grow:
Align with Organizational Objectives: Start by ensuring that employee goals are aligned with the overall goals and mission of the organization. This helps employees understand their role in contributing to the company’s success.
SMART Goals: Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to structure goals. This ensures clarity and measurability, making it easier to track progress and success.
Collaborative Goal Setting: Involve employees in the goal-setting process. This encourages buy-in and engagement, as employees have a say in their own development. Discuss their career aspirations, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Focus on Development Areas: Identify areas where employees can improve or acquire new skills. Goals should challenge employees to grow in their current role and prepare for future responsibilities.
Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals: Include a mix of short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals can provide quick wins and boost motivation, while long-term goals foster continuous growth.
Provide Clarity: Ensure that employees understand the expectations associated with their goals. Clear explanations of the desired outcomes, resources available, and potential roadblocks help employees stay on track.
Regular Feedback and Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and adjustments to goals. Feedback sessions provide an opportunity to provide guidance and address any concerns.
Recognize Achievements: Celebrate accomplishments, both big and small. Recognizing and rewarding achievements boosts morale and motivates employees to continue striving for excellence.
Offer Learning Opportunities: Support employee growth by providing training, workshops, or courses that align with their goals. This shows a commitment to their development and enhances their skill set.
Encourage Stretch Goals: While goals should be attainable, incorporating a few stretch goals can encourage employees to push their boundaries and reach new heights.
Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor progress toward goals. If employees are facing challenges or circumstances change, be open to adjusting goals as needed to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
Promote Collaboration: Encourage employees to collaborate and share knowledge with colleagues. This fosters a culture of learning and growth within the organization.
Lead by Example: Leaders should also set their own goals and share their growth journeys. Leading by example demonstrates the importance of continuous development.
Create a Positive Environment: Cultivate a supportive and positive work environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their experiences.
Remember that employee goals should be personalized to each individual’s role, skills, and aspirations. By prioritizing growth and development, organizations can create a motivated and skilled workforce that contributes to their long-term success.
Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has recommended that the government prioritize investing in human capacity development within the country, instead of solely concentrating on infrastructure initiatives.
In his perspective, rather than exclusively allocating funds to projects, the government ought to allocate a significant portion of its investments toward individuals, their skills, innovations, and advancement.
The well-known surgeon raised doubts about the logic of constructing impressive roads and interchanges if they end up being unused.
“There is so much we can do, and we are so gifted, so let’s look inward train people, and spend more money on people instead of projects.
“I’m not saying we should do the projects but what is the point in building very nice roads, interchanges, what drives them apart from passengers and charcoal and weeds, what do we have running on our roads,” he said.
He continued to add that “We need to see tractor parts moving from one point to assembly plants. We need to see manufactured things and machines moving from one place to the other, we need to see these things so we can say that yes, we are moving on.”
Prof. Frimpong Boateng further highlighted the need to strengthen local industries and support indigenous innovation.
He explained that there are a lot of Ghanaians who are inventing solutions to solve problems in the country but nobody gets to hear of them or even care about them.
“This is how we are spending money on things that are not beneficial, this pains me, we must develop the capacity to do things.
“Young people are so gifted. I work with people, fabricators and people who can do automation. As I said, Ghanaians can do gari processing machines and others but then we need some people to put some electric motors in between to automate the system and there are Ghanaian firms doing that. But nobody knows them, and nobody cares about them.
He continued that “If you want to refer to the programmes and policies, give them the resources, like the AGI and other institutions and give them the resources. But then you will have politicians who will want to be in charge. If it is about importation or procurement, they will want to be in charge and not the agencies that are supposed to implement these things.
While discussing the challenges hindering this progress, the former minister cited the vested interests.
He explained that politicians get involved because of monetary gain.
“Because at least importation increases by at least 20%. But if the things are done here, they will not get their percentage,” he added.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng believes that addressing the technology gap in the country could bridge the present poverty divide.
“The thing is that the poverty gap is a technology gap and Mr Pianim has helped us in a way by getting the Mastercard Foundation to give us the resources to bring Ghanaian scientists together. Researcher, we had a very good meeting in Peduase, the president was there to commission it and I was so hopeful that for once we could get Ghanaians from outside and those within to plan with the Ghana Institute of Engineering. I was very hopeful that now we were on the path towards greatness.
“I sold this idea to the president, and we agreed to do the agenda 111. But then every piece of material is going to be imported. We are going to put up houses because there will be no instruments, the nurses have also run away and so on. So, we wanted to develop the capacity to build some of this medical equipment. We may not be able to build an X-ray machine but if is forceps, if a blade, we should be able to build those and that will account for at least 40% of what we use here,” Professor Frimpong-Boateng explained.
The former colonial power France is being accused of attempting to undermine Niger by the country’s military dictatorship.
It claimed that a French aircraft had violated the country’s closed airspace.
Additionally, it claimed that in order to assault military targets, French soldiers had released detained jihadists.
The French government has not yet responded.
Mohamed Bazoum, the legitimately elected president of Niger, was deposed at the end of last month, and since then, the coup leaders have resisted diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had claimed to have spoken with Mr. Bazoum and given him assurances of continued support.
On Thursday, the regional bloc Ecowas, which has threatened military involvement, is expected to convene to discuss its next course of action.
In an explosion outside of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, at least six persons were killed.
According to the Somali News Agency, the explosion took place in the Lower Shabelle area on Wednesday.
The regional governor reported that 12 more individuals, including children, were hurt.
The bus was headed from the coastal city of Marka to the region’s farther southmost district, Qoryooley.
The perpetrators of the incident have not yet been publicly identified by any group.
Governor Mohamed Ibrahim claimed that a terrorist organisation was responsible for the explosion, although he withheld the organization’s identity.
Al-Shabab, commonly known as “The Youth,” has previously claimed responsibility for strikes of this nature.
Using suicide bombers, the organisation detonated a military installation in May that housed Ugandan personnel participating in an African Union peacekeeping mission.
Al-Shabab was also responsible for the 2013 Westgate mall siege in Nairobi, which lasted four days and resulted in 67 fatalities and 150 injuries.
The group has been engaged in combat since 2006 in an effort to overthrow Somalia’s national government and replace it with one based on a strict application of Islamic Sharia law.
The gang originally controlled substantial portions of Somalia, but government counteroffensives backed by friends like the US, Turkey, and the African Union have been pushing them back more and more.
In May 2022, with the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Somali government declared war on the rebel group.
In a planned operation on the Hiran region earlier this week, Somali government forces killed 25 al-Shabab extremists.
Ghana, often celebrated for its fertile lands and rich agricultural heritage, is facing a paradoxical situation that has raised concerns among its citizens and leaders alike.
With a population of around 30.4 million, approximately 3.5 million individuals are engaged in farming, yet the nation continues to rely heavily on imports for staples like tomatoes and various other agricultural products.
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has expressed concern over this unsettling reality.
He labeled the situation as “shameful,” highlighting the contradiction between the nation’s agricultural potential and its dependence on imported produce.
“Ghana has about 3.5 million farmers but we cannot even feed ourselves on basic commodities such as tomatoes, rice, onions, etc. That’s very shameful, but we will address it,” he said.
According to GhStat on Twitter, Ghana imports about 84 per cent of its tomato from Burkina Faso.
In October 2022, trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (Ghana Vegetables) indicated that annual tomato import from neighbouring Burkina Faso has hit a staggering US$400million from an estimated US$99.5million in 2018.
As of then, Ghana imported 90 percent of its fresh tomato from Burkina Faso.
But recent happenings in the West African sub- region threatens the trade deal between Ghana and Burkina Faso. The ongoing coup in Niger could affect how Ghana and Burkina Faso relate.
A warehouse explosion outside Moscow left one woman dead and more than 50 people injured, according to officials.
Andrey Vorobyov, the state governor of Moscow, announced on Telegram that six patients were receiving intensive care.
Videos posted online demonstrated a sizable smoke cloud rising from the facility in Sergiyev Posad.
The explosion took place on the property of a plant that, according to Russian media reports, produces military gear like night vision goggles.
Apartments, two schools, and a local sports facility were all harmed when nearby buildings’ windows were blown out by the shockwave.
According to Mr. Vorobyov, the explosion happened in a warehouse housing pyrotechnics on the property of the Zagorsk optical manufacturing facility.
Despite pro-Kremlin commenters speculating that a drone attack was to blame for the explosion, investigators rejected that theory.
The explosion happened not long after the Russian military ministry said that two drones had been shot down overnight near Moscow, one of them close to the airport.
Russia attributed the drone attacks to Ukraine. Neither the drone assaults nor the warehouse explosion have been linked to Ukraine.
A whopping $250 million is being expended by the cto construct a new Headquarters in the heart of Ghana’s Capital, Accra.
The project, which is a 21-story facility, is specifically in Ridge in the Greater Accra Region, adjacent to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge.
Currently under construction, the project, which is reportedly 50% complete, was awarded to De Simone Limited
Here are some iconic building whos’ combined cost is still cheaper than Bank of Ghana new head office
Villagio Vistas Alto
The yellow coloured Villagio Vistas Alto is currently the tallest building in Ghana at 30 storeys and an estimated height of 93 metres (about the length of a football field).The red coloured Villagio Azure is the second tallest building in Ghana at 17 storeys and an estimated height of 71 metres. The green coloured Villagio Aqua is the shortest of the three structures at 7 storeys. The project was completed in phases between 2011 to 2014, and was reported to cost an estimated £80 million.
Head Office of Ecobank
The new Head Office of Ecobank Ghana cost $60 million dollars.
This building is a customer centric ultramodern edifice with 2 towers sitting on a podium and 2 levels underground. The property covers a 27000 square meter area. The 1st Tower (A) is a 14-floor block of Corporate Offices, board rooms, meeting room, executive dining area and a rooftop executive cocktail lounge.
There are 27 meeting rooms and 2 executive board rooms, a staff gym and a media room. The second Tower (B) is a 5 floors block with a 2 level Banking Hall facility, Ultramodern Auditorium, a coffee lounge, a Staff Clubhouse and 2 canteens. There is also a wide ATM arena for personal banking transactions.
SU Tower and 335 Place
SU Tower and 335 Place is a new A-Grade offices developed by Eris Property Group in Accra Ghana setting a new benchmark for developments in the country. These two properties namely 335 Place and SU Tower offering first of its kind office buildings for Ghana are being developed at a combined cost of $83,2 Million.
335 Place is a 12-Level 9,985square meter office tower and The SU Tower is a 14-storey 12,835 square meter office tower.
Silver Tower
The project which cost $8 million involved local Architectural support at Post Contract.
Brief description – 9-storey Motor Showrooms, offices and Bank. Client – Japan Motors Trading Company Limited.
Brief description – 9 storeys Office Block with basement parking and a modern Shopping Mall with internal Plaza. Client – State Insurance Company Limited. (SIC) / THORPE ROAD PROJECT.
Heatwaves and climate change, according to the Tourism Union International(TUI) CEO, may influence travellers’ decision to travel to cooler locales and schedule their vacations for spring or fall.
The tourism industry may benefit from tourists choosing to visit Greece in November, according to the tour operator’s CEO, Sebastian Ebel.
He went on to say that locations like the shoreline of Belgium or Poland might become more well-known.
The company TUI reported that the cost of the Rhodes wildfires in July was €25 million (£21.5 million).
8,000 of TUI’s clients were reportedly evacuated from the Greek island. However, according to the German business, 80% of its island visitors were unaffected.
Mr. Ebel complained that the weather was “not as it was described” and that when he arrived in Rhodes on “the first day” of the fires, he was “surprised” to see that there was no visible fire.
When wildfires erupted in Rhodes and other regions of Greece, almost 20,000 people were forced to flee their homes, including thousands of vacationers from the UK.
Some people compared the sensation to “being thrown into a disaster movie.” After wildfires rendered some vacation destinations untenable, people were forced to sleep in schools and sports facilities while they awaited flights home.
reservations for last week were 5% higher than they were for the same period last year, in keeping with a general resurgence in holiday reservations following the pandemic, according to TUI, who claimed that the events only temporarily hampered demand.
However, the wildfires cost the company €25 million in cancellations, compensation, repatriation flights, and welfare expenses. Compensation as well as expenditures associated with welfare and return flights.
According to TUI, the event demonstrated that booking a package holiday with an operator gave “great advantages and comprehensive service in extraordinary situations”.
According to Mr. Ebel, the company plans to increase the number of locations it offers in order to reduce future dangers of a similar nature.
Although Mr. Ebel said the Mediterranean region remained one of the top tourist destinations, countries with more temperate climates, like the Nordic states, may become more well-liked vacation spots.
He continued by saying that TUI might offer new insurance for visitors coming to regions hit by disruptions brought on by climate change.
For the first time since the pandemic, the company recorded a third-quarter profit on Wednesday. Bookings for the summer of 2023 increased by 6% year over year and returned to levels that were 95% higher than those of 2019.
The appeal of summer vacations and its clients’ continued willingness to prioritise spending on travel and experiences, according to TUI, were also factors in its price increases.
Turkey, the Caribbean, the Balearics, Greece, the Canaries, and Cape Verde were listed as the most popular summer travel locations.
Diamond Michelle Gbagonah, popularly recognized as Michy, has disclosed that she is currently in a satisfactory relationship with the Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that he possesses a candid way of speaking.
During a conversation with Giovanni Caleb and AJ Sarpong on the 3FM Drive, the Ghanaian actress expressed her perspectives regarding possible joint projects with diverse artists.
Michy expressed her interest in collaborating with three out of the four prominent artists often referred to as the “4S” – Samini, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and Sarkodie.
However, Michy didn’t shy away from acknowledging one characteristic of Sarkodie – his sharp tongue.
“We’re cool, but he has a sharp tongue. I don’t mind doing a song with Sark, but then I don’t know which of my songs he can fit on currently with the rap vibe.”
She humorously commented that while she wouldn’t mind collaborating with him, finding the right musical context for his rap style might be a challenge.
The socialite and influencer expressed her admiration for his artistic prowess and acknowledged his contributions to the Ghanaian music industry.
Numerous airlines have experienced longer and more fuel-intensive flights as a result of the shutdown of Niger‘s airspace since Sunday.
For most trips from Europe to the south of the continent, it adds at least two hours to the travel time or up to 1,000 kilometres (600 miles).
Following a threat of military action from the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, if President Mohamed Bazoum was not restored, Niger’s junta shut down the airspace.
While some flights were already in the air and required rerouting, others had to fly back to their departure points as a result of the announcement.
“We had retired to bed… The captain awakened us up about four hours later and informed us that we had to return since Niger had closed its airspace. Simply put, there wasn’t enough fuel for everyone. Therefore, we were forced to return, which was a pretty awful sensation, she stated.
Airspace over Libya and the Sudan had previously been avoided by aircraft.
Flights were prohibited from Sudan after the country’s turmoil.
In addition to the US and Canada, other European nations, notably Germany, France, and the UK, forbid their civilian planes from flying in Libyan airspace.
Airlines will now need to modify their procedures to account for the additional miles added to their flights. which will result in each flight requiring more fuel, leading to the cost.
The former colonial power France is being accused of attempting to undermine Niger by the country’s military dictatorship.
It claimed that a French aircraft had violated the country’s closed airspace.
Additionally, it claimed that in order to assault military targets, French soldiers had released detained jihadists.
The French government has not yet responded.
Mohamed Bazoum, the legitimately elected president of Niger, was deposed at the end of last month, and since then, the coup leaders have resisted diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had claimed to have spoken with Mr. Bazoum and given him assurances of continued support.
On Thursday, the regional bloc Ecowas, which has threatened military involvement, is expected to convene to discuss its next course of action.
Kalyppo, once a refreshingly affordable option at just GHC0.50 in 2016, has undergone a startling transformation in price over the past few years, National Communications Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has lamented.
He ascribed the situation to the economic changes that have taken place under the Akufo-Addo administration.
“The price of everything has soared under the Akufo-Addo regime,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo in 2016 earned the nickname ‘Nana Kalyppo’ after he was spotted in a vehicle consuming the drink. This was in the lead up of the 2016 general elections when he was still a presidential aspirant.
Ever since the picture surfaced in the media, many Ghanaians who were NPP members turned the story around in favour of Akufo-Addo, saying he was promoting Ghana made goods.
Some also said it was to show then President, John Dramani Mahama that he (Akufo-Addo) was medically fit than the so-called youths who run away from drinks perceived to be lased with sugar. In a show of solidarity to Akufo-Addo, many sympathisers across Ghana started taking selfies with Kalyppo drink and posting it on their social media timeline; pictures which made it to traditional media.
Sammy Gyamfi has asserted that Ghanaians can no longer engage in such challenges due to the price of the drink which has significantly soared since the Akufo-Addo government assumed office.
Speaking in an interview on Onua TV, he blamed the development on the alleged printing of huge stacks of money by the Bank of Ghana for the government.
“The unlawful printing of huge sums of money has resulted in inflation. Apart from cement which was sold at GHC27 in 2016 and is now going for GHC96, I checked the prices of goods at the Makola market and I was shocked to find out that the price of a bag of corn which was selling at GHC170 is now selling at GHC 700. A bucket of onions which previously sold at GHC15, is now selling at GHC50. The 5kg bag of Gino rice which was selling at GHC25, is now selling at GHC 185,” he said.
“Even the President’s favorite drink, Kalyppo which was selling at 50 pesewas is now selling at GHC 3.50,” Mr Gyamfi added.
The NDC is accusing the Bank of Ghana of printing an amount of GHC 80 billion for the government of Ghana. In an interview on Onua TV, Sammy Gyamfi noted that despite the “unlawful” funding to the government, there is currently nothing to show.
“More than 50 percent of the total revenue. They are living like there is no law. The impunity. After supplying the government over GHC 80 billion, let’s ask ourselves what the government used the money for,” he said.
He noted that the amount of money printed by the Central Bank for the Akufo-Addo-led government comes nowhere close to the loans that were taken by the erstwhile Mahama government.
“He (John Mahama) borrowed GHC 54 billion. This does not even include the accumulated debt of this government,” he added.
Learning how to swim can offer numerous benefits, both for safety and enjoyment. Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider learning how to swim:
Water Safety: One of the most important reasons to learn how to swim is for personal safety. Accidental water-related incidents can happen, and having the ability to swim can greatly reduce the risk of drowning. Whether you’re at the pool, beach, or near any body of water, knowing how to swim can potentially save your life or the lives of others.
Health and Fitness: Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, promotes cardiovascular health, and improves overall fitness. It’s a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Recreation and Enjoyment: Learning to swim opens up a world of recreational opportunities. You can enjoy activities like swimming laps, water aerobics, snorkeling, diving, and more. Whether you’re in a pool, lake, or ocean, being confident in the water allows you to fully participate in these activities and make the most of your leisure time.
Confidence Building: Overcoming the fear of water and learning to swim can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. As you master new swimming skills and techniques, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and a greater belief in your abilities, both in and out of the water.
Social Interaction and Networking:Swimming is a social activity that can provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Participating in swimming classes, clubs, or group activities can help you meet new people, develop friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
In conclusion, learning how to swim is a valuable life skill that goes beyond just staying safe in the water. It offers a wide range of benefits, from personal safety to improved health, increased confidence, and enjoyable recreational opportunities.
A Hawaiian town‘s residents apparently had no choice but to jump into the ocean to escape the raging wildfires that are consuming parts of Maui.
Lahaina, which was partially destroyed or significantly damaged by the fire, was the site of “apocalyptic scenes,” according to local media.
Aside from causing power outages, the fire forced evacuations. Debris has complicated the rescue operation.
There are at least seven active fires in Hawaii, including the one in Lahaina.
Several homes and businesses have been damaged in the city of roughly 13,000 inhabitants on the western portion of Maui, the second-largest and third-most populous island in the state, according to a local CBS News affiliate, the BBC’s US partner.
The US Coast Guard reports that 12 persons were saved after jumping into the water to flee the fire.
Videos sent on social media from the island show the town’s main street and a number of nearby shops on fire, however it is unclear how much damage was done.
According to local business owner Alan Dickar, “buildings on both sides were engulfed.” “At that time, there were no fire trucks. The fire department was probably overworked.
Mr. Dickar continued, “Many individuals just lost their employment since many businesses burnt. Many folks lost their homes; this will be disastrous for Maui.
Dustin Kaleiopu, another local, told Hawaii News Now that his home was among those lost in the blaze.
“Everything we had ever known had vanished. Every single memory we had of this home—our church, our schools, and so on—he remarked. In the blink of an eye, everything vanished.
According to the Honolulu office of the National Weather Service, there are multiple fires burning in Hawaii as a result of Hurricane Dora’s powerful winds blowing from hundreds of miles away, low humidity, and dry air. Winds have reportedly made it more difficult to employ helicopters for firefighting operations, according to local officials.
Large portions of Maui were evacuated, and roads and schools were closed as a result of the fires. Residents who had to leave their homes have been provided with shelter.
According to PowerOutage.us, as of 9:00 EST (14:00 BST), almost 15,000 individuals are still without electricity.
Acting governor of Hawaii Sylvia Luke declared an emergency and called in the National Guard on Tuesday night. Josh Green, the state’s governor, is on the road.
Given the several fires and countless evacuations in the various district regions, it is undoubtedly one of the more difficult days for our island, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin told CBS on Tuesday.
Hawaii rarely experiences large fires like those that ravage California and other western US states.
However, experts have cautioned that they are frequently more harmful since they can eliminate vegetation and Hawaii’s ecology evolved without fires before the arrival of humans.
American photographer Bryan Randall, the longtime partner of Sandra Bullock, has passed away following a private struggle with ALS, as disclosed by his family on Monday.
As per a statement obtained from Yahoo Entertainment, the photographer, who began a relationship with the Oscar-winning actress in 2015, peacefully departed over the weekend. He was 57 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we share that on Aug. 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS,” his family shared. “Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request. We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours,” his family added.
The Randall family concluded, “At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan.”
Instead of flowers, the Randall family requests any donations to be made to the ALS Association and the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to Mayo Clinic. The disease causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time.
Bullock and Randall met when he photographed her son Louis’s birthday in January 2015. They started dating shortly after, but the 59-year-old actress purposefully kept their relationship out of the spotlight. Bullock, who went through a very public divorce with Jesse James in 2010, called Randall the love of her life.
“I am someone who went through the divorce process,” she explained on Red Table Talk in 2021. “I found the love of my life. We share two beautiful children — three children, his older daughter. It’s the best thing ever.”
Bullock — who is mother to son Louis, 13, and daughter Laila, 10 — ruled out getting married again.
“So, I don’t want to say do it like I do it, but I don’t need a paper to be a devoted partner or a devoted mother. I don’t need to be told to be ever-present in the hardest of times. I don’t need to be told to weather a storm with a good man,” she added.
The Bird Box star said Randall is a “great” example of someone she wants around her kids.
“He’s the example that I would want my children to have,” Bullock added. “I have a partner who’s very Christian and there are two different ways of looking at things. I don’t always agree with him; he doesn’t always agree with me. But he is an example, even when I don’t agree with him, that I [think] if they can take away from that, if that is where they feel drawn to, then he’s the exact right parent to be in this position. I’m stubborn, but sometimes I need to sit back and listen and go, ‘You’re saying it differently but we mean exactly the same thing.’ It’s hard to co-parent, because I just want to do it myself.”
Russian authorities have reported that an explosion at a warehouse close to Moscow has injured more than 50 persons.
Andrey Vorobyov, the state governor of Moscow, announced on Telegram that six patients were receiving intensive care.
Videos posted online demonstrated a sizable smoke cloud rising from the facility in Sergiyev Posad.
The explosion took place on the property of a plant that, according to Russian media reports, produces military gear like night vision goggles.
Apartments, two schools, and a local sports facility were all harmed when nearby buildings’ windows were blown out by the shockwave.
According to Mr. Vorobyov, the explosion happened in a warehouse housing pyrotechnics on the property of the Zagorsk optical manufacturing facility.
Despite pro-Kremlin commenters speculating that a drone attack was to blame for the explosion, investigators rejected that theory.
The explosion happened not long after the Russian military ministry said that two drones had been shot down overnight near Moscow, one of them close to the airport.
Russia attributed the drone attacks to Ukraine. Neither the drone assaults nor the warehouse explosion have been linked to Ukraine.
Attacks on Russian land, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are a “inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process.”
The clever recreation of the music video for Wendy Shay‘s well-known song “Habibi” by TikTok sensation Official Dacosta has generated a lot of excitement on social media.
The original music video was set against the captivating backdrop of the Middle East, featuring the rich tapestry of Arab culture, traditional attire, and the region’s enchanting environment.
In a creative twist, TikToker took on the challenge of recreating the music video, albeit with a unique twist.
He beautifully created his own outfits and assumed the dual parts played by Wendy Shay and the Arabian man in the original film using nothing more than his imagination and some paper.
Even though it did it in a creative and funny way, the inventive replication succeeded in capturing the essence of the original film.
Official Dacosta provided a novel twist that connected with online audiences by setting his paper-based improvisation in contrast to the opulent Arabian atmosphere of the original.
The TikTok video quickly gained traction, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms.
Netizens were quick to applaud Official Dacosta’s creativity and dedication in emulating the essence of ‘Habibi.’
The ingenious approach not only showcased his artistry but also sparked discussions about the influence of music videos on popular culture.
Nollywood star Joseph Benjamin has shared that his experience of unsuccessful movie opportunities led him to become a cab driver upon his move to the United States.
At 46 years old, he opened up about his decision to relocate to the U.S. with the hope of promised film roles, only to be let down by the person who made those assurances.
Joseph Benjamin revealed these insights during his guest appearance on the most recent installment of the Teju Babyface Deep Dive podcast, hosted by comedian Teju Oyelakin.
Joseph Benjamin said, “I got to America on a promise that I had some gigs waiting for me. So I thought I was going to have a soft landing there. I packed up everything from Nigeria, bought a one-way ticket, and came to America.
“I was put in a well-furnished house and all of that. Then two days later, the person who I was supposed to book a deal with said to me, ‘Those our financiers have pulled out. They have an issue.’
“So, I said, what do I do? He was like, ‘From next month on, you will have to start paying rent in this house.’ The amount of the one-month rent was equivalent to a one-year rent in Nigeria.
“I’m like, ‘I’m not earning any money so what do I do?’ I don’t know what to do. So, shot into that life, I had to figure out what to do. I had nowhere to go. Nothing to turn to.
“My phone was buzzing, like, ‘When are you coming back to Nigeria? We have this gig for you.’ $1,500 was all I came to America with. How do I buy a ticket to go back to Nigeria?”
Joseph Benjamin also disclosed that he drove Uber, Lyft, and delivered Amazon packages to pay his bills in America.
“And then someone gave me a car. I’m like, What do I do with the car? And they said Uber. I was driving for Uber and Lyft to pay my bills.
“I carried a lot of Nigerians, my name on the Uber App was Joseph. The moment they get in or three minutes into the journey, they know I’m the one.”
“One woman even had to call her husband, and she ended up taking pictures with me. I even had some people say to me ‘Boss you will make it.”
In an attack on an army base in the province of Norte de Santander, at least nine Colombian soldiers were murdered.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, according to the authorities, fired handmade mortar bombs at the base in the El Carmen municipality.
The incident occurs while the government and the ELN are engaged in peace talks as part of President Gustavo Petro’s plan to bring “total peace” to Colombia.
The offenders, according to Mr. Petro, are “still utterly far from peace.”
Seven of the nine fatalities were enlisting in the military as required. Additionally, the strike injured eight soldiers.
Since November, peace talks between the two parties have been ongoing, although no bilateral ceasefire has been reached.
The incident took place in a region that is considered to be an ELN stronghold.
The assault—the worst since the three-year pause in peace talks—is another setback to President Petro’s goal of persuading all of Colombia’s illegal armed factions to lay down their arms permanently.
The government broke the ceasefire it had arranged with the Gulf Clan, Colombia’s major drug trafficking group, last week.
The first left-leaning candidate to be elected president of Colombia is Mr. Petro.
After the ELN detonated a car bomb at a police academy in the nation’s capital, Bogotá, in 2019, his right-wing predecessor in government, Iván Duque, halted negotiations with the group. In that explosion, 22 individuals perished.
The government delegation and guarantor nations involved in the peace negotiations have been invited by Mr. Petro to a meeting on Monday where they will debate the future of the peace process.
The revelation from popular Ghanaian actor Van Vicker about the key to sustaining a lasting marriage has ignited a lively conversation across various social media platforms.
Owing to his 20-year experience in marriage, Van Vicker expressed belief he is qualified to speak on the subject in one of his live videos.
According to Van Vicker‘s perspective, the crucial element behind the success of any marriage is the deliberate and collaborative management of finances as a couple.
He advocated for a unifying income and expenses and maintaining open communication about finances.
Vicker emphasized that couples should avoid segregating their incomes and instead focus on collaborative budgeting.
“For me one of the greatest is not to separate your income and not separate your expenses. I think being open about income, source of income and your money is key to staying together. Spend it together, budget it together and bring it in together,” he said.
According to him, sharing financial responsibilities fosters a sense of unity and mutual understanding.
Vicker also stressed on the need for communication between both partners and an attentive ear.
His opinion has ignited a wide range of views and discussions among netizens. While some applaud his perspective, others argued that joint expenses usually leads to financial mismanagement.
Ghana’s beloved music icon, Kojo Antwi, has received a prestigious honor in the form of the Keys to the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, bestowed upon him by Mayor Joseph M. Petty.
The presentation to the legendary musician was done on Saturday 5th August 2023 in the presence of city-resident Ghanaian Royal Nana Sompahene also known as Mr. Maxwell Agyemfra, 3-time, 2-division world boxing champion, Jose Antonio Rivera, Mr. Richard Kweku Boateng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Big Shoes Entertainment & Anokyekrom Restaurants, and a legion of thrilled fans of ‘The Maestro’.
Expressing his gratitude, the Ghanaian music, culture, and tourism icon extended his heartfelt thanks to the City of Worcester for the honor. He also made a commitment to further propagate love, compassion, peace, and harmony through his music. Additionally, he vowed to continue promoting the captivating cultures of Ghana and Africa on a global platform, thereby contributing to cultural awareness and appreciation worldwide.
The tradition of presenting Keys to a City is a historic one that started in 1702 in New York when Mayor Phillip French offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, Governor of New York and New Jersey. In medieval times, major cities would be fortified by walls and gates for the people’s protection.
When a visiting hero or dignitary came to the town, the people would make an elaborate ceremony, and also present them with a key meant to confer trust and honour.
The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents. In the modern era, the Key to the City is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.
Campaign Spokesperson for Alan Kyerematen, Yaw Buaben Asamoa , has described the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Super Delegates Congress as “a needless distraction.”
He believes the congress is unnecessary and an impediment to preparations towards the primaries.
Speaking with Kumasi based Luv FM, he noted that: “At this time that we are going to have this congress, I really think it’s just unnecessary. I think it’s a distraction from the normal campaigning.
He, thus, called on the leadership of the party to consider a review of the constitution such that the congress is totally scrapped from the NPP constitution.
“So really maybe in future, as a party we need to look at that constitutional provision and make it more flexible in order for it to serve the party better,” he noted.
Afraa is a six-month-old baby girl who has a remarkable story of survival and hope. She was born under the rubble of her family home in Syria, after a devastating earthquake killed her parents and siblings.
She was rescued by her uncle, who adopted her and gave her a new name. Now, she is thriving with her new family, despite the challenges they face.
The earthquake that changed everything
On 6 February 2023, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, causing widespread destruction and death. More than 44,000 people lost their lives in the disaster, including Afraa’s father, mother, and four brothers and sisters.
Afraa’s mother was pregnant and went into labour as the earthquake hit their town of Jindayris, near the Turkish border. She gave birth to Afraa under the rubble of their collapsed house, but died shortly after. Afraa was still attached to her mother by the umbilical cord when rescuers found them.
One of the rescuers was Khalil al-Sawadi, Afraa’s uncle and the brother of her father. He heard a faint cry from under the debris and started digging. He was shocked to see his sister-in-law’s body and his newborn niece. He quickly cut the cord and took Afraa to safety.
A video of the rescue went viral on social media, showing Khalil holding Afraa in his arms as he emerged from the rubble. He named her Aya, which means miracle in Arabic.
Afraa was taken to a hospital, where doctors said she had minor injuries and breathing difficulties due to the dust. She was also given a DNA test to confirm her identity.
A new name and a new family
Khalil and his wife Hala decided to adopt Afraa and raise her as their own daughter. They already had seven children, but they felt that Afraa was a gift from God and a precious reminder of their lost relatives.
They also gave her a new name: Afraa, after her mother. They wanted to honour her memory and keep her close to their hearts.
However, adopting Afraa was not easy. Thousands of people from around the world offered to take care of her, after seeing her story on the news. Khalil and Hala had to wait for 10 days for the DNA results to prove that they were related to Afraa.
They also had to deal with security threats, as they feared that someone might try to kidnap Afraa. They stayed with her at the hospital as much as they could, and received protection from the police.
Finally, they were able to take Afraa home with them. They buried her parents and siblings in a nearby village, where mass graves were dug for the victims of the earthquake.
A difficult life in a war-torn country
Khalil and Hala‘s home in Jindayris was badly damaged by the earthquake. It had large cracks and was unsafe to live in. They lost their car and most of their belongings.
They moved to a tent in a camp for two months, where they faced harsh conditions. It was very hot and they had two babies to take care of: Afraa and their own daughter Ataa, who was born three days after Afraa.
They managed to find a house to rent later, but they are struggling to pay for it. They are afraid that they might lose it soon, as the owner needs it back.
They also face other challenges living in northwest Syria, where an estimated 50,000 families were displaced by the earthquake. The area is controlled by rebel groups who are fighting against the Syrian government in a 12-year civil war.
Delivering aid to the four million people living in this region is extremely difficult, as they face violence, poverty, and lack of basic services.
A happy baby with a bright future
Despite all these hardships, Khalil and Hala are doing their best to provide for Afraa and their other children. They love them all equally and treat them as one family.
Afraa is growing up healthy and happy. She likes to smile at everyone and play with her siblings. She has recovered from her injuries and has no health problems.
Khalil says he spends most of his time with Afraa and can’t bear to be away from her for too long. He says he will tell her what happened when she grows up and show her pictures of her biological family.
He hopes that one day, Afraa will have a better life in a peaceful country. He says he is grateful for all the support and prayers he has received from people around the world.
He also reminds us that there are many other people who are suffering in Syria and need help.
More than US$2 million was spent by the Bank of Ghana in purchasing two gold watches, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said.
According to the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson this information was contained in the recently released Bank of Ghana (BoG) Annual report and Financial Statement.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ajumako Enyan Esiam Constituency noted that: “We also saw in the report that the Bank of Ghana indeed spent an amount of US$2million on gold watches.”
He made the remarks during a press conference on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the NDC headquarters in Accra.
During the presser, he leveled various allegations against the Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison, whom he accused of supervising gross mismanagement of funds at the Central Bank.
“After this dastardly act of over-lending to the government by the Central Bank, they then proceeded to do the unthinkable – to write-off a whooping GHC 48.4 billion, about half of Ghana Government’s indebtedness to the Central Bank, without parliamentary approval. This is illegal and criminal and the NDC Members of Parliament will not allow this to pass.
“Beyond the mismanagement of the economy and our finances, the spectacular recklessness and ineptitude of the Governor and his team has called into question the wisdom of leaving him at the helm of affairs of the Central Bank,” Dr Ato Forson said.
He further accused the governor of supervising the loss of huge sums of money which cannot be accounted for.
“The Report revealed that millions of Ghana Cedis have been wasted on frivolous administrative
expenditures. The Bank of Ghana spent a whopping GHC131.6 million on Motor vehicle maintenance and running in 2022 alone – a 114% increase over the previous year’s expenditure.
“Similarly, foreign and domestic travels of the Bank of Ghana cost the Ghanaian tax payer a staggering GHC97.4 million, which is about 246% increase over the previous year,” he said.
The Minority Leader further indicated that the Bank of Ghana dissipated another GHC8.6 million on Director’s remuneration alone.
“This represents about 87% increase over the previous year’s expenditure. This simply means that Ghanaians were charged a “Mismanagement Fee” to deliver the collapse of the Bank. The Bank further claimed to have spent a colossal GHC357.9 million on Banking Supervision Expenses. The report disclosed that the bank spent a whopping GHC67.9 million on computer expenses while communication expenses amounted to GHC32 million.
Additionally, “the Report disclosed ‘other’ undisclosed expenses amounted to GHS287.8 million of the taxpayer’s money. Perhaps the more troubling fact is that, having brought the Bank of Ghana to this terrible financial state, the Governor and his deputies have found it prudent and expedient to invest $250 million (GHC2.8 billion) on another Head Office building somewhere at Ridge,” Dr Forson said.
It is in view of this and other claims that the CDC has issued a 21 day ultimatum to the governor of the Bank of Ghana or face their wrath.
“In our circumstances, this is the height of insensitivity in the management of the finances of a troubled country. The BOG’s illegal printing of money is responsible for the depletion of Ghana’s external reserves which resulted in the unprecedented depreciation of the Cedi, the main cause
of hyperinflation in 2022. It is important to state that the Governor breached section 30 (7) of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2012 (Act 612 ) and Section 60 of the Bank of Ghana Amendment Act, 2016 (Act 918). An estimated 850,000 people were further reported to have been pushed down the poverty line as a result of the hyperinflation in 2022.
“In this regard, we call for the resignation of the Governor of the Central Bank and his deputies within 21 days from today. We are resolved to embark on popular action to occupy the Central Bank and drive out the team of inept, callous and criminal mismanagers of the finances of this country and Save the Bank of Ghana. The March to Ensure Accountability will begin in 21 days if the Governor of the Bank of Ghana does not do the needful and pack bags and baggage out of that sacred institution that he has so desecrated. Dr Ernest Addisson Must Go! There has to be an end to impunity and it is NOW!” he said.
