An individual dressed in military attire is said to have stabbed a driver who is linked with the ride-hailing service Bolt, following a disagreement in traffic.
The driver, who experienced substantial blood loss, was subsequently revived by medical professionals at Deseret Hospital in Santa Maria, Accra.
As indicated by reports from Citinewsroom.com, the driver cautioned the purported soldier about his irresponsible driving before the altercation occurred.
Responding to the driver’s warning, the soldier, whose identity remains unknown, attacked the driver and inflicted a stab wound to his head.
Michelle Frimpong, a passenger in the victim’s vehicle, provided an account of the events that unfolded regarding the reported traffic disagreement that resulted in the driver being stabbed.
“There was this 4×4 that was behind us, and he did a wrongful overtake and got in the middle of the road. So then it was too obvious, either we skid off the road or we allow him to use his car to scratch our car. Then the bolt driver stretched out his hand and touched the back of his car. And we said that if you wanted a way, show a trafficator and don’t do wrongful overtaking.
“So just a few minutes later, we saw that they had come to park in front of our car. Then this man came down, opened the door of our car, and pulled the bolt driver out of the car. Then the soldier guy came out of the car, pulled him back and closed the car.
“So it was the people around who said that he was stabbed so when I got out of the passenger’s side I realized blood oozing out of his head. So we had to rush him to the hospital.” Citinewsroom.com quoted him as having said.
The police service is yet to initiate a probe into the matter to establish the facts and deal with the culprit.
The Jubilee House, which serves as the seat of the presidency, is introducing a strategy to enhance the provision of clean energy, aiming to have 60 percent of its energy usage sourced from solar power by the end of 2023.
This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning towards sustainable energy sources, a response to the impacts of climate change.
The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, who disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the African Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) in Accra last Thursday, explained that the plan was further commitment to investing in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and hydro power to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and their detrimental impact on the environment.
Conference The maiden edition of AFRIWOCC was on the theme: “Amplifying the voices of women and children in climate action”.
An initiative of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) under the auspices of the Office of the President, the two-day conference attracted approximately 450 participants from across Africa who joined either in-person or virtually.
Apart from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Vice-President of Liberia, Jewel Taylor; the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities of South Africa and Former Chairperson of the African Union, Nkosazana Olamini Zuma, other participants included ministers of state from a number of African countries, parliamentarians, academia, development partners, civil society, private sector and traditional authorities.
The youth were represented by students and children from various educational institutions and climate advocacy organisations.
What needs to be done Speaking on a sub theme, “Activating policy in the climate change economy”, Mrs Frema Osei Opare said managing climate change, which was a complex, structured and highly complicated global crisis, demanded requisite governance and policy interventions to break the business as usual governance approach.
Ghana, she said, was committed to the well-being of its people and had developed a number of climate change related policies, including the National Climate Change Master Plan Action Programmes for implementation and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Strategy (REDD+).
The increasing number of policies, she said, was to translate the nation’s aspirations into tangible results and to save the planet and ensure a sustainable economy.
“By doing so we do not only mitigate risk of climate change, but also create new opportunities for green jobs and sustainable economic development,” she said.
Activation of policies in the climate change economy, the chief of staff said, required a multifaceted approach which must begin with a comprehensive state collaboration.
“We must work hand in hand with scientists, environmentalists, business leaders and civil society to develop and implement effective policies that promote green energy, protect our natural resources and foster green technologies,” she said.
Key issues Some of the key issues highlighted on climate action for women and children included the inadequate institutional capacity, high levels of gender inequality, low levels of technology usage and technical knowledge that worsen the impact of climate change in Africa, particularly for women and children.
It was also indicated that the climate crisis had widespread repercussions that left women and children, particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition, with adverse health outcomes, conflict and increased their exposure to violence.
Narrative must change During panel discussions, the discussants indicated that the narrative on climate action must change from problem-based to identifying and seizing opportunities for innovation, creative solutions, education and empowerment.
Also, they indicated that conscious and intentional efforts must be made to create spaces for the voices of African women and children to be heard in climate discussions at local, national and international levels.
Financing for green initiatives was found to exist but was not readily accessible to women and youth who could be climate change agents, while the lack of education on climate issues, as well as limited opportunities to build the capacities of women, youth and children in climate mitigation efforts was slowing Africa’s progress in combating climate change.
Climate change, the participants said, was increasingly inducing migration and heightening political insecurity threats across the sub-region and further impacting economic stability especially of women and children.
The conference also highlighted that Africa’s youthful population in the median age 19 years represented both an opportunity for demographic dividends, as well as a challenge to social cohesion if the right investments were not made now.
On social media, there is another video that appears to show bright flashes in the sky near Damascus.
In Syria, where Iran’s influence has risen in recent years, Israel’s military rarely confirms precise strikes on targets.
Israel and Iran are sworn enemies who have been fighting a “shadow war” of covert assaults on each other’s assets, infrastructure, and citizens in recent years.
Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumama Kingsford Bagbin has emphasised the essential contribution of the media in his political achievements.
He acknowledged that without the media, he wouldn’t have secured victory in seven parliamentary elections.
The Speaker, who advocated for safeguarding and formulating favorable working conditions for media professionals, highlighted his understanding of the media’s vital role in facilitating the proper functioning of the Government branches. He mentioned having a positive rapport with the media since 1995 and emphasized his support by funding the education of certain journalists at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
The speaker made this revelation in his speech at a press soirée in Takoradi marking 30 years of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
“I have been a true friend of the media and I have always appreciated and commended the media highly. If it wasn’t for the media, I’m not sure I will be a Speaker of Parliament. If not for the media, I wouldn’t have succeeded in winning seven successive elections and staying in Parliament up till this time. I recognised it very early and since 1995, I have worked with the media throughout. I sponsored and continue to sponsor media practitioners at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, but I don’t personally take ownership of any of them,” he said.
Alban Bagbin served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from January 7, 1993, to January 7, 2021 since he won all parliamentary elections held during the period. In 2021 he was elected Speaker of Parliament.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has refuted allegations suggesting that he is not qualified to participate in the upcoming presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in his pursuit to lead the party in the 2024 general elections.
Countering the ‘aduru meso’ narrative, Dr Bawumia drew a comparison between his political trajectory and influence within the NPP to the experiences of the biblical figure Paul. He expressed a strong determination to disrupt the established pattern of eight years of governance under the Fourth Republic.
He told delegates on his campaign tour: “sometimes great individuals emerge at pivotal moments in history, just like the Apostle Paul emerged to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ,” proclaiming that “in the same way, my coming could be seen as a turning point for our nation”.
During his campaign tour in the Eastern Region, specifically in Aburi, Dr Bawumia made these remarks while engaging with party delegates. He encouraged them to support his candidacy for the party’s flagbearer position, emphasizing his intention to guide the party to victory in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing a gathering at the Aburi Presbyterian Women’s Training College, Dr Bawumia explained that “I stand before you today as a testament to the transformative power of politics. My journey has been like that of Paul, who went from being a persecutor to an apostle. Similarly, I have grown and evolved within the NPP, and I believe I am the ideal and surest candidate to ‘break the eight-year cycle’’.
Dr Bawumia stressed that he had succeeded in transforming the Vice Presidency from one of docility to activism, symbolic representation to policy implementation, and from mysticism to realism.
He said he believes he can effectively lead the NPP and bring about positive change for the nation, adding that “I have dedicated my life to public service, and I am determined to bring progress and prosperity to the people of Ghana. Together, we can build a nation that thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development’’.
Outlining some of his achievements, he noted that he had played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing programmes such as Zongo Development Fund, One District One Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs, Free Senior High School, Gold for Oil programme, among others.
He also accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in religious and tribal politics.
Dr. Bawumia asserted that the NDC is only resorting to divisive tactics by exploiting religious and tribal sentiments for political gain.
However, he urged the delegates to be mindful of such tendencies since the NDC has no message of hope for them, adding that the party was using these strategies to appeal to specific voter base and consolidate power, rather than focusing on the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
Dr Bawumia further argued that the NDC’s approach is detrimental to the unity and progress of Ghana as a nation, and stressed the importance of politics based on issues, policies, and the overall welfare of the population, rather than identity-based divisions.
All budgetary and development assistance from France to Burkina Faso has been halted.
The announcement follows a statement from the military administration in Burkina Faso that any use of force against the coup leaders in the adjacent Niger would constitute a declaration of war.
It happens after a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas for the military coup leaders in Niger to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and restore constitutional order expired on Sunday night.
Regarding the next course of action, which could involve military intervention, Ecowas has not yet made a statement.
This would be the “last option” if all other political and diplomatic measures were unsuccessful, according to the grouping previously.
In light of the possibility of military intervention from neighbouring neighbours, the leaders of the coup in Niger have temporarily closed the nation’s airspace.
According to the flight tracking service Flightradar24, there aren’t any aircraft flying over Niger right now.
Ecowas, a consortium of West African nations, had previously threatened to use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not restored by Sunday at 23:00 GMT.
Niger’s armed forces, according to a junta spokesman, are prepared to defend the nation.
The presidential guard commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, later proclaimed himself the new leader after Mr. Bazoum was detained on July 26.
International organisations and governments have denounced the military takeover, including the United Nations, the United States, former colonial power France, and the rest of the European Union.
The Niger junta’s spokesperson read a statement on national television on Sunday, claiming to have knowledge that “a foreign power” was getting ready to strike Niger.
Following a crisis conference in Nigeria, the military leaders of Ecowas announced on Friday that they had created a thorough strategy for the potential use of force.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, stated that “all the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out here, including the resources needed, the how, and the when we are going to deploy the force.”
He continued, “We want diplomacy to succeed, and we want this message to them [Niger’s junta] clearly transmitted that we are giving them every opportunity to undo what they have done.”
They gave the generals a week to comply with their ultimatum to cede control by midnight local time, but the deadline has since passed.
Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, and 14 other West African nations make up the regional commercial bloc known as Ecowas.
Thousands of the coup leaders’ supporters gathered angrily on Sunday at a stadium in Niamey, the capital of Niger, as they appear unwilling to give up control.
Burkina Faso and Mali, two of Niger’s neighbours, previously issued a warning that they would regard any foreign military intervention in Niger as “a declaration of war” against them. Mali and Burkina Faso are both Ecowas members, although they have both been expelled from the organisation as a result of being governed by military coups.
Under Mr. Bazoum, Niger was an important Western ally in the conflict with Islamist extremists in West Africa’s Sahel area. Niger is a significant producer of uranium, a fuel essential for nuclear power.
Renowned musician William Johnson, popularly known as Stay Jay, has come forward in support of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), highlighting that he personally receives his monthly royalties.
This stands in opposition to allegations suggesting that GHAMRO is failing to fulfill its obligation of effectively collecting and appropriately distributing royalties, with Stay Jay expressing a strong belief in the efficacy of the current system.
A few months ago, some artists criticised GHAMRO for what they called “cheating” after learning that most had only received GHS 250 or less since signing up with the organisation.
But, in a latest interview on Onua FM, Stay Jay claimed to have been receiving not less than GHS 20,000 monthly.
Asked how his story is different from that of his colleagues, he responded that “you have to know where to channel yourself to. When you go there and you register with them, they take all your royalties and everything for you everywhere. When you give them the chance, they will do it for you.”
In his view, registering with GHAMRO is not enough and artiste must make the conscious efforts to do constant follow-ups and have representatives.
“You have to know where to channel yourself to. When you go there and you register with them, I think they’re gonna take all your royalties and everything for you everywhere. You go there, speak to them and they show you everything you have to do and you follow it.”
A formality verifying the transfer of power has approved the long-reigning leader of Cambodia‘s eldest son to be the nation’s new premier.
Hun Manet will succeed Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 38 years, according to a decree the country’s king issued on Monday.
Just days after the 23 July election, which detractors claimed was not democratic, Hun Sen made the announcement that he would retire.
After the main opposition was disqualified from voting, his party won every seat in parliament with the exception of five.
Hun Sen requested the official note in a letter, and King Norodom Sihamoni responded by issuing the royal proclamation.
The Royal Cambodian Army‘s 45-year-old commander, Hun Manet, has long been cultivated for a position of authority.
Although Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party now holds 120 of the 125 members in the National Assembly, the confirmation of his appointment by parliament is still pending as of August 22.
The appointment is the result of a dynastic succession plan that Hun Sen had been indicating for a while.
Younger people are anticipated to be in Hun Manet’s new government. Many of the individuals who rose to power alongside Hun Sen during the Khmer Rouge revolution and civil war of the 1970s and 1980s have also left their positions, often giving them to their own children.
Prior to July, it was unknown when the change would take place after it was first mentioned in 2021.
But only three days after the election, Hun Sen made his resignation public. He has ruled the 16 million-person South East Asian country for nearly four decades, making him one of the world’s leaders with the longest terms in office.
He claimed at the time that he was stepping down to maintain stability in Cambodia.
Hun Sen will continue to be the leader of the Cambodian People’s Party, which political observers claim still gives him total authority.
Since taking office in 1985, his administration has grown more autocratic, and he has suppressed critics by imprisoning or expelling them.
Hun Sen celebrated his 71st birthday over the weekend and also announced the party’s resounding victory in the July election, which the US, EU, and other Western countries have criticised as being neither free nor fair.
In honour of the election outcome on Saturday, Hun Manet shared a photo on Instagram with the remark, “Happy birthday to respected and beloved father.” The snapshot showed his son giving Hun Sen a bunch of flowers.
Hun Manet’s election as a Phnom Penh MP was also recognised by the departing leader on Saturday, removing the final formal barrier to his rise to power.
Hun Manet will face few threats from outside the ruling party because all significant opposition has been silenced in Cambodia in recent years. Maintaining the intricate network of ties his father established with other affluent and prominent families, however, will be difficult.
To keep potential rivals satisfied and the economy expanding, Hun Sen granted them political and commercial rights. However, he also left Cambodia with alarmingly high levels of corruption and inequality, which could cause problems for his young kid.
Some have hypothesised that Hun Manet, who attended the University of Bristol and the US military institution West Point, will run a less harsh government than his father and will be more sensitive to Western concerns for human rights.
Analysts claim that there is no proof that he might be more open, though. Hun Sen has also stated that he will have a strong grip on the country’s governance for at least another 10 years.
Hun Sen stated of his son’s appointment in a telegraph message on Monday: “It is not the end yet. I’ll keep working in other capacities at least until 2033.
The relocation of 4,500 British Scouts from an international event into hotels in South Korea, according to the chief executive of the UK Scouts, would have an impact on activities for up to five years.
According to Matt Hyde, the UK contingent was transferred from the campground in Saemangeum to Seoul as a result of inadequate sanitization and medical care.
Mr. Hyde said, “We believe that the organisers let us down.
All Scouts will immediately be relocated from the encampment due to an anticipated typhoon.
The World Scout Jamboree organisers said on Monday that the South Korean authorities would provide information regarding the planned departure and the places where those who stayed in Saemangeum would stay.
From the beginning, this event has been marred by issues.
Local media reported that Scouts from the UK were among the hundreds of people who had become ill due to the 35C (95F) heat.
Also having removed their teams from the encampment were the US and Singapore.
The largest contingent, made up of Britons, began departing from the encampment near the Buan town on Saturday after having spent the previous week arriving there.
While there have been some improvements, according to Mr. Hyde, they are “too little, too late.” The UK Scouts have repeatedly voiced their concerns.
Four red lines involving a lack of shade, food for individuals with dietary needs, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient medical services were crossed at the site, he noted.
We frequently voiced some of these issues before we went and while we were there, and we were assured that things would be put in place, but they weren’t, he added. “We feel let down by the organisers,” he said.
“If you can imagine [toilets] being used by thousands and thousands of people and not being cleared with the regularity you would expect, you can imagine the sort of things that people were seeing.”
The Scout Association spent nearly £1 million of its reserves to relocate 4,500 people, according to the chief executive.
“We had commitments to those reserves, which will of course mean that we can’t now do things that we wanted to do over the next three to five years,” he said.
Every four years, in a different nation, the jamboree, dubbed the largest youth camp in the world, brings together Scouts from all over the world.
155 nations are represented in South Korea, and the majority of attendees are between the ages of 14 and 18.
The first jamboree since the outbreak was scheduled to last through August 12.
Israeli authorities said that a Palestinian gunman shot and killed an Israeli patrolman in Tel Aviv on Saturday night.
Two Tel Aviv municipal patrol bikers saw the suspect and shouted for him to stop, which caused him to reach for a gun and shoot one of them, according to Israel Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai.
The second patrolman took a shot at the offender after pursuing him with his own weapon.
The wounded police officer and the shooter were both brought to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center-Ichilov, which first declared the shooter dead before confirming the officer’s demise.
Chen Amir, 42, a married father of three, was identified as the officer by the hospital.
According to the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency, when emergency medical personnel arrived at the shooting scene, Amir was unresponsive and not breathing or having a pulse.
According to MDA, he was brought to the hospital in a mobile ICU.
The suspect was described as being 27 years old by both Commissioner Shabtai and the Israel Police spokesperson’s section. He has not yet received a public naming.
The incident, coupled with an additional attack on a Palestinian by an Israeli settler on Saturday in the occupied West Bank, was classified as “a terror attack” by the US State Department.
The State Department sent a statement on Twitter, now known as X, that read:
“We vehemently condemn the recent terrorist assaults against Israelis as well as the terrorist attack that took place today in Tel Aviv, which left one person dead and two more injured. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families of the victims and demand an end to these violent crimes and acts of instigation to violence, the statement said.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two Palestinian militant organisations, both applauded the attack and claimed that “it is a normal response to settler attacks and a defence of the holy sites.”
Early on Sunday morning, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Pingyuan county in Shandong province, eastern China, wounding 21 people.
China Earthquake Networks Centre, a division of China Earthquake Administration, reported that the earthquake occurred at 2:33 a.m. local time with an epicentre that was 10 kilometres deep.
According to authorities, 21 residents of Dezhou and Liaocheng have reported injuries as of Sunday morning.
126 homes were reported to have collapsed due to the earthquake, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Teams of urgent rescuers have been sent.
According to the Beijing Municipal Earthquake Bureau, the Chinese capital Beijing, which is more than 300 kilometres from the epicentre, experienced vibrations overnight.
On Sunday, Beijing Railway reported the cancellation of more than 60 trains.
In the South China Sea, the Philippines has accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannons and engaging in “dangerous manoeuvres” against its ships.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued a statement Saturday that was posted on its official Facebook account. “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) dangerous manoeuvres and illegal use of water cannons against PCG vessels,” the statement read.
Ships bringing supplies to military personnel stationed on Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands chain, also called in China as the Nansha Islands, were being escorted by PCG vessels.
China accused the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) of trespassing in its seas in a response released on Sunday.
According to a statement on the China Coast Guard’s website, “Two Filipino supply vessels and two coast guard vessels illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Renai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands.”
The Chinese coast Guard carried out the required checks in accordance with the law and stopped the Philippine vessels from transporting illicit building materials. According to the statement, Gan Yu urged the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement operations in that maritime area.
Chinese territorial claims to the islands and the South China Sea were reaffirmed by Gan Yu, who also vowed that the country will continue to enforce the law there.
While this was going on, the US State Department declared its support for the Philippines and urged China to respect freedom of navigation. In a statement released on Saturday, it said that “(China) has no legitimate claim to the maritime area surrounding Second Thomas Shoal.”
Tension between Manila and Beijing has always been centred on the South China Sea.
Beijing asserts “indisputable sovereignty” over the majority of the islands and nearly the whole 1.3 million square mile South China Sea. Included in this are the Spratlys, an archipelago of 100 tiny islands and reefs that are also fully or partially claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
However, Manila refers to the region as the West Philippine Sea. It purposefully grounded the BRP Sierra Madre, a navy transport ship manned by Filipino troops, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to bolster its territorial claims.
Filipino fishermen nearby have allegedly been harassed by Chinese warships, according to Philippine maritime authorities.
When Manila expressed “great concern” about the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway in December, relations became tense.
After meeting a month later, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decided to boost their bilateral economic relations and pick up their oil exploration negotiations despite tensions over disputed waterways.
The incident, which analysts say intensifies an already tense situation and may prompt the United States and its allies to move more quickly on plans for joint patrols in the waterway, has caused China to face growing international backlash. On Saturday, one of China’s coast guard vessels fired a water cannon at a Philippine boat in the South China Sea.
The Second Thomas Shoal, a South China Sea feature in Manila’s exclusive economic zone that China calls Renai Reef and also claims as its sovereign territory, was the subject of video from the Philippines showing a large Chinese Coast Guard ship spraying a much smaller Philippine boat that was attempting to deliver supplies to a garrison of Philippine marines there.
The Chinese ship was also visible in images from the Philippine Coast Guard, which was escorting the resupply boats, getting perilously close to them.
A statement from the Philippine Coast Guard was posted on its official Facebook page on Saturday. “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) dangerous manoeuvres and illegal use of water cannons against PCG vessels,” the statement read.
By Sunday, Washington, Manila’s principal ally, had denounced China’s actions and reaffirmed that it will uphold its end of the mutual defence pact with the Philippines.
According to a statement from the US State Department’s Matthew Miller, “The United States reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defence commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.”
Allies of the US formed a unified front with Manila and Washington.
Australian, Japanese, and German officials referred to China’s moves as “dangerous” and “destabilising.”
The Canadian Embassy in Manila also stated that Ottawa “unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard.”
Tension between Manila and Beijing has always been centred on the South China Sea.
Beijing asserts “indisputable sovereignty” over the majority of the islands in the 1.3 million square mile South China Sea, even those hundreds of miles from the Chinese mainland.
This includes the Spratlys, also known as the Nanshas in Beijing, a group of 100 tiny islands and reefs that are also fully or partially claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
However, Manila refers to the region as the West Philippine Sea. It purposefully grounded the BRP Sierra Madre, a navy transport ship manned by Filipino troops, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to bolster its territorial claims.
The international Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which determined in 2016 that China lacks a legal foundation to assert historic rights to the majority of the South China Sea, supports Manila’s claims.
Beijing has disregarded the decision.
Analysts and lawmakers in the Philippines described the incident on Saturday as an improvement over a number of Chinese-Philippine conflicts this year, which included a Chinese ship firing a laser at a Philippine vessel in February and a succession of what analyst Collin Koh called “near collisions.”
According to Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, “This most recent incident clearly represents an escalation.”
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano of the Philippines told CNN affiliate CNN Philippines, “I really believe we’re entering the period of brinkmanship diplomacy.”
He warned that if something went wrong, the area may become unstable.
However, China doesn’t appear to be rethinking its assertions.
According to a statement posted on the China Coast Guard’s website on Sunday, “two Filipino supply vessels and two coast guard vessels illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Renai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands.”
Gan reaffirmed Chinese territorial claims to the islands in the South China Sea and promised to keep up with regional law enforcement efforts.
Beijing could be expected to continue what he called its “grey zone” tactics, which he defined as actions that fall just short of using force and thus invoking the US-Philippine mutual defence treaty, according to Jeffrey Ordaniel, director of maritime security at the Pacific Forum and assistant professor at Tokyo International University.
The international condemnation of Beijing, according to Blake Herzinger, a research fellow at the United States Studies Centre in Australia, is positive, but Manila needs to do more than just gather evidence to support its assertions.
The Philippines would need to develop a more comprehensive strategy to combine action with its diplomatic campaign since “diplomatic response will not stop this kind of maritime aggression,” the official added.
According to Koh, this might result in the US and the Philippines moving more quickly towards their plans for joint patrols in the South China Sea, something that both the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro Jr. predicted would happen in the future when they spoke last month.
Australia and Japan, according to reports, may join the US, Philippines, and Australia on patrols.
Koh asserted that for Washington to deter Beijing, more than words will be required.
The US will “need to be seen to walk the talk and not give the impression that Beijing continues to escalate its actions without consequences,” Koh added.
Ornaiel concurred.
The Americans “have a choice to make,” he said.
Beijing will continue to be successful in altering the status quo if US responses are restricted to rhetoric and possibly military drills.
Following the alleged murder of a Palestinian man in the West Bank, two Israelis have been detained and are being questioned, along with five other people, according to a statement from the Israel Police on Saturday.
Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are rarely detained. Even if they are arrested, they are nearly never charged.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported late Friday that an Israeli settler had shot and killed a Palestinian man in the village of Burqa, which is located close to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
It is the second time this year that the Ministry has claimed that settlers had killed a Palestinian villager, despite the fact that both Palestinian officials and international observers frequently record settler violence against Palestinians.
According to the ministry, Israeli settlers attacked Qusai Jamal Maatan’s hamlet and shot him in the neck, killing him instantly. He was 19 years old. According to the ministry, two further people were hurt.
Maatan was laid to rest early on Saturday.
In a statement, the IDF stated that they responded in response to reports of “violent clashes between Israeli civilians and Palestinians,” and that “it was reported that during the clashes, Israeli civilians shot towards the Palestinians and as a result, there was a Palestinian casualty.”
The IDF also stated that rocks were allegedly thrown at Israeli civilians, injuring them.
The Shomron (Samaria) Council, which speaks for settlers in the northern West Bank and ordinarily avoids making statements on Shabbat, made no immediate comments.
An Israeli shepherd was being harassed by Palestinian villagers when the settler who shot the Palestinian opened fire, according to a legal assistance organisation that represents settlers.
The shepherd from Oz Zion, a settler outpost, was intimidated by Palestinians from Burqa, which is against both Israeli and international law, according to Honenu, the legal organisation.
Several Palestinians attacked the Israelis with clubs, fireworks, and rocks after the shepherd appealed for additional settlers “to prevent deterioration,” according to Honenu.
According to Honenu, one of the settlers was struck in the head “at point blank range and was seriously injured,” but he was able to defend himself using a licenced rifle he was carrying.
According to Honenu, the man has been placed under arrest and is currently recovering in intensive care at the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem.
According to Honenu, the second detained Israeli settler assisted in getting him to the hospital.
“My client acted according to the law, and as is required of any licenced firearm holder – to protect his life and the lives of other civilians,” Honenu attorney Nati Rom said.
According to a statement issued by the Israeli military, both Israelis and Palestinians threw stones during the altercation in the West Bank. While Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency (ISA) continue their investigations, the army has declared the region a closed military zone.
The incident was classified as a “terrorist attack” by the US State Department.
We strongly condemn yesterday’s terrorist act by Israeli extreme settlers that killed a 19-year-old Palestinian, it was stated in a message posted on Twitter, now known as X.
“The US expresses its sincere condolences to his family and friends. We observe that Israeli authorities have detained several people and demand complete responsibility and justice.
Attacks carried out by what they termed to as “organised and armed terrorist settler militias” against unarmed Palestinian civilians of Burqa were harshly denounced by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The ministry expressed worry about the absence of effective retaliation for settler attacks on Palestinian communities, claiming that these occurrences have given settlers more motivation to commit more crimes. The ministry charged incitement against Israeli government ministers and their supporters.
Two of the parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government are largely backed by settlers, Israelis who live in the West Bank to strengthen their nation’s control over the Palestinian region. International law considers settlements to be unlawful. Israeli claims that the West Bank is “disputed,” not “occupied,” and refutes the assertion that the settlements are unconstitutional.
With roughly 600 such events reported during the first half of the year, the United Nations issued a warning last month about a sharp increase in attacks by West Bank settlers against Palestinians and their property.
According to the UN humanitarian organisation OCHA, 591 settler-related incidents that caused Palestinian fatalities, property damage, or both throughout the area during the first half of 2023 were documented.
A train derailed in Pakistan on Sunday, leaving at least 30 people dead and 67 hurt, according to Pakistan Railways.
According to a company representative, Babar Raza, relief and rescue operations are under way after the Hazara Express derailed on Sunday in Nawabshah in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province.
It was going to Havelian from Karachi.
Raza claims that survivors are being extricated from the rubble and that two relief trains are in route to the area.
According to Radio Pakistan, the operation is still going on, and the injured passengers will be taken to local hospitals.
The cause of the derailment will be identified “after thorough investigation,” according to Pakistan’s Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique.
The minister said in a statement to reporters in Lahore that “relevant officials have been directed to ascertain all possibilities.”
A number of fatal accidents in recent years have tragically served as a reminder of Pakistan’s deteriorating safety standards and old infrastructure. Pakistan’s railway system has a dismal safety record.
As Ukraine intensifies its attacks on Russian infrastructure and territory, major road bridges connecting the seized Crimea with areas of the Kherson region under Russian control have been destroyed by explosions, according to Russian authorities.
The explosions happened the same day the mayor of Moscow reported that a drone had been shot down as it approached the city, and shortly after that, Ukraine attacked a significant naval facility and one of Russia’s largest oil tankers with a sea drone.
Videos appear to show a Russian cruiser being attacked by a Ukrainian sea drone.
The missiles that struck two bridges in Crimeaon Sunday, according to Vladimir Saldo, the interim leader of Kherson region chosen by Russia, were all Storm Shadows, an air-launched long-range missile supplied to Ukraine by the UK.
Saldo said that civilian traffic, not military traffic, used the two bridges. Twenty thousand people of the Kherson city of Henichesk had their supplies cut off due to a gas pipeline rupture that ran across the bridge.
This kind of cunning rocket attack is unforgivable, Saldo remarked. It resembles an injured animal rising to its feet.
“These strikes have no impact on the ongoing special military operation,” They have made the decision to exact small-scale retaliation against civilians and those currently traversing the land of the Kherson region.
He said that no one was wounded and that traffic would resume on the bridge by the end of the day.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, had earlier claimed that a Russian guided aerial bomb had hit a blood transfusion facility in the Kharkiv region on Saturday.
Without giving an exact count, he said, “There are dead and wounded.”
Overnight, a fresh round of Russian missiles also impacted targets across Ukraine, the majority of which were intercepted.
The fighting is becoming more and more frequent with Ukrainian attacks within Russia and on territory that is under Russian control.
Throughout the summer, a number of drone attacks targeted Russian cities, including Moscow, and on Friday, a battleship was left listing after an attack on a Russian port hundreds of kilometres from Ukrainian-held territory.
Russian tanker being attacked by a marine drone in a video. Here’s why it might change everything.
On Saturday, Ukraine vowed that additional strikes on Russian ships and the Crimea bridge will occur.
Any explosions that occur near Russian ships or the bridge over the Crimean Peninsula are “certainly a logical and practical move.” Additionally, these special operations are carried out in Ukrainian territorial seas and are entirely lawful, according to Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU.
The only way for the Russians to halt these explosions, according to Maliuk, is to leave Ukraine’s territorial waters and our territory.
Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson did not go easy on Kennedy Agyapong in viral leaked audio purported to be the voice of the former.
The audio which is a direct response to one of Kennedy Agyapong’s cohorts gave detail accounts of how the Assin Central MP has been benefitting massively from successive NPP governments.
According to Madam Koomson, there’s need for Kennedy Agyapong tell the world what he has done for the party because the NPP has equally awarded him with massive contracts running into several millions of dollars.
Kennedy Agyapong has been a supplier of electricity poles and meter to the Electricity Company of Ghana since the Kufuor era the audio says.
“Kennedy as you see him has over GHC500 MILLION to collect from COCOBOD. Even Electricity Company of Ghana, he has been supplying them with meters and electric poles since President Kufour time, The party (NPP) has really helped him”
“So I am not part of those Kennedy Agyapong gives help. That is why when he came to Christ for All Mission to brag and I heard about it I called KT Hammond and Afenyo Markin that these are the lies Kennedy has come to Kasoa to peddle so I want to confront him. Thankfully to God, I met him at KT Hammond’s office where I confronted him and told him my mind because I know I don’t have my hand in his mouth,” she said.
Hawa Koomson also mentions an incident in 2012 when Agyapong claimed to be giving out cars, and she chose not to accept the offer because she did not want to be subject to potential insults from him in the future. She further asserts that she is not among those who receive help from Kennedy Agyapong.
The statement was made in response to an attack by a pro-Ken NPP member on the party’s WhatsApp platform in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
Hawa Koomson, who openly supports Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the NPP flagbearer contest, accuses Kennedy Agyapong of not being a true member of the party. She questions his loyalty, citing his threats to abandon the party and move abroad if he is not elected as the flagbearer.
Furthermore, Hawa Koomson alleges that Agyapong has profited from NPP contracts and is now using his financial assistance to the party as a means to push for his election as the flagbearer. These accusations have likely stirred up controversy within the party and may impact the dynamics of the ongoing flagbearer contest.
The campaign team of Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry and a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana, has raised concerns about certain irregularities found in the Register for the Special Delegates Conference of the party.
In a letter dated August 2 and addressed to the chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, the team highlighted the need to address these issues before the scheduled super delegates’ conference on August 26.
The Chief of Staff was amongst the people listed in Alan’s a letter not eligible to vote.
“The Chief of Staff (Cos) has been listed to vote under the category of NEG. However, per the Constitution, the Office of Cos is not part of the NEC. Therefore, the Hon. Chief of Staff is not entitled to vote”
The letter, written by Nana Ohene-Ntow on behalf of the Alan for President (A4P) Campaign, stated that aspirants were instructed to review the Register for the Special Delegates Conference and provide their feedback within one week of receiving the Register.
Upon conducting the review, the campaign team discovered certain comments or discrepancies in the register, and they are urging the party to address these concerns for the sake of transparency.
The specific nature of the anomalies or comments in the register was not mentioned in the available information, but it indicates that there are some issues that the campaign team wants to be rectified before the upcoming conference. Addressing these concerns would ensure a fair and transparent process for all aspirants vying for the flagbearer position within the NPP.
The residents of Wassa Nkyirifi, a farming community in the Western Region of Ghana, were shocked and horrified when they discovered the suspected murder of a seven-year-old girl named Sandy Manu. The alleged perpetrator was her uncle, a 37-year-old farmer named Augustine.
Initially, Augustine had reported to the police that his niece had gone missing, and he made public announcements on radio seeking help to locate her. However, the police became suspicious of his behavior and responses during their investigation. After intense interrogation, Augustine broke down and confessed to the police that he had killed his niece for money ritual purposes in an attempt to escape poverty.
According to Augustine’s confession, he had complained about his financial struggles to an elderly man in the community, who suggested using one of his nieces for money rituals. Upon following this advice, Augustine sought the help of a spiritualist, who instructed him to bring the head of one of his nieces for the ritual. Subsequently, he killed Sandy and buried her headless body in a nearby bush, while keeping her head hidden for the ritual.
The police accompanied Augustine to the location where the body was buried, and they exhumed the headless body. The head was found at another location as well. Sandy’s remains have been taken to the morgue, and Augustine is currently in police custody.
This disturbing incident has left the community in shock and has garnered attention on social media, where a video of the exhumation has been shared by some community members.
A fifty-year-old man has recounted circumstances that led him to prison with a heartbreaking revelation that he was imprisoned because he stole three bunches of plantain.
Narrating his ordeal to the Crime Check Foundation (CCF), Mr Kwesi Kyere, who prior to the incident in a community at Akyem Begoro in the Eastern Region, recounted that he had visited the farm of a labourer who use to work for an auntie to harvest some crops.
During his harvest, he trespassed into the farm of another farmer, Mr Pobi (not his real name) and harvested some yields from the farm, unaware of the territorial boundaries. However, in the process, he was approached by the labourer of his auntie and cautioned against plucking the crops from the other farm.
“Sometimes I go to the farm to harvest crops. I harvest cocoyam and other yields. I sell some and keep the rest for personal use. So one day the labourer met me harvesting from the other farm and he told me that was not part of his territory and that it belonged to someone else.I told him I didn’t know about that and he warned me to stay away from that farm and he led me home,” he said.
According to Mr Kyere, Mr Pobi was not around at the time of the incident, “but three days later when he returned he marched straight to my house.”
Mr Kyere recalled that it was at the break of dawn, approximately 4:30 am, when he found himself faced with an unexpected and distressing situation.
Pobi, accompanied by his wife, arrived at his doorstep, gripping him tightly and forcibly leading him to the nearby police station. Despite Mr Kyere’s willingness to make amends and offer compensation, the absence of someone to act as his bail resulted in his unfortunate incarceration.
“I wanted to pay back. I didn’t have the money but then I owned a land and I was willing to sell it and pay any compensation but to no avail,” he said. He was sentenced to an eight (8) year jail term.
Mr Kyere is not the first to be jailed for this kind of crime. In August 2014 a Tarkwa Circuit Court sentenced Dominic Owusu, a 50-year-old electrician, to five years imprisonment with hard labour for stealing three bunches of plantain.
In December last year, a 24-year-old unemployed man was also sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for stealing cassava and plantain. In December the same year, a 57-year-old ‘hungry’ man was jailed for stealing two bunches of plantain. These incarceration has led to calls for the decriminisation of petty crimes in the country.
Ghanaian soulful musician, Cina Soul, has caused a stir on social media with her latest fashion choice, leading her to trend on Twitter.
The talented singer shared a breathtaking picture on her Twitter account, displaying her confidence and impeccable sense of style.
The now-viral photo of Cina Soul has captivated the hearts of her fans and admirers, igniting discussions and admiration for her fashion sense across various social media platforms.
In the picture, she confidently shows off her backside while sporting stylish tie and dye biker shorts, further highlighting her impeccable fashion choices. The photo has become a topic of fascination, with many praising her fashion prowess and unique sense of style.
She paired the eye-catching shorts with a chic white long-sleeve top and topped off the look with a trendy cap.
The internet quickly took notice of the bold fashion statement, and fans and followers flooded Twitter with reactions.
Many praised Cina Soul’s sense of style, hailing her as a fashion icon and applauding her for embracing her body and individuality.
Aide to former president John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mongtari, renowned for her unwavering strength and resilience, has surprised the nation by sharing a rare glimpse into her emotional world.
In an interview with Joy Prime, the distinguished politician unveiled a vulnerable side, bravely revealing that behind her powerful persona lies a woman who, at times, sheds tears.
During the interaction, the highly esteemed figure in Ghanaian politics, opened up about her personal struggle with infertility, among other things that make her unhappy.
“On the public side, I would say, many things make me unhappy. I’ll say suffering, inequality, injustice of any kind, lack of access, lack of opportunity for those who really need it, etc.
Throughout her illustrious career, Joyce Bawah has earned widespread respect and admiration for her unwavering dedication to public service. However, amidst her thriving public life, she has silently battled the deeply personal struggle of infertility.
“My journey through secondary infertility, whose cause nobody could establish, the hospitals I’ve been through, the specialists I’ve had to engage, and the number of times I’ve had to have direct inseminations or IVFS, I think with the IVFs I probably went through about 15 to 16, or even more and just about, three four surgeries,” she recalled.
In a candid revelation, Joyce Bawah shared her childhood dream of building a beautiful family consisting of her husband and three children. However, life had different plans for her, and her reality did not align with the vision she had once held dear.
“I had this beautiful dream, I mean – I had married very late – that I was going to have this very beautiful family, three lovely kids, a wonderful career, just the kind of life that I had imagined. So yes, you do get married, and then I realise that in a few weeks – actually I’ve been married for about 20 to 21 years old – and to think that my son is only just 16, that should tell you just how long it took even before we had our first son. And how much longer it took between that son and then my amazing blessings, my life story as I call them, so think about it, 16 years,” she recalled.
Joyce Bawah is a revered Ghanaian figure known for her involvement in politics and public service. She previously served as the Special Aide to Former PresidentJohn Mahama, a position of significant responsibility and influence.
Her contributions to the political landscape and her dedication to public service have earned her respect and recognition in Ghana and beyond. She served as the Special Aide to Former President John Mahama, and her loyalty to him was believed to be one of the factors contributing to her appointment to this position.
Cameroonian musician Cool Boii recently stated that Sarkodie is the most prominent Ghanaian artist in Cameroon.
During an interview on MX24 TV on August 3, Cool Boii asserted that Sarkodie enjoys significant popularity, especially on the English-speaking side of the country.
This acknowledgment reflects Sarkodie’s influence and reach beyond Ghana, making him a renowned figure in neighboring Cameroon.
“To be sincere, I can say for musicians, Sarkodie is like somebody that is big on the English side. Because, you know, Cameroon is a bilingual country. You have French and English. So on the English side of Cameroon, Sarkodie is really, like, popular there. His music is well-known” He stated.
The singer, who currently has a track with Mr Drew titled “Number One” also admitted that other Ghanaian acts like Kidi and Kuami Eugene are also popular in the country.
“It is recently that acts like Kuami Eugene and Kidi are getting popular. But Sarkodie had already made his name known,” He said.
Popular Ghanaian media personality Nana Ama McBrown took to social media to share a heartwarming post on her husband’s birthday.
In the post, she showered her husband, Maxwell Mensah, with praises, describing him as a blessing in her life. This heartfelt tribute reflects the deep love and appreciation McBrown has for her husband on this special occasion.
She shared pictures of her husband of seven years, with the caption,
“You have been a blessing in my life and myself and the kids appreciate you @maxmmens. We pray for long life and good health. You are already BLESSED#HBD #Brimm.”
The post has since attracted tons of well-wishes from fans and stakeholders from the showbiz industry.
McBrown’s post comes after she refuted allegations that she is facing abuse in her marriage.
In an earlier development, she refuted rumours that she had traveled out of the country to fix her ‘fractured’ arm after being pushed down the stairs by her husband.
“Do I look like a lady who would be beaten by her husband? Such a thing (abuse) cannot happen in my house. I’m not a woman who would tolerate being mistreated by my husband” The Onua TV show host responded.
Ghanaian musician, Lasmid, recently disclosed that he had worked as a mechanics apprentice before embarking on his journey in the music industry.
This revelation showcases his resilience and determination to pursue his passion for music, despite having a different career path in the past.
Lasmid’s transition from a mechanics apprentice to a musician demonstrates the power of following one’s dreams and embracing opportunities for personal growth and success.
The “Friday Night” hitmaker revealed this on Thursday 3rd August in an interview with 3FM, where he claimed he was under training as an apprentice for about 6 months before going into music.
“I was a mechanic, “Fita” apprentice (auto electronics) but I was unable to complete it. I was trained for a period between three to six months but I realized that my destiny was in music so I had to stop. The errands too were a lot,” He stated.
Lasmid added, he decided to learn the trade on his own because he was idle and needed to keep himself busy.
“I wasn’t forced to learn the job but I wasn’t willing to do so. It was more like I was at home doing nothing. No one forced me. After a lot of thinking, I realized I had done a lot of difficult tasks before so this was no different,” he said.
Asked if he regrets leaving that particular trade, he said that he felt no regrets, as it was “worth it”.
Exuding confidence can be achieved through practice and self-awareness. Here are five easy steps to help you exude confidence effortlessly:
1.Practice Good Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and head held high. Maintaining good posture not only improves your physical presence but also makes you feel more confident.
2. Dress Confidently: Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Dressing well and according to your style boosts your self-assurance.
3. Speak Clearly and Assertively: Practice speaking with a clear and confident tone. Avoid mumbling or speaking too softly. Use assertive language to express your thoughts and opinions.
4. Maintain Eye Contact: When talking to others, maintain steady eye contact. It shows that you are engaged and self-assured.
5. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Be kind to yourself and believe in your abilities.
By practicing these steps regularly, you will gradually build genuine self-confidence that shines through effortlessly in your demeanor and interactions with others. Remember that confidence is a skill that can be cultivated over time with patience and self-belief.
Resting your brain is essential for rejuvenating your mental well-being and maintaining cognitive function. Here are some effective ways to give your brain a much-needed break
Sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep each night to allow your brain to recharge and consolidate memories.
2. Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to clear your mind of clutter and reduce stress.
3. Physical Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood flow to the brain and release feel-good chemicals.
4. Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, which has a calming effect on the brain and reduces mental fatigue.
5. Disconnect from Technology: Take breaks from screens and electronic devices to reduce mental strain.
6. Creative Activities: Engage in hobbies or creative pursuits to stimulate different parts of your brain and promote relaxation.
7. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to declutter your mind and gain insights into your emotions.
8. Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce stress.
9. Social Interaction: Spend quality time with loved ones, as social connections positively impact mental well-being.
10. Listening to Music: Listen to soothing music to unwind and shift your focus from daily stressors.
11. Reading: Read books or articles that interest you, which can provide a mental escape and stimulate your imagination.
12. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your meals, savoring each bite, and allowing your mind to focus on the present moment.
Remember, taking regular breaks and engaging in activities that relax and stimulate your brain can significantly improve your overall mental health and productivity.
Jamie Foxx has expressed his gratitude towards his “courageous” sister, Deidra Dixon, stating that he would have lost his life if it wasn’t for her.
The Oscar-winning actor, aged 55, shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to his younger sibling, acknowledging her instrumental role in helping him overcome a months-long hospitalization.
Jamie Foxx‘s sister played a significant part in his recovery, and he took the opportunity to publicly thank her and show his love and appreciation on her special day.
“Happy birthday to my beautiful for sister @frequency11 ‘D’ … you are magical you are beautiful you are the courageous lionesses #leoseason,” Foxx wrote on Instagram Tuesday. “And without you I would not be here … had you not made the decisions that you made I would’ve lost my life.”
“I love you forever and ever happy birthday sis,” he added alongside a series of snaps of Deidra.
Foxx’s other sister, Deondra Dixon, died in October 2020. She was 36.
His post, shared with his 16.7 million followers on the platform, came just days after he spoke out for the first time since being hospitalized following a mysterious “medical complication” in April.
Fighting back tears, the father of one praised his sister and daughter Corinne Foxx, 29, for saving his life.
“To be honest with you, my sister Deidra Dixon, my daughter Corinne Marie saved my life,” Foxx told fans in the July 22 post.
“To them, to God, to a lot of great medical people, I’m able to leave you this video,” he said.
“I cannot tell you how great it feels to have your family kick in in such a way, and y’all know they kept it airtight — they didn’t let nothing out, they protected me — and that’s what I hope that everyone could have in moments like these. But, I’m coming back, and I am able to work,” he added.
Elsewhere in the clip, Foxx said he went to “hell and back” during his stint in the hospital.
“I went through something I thought I would never, ever go through,” Foxx said, informing fans that he’s not “blind” or “paralyzed.”
Ghandour Cosmetics Limited, a renowned local cosmetic manufacturing company based in Accra, is delighted to announce its partnership with Ghanaian dancehall music star Stonebwoy along with his family.
With over 25 years of serving the beauty and personal care needs of Ghanaian families, the company is proud to collaborate with Stonebwoy and his family for the launch of The GC Brand.
This exciting collaboration aims to bring together the expertise of Ghandour Cosmetics and the influence of Stonebwoy to create a remarkable line of beauty products that cater to the diverse preferences of Ghanaian consumers.
This brand will serve as the flagship name, encompassing the 17 distinct brands in their product portfolio, which fall under Body, Hair, Hygiene, and Baby Care categories.
The momentous launch event was held at Ghandour Cosmetics Ltd.’s Spintex Headquarters in Accra. The occasion included a signing ceremony to formalize the partnership, an unveiling of The GC Brand’s tagline “It’s all about you,” and the introduction of its newly refreshed website. Stonebwoy and his team had the opportunity to tour the Company’s factory premises and take memorable photos with the Company’s management and staff.
Stonebwoy, (Livingstone Etse Satekla), will serve as the ambassador for The GC Brand’s Soldier and Style Up brands, while his wife, Dr. Louisa Ansong-Satekla, will represent Princess and Kleanz brands. Their children, Jidula and Janam, will also be involved as representatives for the Baby Girl and Baby Boy brands, respectively. This partnership also marks and celebrates the first brand representation for Stonebwoy’s children and for the family.
Tanal Ghandour, the Founder and Managing Director of Ghandour Cosmetics Ltd, expressed delight in the collaboration, emphasizing the company’s vision to be the best innovative, customer-oriented cosmetic company in Africa. Their commitment is to provide safe, high-quality, and affordable cosmetic products for all market segments. The association with Stonebwoy, a celebrated artist in Ghana and Africa, aligns with Ghandour Cosmetics’ pursuit of delivering excellence to their customers. The company is happy to have Stonebwoy’s family represent the brand and collaborate in achieving their shared vision.
In endorsing the brand, Stonebwoy expressed his excitement about the partnership with The GC Brand. He highlighted their joint commitment to providing customers and fans with an exceptional experience and maintaining local quality that meets international standards, with a continuous focus on improvement. The artist and his family are thrilled to be associated with such a prestigious and forward-thinking brand as The GC Brand.
The launch of The GC Brand and the partnership with the Stonebwoy Family will be followed by an exciting media campaign and various engaging consumer activities in the coming months. To stay updated, visit www.thegcbrand.com, and follow Ghandour Cosmetics on their social media pages @ghandourcosmeticsltd.
A highly esteemed figure in Ghana known for her remarkable career as a former Minister of Transport and current Special Aide to Former President John Mahama, Joyce Bawah, has candidly revealed her personal struggle with infertility.
While being recognised as a vibrant and influential personality, Joyce’s revelation sheds light on the often-hidden challenges faced by many, offering a poignant tale of courage and hope.
Throughout her illustrious career, Joyce Bawah has earned widespread respect and admiration for her unwavering dedication to public service. However, amidst her thriving public life, she has silently battled the deeply personal struggle of infertility.
In a heartfelt and brave revelation, Joyce opened up about her infertility journey, sharing the pain and emotions that come with facing such a challenge.
In an interview on Joy Prime, she revealed that she had had about 15 or more In vitro fertilization (IVF). Asked by host of the programme, Roselyn Feli, what makes her cry, she mentioned injustice, poverty, suffering, etc. That notwithstanding, she touched on an aspect of her life which has for many years remained a secret to the public.
“My journey through secondary infertility, whose cause nobody could establish, the hospitals I’ve been through, the specialists I’ve had to engage, and the number of times I’ve had to have direct inseminations or IVFS, I think with the IVFs I probably went through about 15 to 16, or even more and just about, three four surgeries,” she recalled.
In a candid revelation, Joyce Bawah shared her childhood dream of building a beautiful family consisting of her husband and three children. However, life had different plans for her, and her reality did not align with the vision she had once held dear.
“I had this beautiful dream, I mean – I had married very late – that I was going to have this very beautiful family, three lovely kids, a wonderful career, just the kind of life that I had imagined. So yes, you do get married, and then I realise that in a few weeks – actually I’ve been married for about 20 to 21 years old – and to think that my son is only just 16, that should tell you just how long it took even before we had our first son. And how much longer it took between that son and then my amazing blessings, my life story as I call them, so think about it, 16 years,” she recalled.
Joyce Bawah is a revered Ghanaian figure known for her involvement in politics and public service. She previously served as the Special Aide to Former President John Mahama, a position of significant responsibility and influence.
Her contributions to the political landscape and her dedication to public service have earned her respect and recognition in Ghana and beyond. She served as the Special Aide to Former President John Mahama, and her loyalty to him was believed to be one of the factors contributing to her appointment to this position.
The trio has been accused of robbing Indian nationals at Osu, with various sums of money involved. The court has set a combined bail amount of GHS900K, marking a crucial turn in the ongoing case.
Each of the three accused individuals was granted bail of GHS300k, subject to the condition of providing two sureties. As per the court’s directive, the sureties must be public or civil servants earning a minimum of three thousand Ghana Cedis monthly.
Inspector Bortier and two others – Helena Teye, a self-styled blogger and Francis Omari, a tutor were last Thursday, July 27, put before the court on two provisional charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.
They are said to have succeeded in robbing their Indian victims of huge sums of monies but the police succeeded in retrieving over GHS595K and 45k dollars upon arrest.
In Court Today, Thursday, August 3, the court presided over Her Honour Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie even though the accused persons were absent admitted them to bail upon request by defence lawyers.
Chief Inspector Ahiabor who held a brief for Inspector Teye Okuffo told the Court that, the investigators are with Inspector Bortier, the second accused for further investigations on the matter.
Andrew Kudzo Vortia, Counsel for the accused while applying for bail said the excuse that the second accused (Inspector Bortier) had been taken out for further investigation was a ploy to deny his client bail.
The sitting judge, Her Honour Naa Koowa Quarshie, after listening to the parties granted the accused persons bail and adjourned the case to September 12, 2023.
Background
Abednego Bortier and two others – Helena Teye, a self-styled blogger and Francis Omari, a tutor were on Thursday, July 27, put before the court on two provisional charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.
A fourth accused person, Elizabeth Teye, is said to be on the run and the police are on a manhunt for her.
The Complainants in the case are- Girish Saohwani, Manish Kumar, Bhosale Vijay Kantilal and Lalwani Sumy Kumar are Indian Businessmen and residents of Osu, Accra.
On July 27, 2023, their plea on the charges was not taken as the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Teye Okuffo prayed for them to be remanded for further investigation.
It was the prayer of the Prosecutor that considering the gravity of the crime and punishment, more investigations needed to be done.
The court presided over Her Honour Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie also granted the Prosecution’s prayer to release the retrieved items to the Complainants.
Actress and host of Onua Showtime, Nana Ama McBrown,has finally addressed the rumors circulating on social media regarding claims that her husband, Maxwell Mensah, abuses her.
McBrown responded to the allegations for the first time, denying the reports. She refuted the speculation that she had to travel abroad for surgery after her husband allegedly pushed her down the stairs, resulting in an injury to her arm.
The actress has put an end to the gossip by speaking out and dismissing the abusive claims made against her husband.
It had been alleged that McBrown was not happy in her marriage.
However, during a television discussion programme on Onua Showtime recently, McBrown responded and stated there was no way a woman of her status will accept that.
“Do I look like a lady who would be beaten by her husband? Such a thing (abuse) cannot happen in my house. I’m not a woman who would tolerate being mistreated by my husband,” she said.
She explained that there were many times that she has had calls from family members and loved ones following untrue stories about her.
McBrown recounted how her mother called one time and was very disturbed about such stories posted online.
“I’ve told my mother that until I call her or a family member calls to provide an information, she should ignore everything she hears.
“When she called to enquire about the stories of my husband beating me, I just asked, “does she think a woman like me will allow herself to be beaten by her husband?’”
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on parliamentarians to remain steadfast in their beliefs and resist any changes that could undermine their principles.
He emphasised that parliamentarians should have the courage to openly declare their faith, even if it differs from public opinion.
During the inauguration of the International Catholic Legislation Network (ICLN)-Ghana, the Speaker of Parliament urged Catholic MPs, in particular, to stand firm in their faith and diligently fulfill their legislative responsibilities.
“We must stand firm against the winds of change that threaten to erode our principles. We must be vigilant against the voices that seek to silence our faith. We must be bold to proclaim our beliefs even when it is unpopular, but it is a task we must undertake for the sake of our nation, our people, and our souls,” expressnewsghana quoted him as having said.
The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference(GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the church, experts and parliamentarians to facilitate debates that will take into consideration the pressing issues that affect the lives of citizens.
“Looking at the events happening all around us shows clearly that all is not well and the peace we seek seems to be eluding us.
“The happenings in South Sudan, Niger and the Sahelian Region to mention but few, demonstrate that the people are disillusioned, disappointed, frustrated and have lost faith, trust and confidence in the governance system of their countries and Ghana is not an exception.
“The Social Teaching has themes or principles which include life and dignity of human care, call to family, community and participation, rights and responsibility, options for the poor and vulnerable, dignity of work and rights of workers, solidarity and care for God’s creation,” he said.
The steering committee of the network is led by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, followed by the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Vice Chairman).
The others are Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (Secretary), Techiman North MP; Vincent Oppong Asamoah (Organiser), Dormaa West MP; and Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa.
Award-winning record producer and sound engineer, David Kojo Kyei, also known as Kaywa, proudly claims to be the first to merge Afrobeat with gospel music in the music industry.
During an interview with 3FM, Kaywa mentioned three gospel songs that he had produced, which incorporated elements of afrobeats into the gospel genre.
His innovative approach to music production has contributed to the popularity and success of these unique gospel tracks.
The owner of the Highly Spiritual label prides himself on setting the pace. According to him, the first he produced was Diana Hamilton’s ‘Work in Progress’, and then proceeded with Ohemaa Mercy’s ‘Aseda’ and then Diana Hamilton’s ‘Mo ne yo’.
“I was trying something new. So, I said, Charlie, Afrobeat is working, but it’s not in the gospel space. That’s right. Let me try and bring it into the gospel. So, I tried the first time with work in progress. Her song, if you listen to it. But I didn’t go all out because I was taking my time. So, work in Progress was good. And then I did Ohemaa Mercy’s Aseda as well.
“I did Ohemaa Mercy’s ‘Aseda’ but with that, I went all out because I wrote the song myself, I put it together before I asked her to come and sing. Then ‘Mo Ne Yo’ came and this time, I was like, let’s go all out so it’s the third Afrobeats Gospel song ever to be produced in Ghana.” He stated.
In addition to his groundbreaking work in merging Afrobeat with gospel music, Kaywa also hinted at an upcoming studio album that will showcase collaborations with various artists.
Moreover, he playfully mentioned the possibility of trying his hand at singing on one of the tracks, suggesting that he might step beyond his role as a producer and venture into the realm of singing for the first time in his career.
Fans can anticipate a diverse and exciting album with Kaywa‘s signature touch and potential surprises in store.
Twelve candidates from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change have been given the green light by Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court to run in this month’s general election, overturning a High Court decision that they had registered after the deadline.
Following the unanimous decision of the judges, four candidates from smaller opposition parties were also reinstated on the vote; however, the justification for the decision has not yet been made public.
After the tumultuous registration day on June 21, there have been numerous legal proceedings during thepre-election period.
Candidates continued to register even after the scheduled cutoff time of 16:00.
Numerous applicants were unable to register due to payment issues and other logistical issues.
One of the largest cities in the area, Gondar, is experiencing clashes on its outskirts. Residents have reported to the BBC that transport services have been suspended and that there has been violent conflict near the airport.
Mobile data connections have been discontinued in parts of the region’s major cities and villages, including the capital Bahir Dar, Amhara residents have verified to the BBC.
On Wednesday, flights were cancelled due to militia control of the airport in Lalibela, the location of famous rock-hewn cathedrals.
Images shared on social media depict demonstrators who back the Fano, a local militia, continuing to barricade highways with rocks and branches to obstruct army movements.
A number of towns and small villages are allegedly under the gang’s control, according to media sources and individuals connected to the organisation. The statements have not been independently verified by the BBC.
Prisons and police stations have reportedly been broken into in various locations, according to sources.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen referred to the recent events as “alarming” in a message shared on social media.
Since officials announced the disbandment of a state-backed paramilitary force, the area has experienced simmering tensions and intermittent skirmishes, with opponents of the decision claiming it would leave the area vulnerable to attacks.
The first British nationals to be airlifted out of Niger have safely reached Paris.
Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, reported that 14 Britons were on the French flight on Wednesday.
A “very small number of British nationals” were still present, according to the Foreign Office.
Following the military coup last week, violence has erupted in the nation of west Africa.
Countries like France and Italy have booked flights for their own nationals, some of whom were also relocated from other nations.
As of yet, the UK has not organised its own flights.
The UK government had earlier recommended British citizens to keep indoors and report their locations.
Less than 100 Britons were thought to be present in Niger.
Those who had asked to leave Niger and had been able to get to the airport in time for this flight were the first to be evacuated.
The UK ambassador and a core team remain in Niger to support the extremely limited number of British nationals who are still there, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. We are appreciative to the French for helping with this evacuation.
“Our advice continues to be if you’re there and need assistance getting out, get in touch with the embassy,” said Mr. Dowden. “We still have staff on the ground and we will work to provide that assistance.”
The government has announced a temporary staff reduction at its embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Additionally, the US has instructed all non-emergency employees at its embassy to depart.
German nationals in Niger, who are also believed to number less than 100, have been asked to board French-organized flights out of the country, while the Spanish government has announced that it is evacuating about 70 of its residents.
On Wednesday, while visiting three African nations, including Nigeria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly declared: “The UK government’s priority remains the safety of British nationals and helping them get out of the country to safety.”
The French embassy has come under attack as a result of protests against France, the previous colonial power in Niger, that have been sparked by the coup.
Early on Wednesday, 262 travellers from Niger landed in Paris, while Italy also booked a flight, which brought 87 refugees to Rome.
According to the Reuters news agency, the aircraft was carrying 36 Italians, 21 Americans, and one British citizen.
The uranium-rich nation of Niger has been a crucial ally of the West in the struggle against Islamic extremism in the Sahel. There are military outposts for both France and the US.
Since Niger’s independence in 1960, President Mohamed Bazoum has been the first democratically elected head of state. Last week, his guards held him.
In the event that the president is not freed and put back in office within a week, the west African regional organisation Ecowas has threatened to deploy force.
However, military organisations in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three nearby former French colonies, issued warnings that any forcible action would be seen as a declaration of war.
There are worries that Niger’s new government may turn away from its Western friends and towards Russia, similar to how Burkina Faso and Mali have done following their own military coups.
Three months ago, airlifts were coordinated out of Sudan as a result of conflict there between rival factions.
While the flimsy ceasefire held, a negotiated short-term ceasefire permitted UK evacuation flights to depart from an airport near Khartoum, and about 2,341 individuals were transported to safety on 28 UK flights.
A US military business is being sued by an Indian-American engineer who claims his dismissal was the result of a coworker overhearing him speaking Hindi in the workplace.
Anil Varshney has accused Parsons Corporation of “unlawful discriminatory actions” in a complaint that was filed in a court in Alabama.
The coworker allegedly fraudulently reported him for breaking “security regulations” while he was on the phone with a dying relative in India, according to him.
The claims have been refuted by Parsons.
In a statement reaching the media, it claimed that Mr. Varshney had been fired for “several security violations, including using Facetime on his personal phone in a government-controlled worksite among other previous security violations where such actions are prohibited and pose risks to national security.”
Additionally, the business stated that the “series of documented improper conduct” was against both company and governmental standards.
Additionally, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is identified as the legal representation for the nation’s Missile Defence Agency (MDA) in the case, which was filed in the Northern District of Alabama.
The lawsuit claims that Mr. Varshney, 78, worked for Parsons between July 2011 and October 2022.
It claims that in September of this year, he was talking to his dying brother-in-law in an empty cubicle at work “for about two minutes” when a coworker noticed him and reported him to corporate officials.
According to Mr. Varshney, he checked that there were no “classified materials or anything else pertaining to the MDA or Parsons’ work anywhere near him” before making the call.
He asserts that the business sacked him in October after accusing him of committing “a serious security violation” despite the fact that there was no policy prohibiting the conversation and there had been no inquiry.
It continues, “Worse, they barred him from future [MDA] employment, putting a stop to his career and life of service to MDA and the US government.
President Akufo-Addo has upset some Ghanaians with a recent statement he made during a meeting held with NPP communicators who recently called on him at the Jubilee House.
The President remarked that he had only one vote and will cast it for the candidate who will be able to win the election.
Tweeting some photos from the meeting on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, he noted that: “I have just one vote, the same as any polling station executive anywhere in the country, and I will cast that vote for an aspirant who, I believe, can best unite the Party, and, above all, who can win the presidential election of 7th December 2024, and inflict a third successive defeat on the perennial NDC Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.”
I have just one vote, the same as any polling station executive anywhere in the country, and I will cast that vote for an aspirant who, I believe, can best unite the Party, and, above all, who can win the presidential election of 7th December 2024, and inflict a third successive… pic.twitter.com/vbLXXyUxSi
His statement has sparked discontent among some Ghanaians who perceive the remarks as unpatriotic.
One tweep identified as Kelvin Ashong accused the president of putting his party first before Ghana, following the remarks.
“And above all, who can win the Presidential election of 7th December 2024”?…..this means you’re not thinking about Ghana. All you’re concerned about is your npp party. You just exposed yourself that you never loved this country for even one second. You’re not a patriotic citizen ngl. Just deceiving Ghanaians a doing everything with self interest. Sad for mother Ghana. Your forefathers are not happy atm. Bad bad,” he said.
"And above all, who can win the Presidential election of 7th December 2024"?…..this means you're not thinking about Ghana. All you're concerned about is your npp party. You just exposed yourself that you never loved this country for even one second. You're not a patriotic…
“You’re also telling Ghanaians that because you want npp party to win power at all costs, you’re ready to support the candidate who’ll help with that even if he’s incompetent or incapable, and even if there’s a candidate within the party who’s miles better than your candidate, you’ll still pick your ‘friend’. Sad thing is you ruled Ghanaians for almost 8 years with this mentality. Pathetic,” he added.
That is why he has broken grounds for a new housing project while there is an uncompleted project of the same kind.
A French policeman who is suspected of opening fire while Marseille was experiencing riots a month ago has admitted shooting a 22-year-old man in the head with a rubber bullet.
Hedi, an assistant restaurant manager, suffered severe injuries and disfigurement as a result of the “flash ball”.
Since the officer has been detained for weeks, colleagues in Marseille and elsewhere have expressed outrage.
On Thursday, the public defender requested that the court retain him in custody.
The officer’s attorney has filed an appeal for his release, but the prosecutor said that it was necessary to consider the possibility of “fraudulent collusion” among coworkers.
The suspect is one of four police officers who are being investigated for their alleged involvement in riots that broke out across France at the beginning of July.
After a 17-year-old named Nahel was fatally shot by a police during a traffic stop in Nanterre, close to Paris, they broke out.
Hedi, a North African immigrant who was hit in the head but survived, suffered headaches, lost vision in his left eye, and had to walk with a helmet on. He also lost a portion of his skull.
The officer, known only as Christophe, said in a statement to the court in Aix-en-Provence that he made the decision to fire once with his LBD launcher when he noticed two people in hood.
When asked by his attorney if Hedi was hit by the shot, the officer responded, “There’s no proof.”
Although the officer’s version was wholly nonsensical, Hedi’s attorney Jacques Preziosi later said that “finally we have a confession that he fired the LBD… until now everyone denied it.”
Olivier Véran, a government spokesman, called Hedi earlier this week to wish him well.
The 22-year-old has described to French media how he met his friend Lilian after finishing work at a restaurant early on July 2. Four members of a police anti-crime brigade (BAC) confronted them as they were walking along the riot’s edge.
We wished the officers a good night but soon discovered they were agitated and uninterested in speaking.
Hedi was shot in the head and collapsed on the ground while his friend was able to escape. He recalls being tortured for as long as five minutes while being dragged around the ground and beaten: “I felt something enormous in my skull that was burning me.”
One of the four police officers engaged in the Marseille incident was remanded by magistrates, which was a rare decision that has infuriated other cops.
In response to his imprisonment, an estimated 5% of officers have either used their sick days or worked on call.
According to Frédéric Veaux, the national police chief, cops shouldn’t be regarded like criminals or thugs.
“A police officer has no place in prison before an eventual trial, even if he may have committed faults or grave error in his work,” he stated.
While acknowledging the strong feelings among officers, President Emmanuel Macron declared that “no one in the Republic is above the law.”
The incident has once again brought attention to French police’s controversial use of “flash-ball” rubber bullets, which have resulted in numerous fatalities and life-altering injuries in recent years.
Mohamed Bendriss, 27, was shot in the chest during the protests in Marseille the same evening that Hedi was hurt. He had a heart arrest and passed away.
Although two marks on the scooter delivery driver’s chest and thigh that are consistent with the impact of a “flash ball” were discovered, prosecutors are still looking into whether an LBD was to blame for his demise.
Abdelkarim, his cousin, may lose one of his eyesight after being struck in the eye the previous evening.
During a protest in Nantes in April against the government’s pension reforms, a man lost a testicle.
A study conducted by Campaign Against Privatisation and Commercialisation of Education (CAPACOE) in 2021 indicated that approximately 4000 primary schools in Ghana lacked Junior High Schools (JHS). The study found that around 30 students drop out of school daily due to the absence of JHSs in these areas.
Richard Kwashie Kovey, the convener for CAPCOE, speaking to Joy News said that students who graduate from these primary schools without Junior High Schools (JHS) will have few options after they enter the adult world.
They will either have to change to a private school or travel great distances to other areas to attend schools. The absence of a JHS in these areas presents serious obstacles for the education and future prospects of these kids.
He added that most of them have had to drop out because of these challenges.
He said the situation has pushed the dropped-out rate of children to about 200,000 annually.
“We identified those 4,000 primary schools across the country that do not have Junior High Schools…what it means is that after primary six because they have to walk several kilometres to access the nearest public school, you either move to the private sector or you drop out,” he said.
Mr Kovey added that their study also revealed that about 5,000 schools were found to be housed under trees.
This he said exposes the children to “very harsh conditions not ideal for studies.”
“You agree with me that any learning that is under trees is exposed to harsh weather conditions and so the attention the concentration of the students and the teachers will not be as effective as those who are housed in a structure.”
Mr Kovey said several other schools do not have furniture and those with furniture were also not found to be conducive for learning.
He said currently 80 students per class are entitled to 20 textbooks wondering how the children can cope with this type of learning.
Mr Kovey also raised concerns over the education system not catering for persons with disability.
“We have learners with a disability but our system does not cater for persons with a disability some of them need assistive devices to help them understand but do we these devices,” he questioned
He said if the country wants to make a mark in education then there is a need for a conscious effort in addressing some of these challenges.
Mr Kovey also called for investment in the education sector to meet the needs of the children.
“If you look at the 21 century what the child needs now is something that is of economic importance, so when they go to social media to put out all those things they are doing that for financial purposes.
“Therefore, can we develop a curriculum that may not necessarily give them the negative aspect but can help them develop apps at the early level so that they acquire the positive side of technology in education delivery right from KG to the primary level.
“Now the competition among them will be who can develop the best apps that serve society needs instead of posing nude to attract viewers for money,” he added.
Mr Kovey called for the revision of some of the courses to reflect the current situations of the world.
”The content of the history can be taught so that the history can make the child build on what their forefathers have done to develop, that is what other countries have done.
“But teaching history for the child to remember when we had independence, who fought for it, that one does not provide any economic benefit.
History should give the child what are the artefacts, what were the things done at that time, what can we added to meet today’s relevance.
“We can have a curriculum that speaks to that and we will still be teaching history that includes all these other things but now the focus is on how we can build on our history,” he said.
After accusing Minsk of violating its airspace, Poland will send more troops to the Belarusian border, escalating tensions between the NATO member and a crucial ally of the Kremlin in an increasingly unstable security environment in Europe.
Two Belarusian helicopters were allegedly in violation of Polish airspace on Tuesday while participating in training exercises, according to Warsaw. The Belarusian defence ministry fiercely disputed this and called the allegations “far-fetched.”
This coincided with an uptick in activity along the Suwalki gap or corridor, a narrow piece of land between Poland and Lithuania where forces from the Russian mercenary outfit Wagner are reportedly moving in an apparent effort to exert more pressure on NATO and EU nations.
A contract was apparently arranged by Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, to put an end to Wagner’s unsuccessful uprising against Moscow. Following this, Belarus reportedly received thousands of mercenary fighters.
Despite Minsk informing Warsaw of the drill, a border crossing occurred in eastern Bialowieza at a “very low altitude, making detection by radar systems difficult,” according to a statement from the Polish defence ministry.
Later, the ministry added, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak ordered the deployment of more soldiers and combat helicopters along the border.
According to the Belarusian defence ministry, “the Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters did not violate any airspace.”
The Polish military-political leadership made the absurd claims that the Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces had crossed Poland’s border in order to justify the augmentation of forces and equipment close to the border with Belarus, the ministry stated on Telegram.
The incident, which purportedly occurred south of the Suwalki gap, a 60-mile border that is strategically important to NATO, the EU, Russia, and Belarus, was reported by Poland to NATO.
The border region is the only overland link between the Baltic republics and the rest of the EU, connecting the Russian outpost of Kaliningrad to Belarus.
In a situation that is “becoming even more dangerous” as Russian-allied forces strive to strengthen their presence close to the NATO border, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated last week that Wagner mercenaries were travelling towards the Suwalki corridor via Grodno, a city in western Belarus.
The deputy foreign minister of Poland, Pawe Jaboski, said on Tuesday that there might “unfortunately” be other provocations from Russian and Belarusian military in the future.
At Lancaster University in northern England, Barbara Yoxon, a specialist in international politics, said Warsaw “views Belarus as complicit in the current European security crisis.”
In February 2022, Moscow invaded Ukraine via Belarusian territory, cementing relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Suwalki gap is a crucial aim for Putin’s government since it would create a direct link between Russia and Kaliningrad.
“Russia would be able to effectively block off the Baltic States from its NATO allies in central and western Europe by sending soldiers from both the west (Kaliningrad) and the east (Belarus). Putin might conceivably attack nations like Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia if this were to happen.
In response to Putin, who has historically attempted to undermine NATO expansion in Europe, the Western leaders of the organisation were forced to reevaluate their national security strategy as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
Yoxon continued, “If Russia sent soldiers to the Suwalki gap, it would probably set off an instant military response from other NATO nations, who would interpret it as a direct assault on its member states in the area.
Such a step “would signal Russia’s readiness to escalate its dispute with NATO to a full-scale war and risk a nuclear escalation on both sides.”
Separately, Warsaw summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland on Tuesday following claims made by a Polish foreign policy adviser that Kiev was being unappreciative of Poland’s assistance in exporting its grain.
In July, Russia pulled out of an agreement that guaranteed the secure sale of Ukrainian grain from southern ports in the area, driving up the price of wheat and putting pressure on the Global South nations who depend on the vital commodity.
Five EU nations—Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria—four of which border Ukraine—have relaxed the restrictions on the import of Ukrainian grain that they had put in place to safeguard their own agricultural businesses.
However, on Tuesday, Kyiv contacted the Polish ambassador after Marcin Przydacz, the head of the Presidential Office for International Policy, stated on Monday that Ukraine should “start appreciating what role Poland has played for Ukraine over the past months and years.”
According to Kyiv, “statements about the alleged ingratitude of the Ukrainians for the assistance of the Republic of Poland do not reflect reality and as such are unacceptable.”
olitical pragmatism,” emphasising that “no statements will prevent us from workin
Popular Ghanaian singer Efya Nocturnal expressed her dismay at the misunderstandings and assumptions surrounding her brand.
In a series of tweets on Monday, July 31, the “Super Super” singer addressed some pending issues and clarified her efforts that were being ridiculed.
Efya emphasized her dedication to giving her best in everything she does, ensuring the delivery of quality music and unforgettable experiences. Her commitment to her craft remains steadfast and unwavering.
“It is disheartening to be ridiculed based on misunderstandings and assumptions. I hope this thread provides clarity and sheds light on the intricacies of the music industry. Let us focus on celebrating each other’s achievements rather than perpetuating unnecessary controversies,” a tweet reads.
Her twitter posts were possibly a response to viral comments by artiste manager, Bulldog that Efya and R2Bees don’t share international stages with Nigerian artiste, Wizked despite being close friends with him.
“As an artist, I have a multifaceted career that encompasses my own music, projects, and obligations. While I value my friendship and artistic connection with Wizkid, I also have my own aspirations and commitments in the music industry. It is essential to strike a balance and prioritize professional growth and individual endeavours (sic).
Managing Director of the State Housing Company (SHC), Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, has stated that the Pokuase Housing Projects has been launched with a visionary focus on teacher unions, nurses, and other vital sectors.
He said this ambitious initiative aims to make the dream of affordable homeownership a reality, cementing its place as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
“We are targeting the teacher unions, nurses and other trade unions,” he noted.
Speaking to the media, he disclosed that research conducted so far indicates that 60% of Ghanaians would not be able to afford Houses under the project without government’s intervention.
The Pokuase Housing Project is an initiative by the Akufo-Addo-led administration. Houses under the project have specific price ceilings for different housing units, aiming to make homeownership more accessible to the public. The prices for various units are as follows (converted to dollars for reference).
These prices are payable in cedis at the prevailing exchange rate, and developers are prohibited from selling above the agreed price ceiling. However, they have the flexibility to sell units below the set prices.
Presiding judge in the case of huge sums of stolen monies from the residence of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, is demanding the presence of the two main suspects and the others before the court.
On Tuesday, August 2, 2023, during the court session, Mrs Appiah, the presiding judge, issued this order when the case was called, but the two domestic workers and other suspects arrested in connection with it failed to appear.
According to a report by The Chronicle, the police prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, stated that the accused persons could not appear in court because the investigators responsible for bringing them had been assigned to conduct additional investigations in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.
He also explained that the prosecution had so far made significant progress in the case, having also made two more arrests.
The prosecution was however tight-lipped on further details on who the two new suspects are.
He, however, said that there would be seven people standing trial in the case when it resumes sitting.
The judge, Mrs Appiah, ordered that the prosecution ensures that all the suspects appear during its next sitting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
The judge also declined bail applications filed by counsel for one of the former domestic workers, Patience Botwe, and her father, Kweku Botwe.
The report also added that Benjamin Sowah and Malik Dauda, all alleged lovers of Patience, were yet to have legal representation.
