TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Colombian rebels refute planning to assassinate the attorney general

    Colombian rebels refute planning to assassinate the attorney general

    Left-wing rebels from Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) have denied planning to kill Francisco Barbosa, the country’s attorney general.

    According to the attorney general’s office, “three sources” provided information that “indicated that there would be a terrorist attack” intended for Mr. Barbosa.

    Days after an ELN-government truce went into effect, word of the suspected conspiracy surfaced.

    Since 1964, the ELN has been operational.

    The attorney general’s office claimed that the military’s intelligence division, a police department that deals with organised crime and has its own investigative branch, had forewarned it.

    It stated that all three told it about a meeting they claimed “five high-ranking ELN members” had last month in neighbouring Venezuela.

    According to the claims, a person going by the name “Rolo” was in charge of ELN fighters who were being prepared to shoot Attorney General Barbosa with a sniper rifle.

    Additionally, accounts associated with “Rolo” allegedly had “suspicious transactions” worth up to $750,000 (£588,000).

    However, one ELN faction involved in peace talks with the government regarded the assertion to be “false” and rejected it. Additionally, the attorney general was accused of “trying to sabotage the peace process”.

    Colombia’s attorney general for the past three and a half years is Mr. Barbosa, 49.

    He has criticised President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” proposal and the negotiations with armed groups, claiming that any agreements would make it more difficult for his office to arrest persons accused of committing major crimes.

    Additionally, he has plans to offer criminal gang members shorter prison terms in exchange for their disbandment.

    The main guerrilla organisation still operating in Colombia is the ELN. It has been at war with the state since 1964, and prior efforts to negotiate a peace agreement with it have been unsuccessful.

    However, a bilateral six-month ceasefire between the government and the ELN went into effect on August 3. The following round of peace talks is scheduled to take place in Venezuela on August 14.

  • Uganda faces World Bank loan freeze over anti-LGBT law

    Uganda faces World Bank loan freeze over anti-LGBT law

    Uganda has been hit by a suspension of new loans from the World Bank, after the country passed a harsh law that criminalises same-sex relations and imposes the death penalty for some offences.

    The World Bank said on Tuesday that it would pause project financing to Uganda, pending a review of the impact of the new legislation on its programmes and beneficiaries. The bank said that the law “fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values”, which include respect for diversity and inclusion.

    The law, which was signed by President Yoweri Museveni in May, bans any form of sexual activity or expression of affection between people of the same sex. It also makes it a crime to “promote” homosexuality, and requires citizens to report anyone suspected of being gay to the authorities. Those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality”, which includes having gay sex with a minor or while HIV-positive, face the death penalty.

    The law has sparked international condemnation and outrage from human rights groups, who say it violates the rights and dignity of LGBT people and exposes them to violence and discrimination. Several countries, including the US, have imposed sanctions on Uganda over the law, such as visa bans, aid cuts, and travel warnings.

    Uganda has dismissed the criticism as unfair and hypocritical, arguing that the law reflects the views and values of the majority of Ugandans, who consider homosexuality as unnatural and immoral. Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs Okello Oryem accused the World Bank of double standards, saying that other countries with anti-gay laws did not face similar sanctions.

    “Why pick on Uganda? There are many Middle East countries who do not tolerate homosexuals, they actually hang and execute homosexuals. In the US many states have passed laws that are either against or restrict activities of homosexuality… so why pick on Uganda?” he told Reuters news agency.

    The World Bank had provided $5.4bn (£4.2bn) in development financing to Uganda by the end of 2022, mostly in health and education projects. The bank said that it would continue to support existing projects in Uganda, but would not present any new public financing to its board of executive directors until further notice.

    The suspension of new loans could have a significant impact on Uganda’s economy, which relies heavily on external funding for its budget and development needs. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also warned in June that it would impose stricter conditions on its lending to Uganda over the anti-LGBT law. The IMF approved the release of $120m to Uganda in June, but said that it would monitor the situation closely and assess the implications for its programmes.

  • Doctors report numerous civilian deaths in Ethiopian conflicts

    Doctors report numerous civilian deaths in Ethiopian conflicts

    Doctors in Bahir Dar, the capital of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, have told the BBC that recent violence between local militias and government forces has resulted in the deaths of a significant number of people.

    A five-month-old newborn and elderly adults were among the casualties, according to a doctor at the city’s primary hospital.

    Locals claimed that a militia had taken over a prison and freed the prisoners.

    Since the government declared in April that it was eliminating regional forces throughout Ethiopia, Amhara nationalists have been protesting the action, claiming it would weaken their area.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the government noted that while steps were being done to rid the two largest cities, Bahir Dar and Gondar, of militias, there was generally peace in several areas of the region.

    Ethiopian Airlines has declared a three-day flight suspension to four airports in the area, including Bahirdar and Gondar.

  • 5 bad effects of drinking hot water too frequently

    5 bad effects of drinking hot water too frequently

    While drinking hot water in moderation can have certain health benefits, excessive consumption of very hot water can lead to several negative effects. Here are five potential adverse effects of drinking hot water too frequently:

    1. Burns and Scalds: Drinking extremely hot water can cause burns or scalds to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. This can result in pain, discomfort, and potential damage to these sensitive areas.

    2. Digestive Discomfort: Consuming overly hot water can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to digestive discomfort, bloating, and even gastritis for some individuals.

    3. Nutrient Loss: Excessive heat can break down some of the beneficial nutrients present in water, like certain vitamins and minerals. This means that drinking very hot water might lead to a loss of these essential nutrients.

    4. Disruption of Natural Balance: Regularly consuming hot water that is too hot may disrupt the natural temperature balance of your body. The body works to maintain a stable internal temperature, and consuming extremely hot water might strain this natural regulation.

    5. Dental Problems: Drinking excessively hot water can weaken tooth enamel and cause dental issues over time. Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can make teeth more sensitive and prone to damage.

    It’s important to note that water at a comfortable and warm temperature is generally safe to consume, and many people find it soothing. However, it’s advisable to avoid drinking water that is too hot, as it can pose risks to your health. If you’re unsure about the right temperature for drinking water, consult with a healthcare professional.

  • Comedian Josh2Funny thrills audience at America’s Got Talent

    Comedian Josh2Funny thrills audience at America’s Got Talent

    Nigerian comedian, Chibuike Josh Alfred, widely recognized as Josh2Funny made a notable appearance on the renowned television show, America’s Got Talent.

    In a bid to showcase his talent on a global scale, Josh confidently graced the America’s Got Talent stage. Identifying himself as a Nigerian, he captivated the audience and successfully captured their affections.

    Overwhelmed by the immense crowd, Josh delivered a sidesplitting performance. However, despite his comedic talents, the judges, initially unaware of his comedic prowess, rejected him with a unanimous ‘NO’ during his first attempt.

    Undeterred, Josh made a comeback for a second attempt, adopting a new appearance and a different persona as he ventured into rapping. Despite his efforts, the judges dismissed him once more.

    Undaunted by the rejections, Josh made a third appearance on the stage, introducing himself as “Terrible Josh.” This time, the judges finally recognized his comedic skills, realizing that he was, in fact, a comedian.

    By the end of his act, the crowd went screaming with applause. Simon Cowell also described him as hilarious.
    His appearance on the biggest talent show in the world has brought about massive reactions from Nigerians.

    As the video hit the internet, several Nigerians have taken to social media to share their thoughts.

    Watch video below

    https://youtu.be/k4szRq1R-08?si=O5OEy8bTed7AkNj1

    Here are some reactions:

    @Spotlight_Abby: Josh2Funny on America’s got talent! Nigerians are proud of you!The ones that are upset don’t know what over nine minutes of airtime of the Show is worth!

    @Ojey_: Baba is naturally funny

    @SirLeoBDasilva: Too funny this guy Walahi

    @passion4archy6: He won the audience. It’s actually funny thou

    @i_am_vgold:This made me laugh so hard

    @ffaygeorgewill: God damn it…this just made my day already @josh2funny
    Got me so emotional man.

  • Saglemi housing project has not been abandoned – Asenso Boakye tells Mahama

    Saglemi housing project has not been abandoned – Asenso Boakye tells Mahama

    Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has responded to recent claims by former President John Dramani Mahama concerning the Saglemi housing project.

    During a radio interview on Okay FM, the minister refuted all allegations suggesting that the government had left the project unattended.

    Instead, Asenso-Boakye clarified that the government is steadfast in its dedication to finishing the Saglemi project.

    He emphasized that both he and the president had reiterated this commitment during the launch of a new housing project in Pokuase.

    According to him, the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the revival and completion of the project.

      To address the challenges faced by the Saglemi project, the minister revealed that the government is considering involving the private sector in its implementation.

    He disclosed that this decision was made after careful consideration and extensive consultations, with Cabinet convening three times to review the project’s complexities and its financial challenges.

    He further stated that the conclusion reached was that private sector participation would offer the most viable approach to ensure the project’s successful completion.

      Asenso-Boakye further elaborated on the financial analysis conducted by the government.

    “Despite an initial investment of nearly US$200 million, the Saglemi project still requires substantial additional funding. Approximately US$46 million is needed for off-site infrastructure development, covering essential amenities such as water, electricity, drainage works, among others. Moreover, an additional US$68 million is required to complete on-site works, which include the repair and completion of the existing units, sewerage system, civic amenities, among others. This brings the total additional costs to a staggering US$114 million, on top of the funds already spent,” he said.

      In light of the ongoing court case surrounding the project, the minister disclosed that he had taken proactive steps to continue the Saglemi project.

    He added that he had sought approval from the Attorney General’s office, which was granted, allowing the government to proceed with the necessary actions to ensure the project’s eventual completion.

    This demonstrated the administration’s unwavering dedication to delivering on its promise of reviving the Saglemi Housing Project.

      Regarding the decision to initiate a new housing project in Pokuase, he clarified that it is part of a fresh strategy involving collaboration with the private sector for housing development.

    Drawing inspiration from successful models in other African countries, he said the government aims to work alongside private sector entities in constructing houses for citizens.

    This approach not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also capitalizes on the expertise and experience of private sector partners.

      “Since becoming Minister, we have studied the approach adopted by many other African countries, including South Africa, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, among others, where the government collaborates with the private sector in developing houses for the citizens.

    “This not only saves the government a significant amount of financial stress but also allows us to benefit from the expertise and experience of the private sector,” he added.

  • Nine bodies discovered after fire at holiday home in France

    Nine bodies discovered after fire at holiday home in France

    A fire at a vacation rental in France that was housing persons with learning impairments resulted in the discovery of nine bodies, and two more people are now thought dead.

    After emergency services were notified of the fire in La Forge at 07:30 local time (04:30 GMT) on Wednesday, around 80 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.

    According to a local official, the missing people are thought to be “potentially deceased”.

    Although the fire has already been put out, its origin is still unknown.

    A minimum of one person has been taken to the hospital, and seventeen individuals were evacuated from the premises.

    According to the leader of the rescue effort, a search is currently being conducted for the bodies of the two victims who are still missing.

    Earlier, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said it was possible that the fire caused a number of casualties.

    About 70 kilometres (50 miles) south of Strasbourg, in the vicinity of Wintzenheim, which is close to the German border, the fire first appeared.

    The Haut-Rhin region’s local administration provided an update at noon local time, stating that two groups of adults from two different charities for individuals with disabilities were using the cottage.

    One group was from Nancy, another city in eastern France, according to an earlier announcement.

    76 firefighters and four fire engines were dispatched to put out the fire. Despite the intensity of the fire, it was immediately brought under control, the statement continued.

    All 11 people who were first listed as missing after the fire, according to the director of the Bas-Rhin prefecture, are now thought to be “potentially deceased,” according to AFP.

    According to Christophe Marot, those on the ground floor were able to immediately exit the building, but those in the upper floors were unable to do so.

    The emergency services were congratulated for their quick response to the “tragedy” by French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his sympathies for the victims and their families.

    Elisabeth Borne, the French prime minister, and Aurore Bergé, the minister for families, are in route to Wintzenheim.

    Pictures captured early on Wednesday morning in La Forge show the partially wooden residence practically totally flames.

    The structure is an ancient barn that has been transformed into a three-story vacation home. Before they were able to put it out, the fire department reported that two-thirds of it was on fire.

  • 6 founding fathers of NPP endorse Afriyie Akoto

    6 founding fathers of NPP endorse Afriyie Akoto

    A potential contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries has conveyed appreciation for the endorsement received from six out of the seven remaining Founding Fathers of the NPP in the Ashanti Region.

    The ex-minister of agriculture emphasises that the endorsement carries significant meaning for him.

    Six founding fathers have collectively endorsed Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto as the most suitable candidate to maintain the party’s position in power. They committed their backing to Dr. Akoto during a courtesy visit to his residence in Danyame on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

    Among the members are Kofi Obiri Yeboah Akwasi, Chairman, Gyeabour Asante, William Asafu-Agyei, George Appiah, Nicholas Kofi Nyantakyi and Peter Kwabena Anokye.

    They were led by their Chairman, Kofi Obiri Yeboah.

    The Founding Fathers of the UP tradition had gone to Dr. Akoto to interact with him and listen to his vision for the party and Ghana in general.

    He has proved, in their opinion, that he is competent in managing the NPP and Ghana in general, given his track record for the party and his appointment as a Cabinet Minister (Minister of Food and Agriculture) under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    In response to the gesture, Dr. Akoto expressed his gratitude to the Founding Fathers and promised to contribute more to the NPP’s success to repay their trust.

    “The six are NPP founding fathers.” They were among those who helped create the party in 1992. They informed me that they would like to interact with me whenever I visited the Ashanti Region. They arrived as promised, and following our conversation, they offered their support for me. They probed me and asked about my vision for Ghana and the party.

    “They believed in my ideas and said I was still the greatest choice to represent the NPP. They stated that I have proved that I am a results-oriented individual capable of leading the party in the 2024 general elections,” Dr Akoto said.

  • Watch video of Bank of Ghana’s new GHC3bn headquarters (Artistic impressions)

    Watch video of Bank of Ghana’s new GHC3bn headquarters (Artistic impressions)

    A whopping $250 million is being expended by the Bank of Ghana to 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

    Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana recorded a loss of ¢60.8 Billion Ghana cedis in 2022, its Annual Report and Financial Statements has revealed.  

    The Central Bank’s record loss comes after it posted a ¢1.2 billion profit in 2021.

    According to the Annual Report and Financial Statements, the loss is attributed to a decline in the Group’s net worth position due to the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the impairment of some assets. 

    Again, its total liabilities and subsidiaries exceeded its total assets by ¢54.52 billion.

    In 2021, the Central Bank recorded a surplus of ¢5.72 billion.

  • Netizens react to a trending video of a caucasian man eating garri soakings

    Netizens react to a trending video of a caucasian man eating garri soakings

    A Caucasian man who was spotted delighting in a bowl of Garri, a well-known African dish has got social media buzzing.

    In the video which has gone viral on TikTok, the man was enjoying his bowl of Garri with Kilishi (a spicy Nigerian beef jerky).

    The person recording the video commented on the challenging economic conditions, contrasting it with the fact that the man could still purchase Kilishi to accompany his Garri.

    In reply, the foreigner mentioned that the Kilishi was leftover from the prior administration, during a time when things were comparatively better.

    Watch video below

    Netizens have reacted
    @Jstanley Otulaka stated: “bros eeee 😂😂😂 this your soaking na by wetin you desire….no say you no get choice….by choice own we know 😂😂😂😂….only de kilishi alone 😂😂”

    @Michael Imagination Fittings said: “Best video I have seen today outside ecowas problem 😂😂😂😂I see shege coming 😂after this garri finish 😂😂😂”

    @De-Nelson Believe remarked: “oyibo people go soon collect garri way we dey manage 🥰”

    @katty_perry noted: “The guy dey enjoy oo for this economy 🤣🤣 he dey eat groceries with floating brown berries, iced cubes, sweetener and dehydrated protein 🤣🤣”

    @FAITHYY wrote: “This guy Dey drink groceries with floating berries and sweetener. How sweet.😂😂”

    @famous anonymous warned: “if garri cost tomorrow I go swear for unah 😂😂”

  • Thousands of police and civilian employees identified by major data leak

    Thousands of police and civilian employees identified by major data leak

    The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has apologised for accidentally disclosing information about every one of its 10,000 employees.

    The breach might result in “incalculable damage,” according to NI’s Police Federation.

    The PSNI provided the names, bases, and duties of every police and civilian employee in answer to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request.

    The information was subsequently posted online before being taken down.

    Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd apologised to the officers and called the mistake “unacceptable”.

    The last thing anyone in the company wants to hear this evening, the speaker continued, is that our colleagues are currently under a serious threat from terrorism connected to Northern Ireland.

    “I owe it to all of my colleagues to thoroughly investigate this, and we have started doing that.”

    Republican paramilitaries have targeted Northern Ireland police; the most recent attack occurred in February.

    Officers must be extra attentive about their protection due to the threat.

    Many people, particularly those from nationalist communities, conceal their employment, sometimes even from large numbers of family members.

    The PSNI was requested in the FOI request for a breakdown of every staff member’s rank and grade.

    However, the PSNI also provided a spreadsheet in addition to a table listing the number of people holding roles like constable.

    This included more than 10,000 people’s surnames, initials, and other information.

    It seems to apply to every member of the PSNI, including Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

    There are no private addresses present.

  • Franklin Cudjoe fumes over BoG’s GHC60bn loss

    Franklin Cudjoe fumes over BoG’s GHC60bn loss

    President and Founder of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that when former President John Dramani Mahama was in office, the Bank of Ghana never experienced losses amounting to even half of the GHC60 billion incurred now.

    Mr Cudjoe attributed the substantial losses of the Central Bank to irresponsible financial measures taken to assist the government.

    On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in a Facebook update, Franklin Cudjoe strongly criticized the government for the significant losses suffered by the Bank of Ghana.

    “($6bn) GH¢60 billion loss supervised by a series of happily reckless financial actions by the Central, bankrolling government waste to a drunken stupor. Mahama never did a fraction of this nonsense!! Tagborkuku! Moa saa! Nye sha!” he wrote on his Facebook page.

    His comment comes on the back of calls by the Minority in parliament for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison to resign over the gargantuan losses.

    Background

    The Bank of Ghana incurred a significant loss in 2022 largely as a result of the DDEP, its 2022 Annual Report, and Financial Statement have said.

    According to the report, the central bank’s holdings of government debt were restructured whereas non-marketable holdings of Government of Ghana instruments including long-term stocks, a Covid-19 Bond, and overdrafts were subjected to a 50 percent haircut.

    Bank of Ghana’s other claims (holdings of marketable instruments) were exchanged under similar terms as other financial institutions under the DDEP.

    This led to an impairment of GHC48.40 billion in 2022.

    At the same time, the Central Bank incurred revaluation losses on its foreign assets and liabilities due to exchange rate depreciation. The impairments and revaluation losses led to a negative equity position of GH¢55.12 billion for 2022.

    The report also stated that despite a healthy trade surplus, the balance of payments recorded a deficit of US$3.64 billion on account of significant net outflows in the capital and financial account.

    This led to a drawdown of US$3.46 billion in Gross International Reserves from US$9.70 billion at end-December 2021 to US$6.24 billion at end-December 2022, providing 2.7 months of import cover.

    The significant drawdown in reserves triggered immense currency pressures and the reduction in the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 5.5 percent, from 6.5 percent, and an increase in the maximum Tier 2 capital ratio to 3.0 percent, from 2.0 percent of total risk-weighted assets.

  • Mercy Johnson teaches daughters how to pound yam fufu

    Mercy Johnson teaches daughters how to pound yam fufu

    Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson has got netizens talking after sharing a heartwarming video of herself teaching her daughters the art of preparing and pounding yam.

    The actress, who is keen on imparting cooking skills to her daughters, posted a video of her eldest daughter expertly pounding yam under her guidance.

    In the video she could be seen hailing them as ‘Uromi babes’ while motivating them to continue when they got tired.

    Watch video below;

    Check out some reactions…
    Big Nelson said: “Na real woman Mercy Johnson be, this is the first time am commenting in your page. This one sweet me. Girls we see the days nor know wetin be this ooo. Them go think say na only Banga seed

    Imade Momodu noted: “Esan oyeee. Thanks for encouraging them ooo”

    Caroline Nweke wrote: “So this fight among senior and junior sister dey everywhere”.

    silverand_tiles_sanitarywares: “She said awwwwnnnn am so proud, talk true say you dey laugh Purity inside your mind. The hand might pill off after this ooooo.”

    thephenomenal_girl: “See the way you grabbed the pestle. E dey body.”

    bignelson_1: “Na real woman mercy Johnson , this is the first time am commenting on your page .. this one sweet me .. Girls we see the days nor know wetin be this ooo . Them go think say na only for banga seed.”

    akaehor_miracle: “You see that cooler by the side,Omoo that cooler too hot oo,I enjoyed using it when growing up.”

    barbieodion7: “Ahh I will never forget the day I was called to pound I grew some hand muscles.”

    tos_collection_: “I once tried this, three days after,I still dey feel pain in my upper arm.”

    officialblessingoj: “That year wen we dey show ourselves for boyfriend parents house I pound one day for good one week headache no green go. Now now e don turn fight for someone who couldn’t even lift the pestle o.”

    motease44: “That’s right Mercy they need to know where they come from and that the struggle is real. Good job girls.”

  • Woman busted for using 10-year-old niece as drug courier

    Woman busted for using 10-year-old niece as drug courier

    A woman named Taiye Abbas has been apprehended for allegedly using her 10-year-old niece as a drugs courier in Lagos.

    As per the police, the individual in question, who is the minor’s aunt, concealed drugs in the young girl’s clothing as a strategy to evade security measures.

    During a conversation with journalists, the young girl disclosed that the 44-year-old woman is her maternal aunt, and she had brought her to Lagos after her father’s demise in Kwara State.

    “She brought me to Lagos two months ago from Ilorin, and she has been using me to move drugs from the house to her shop. After taking my bath in the morning, she would load drugs inside my undies, which I would deliver in her shop. Mummy would carefully remove the drugs and sell them to some people who come everyday.

    Mummy told me that she had to conceal the drugs in my undies because of policemen and other security agencies. I would pass the police with the drugs and they would not search me, because they may think that I was innocent.

    I was always sad anytime she planted the drugs on me. I did not complain because she would beat me. My father is dead and my biological mother is in Ilorin. I want the police to take me to my grandfather. My grandfather is in Lagos. I don’t want to stay with my aunt again,” the little girl said.

    After the police questioned the woman, she disclosed that she was introduced into the business by one Azeez about three months and used her niece as courier for drugs two months ago.

    “I sent her to  buy a loaf of bread across the street, and she missed her way. I was looking for her when I got a call to come to the police station to identify a child found roaming the street. I rushed to the station, and discovered that the girl is my niece. I was happy that I found my missing niece, not knowing that danger was lurking around. I was shocked when the policemen in the station started interrogating me about the drugs found in her pants.”

    Speaking about the case, the Lagos state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, “The discovery prompted further questions which revealed that this has been going on for a long time. So, we had to extend the investigation to her house and we were able to bring her guardian (suspect) to the police station. She did not deny it.”

    “She admitted that this had been her way to courier drugs from her house to the shop, where she would sell them, to beat police checks. That is why we are exposing her and the method drug barons now use to courier drugs within the metropolis. However, the girl will be handed over to her family in Ilorin, while the suspect will be prosecuted accordingly.”

  • See Tonto Dikeh’s Insta post amid ex-husband’s failed marriage rumours

    See Tonto Dikeh’s Insta post amid ex-husband’s failed marriage rumours

    Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken out following reports about the rumored collapse of the marriage between her ex-husband, Churchill Olakunle, and Rosy.

    According to reports, the actress’s ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, and Rosy Meurer’s marriage collapsed over an alleged infidelity and domestic violence.

    Gistlover asserts that the issue has been kept off social media while the family looks for a resolution. Reports say that Churchill has not been sleeping t home often and also beats up his wife, Rosy at the slightest provocation

    Rosy decided to leave their marital home after Churchill allegedly beat her over his new side chic, according to reports.

    Reacting to the news about how the marriage of Churchill and Rosy has allegedly hit the rocks, Tonto Dikeh has taken to her page to thank God and also brag about how much God has been intentionally helping her.

    Check out her post

  • UK and Turkey join forces against ‘people-smuggling gangs’

    UK and Turkey join forces against ‘people-smuggling gangs’

    The UK and Turkey have reached a new agreement to combat people-smuggling networks as well as address illegal migration.

    The partnership involves establishing a “centre of excellence” in Turkey to enhance collaboration and intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies.

    The deal aims to disrupt the supply chain of parts for small boats used in illegal crossings through Europe.

    However, the agreement does not include provisions for returning failed Turkish asylum seekers.

    The centre of excellence, to be set up by the Turkish National Police, will facilitate the rapid sharing of intelligence, enabling swift actions based on information received.

    Additional officers will be deployed to Turkey to facilitate cooperation between the UK’s National Crime Agency, Home Office staff stationed in the country, and their Turkish counterparts.

    A memorandum of understanding will also expedite the exchange of customs data and intelligence.

    The Home Office emphasized that small boats and their components play a crucial role in smuggling operations, with hundreds of parts estimated to be transported across Europe each year for this purpose.

    While there has been an increase in the number of Turkish nationals crossing the English Channel to the UK in recent months, Turkey and the UK lack a formal returns agreement.

    However, there are indications that progress might be made in this area during the upcoming UK-Turkey Migration Dialogue meeting scheduled for the autumn in London.

    The European Union has a returns agreement with Turkey, which facilitates the return of migrants crossing into the EU from Turkey.

    Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of such arrangements between EU countries and other nations.

    Immigration Minister Mr. Jenrick stated that the UK’s previous experience with returns arrangements within the European Union was not satisfactory.

    While the UK desires to collaborate with the EU, there is a recognition that previous arrangements had shortcomings.

    In response, Yvette Cooper, Labour’s shadow home secretary, advocated for a fresh and all-encompassing agreement involving the European Union, France, and neighboring countries.

    Cooper emphasized the need for enhanced security cooperation with European partners to effectively address the challenges posed by people-smuggling networks.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman reiterated the UK’s commitment to combating people smuggling and illegal migration.

    She emphasized the necessity of dismantling people-smuggling gangs and preventing illegal crossings, echoing the government’s stance on prioritizing efforts to address these issues.

    The UK aims to strengthen its security cooperation with European partners and combat the activities of people-smuggling gangs in collaboration with Turkey and other countries.

    “As I’ve made clear, we must do everything we can to smash the people smuggling gangs and stop the boats,” said Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

    Our law enforcement agencies will be able to collaborate on this global issue and address the small boat supply chain thanks to our collaboration with Turkey, a close neighbour and ally.

  • Freda Prempeh’s camp dismisses reports of residents rejecting toilet facility

    Freda Prempeh’s camp dismisses reports of residents rejecting toilet facility

    A person closely linked to Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Freda Prempeh, has denied allegations that inhabitants of Yamfo, a locality within the constituency, declined a toilet facility established for them by the MP.

    In an interview following the release of the report, Maxwell Ado Agyei, a former first vice chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tano North, emphasized that these claims are solely the product of propagandists.

    He clarified that there was no occurrence of such an incident in Yamfo. In fact, he pointed out that a considerable number of residents feel relieved by the initiation of the project, to the extent that the toilet facility is already experiencing high utilization.

    Explaining the circumstances surrounding the matter, Maxwell Agyei said that the facility at Yamfo is only one of four that Dr. Freda Prempeh, the MP, had been able to lobby for the constituency.

    “It is all lies and falsehood being peddled by someone in particular who wants to contest her for the seat. The toilet was opened yesterday and already, there are several people thronging the place to use it. What is happening is all propaganda and it is not the reflection of what is happening in Yamfo. These people only want to tarnish the good image of the MP.

    “The truth is that it is the government that is building these toilets across the country. It was the turn of the middle-belt under the 1 constituency 1 toilet project and the MP was able to lobby for 4 for her constituency, when some places didn’t even get one. It was initially not something that was sponsored by her own money until COVID came and made money issues a little difficult,” he explained.

    Maxwell Adu Agyei, who also served as Assemblyman for Tano North, added that with the incessant cries of the people and call on the MP to come to their aid, she eventually released her personal money for the project to be completed at Yamfo.

    He added that he was personally involved in the project and as such, it cannot be true that after they completed it and it was opened on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the people rejected it.

    “There are a lot of people in that area but their toilet had been out of use for a long time so the people kept appealing to the MP. I had to call her to put pressure on her about the complaints of the people until she released her personal money for us to use for the project.

    “I had to eventually lead carpenters to break the doors of the toilets for us to continue the work because the contractors refused to come around because they had not been paid. We bought paint and other things and fixed the place because Dr Freda Prempeh said she could allow for the place to be under lock when her people badly needed it. After it was done, those who even thought that she was the one behind the closure have been showing gratitude to her,” he added.

    Dr. Freda Prempeh, the MP for Tano North, was recently appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

  • The term ‘homosexuality’ prohibited in Iraq over sexual deviance

    The term ‘homosexuality’ prohibited in Iraq over sexual deviance

    An official document from Iraq’s media regulator and a government spokeswoman both confirm that the regulator ordered all media and social media businesses operating in the Arab nation to stop using the term “homosexuality” and start using the phrase “sexual deviance.”

    According to a document from the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC), the word “gender” is likewise forbidden. It forbade the phrases from being used in any mobile applications by any phone or internet firms that were granted licences by it.

    Later, a government official claimed that the choice still needed to be approved in full.

    In an Arabic-language statement, the regulator instructed media outlets to refer to sexual deviation instead of homosexuality.

    According to a government official, the punishment for breaking the law has not yet been determined but may include a fine.

    Although gay intercourse is not expressly illegal in Iraq, members of the LGBT community have been targeted under vaguely interpreted morality articles in the country’s penal code.

    Major Iraqi political parties have increased their condemnation of LGBT rights in the last two months, and rainbow flags are routinely set ablaze in demonstrations by Shi’ite Muslim groups objecting to recent Koran burnings in Sweden and Denmark.

    According to Our World in Data, homosexual actions are illegal in more than 60 countries while they are permitted in more than 130.

  • Pakistan imposed five-year ban on Imran Khan’s ability to run for government

    Pakistan imposed five-year ban on Imran Khan’s ability to run for government

    Imran Khan, a former Pakistani prime minister, has been barred from running for office for five years, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced on Tuesday.

    Khan has been prohibited as a result of his conviction and three-year prison term last week in a corruption trial, according to the statement.

    The trial is connected to an investigation by the electoral commission, which concluded that Khan had sold official gifts for an illegal price while he was prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

    After the court’s decision on Saturday, Khan was detained at his residence in Lahore and taken to the capital Islamabad.

    The populist politician who used to play for the Australian cricket team has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Over the weekend, his PTI party claimed that the Supreme Court has received an appeal against the ruling.

    Prior to being detained on Saturday, Khan urged his supporters to engage in nonviolent demonstrations in order to protect their “freedom and human rights.” He claimed that he was engaged in this “struggle” for the “future of Pakistan’s children.”

    The 70-year-old Khan was deposed in a no-confidence vote in the parliament last year and has since led a populist campaign against the current administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming that it conspired with senior military figures to depose him and bar him from politics.

    The Pakistani authorities claimed that the reason for his arrest was political or an effort to prevent him from voting in elections later this year.

    Violent altercations between his fans and police broke out after his arrest and temporary detention on a separate matter in May. Additionally, several prominent party figures were detained.

  • Stonebwoy’s ‘Life & Money’ appears on Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart

    Stonebwoy’s ‘Life & Money’ appears on Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart

    Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy has achieved his first appearance on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs Chart.

    The artiste’s song ‘Life & Money’, which features Stormzy debuted at number 47 on the chart. The track is the lead song on Stonebwoy’s 2023 album 5TH Dimension.

    Stonebwoy in July dropped the remix of ‘Life & Money’ with US rapper Russ.

    This comes months after the 17-track album “5Th Dimension” album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard World Reggae Album chart, after its release.

  • AY Makun reacts as fire destroys his mansion

    AY Makun reacts as fire destroys his mansion

    Renowned comedian Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has reportedly had his residence engulfed in flames, resulting in significant damage to property valued at millions of Naira.

    Nevertheless, shortly after the news broke, the comedian addressed the situation on his social media platform, breaking his silence on the incident.

    AY Makun has set many netizens’ minds at rest who were concerned for his life and that of his family by revealing that he and his family are out and safe from harm.

    He noted that family and God are the most important of everything and all else comes and goes.

    The comedian also added that he intends to join his wife and kids in United States in few days time.

    He wrote, “Family and God – that is what’s important. Everything else comes and goes. Can’t wait to join you guys in the US in a few.”

    Check out post below

  • Watch video of Cecilia Dapaah’s maids with their boyfriends in handcuffs

    Watch video of Cecilia Dapaah’s maids with their boyfriends in handcuffs

    A total of seven individuals, including domestic staff members, associated with the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, are facing 14 charges in connection to the theft of items valued at US$1 million, £300,000, as well as additional assets like Kente fabric and jewelry, from the minister’s residence.

    The individuals in question are facing allegations that encompass a charge of conspiracy, five instances of theft, and eight counts of dishonestly receiving stolen property.

    Among them is Patience Botwe, an 18-year-old who allegedly took a substantial portion of the money stolen from Abena Dapaah’s residence, and Sarah Agyei, a 30-year-old former household assistant accused of pilfering a portion of the money.

    The others are the boyfriends, ex-boyfriends and family relations implicated in the theft: Benjamin Sowah, 29, plumber; Malik Dauda,34, unemployed; Christiana Achab, a trader, Job Pomary, a mechanic, and Yahaya Sumaila, Excavator operator.

    Cameras at the premises of the Accra High Court caught a glimpse of all the accused persons.

    Job Pomary, the ex-boyfriend of Patience Botwe who was allegedly given GH¢1 million was full of smiles as he was entering the courtroom.

    Yahaya Sumaila, another ex-boyfriend, who was hand-cuffed with Pomary, was more sober.

    The current boyfriend, who allegedly got a Honda Pacific, had covered his face with a nose mask.

    Patience Botwe, who was with his father, could also be seen trying to avoid being captured by the cameras.

  • Suspected illegal miner apprehended for alleged plot to use biological brother as human sacrifice

    Suspected illegal miner apprehended for alleged plot to use biological brother as human sacrifice

    Law enforcement authorities have arrested an individual who tried to use his own biological brother for ritual purposes in Mumuni, within the Amenfi East district of the Western region.

    Nana Fynn, who reported on the incident, mentioned that the accused, involved in illegal mining (galamsey), aimed to increase his profits through unlawful mining operations.

    Allegedly, he sought guidance from a divination source, and according to the information he received, in order to fulfill his wish, he needed to carry out a human sacrifice.

    Following that, he allegedly attempted to use his senior brother for the sacrifice.

    But luck was against him, and he was apprehended by the police.

    Nana Fynn reported that the story has shocked residents in the area.

    Details of the story

    The suspect, whose name was only revealed as Combat, is believed to have asked another friend, Ben, to introduce him to a spiritualist who could do black magic for him.

    He is claimed to have repeatedly requested Ben’s assistance since he had located a land where he was engaged in galamsey and needed to extract additional gold.

    Later, Combat told Ben that he was willing to sacrifice a human person if it meant that his wish would be accomplished.

    Ben, on the other hand, grew concerned after learning that his friend was willing to sacrifice a human being.

    Ben then confided in someone else about the situation.

    Ben and the other person conspired and later informed Combat that they had located a spiritualist eager to help him for GHC7,000.

    Combat negotiated the price and was then requested to buy some items and bring the person he was willing to sacrifice with him.

    Ben and his other acquaintance, who was supposed to be a spiritualist, had contacted the police about the situation, unbeknownst to Combat.

    Combat then requested his senior brother to accompany him somewhere, and while they were on their way, his brother, whom he (Combat) meant to use for the sacrifice, inquired as to what he planned to do with the materials he had purchased.

    He informed his brother that his wife had requested that he acquire them.

    When the man posing as the spiritualist arrived, he asked Combat about his objective, and Combat said that he was going to offer his brother as a human sacrifice so that his galamsey business could prosper.

    At this point, his brother became shocked and wondered why his biological brother would deceive him into escorting him somewhere only to appear there and discover he was to be used for a human sacrifice.

    The victim attempted to flee, but police officers in plain clothes who were present at the time stopped him and announced themselves as officials of the law.

    The culprit was apprehended alongside Ben and his friend, who told the police about the situation to keep Combat from suspecting he was being played.

    Ben and his other companion were later released.

  • Fire guts down Comedian AY’s mansion

    Fire guts down Comedian AY’s mansion

    A fire outbreak has gutted down the mansion of Nigerian comedian AY at the Lekki, Lagos residence leaving it in ruins. Videos of the incident on August 6 have circulated widely, sparking significant reactions from online users.

    An individual who identified themselves as the comedian’s neighbor initially reported the incident.

    This sparked panic and words of sympathy from colleagues and fans worldwide.

    But on Monday, August 7, he shared a message on Instagram expressing that he and his family are safe.

    Grace Makun, AY’s sister-in-law, reported the incident’s results on Monday via her social media account.

    Grace claims that after they prayed and wept together, God was merciful.

    Sharing the video, she wrote: “Y”all be wondering why I’m appraising @lanremakunevents @yomicasual we cried and prayed together and God showed us mercy as a family.

    “Our heart is full of gratitude for @aycomedian @realmabelmakun we love you both.”

    Watch some images below

  • 41 migrants killed in shipwreck off Italian coast

    41 migrants killed in shipwreck off Italian coast

    Survivors have revealed that a shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa Island, Italy, has tragically claimed the lives of 41 migrants , according to a report from local media.

    Four survivors, hailing from Ivory Coast and Guinea, managed to reach Lampedusa and shared their harrowing experience with the Coast Guard.

    They revealed that a total of 45 individuals, including three children, embarked from Sfax at 10 am on Thursday. Unfortunately, the boat overturned due to a powerful wave, leading to all passengers being thrown into the sea.

    Distressingly, even the fifteen individuals who were equipped with life jackets succumbed to the tragedy.

    This incident follows two additional shipwrecks that occurred near Lampedusa over the weekend, resulting in the loss of life, including that of a mother and her infant.

    The challenging sea conditions in the Strait of Sicily have hindered rescue efforts by Italian Coast Guard vessels, which have been striving to assist stranded migrants.

    Recent days have witnessed an influx of over 2,000 individuals arriving in Lampedusa after being rescued by Italian patrol boats and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at sea.

    Italy is grappling with a significant surge in sea migration, with nearly 92,000 arrivals documented this year as of the latest interior ministry data, compared to over 42,600 during the same period in 2022.

    Tragically, the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe has claimed the lives of more than 1,800 individuals this year, underscoring the dangers migrants face.

    Italian patrol boats and charitable groups continue their efforts to save lives, having rescued an additional 2,000 individuals who recently reached Lampedusa.

  • France: 11 killed in fire outbreak in vacation home for disabilities

    France: 11 killed in fire outbreak in vacation home for disabilities

    A tragic fire has destroyed a vacation residence catering to adults with disabilities in eastern France, resulting in the loss of 11 lives, according to an official statement.

    The deputy prosecutor for Colmar, Nathalie Kielwasser, revealed that the inferno trapped 11 individuals who were asleep on the upper floor and mezzanine of the private accommodation situated in Wintzenheim.

    In contrast, five managed to escape the flames. Twelve occupants staying on the ground floor were able to evacuate.

    The vacationers, who had “mild intellectual disabilities,” were partaking in a sponsored holiday organized by two specialized associations, Kielwasser explained. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the fire’s origin and whether the building adhered to required safety standards. One survivor suffered significant injuries and was transported to a hospital.

    French Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne visited the scene to demonstrate the government’s solidarity with the victims’ families, as well as the courageous firefighters and rescuers. Lt. Col. Philippe Hauwiller, leading the firefighter rescue operation, indicated that the fire likely initiated on the upper level.

    The building’s lower part was constructed from stone, while the upper section followed the region’s traditional wooden design, potentially contributing to the rapid spread of the blaze.

    The fire erupted at 6:30 a.m., as reported by the local administration of the Haut-Rhin region. Christophe Marot, the secretary general of the local administration, conveyed that among the deceased were ten disabled individuals and a group escort.

    The victims primarily hailed from the city of Nancy in eastern France.

    A total of 76 firefighters, along with four fire engines and ambulances, were deployed to combat the fire’s progress and provide medical care. Additionally, 40 police officers were mobilized to assist.

    By Wednesday morning, the fire had been successfully brought under control.

  • Contestants for Miss Universe Indonesia allege sexual assault

    Contestants for Miss Universe Indonesia allege sexual assault

    Numerous Miss Universe Indonesia contestants have reported the organisers to the police, accusing them of sexual misconduct.

    One of the contestants’ attorneys said that two days prior to the finals on August 3, the contestants were required to remove their tops for ‘body checks’ and photographs.

    The women were reportedly instructed by the organisers to “examine any scars, cellulite, or tattoos on their bodies.”

    One of the competitors stated, “I feel as though my rights have been infringed.

    “It has psychologically changed me. I’ve had difficulties sleeping,” she admitted when appearing to the media earlier this week with other complainants. To safeguard their identities, local television disguised their faces during the broadcasts.

    Many more will come forward, according to Mellisa Anggraeni, an attorney who is representing three of the candidates who have complained.

    Police in Jakarta’s capital city said in a statement that they would look into the matter further. The Miss Universe Indonesia Organisation will look into the claims, according to a statement from its well-known owner Poppy Capella. Allegations of sexual impropriety are taken “very seriously” by the international Miss Universe Organisation, which also stated that it was looking into the situation.

    Although body checks are common in the nation, contestants are not typically required to remove their clothing, according to Maria Harfanti, a former Miss Indonesia. The candidates’ body mass index, or BMI, is frequently requested by the organisers in order to assess the contenders’ proportions.

    One of the complainants noted during the press conference on Monday that although the body inspections took place in a locked area, other men were also there. She stated that because the door wasn’t entirely closed, those outside could see inside.

    Although Indonesia has traditionally tolerated beauty pageants, the organisers take care to avoid upsetting the more traditional elements of the community. When it was held in the country with a majority of Muslims in 2013, the Miss World contest cancelled its bikini round.

    In South-east Asia, particularly in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, where victors go on to become superstars and social media influencers, Miss Universe, which is currently in its 73rd edition, is well-liked.

    The brand’s owner, Thai transgender media tycoon Anne Jakrajutatip, has worked to reimagine it as more inclusive by allowing married women, transgender women, and single mothers to compete.

  • NGO urges President to scrap medical fees for abuse cases

    NGO urges President to scrap medical fees for abuse cases

    The President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum and founder of Humanity Magazine,Yahaya Alhassan, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to eliminate medical expenses for abused cases in the country.

    During a press conference in Accra, Mr. Alhassan noted the increasing prevalence of domestic violence cases in Ghana. He highlighted that the burden of covering medical diagnosis expenses, combined with fees charged by public medical personnel for reports, hinders victims from seeking justice.

    “Victims are required to pay at least GH₵400 to have their medical forms signed as a step for the police to arrest the culprit.”

    “The inability to incur such a ridiculous cost at a distressed time forced victims to leave their agony to God and this unfortunate development is very common in Ghana,” he said.
    “It’s worth noting that in our communities, those beaten or assaulted are mostly from poor background, hence defenceless and helpless; and therefore, to require such a traumatised person to cough such an amount was a clear denial of the patient’s rights to pursue fairness,” he stressed.

    Mr Alhassan said the group believed that the right of the vulnerable was a cause closer to the heart of the President, and therefore appealed to him to take action for the protection of the weak.

    He also urged civil societies and stakeholders to join hands for making a cost-free process for justice to prevail.

    He said recently, the New Ghana Social Justice Forum assisted in paying for the medical cost of 16-year-old Kande Firdaus Iddrisu and her six months old baby who were assaulted at Mamobi and Jennifer Accahmore who was also assaulted at Dzorwulu in Accra.

    Mr Alhassan said the medical cost and arrangement for culprits arrest would have been difficult if not for the assistance of the organisation, despite the glaring injuries of the victims.

    He used the opportunity to thank the list of diplomatic missions who have participated in the advocacy against domestic violence and made specific mention of the Chargé d’Affairs of Columbia Embassy, Claudia Milena Milena Vaca Murcia, Chris Carlisle, Director of international Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Embassy, Abel Antonio Cardenas Tuppia, Peru Ambassador to Ghana , Amer Al Alawi, Chargé d’Affairs at the UAE Embassy and Stephanie Sullivan, Former US Ambassador.

  • Ken Agyapong, four other aspirants reached out to me but I declined to support – Atta Akyea 

    Ken Agyapong, four other aspirants reached out to me but I declined to support – Atta Akyea 

    MP representing Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has disclosed that he turned down offers to support the campaigns of five out of the ten individuals vying for the position of flagbearer in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) contest.

    “Dr Bawumia’s track record is unquestionable. He is a man you can trust, and the party shall reward him resoundingly.

    “He is the man to take NPP and Ghana to the next level. He is the one who stood in for the party during the election petition. In fact, he never abandoned the party when the going got tough,” Mr Atta Akyea told party faithful in his constituency on Tuesday, August 8.

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is presently engaged in an intense campaign across the Eastern Region, seeking to secure the position of the party’s flag bearer in the upcoming general election.

    According to Mr. Atta Akyea’s viewpoint, the vice president enters the presidential competition with extensive political expertise and an unparalleled track record, surpassing that of his rivals.

    “Five of the aspirants called me and wanted me to support their bids, but I flatly rejected.

    “Kennedy Agyapong called me but I decided not to support him even though we were at Adisadel College together.

    “Joe Ghartey brought me up as a lawyer, but decided not to support him, as for Boakye Agyarko, he has given me all the books I want but I decided not to support him all because I believe in the ability and capabilities of Dr Bawumia,” Mr Atta Akyea said amid thunderous applause from the gathering.

    The MP praised Dr. Bawumia as being the ideal candidate to help the NPP win the upcoming general elections.

    The NPP has set 4 November 2023 as the date for its presidential primaries to select a flagbearer for the general election in 2024.

    But prior to the main congress, the party will hold a special electoral college on 26th August to cut the number of candidates from ten to five for the main primaries.

  • Zipline to deliver exam papers via drones to BECE candidates in Sekyere Afram Plains

    Zipline to deliver exam papers via drones to BECE candidates in Sekyere Afram Plains

    Education officials in the Sekyere Afram Plains of the Ashanti Region have turned to drones to transport examination papers for students who will be taking this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has had trouble getting materials to students in the area because the Sene River has overflowed its banks. 

    As a result, the director of education for the Sekyere Afram Plains District, Prince Owusu Ansah, has announced that drones will be used during the entire exam period.

    “Throughout the week, we will be writing the exams, and the drones will be dropping the questions for the candidates to write. And we are going to keep them at the Anyinam police station under tight security. At the end of the examination on Friday, we are praying that the road will be better, the water would have subsided, and we will carry all the scripts by road to the depot at Mampong,” Mr. Ansah said.

    Also explaining further on the initiative, head of public affairs at WAEC John Pea said the drones were deployed in order to break the barrier on late submission of examination papers to the various centres.

    In a media interaction, he said “he received information that the roads in the Afram Plains district were bad as a result of the rains. And the cannoes in that region were nothing to write home about, which is why they opted to use drone services, which have been effective.

    He also noted that  Anyinofi SDA JHS is the centre currently benefitting from the drone service.

    He additionally said “they have intensified their monitoring systems across all the centers in the country, we have deployed the National Investigative Bureau and other special officers from WAEC to monitor the smooth process of the examination. 

    A total of 600,714 candidates are sitting for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for school and private candidates today.

    The figure comprises 300,323 males and 300,391 females from 18,993 participating schools.

    The 5-day examination will be undertaken under the supervision of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    The candidates participating in this year’s examinations are the final group of students to undertake the Basic Education Certificate Examination, a program that has been in operation for more than 30 years.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Rahul Gandhi accuses India’s Prime Minister Modi over Manipur crisis

    Rahul Gandhi accuses India’s Prime Minister Modi over Manipur crisis

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused by Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s opposition, of “murdering Mother India” in the violent Manipur state.

    India was murdered in Manipur. In the face of protests from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Gandhi declared in parliament that “their politics killed India in Manipur.

    He was speaking while the opposition debated a no-confidence motion against Mr. Modi’s administration.

    The motion is to be put to a vote on Thursday after the discussion.

    Due to the majority that Mr. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies hold in parliament, his administration won’t lose the vote.

    Opposition leaders assert that Mr. Modi will be forced to address the continuing ethnic conflicts in Manipur state during the discussion.

    Since the beginning of May, when ethnic violence between the Meitei majority group and the tribal Kuki minority group erupted, more than 150 people have killed and tens of thousands have been displaced in Manipur. Only after a video of two women being paraded naked by a crowd generated anger across the world did Mr. Modi officially address the brutality.

    Speaking before the house, Mr. Gandhi claimed that Manipur was not a priority for Mr. Modi. Because Manipur is not considered to be a part of India, our prime minister chose not to visit the state.

    The leader of the Congress party said, “In Manipur, they slaughtered India. Not only has their politics destroyed Manipur, but it has also destroyed India in Manipur. India was slain in Manipur.

    BJP leaders protested Mr. Gandhi’s remarks, claiming he had trivialised India’s name.

    India is not corrupt, so you are not India. India does not believe in dynasties, according to Smriti Irani, a federal minister and BJP member. The remark made reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family, one of India’s most illustrious political families, who ruled India for a significant portion of its history following independence in 1947.

    Days before to his address, Mr. Gandhi had made his first appearance in parliament following his conviction in a criminal defamation case.

    After being given a two-year prison term in March, he had lost his status as a legislator. On Monday, two days after the Supreme Court postponed his sentence, he was re-elected as a member of parliament.

    He paid tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the complex on Monday before going to the parliament building, where he was greeted by opposition leaders.

    Opposition leaders have protested throughout the parliament session, which started on July 20, calling for Mr. Modi to address the house about the violence in Manipur.

    Since taking office in 2014, Mr. Modi’s administration has faced a motion of no confidence twice. A resolution to grant Andhra Pradesh state special category status was made by a politician in 2018. After a 12-hour argument, it was lost.

    The ongoing no-confidence vote is also an opportunity for INDIA, a freshly established opposition coalition of 26 parties, to show their cohesion. The coalition, which was established in July, intends to challenge Mr. Modi’s BJP in the upcoming general elections.

  • Delegates will reward Bawumia for his ‘unquestionable’ track record – Atta Akyea

    Delegates will reward Bawumia for his ‘unquestionable’ track record – Atta Akyea

    Member of Parliament representing Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has urged New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to strongly support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming delegates congress as a way of recognizing his steadfast dedication and diligent efforts.

    Samuel Atta Akyea, the Member of Parliament representing Abuakwa South, has urged New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to strongly support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming delegates congress as a way of recognizing his steadfast dedication and diligent efforts.

    “Dr Bawumia’s track record is unquestionable. He is a man you can trust, and the party shall reward him resoundingly.

    “He is the man to take NPP and Ghana to the next level. He is the one who stood in for the party during the election petition. In fact, he never abandoned the party when the going got tough,” Mr Atta Akyea told party faithful in his constituency on Tuesday, August 8.

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is currently campaigning vigorously in the Eastern Region as he bids to become the party’s flag bearer in the next general election.

    In the estimation of Mr Atta Akyea, the vice president enters the presidential race with vast political experience and an enormous track record unmatched by his competitors.

    “Five of the aspirants called me and wanted me to support their bids, but I flatly rejected.

    “Kennedy Agyapong called me but I decided not to support him even though we were at Adisadel College together.

    “Joe Ghartey brought me up as a lawyer, but decided not to support him, as for Boakye Agyarko, he has given me all the books I want but I decided not to support him all because I believe in the ability and capabilities of Dr Bawumia,” Mr Atta Akyea said amid thunderous applause from the gathering.

    The MP praised Dr. Bawumia as being the ideal candidate to help the NPP win the upcoming general elections.

    The NPP has set 4 November 2023 as the date for its presidential primaries to select a flagbearer for the general election in 2024.

    But prior to the main congress, the party will hold a special electoral college on 26th August to cut the number of candidates from ten to five for the main primaries.

  • Tinubu responds to criticism of Niger involvement

    Tinubu responds to criticism of Niger involvement

    Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, has replied to criticism on the choice to consider a potential military intervention in Niger following the coup last month.

    He claimed that the Ecowas regional bloc made this decision, not Nigeria, along with the demand that the leaders of the military coup in Niger restore the expelled president.

    It happens at a time when Mr. Tinubu, who is also the current chairman of Ecowas, is facing criticism for allegedly advocating military intervention in Niger.

    The president “has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued by Ecowas is that of Ecowas’ position,” according to a spokesperson for the Nigerian government.

    The representative also claims that Ecowas is responsible for Niger’s financial sanctions in a statement.

    Ecowas previously stated that it favours a diplomatic and political solution that restores Mohamed Bazoum to his position as the elected president of Niger. If the junta continues to be obstinate, it was stated that a military intervention would be the “last resort.”

    Following the Ecowas deadline’s expiration on Sunday, the Ecowas heads of state will meet on Thursday in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to discuss the best course of action for Niger.

  • Yamfo residents accuse MP of confiscating toilet facility for 3 years

    Yamfo residents accuse MP of confiscating toilet facility for 3 years

    Residents of Tano North constituency have declined a toilet facility that was inaugurated by their Member of Parliament (MP), Freda Prempeh.

    As reported by 3news.com, the event occurred on Tuesday (August 8), leading to the Member of Parliament (MP) feeling disheartened as her constituents expressed their refusal to use the facility she had officially opened.

    The local chiefs and residents came together to voice their shared dissatisfaction, claiming that Freda Prempeh intentionally delayed the official unveiling of the finished facility for more than three years.

    They argued that her behavior stemmed from her preferred candidate’s defeat in the District Assembly elections. Despite their efforts to reach out to the recently appointed sanitation minister, they asserted that she adamantly rejected their appeals.

    During the project’s commissioning, the residents expressed their dissatisfaction by jeering at the MP and her entourage. The event gave rise to a particularly awkward and embarrassing situation for Freda Prempeh.

    One vocal resident articulated their sentiments, saying, “There are wicked people in the world. Honourable Freda Prempeh, go and commission the funeral grounds and your poor market that you constructed without any iron rod. The people who are giving you ill advice that you’re also listening to, they are also wicked just as yourself. You think you can come and deceive us with this nonsense facility.”

    The constituents alleged that the MP’s reluctance to commission the toilet facility was rooted in the fact that another individual had initiated the construction of a similar facility for the community. They posited that this was the underlying motive behind Freda Prempeh’s decision to finally commission the facility.

  • Political negotiations in Kenya expected to start soon

    Political negotiations in Kenya expected to start soon

    Political issues over growing living costs and electoral changes are expected to be resolved through talks between the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition.

    Azimio organised and led violent demonstrations in March and July against President William Ruto‘s administration in order to press for the dissolution of the election commission and a reduction in the cost of living.

    When the government increased taxes and levies in July to earn money for President Ruto’s first budget, the discontent grew worse.

    A rights group estimated that 30 protesters perished, but the opposition reported a greater death toll of 50.

    A 10-member group has not provided a timetable for the discussions, and disagreements about the agenda still exist.

    After losing the previous year’s elections, the opposition led by Raila Odinga wants to talk about the cost of living and electoral changes, but the administration claims that it is already working to control inflation and lower the price of necessities.

    In order to allow for a comparable bipartisan conversation process, the opposition put a halt to protests in April and May. However, after the talks broke down, protests were resumed.

    Mr. Odinga and Mr. Ruto concurred that no power-sharing agreement would result from the negotiations.

  • Tory Lanez gets 10 years behind bars for shooting Megan Thee Stallion

    Tory Lanez gets 10 years behind bars for shooting Megan Thee Stallion

    Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been jailed for 10 years for shooting US star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet after a party in Hollywood last year.

    Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted of three firearms offences in December and has been in custody since then.

    The incident, which divided the music industry, left Megan Thee Stallion needing surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot.

    The LA District Attorney, George Gascón, said after the verdict that her fame “has brought an important spotlight on the issue of violence against women”.

    Lanez sentence: ‘Hope to those who feel helpless’, lawyer says
    The shooting happened on 12 July 2020, when Lanez, 31, fired a gun at Megan Thee Stallion, 28, during an argument as they were leaving a pool party hosted by reality TV star Kylie Jenner.

    Prosecutors had asked for a 13-year prison sentence. They said Lanez deserved a long term for shooting a “vulnerable victim” on a quiet residential street, and for trying to “humiliate and re-traumatise her” afterwards.

    Lanez, who has had seven US top 10 albums in the past seven years, was found guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm; having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle; and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

    His lawyers argued he should get probation and time in a drug treatment programme. It is not clear if Lanez will now face deportation to Canada.

    Jose Baez said his client planned to appeal because of “significant issues” with the trial.

    Outside court on Tuesday, he cited a lack of DNA evidence linking Lanez to the shooting, adding that the rapper’s DNA was not found on the gun used. Mr Baez also said he believed Lanez did not get a fair trial.

  • Govt hasn’t abandoned Saglemi housing project – Asenso Boakye

    Govt hasn’t abandoned Saglemi housing project – Asenso Boakye

    The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has responded to former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent accusations concerning the Saglemi housing project.

    In a radio interview on Okay FM, the minister refuted assertions of government project abandonment.

    Asenso-Boakye emphasized that the government is steadfast in its dedication to finishing the Saglemi project.

    He emphasized that both he and the president had reiterated this commitment during the launch of a new housing project in Pokuase.

    According to him, the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the revival and completion of the project.

    To address the challenges faced by the Saglemi project, the minister revealed that the government is considering involving the private sector in its implementation.

    He disclosed that this decision was made after careful consideration and extensive consultations, with Cabinet convening three times to review the project’s complexities and its financial challenges.

    He further stated that the conclusion reached was that private sector participation would offer the most viable approach to ensure the project’s successful completion.

    Asenso-Boakye further elaborated on the financial analysis conducted by the government.

    “Despite an initial investment of nearly US$200 million, the Saglemi project still requires substantial additional funding. Approximately US$46 million is needed for off-site infrastructure development, covering essential amenities such as water, electricity, drainage works, among others. Moreover, an additional US$68 million is required to complete on-site works, which include the repair and completion of the existing units, sewerage system, civic amenities, among others. This brings the total additional costs to a staggering US$114 million, on top of the funds already spent,” he said.

    In light of the ongoing court case surrounding the project, the minister disclosed that he had taken proactive steps to continue the Saglemi project.

    He added that he had sought approval from the Attorney General’s office, which was granted, allowing the government to proceed with the necessary actions to ensure the project’s eventual completion.

    This demonstrated the administration’s unwavering dedication to delivering on its promise of reviving the Saglemi Housing Project.

    Regarding the decision to initiate a new housing project in Pokuase, he clarified that it is part of a fresh strategy involving collaboration with the private sector for housing development.

    Drawing inspiration from successful models in other African countries, he said the government aims to work alongside private sector entities in constructing houses for citizens.

    This approach not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also capitalizes on the expertise and experience of private sector partners.

    “Since becoming Minister, we have studied the approach adopted by many other African countries, including South Africa, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, among others, where the government collaborates with the private sector in developing houses for the citizens.

    “This not only saves the government a significant amount of financial stress but also allows us to benefit from the expertise and experience of the private sector,” he added.

  • Tory Lanez slapped with 10 year jail sentence over Megan Thee Stallion shooting

    Tory Lanez slapped with 10 year jail sentence over Megan Thee Stallion shooting

    Canadian rapper, Tory Lanez, has received a 10-year prison sentence in connection to the shooting incident involving fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion.

    Lanez shot Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion in the feet during an argument between the pair after a party in 2020.

    He was found guilty on three gun-related charges in December and has been held in jail since.

    The shooting left Megan Thee Stallion needing surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot.

    The LA District Attorney said after the verdict that the fact that she is famous helped bring attention to the issue of violence against women.

    “The fact that she is a successful entertainer has brought an important spotlight on the issue of violence against women,” said prosecutor George Gascón.

    The shooting occurred during the journey home from a pool party hosted by reality star Kylie Jenner.

    Prosecutors had asked the judge to impose a 13-year prison sentence. They said Lanez deserved a lengthy sentence for shooting a “vulnerable victim” on a quiet residential street, and for waging “a campaign to humiliate and re-traumatise her” after the attack.

    Director of Victim Services at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Tanishia Wright, told reporters after the sentencing hearing: “Violence against black women and girls is a long standing national epidemic that has long been overlooked and under-reported.”

    “Women of colour more times than not do not come forward to report victimisation due to the fear they will not be believed,” she continued.

    Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, has had seven US top 10 albums in the past seven years.

    He was convicted of three felonies last December: assault with a semi-automatic firearm; having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle; and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. The 31-year-old has been in custody since being found guilty.

    His lawyers argued he should get probation and time in a drug treatment programme. It is unclear if Lanez is now facing deportation to Canada.

    His lawyer, Jose Baez, said his client plans to appeal the sentence due to “significant issues” with the trial.

    Outside court on Tuesday, he cited a lack of DNA evidence against Lanez in relation to the shooting, adding that the rapper’s DNA was not found on the gun used.

    Baez added that he believes Lanez did not receive a fair trial.

    In a victim impact statement read in court on Monday, Megan, a triple Grammy winner, said she will “never be the same” after the attack.

    “Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace,” the statement said, according to US media.

    “Slowly but surely, I’m healing and coming back, but I will never be the same.”

    Other witnesses who spoke on Monday included Lanez’s father, who talked emotionally about the effect on his son of the death of his mother when he was 11, and a prison chaplain who said Lanez had been leading daily prayer groups.

    The judge said he had received more than 70 letters in support of Lanez from his family and friends, including rapper Iggy Azalea, who called for a sentence that would be “transformative, not life-destroying”.

    The shooting happened when the pair left Jenner’s home with his bodyguard and her friend and assistant Kelsey Harris in an SUV in the early hours of 12 July 2020.

    Megan, real name Megan Pete, told the court she got into an argument with Lanez over their previous sexual relationship. The row escalated and led to the pair insulting each other’s careers.

    She said she demanded to be let out of the vehicle, at which point Lanez started shooting at the ground and shouted at her to “dance”.

    Lanez has maintained his innocence, with his lawyers suggesting Ms Harris may have shot her friend after discovering the relationship because she had a “crush” on him and was jealous.

    Ms Harris denied that. However, on the witness stand she backtracked on previous statements that Lanez was the shooter, instead telling the trial she did not see who shot Megan.

  • BECE and WASSCE examination fees are free – Ministry of Education

    BECE and WASSCE examination fees are free – Ministry of Education

    The Ministry of Education has revealed that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) examination fees are free.

    This comes after the ministry refuted reports that two students were barred from taking the BECE due to lack of registration.

    On Monday, August 7, 2023, reports emerged from students at Gomoa Buduatta DA Junior High School in the Central Region indicating that two students were unable to participate in their examination on that day due to their headmasters’ failure to properly register them.

    The headmaster is said to have collected registration fees from the students to facilitate their exam registration.

    However, reacting to these reports, the Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kwesi Kwarteng  said students in public schools do not pay registration fees.

    Addressing the media, he said “It has come to the attention of the ministry that the allegations of the headmaster having squandered some registration fees, which was supposed to register some students in the public junior high school to be able to be eligible to write the BECE,” 

    He clarified by stating that unlike private schools, students enrolled in public junior high schools and senior high schools do not need to pay any fees for their BECE or WASSCE registrations.

    Mr Kwarteng emphasised and explained that this practice is in line with the government’s commitment to the free Senior High School (SHS) program and free Basic Education. ” As part of these initiatives, the government covers the entire cost of BECE registration.”he noted

    He also conveyed his surprise, mentioning that he finds it quite unexpected to hear about such allegations being made in certain schools. As a result, the Ghana Education Service is currently conducting an investigation into this issue.

    Reiterating that “for the records, the Ministry of education and the Ghana Education Service do not require any payment of money for registration.

    On the 11th of February 2017, the president of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akuffo Addo announced that along with the free compulsory Universal Basic Education which is already in progress, the government will introduce a free secondary/high school education across the country from September 2017.

    According to him, by “free senior high school education” we mean that in addition to the already-free tuition, there will be no admission fees, library fees, science centre fees, computer lab fees, examination fees, or utility fees. Free meals will be served at school for day students as well as free boarding and textbooks. 

    Ghana has joined other African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in providing free secondary education. Education is a basic right and no child should be denied access.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Injunction slapped on MUSIGA elections

    Injunction slapped on MUSIGA elections

    The planned Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) elections, which was set to take place on August 8, 2023, has been rescheduled due to a restraining order issued by the Accra High Court.

    Two MUSIGA members, namely Doe Kwablah Seyenam Nyamadi and Frederick Van Dyk, were the instigators of this legal proceeding.

    In their formal request, they claim that the existing leadership of MUSIGA has violated the organization’s constitution by failing to furnish complete financial records.

    As per the plaintiffs’ assertions, the absence of financial transparency renders the union ineligible to conduct elections and transition authority to a fresh executive body.

    The court agreed with the plaintiffs and issued the interlocutory injunction, effectively suspending the elections until a complete hearing and resolution of the matter.

    This development deals a significant setback to MUSIGA, which has encountered challenges in conducting its elections over the past few years.

    The last election took place in 2014.

    The uncertainty surrounding the election postponement raises concerns about MUSIGA’s future, leaving questions unanswered regarding the timing and feasibility of future elections.

    In a statement to GhanaWeekend, Peter Marfo, the Chairman of the MUSIGA Election Committee, expressed regret for any inconveniences caused by the injunction to the union’s valued members, potential candidates, and its overall operations.

  • Five people, including police officer killed in South Africa taxi strike

    Five people, including police officer killed in South Africa taxi strike

    In Cape Town, South Africa, violent protests over the taxi strike have claimed the lives of five individuals, including a 40-year-old British national and a police officer.

    The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) had previously called for a week-long strike.

    Drivers who participated in the strike did so in protest of what they saw as “heavy-handed tactics” by police enforcement.

    Following the strike, which was deemed to pose a serious security risk, the UK issued a travel advisory for South Africa.

    After talks between Santaco and the Democratic Alliance-led provincial government collapsed, the taxi strike is anticipated to go on.

    Meanwhile, the immediate release of minibus taxis seized by the local government has been ordered by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.

    She claimed that the city’s use of the law had been improperly applied and carried out.

    Taxi drivers and owners complained that their vehicles were singled out and detained for infractions as small as failing to buckle up or using the emergency lane improperly, while other drivers received only penalties for the same violations.

  • Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey begins four-day visit to Lebanon

    Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey begins four-day visit to Lebanon

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has embarked on a four-day official trip to Beirut, Lebanon, aimed at investigating potential avenues for cooperation.

    During her visit, she engaged in discussions with her Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, emphasizing the importance of exploring additional areas for collaboration.

    Madam Ayorkor Botchwey also met with Mr Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, during which they discussed the importance of the recently established Ghana-Lebanon Parliamentary Friendship and called for more exchanges between the two countries.

    A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the Minister finally held a meeting with Bassam Mawlawi, the Minister of the Interior, Lebanon, accompanied by Elias Baissari, the Head of General Security of Lebanon.

    The meetings highlighted the importance of the relations between Ghana and Lebanon, especially the contribution of Ghanaian troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

    She expressed the hope that conditions would be made conducive for Ghanaian workers in Lebanon.

    Ghana established its formal diplomatic relations with Lebanon on her attainment of Independence. It was the second country in the Middle East that Ghana established diplomatic relations.

  • BoG is now a crime scene – Sam Goerge asserts

    BoG is now a crime scene – Sam Goerge asserts

    Member of Parliament for the Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam Nartey George, has accused the current governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison of converting the Apex Bank into “a crime scene.”

    His accusations follow what he terms as unlawful borrowing of money to the current administration by the Central Bank over the past few years.

    The Bank of Ghana is now a crime scene. You have a governor, Ernest Addison, who knows that the Bank of Ghana Act as revised by Parliament, says that you cannot borrow more than 5% of the government’s previous year’s earnings to the government .

    “And that the moment you hit the 5%, in borrowings to the government, you as Bank of Ghana governor must notify Parliament, then the Minister of Finance must also write to Parliament explaining and notifying Parliament that he has hit the 5% and anything beyond the 5% you must inform the government. 

    He cited for instance that in 2021, the Bank borrowed more to the government than it was supposed to contrary to the laws of the state.

    “In 2021, how much did they [BoG] borrow from the government, 35 billion. In 2022 they borrowed 45 billion. Now, you ask yourself, if the law says 5% of the previous year, in 2020 how much was the government’s total earnings? It was 55 billion. So the 5% of the 55 billion would have been 2.8 billion. So your sealing as a Bank of Ghana Governor to borrow to the Bank of Ghana per the law is 2.8 billion. Yet you sit aloof and borrow them 35 billion instead of 2.8 and you don’t even notify Parliament,” the MP said in an interview on JoyNews on August 8, 2023.

    After his remarks, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) held a press conference to demand the dismissal of the Bank of Ghana Governor. 

    At the press brief conveyed in Accra on August 8, 2023, the party leveled a series of allegations against Mr Addison, including claims that his actions and inactions have amounted to substantial mismanagement within the Central Bank. 

    The NDC asserted that this has contributed to the institution’s financial distress, leading to its purported bankruptcy and potential insolvency.

    Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Ajumako Enyan Esiam, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who addressed the press said: “The Bank of Ghana, which is our Central Bank and lender of last resort, has been dealt a catastrophic blow by the reckless, clueless and criminally-minded NPP mis-managers of our economy and this has necessitated an urgent call for action to Save Our Central Bank.”

    Dr Ato Forson’s remark was in reaction to a recent report released by the Apex Bank. Portions of the report indicated that the Central Bank made a loss of over GHC60 billion. The Minority firmly stated that such a huge loss recorded cannot be countenanced, thus, their call for the BoG governor.

    “GH¢60.8 billion, is equivalent to $6 billion. This is twice the amount we are to receive from our recent IMF bailout. This means the recklessness and mismanagement of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana has cost the nation twice what we are struggling and sacrificing to receive from the IMF amid major conditionalities,” he lamented.

    He further noted that: “It is however our position that those who have so recklessly mismanaged the Central Bank and brought it to its knees cannot remain at the helm of affairs of the bank without being held accountable.”

    “We in the NDC will continue to explore ways of rescuing this country to prevent it from the doom that has befallen several West African countries. 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 bag 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!” Dr Forson noted.

  • Five people killed in a taxi strike in Cape Town

    Five people killed in a taxi strike in Cape Town

    As reported by officials, five people have died during tense demonstrations over a taxi strike in Cape Town, South Africa.

    One of the victims is a 40-year-old British citizen, whose family is receiving assistance from the UK Foreign Office.

    Drivers reportedly complained of “heavy-handed tactics” by law officials, which prompted the week-long walkout.

    Taxi drivers and owners said that their cars were being targeted and confiscated for infractions of a minor nature.

    Drivers listed violations such as failing to buckle up and improperly using the emergency lane. Others, they alleged, just received penalties for similar behaviour.

    Minibus taxi drivers complained that the government was seizing their vehicles because they weren’t safe for the road.

    The City of Cape Town’s minibus taxis were impounded on Tuesday, and South Africa’s transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga ordered their immediate release.

    The legislation employed by the city, according to Ms. Chikunga, had been “executed and implemented incorrectly” and “it doesn’t exist” under current laws.

    Since the strikes started on August 3rd, 120 individuals have been detained, according to the South African Ministry of Police, and looting, stone-throwing, and arson offences have also been reported.

    The death of a police officer was also confirmed by Police Minister Bheki Cele.

    Residents in the Masiphumelele township built barricades on Tuesday to stop other residents from leaving. These barriers were lit on fire in large numbers.

    Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mr. Cele urged collaboration between the Cape Town administration and taxi drivers. Children who couldn’t get to school were among those impacted by the walkout, he claimed.

    He urged people to put aside their differences and work together to find a solution.

    Following the strike’s designation as a significant security risk for visitors to South Africa, the UK has issued a travel advisory.

  • FULL TEXT: Amended charge sheet in Cecilia Dapaah theft case

    FULL TEXT: Amended charge sheet in Cecilia Dapaah theft case


    On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the court session addressed the matter of seven individuals facing charges related to the theft and illegal receipt of funds reportedly taken from the Abelemkpe residence of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

    A revised charge sheet was submitted to the court, detailing the recovered properties from the primary suspects. Additionally, three new individuals were added to the list of accused, while one person was released from charges.

    According to police investigators four additional houses said to have been bought from the stolen funds have been discovered as have been two new Honda cars (Acura), estimated at the cost of over GHc600,000 Ghana cedis.

    The latest revelations add to the already existing houses and properties said to have been found at Amrahian and others in Tamale.

    The accused list is now as follows: Patience Botwe, 18, hairdresser; Sarah Agyei, 30, unemployed, Benjamin Sowah, 29, plumber, Malik Dauda,34, unemployed, Christiana Achab, a trader, Job Pomary, a mechanic, and Yahaya Sumaila, Excavator operator, together, they have been slapped with 14 counts.

    The latest counts comprised of a count of conspiracy, five counts of stealing and eight counts of dishonestly receiving

    They are said to have stolen $1 million dollars, £300,000 euros and other properties including Kente and others.

    Sarah Agyei and Christiana Achab said to be nursing mothers were each granted one million cedis bail to be justified by three sureties.

    The sureties are also to deposit their Ghana Cards with the registrar of the court and not travel outside of the jurisdiction.

    The rest of Patience Botwe, Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Job Pomary Yahaya Sumaila have been remanded into lawful custody.

    This was after the Prosecution led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye prayed for the accused persons to be remanded for further investigations to be pursued.

    But, the defence lawyers argued that, their respective clients are innocent until proven otherwise.

    The Prosecution also indicated to the court that, the Attorney General’s office will take over the case docket after full investigations are concluded.

    Lawyers of the accused persons said to be nursing mothers are to provide proof of their assertion to the court while a baby said to be six months old was shown to the court as one of the babies under the care of a caregiver.

    The eighth accused, Franklin Sarakpo is currently at large.

    EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reports that, father of Patience Botwe, Kweku Botwe who was part of the five persons previously arraigned was discharged following the Attorney General’s Office advice on the case docket.

    The Court presided over by Her Honour Afia Owusuaa Appiah has adjourned the case to August 22, 2023

    Find Amended Charge Sheet below

  • Biden’s ‘ghost gun’ rules reinstated by the US Supreme Court

    Biden’s ‘ghost gun’ rules reinstated by the US Supreme Court

    While the White House’s appeal is pending, the US Supreme Court has permitted limits on untraceable “ghost guns” to remain in place.

    A Texas judge stopped a 2022 rule requiring serial numbers on self-assembled “ghost gun” kits, which would have made them legally a firearm, in July.

    To stop the new restriction, gun rights organisations and gun owners filed lawsuits.

    The choice is being made as pressure mounts on the White House to do more to combat gun violence.

    The policy will remain in effect while the White House challenges the Texas verdict, according to the 5–4 opinion of the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The Supreme Court might eventually hear that appeal again.

    Ghost weapons can be self-assembled and occasionally 3D printed, therefore they might not have a serial number and might be hard to track down. The purchase of the assembly kits has not previously been subject to background checks.

    The new regulations introduced by the Biden administration in August to control the spread of “ghost guns” went into force. The regulations mandated that “buy build shoot” kit producers obtain licences, stamp serial numbers on the kits’ frames or receivers, and require retailers of these kits to hold federal licences as well.

    However, US District Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas concluded that when the Biden administration classed “buy build shoot” kits as guns, it exceeded its legal power under the 1968 Gun Control Act.

    According to the White House, there were 20,000 suspected ghost guns discovered during criminal investigations in 2021, a ten-fold increase from five years earlier, and urgent action must be made against unregistered weapons.

    More guns are in civilian hands than there are US inhabitants, making Americans the nation with the highest per capita gun ownership in the world.

    In 2021, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, more than 48,800 Americans died as a result of gun injuries, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Supreme Court decisions in recent years have primarily increased individual gun rights. The US Constitution protects a person’s right to carry a weapon in public for self-defense, the nation’s top court said last year.

    The court will hear a case in its upcoming session, which begins in October, regarding the issue of whether or not those who are the targets of domestic violence restraining orders are permitted to keep their firearms.

    Mr. Biden and Democrats are attempting to enhance gun regulations through methods other than establishing federal laws because to the intense partisanship on the subject in Congress.

    These include decisions made by the executive branch, such as the ghost gun regulations, and laws passed at the state and municipal levels, typically in districts with majorities of Democratic Party legislators.

  • Arrested police in $7M Saglemi theft, released – Sam George claims

    Arrested police in $7M Saglemi theft, released – Sam George claims

    The Ningo Prampram Constituency’s Member of Parliament,Sam Nartey George, has alleged that the Tsopoli Police Command in the Greater Accra Region has failed to take legal action against certain police officers who were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft of construction materials worth US$7 million from the abandoned Saglemi Housing Project.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Tuesday, August 8th, George claimed that constituents from his area caught these police officers red-handed as they were taking construction materials from the Saglemi Housing Project site.

    Although the suspects were surrendered to the police, no legal measures were initiated. The implicated officers argued they were following superiors’ orders.

    Sam George had disregarded earlier theft reports from constituents, doubting their credibility.

    Nonetheless, a late-night call from associates informed him, prompting him to rush to the scene of the ongoing theft.

    He recounted, “At 1 am, my guys called me and said, ‘Honourable, we’ve been telling you, you said we are lying, now we’ve caught them.’ So, I drove to the site at 1 am and caught police officers with a KIA Bongo truck that had loaded tiles, sanitary wares, toilet bowls and all from the site.”

    The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Tsopoli Police Station, then subsequently to the Tema Regional Command.

    Despite this, no further action has been observed, and Sam George attributed the inaction to the suspects’ claims of following orders from their superiors.

    The MP went on to emphasize that this misconduct transpired under the current government’s watch. He highlighted that security forces, including police officers, were stationed at the Saglemi Housing Project site, ostensibly to safeguard it. However, a considerable amount of valuable building materials, including tiles, cables, and pipes, were reportedly stolen.

    The Saglemi Housing Project, initiated in 2016, experienced a hiatus after the government asserted that the project did not align with the best interests of Ghanaians.

    Former government officials are currently facing charges related to alleged financial loss to the state in the execution of the project. In contrast, the present administration has launched a new housing project at Pokuase.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo for abandoning the Saglemi Housing project, which was initiated during his tenure. Mahama labeled the decision to abandon the project while allocating significant funds to the controversial National Cathedral as “unacceptable.”

    He accused the Akufo-Addo government of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of ordinary citizens.

    Sam George echoed this sentiment, asserting that it was inappropriate for the government to spend substantial resources on the National Cathedral project while neglecting to allocate funds to complete the Saglemi Housing Project, which could benefit numerous Ghanaian families.

    He concluded by highlighting the government’s apparent misplaced priorities, questioning their inability to raise funds to finalize the Saglemi housing project while concurrently allocating resources to what he referred to as “the largest civil excavation in Africa.”

    The allegations of theft and the failure to prosecute alleged perpetrators have added to the discourse surrounding the Saglemi Housing Project and raised concerns about accountability within the security forces.

  • Liberia expels former police chief of Sierra Leone

    Liberia expels former police chief of Sierra Leone

    A former police chief from Sierra Leone has been detained and turned over by Liberian authorities after that nation accused him of plotting a coup against President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.

    Mohammed Y Toure was detained “at the request of the Sierra Leonean authorities on the allegation of helping plan subversive activities intended to unseat [Mr Bio’s] government,” Liberian Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie said in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to him, preliminary investigations led Liberia to decide to comply with Sierra Leone’s request and deliver the former police commander to that country.

    He continued by saying that Sierra Leone had assured him that all of his rights, including the right to a swift and fair trial, would be upheld.

    The Independent National Commission on Human Rights of Liberia, however, issued a strong warning against the extradition, citing the possibility that anyone handed over could be subjected to “physical abuse, unfair trials, or excessive punishment” by the authority making the request.

    It also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitments, such as not agreeing to extradition requests where the crime “is regarded as a political offence or as an offence connected with a political offence,” in a statement.

    Since last year, the former police chief has been residing in Liberia. According to local media, he was one of the policemen fired from the Sierra Leonean police service in 2020 while other officers were pushed into retirement.

    More than a week ago, the police in Sierra Leone accused nameless people “at home and abroad” of plotting violent protests, and now they are deporting him.

    The police reported last week that they had detained a number of persons, including senior military commanders who were not named, for “working to undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state.”

  • Italian guy killed after being trampled by countless cheese wheels

    Italian guy killed after being trampled by countless cheese wheels

    Italian cheesemaker was crushed by thousands of rounds of Grana Padano on Sunday in the ageing chamber of his facility in Bergamo, northern Italy, local authorities reported.

    The autonomous robot was being used to clean the cheese rounds while they were being aged at the company’s warehouse, according to the Bergamo Carabinieri, who claim that 74-year-old Giacomo Chiapparini had entered the ageing room to check it out.

    He was killed in one of about ten corridors that had 1,600 rounds and floor to ceiling shelves.

    The original fall, which investigators refer to as starting a “domino effect” and killing the cheesemaker, is unknown.

    The site was summoned to around 9 p.m. local time on Sunday (3 p.m. ET), according to Carabinieri officials, the fire brigade, two ambulance services, and other local authorities.

    Chiapparini’s body wasn’t discovered under the cheese rounds for more than 11 hours.

    According to the Carabinieri spokeswoman, his family, who reside in and work at the cheese business, was able to identify him. On Thursday, he will be laid to rest.

    According to the company website, Chiapparini’s factory, which was established in the late 1970s, makes about 15,000 wheels of Grana Padano cheese annually using milk from cows kept on the property. Between 12 to 70 months are used to mature the cheese.

  • Savannah Regional Fisheries Commission Director loses vehicle to armed robbers 

    Savannah Regional Fisheries Commission Director loses vehicle to armed robbers 

    The Director of the Savannah Regional Fisheries Commission, became the victim of an armed robbery attack which resulted in the unfortunate loss of his official vehicle.

    Reports indicate that the alarming incident took place right outside his residence in the Bi-water suburb of the Northern Regional capital, when the victim had just returned home when the terrifying ordeal unfolded.

    Both the local community and authorities have been left in a state of shock as a result of the incident. 

    This is not the first of its kind happening. In July 2019, a Toyota Hilux pickup used by the then Savannah Regional Minister, Salifu Adam Braimah was also snatched at gunpoint in a similar fashion.

    Reports indicate that two armed robbers, brandishing firearms, approached him and took control of the situation, compelling the Savannah Regional Director to relinquish his Toyota Hilux double cabin Pickup bearing the license plate GV 301-22.

    Meanwhile, the Tamale Police have launched an intensive search for the suspects, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to apprehend them and retrieve the stolen vehicle.