Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is confident that one of government’s flagship programmes, One District One Factory is on course. He made these remarks during a presentation of the 2023 Mid-Year budget review on the floor of parliament.
He said “Mr. Speaker, in line with Government’s unwavering commitment to industrialization, the implementation of the flagship One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative is on course.
The minister is confident of its effectiveness as it has created over 160,000 jobs. Reports from the ministers outfit reveal that “As of June, 2023, 126 factories were operational nationwide. Over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, especially for the youth who have been mobilised to establish agro-processing factories in 58 districts.”
One District One factory is one of the flagship initiatives of the NPP government. It aims to create more jobs and promote industrilzation in the country.
It’s a private sector-led project where the government ensures that all the necessary conditions are made ready for the private sector to set up factories to add value to raw materials in respective districts.
Career stagnation can be frustrating, but with proactive strategies, you can overcome it and propel your career forward. Here are five tips to help you break free from career stagnation:
1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and passions. Identify areas where you excel and those that need improvement. Understanding your career goals and aspirations will help you plan your next steps more effectively.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define specific and achievable career objectives. Break down your goals into smaller milestones, creating a roadmap to track your progress. Having clear targets will give you a sense of direction and motivation to move forward.
3. Continuous Learning: Invest in your professional development by attending workshops, taking online courses, earning certifications, or pursuing higher education. Embracing a growth mindset and staying up-to-date with industry trends will enhance your skills and make you more valuable to employers.
4. Network and Seek Feedback: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, connecting with colleagues, and reaching out to mentors. Seek constructive feedback from peers and supervisors to identify areas for improvement and gain valuable insights into your performance.
5. Embrace Change and Take Initiative: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for challenging projects, propose new ideas, and seek opportunities for growth within your current organization. Embracing change and demonstrating initiative will make you stand out and open doors to new career prospects.
Remember, overcoming career stagnation requires dedication, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. By assessing your strengths, setting clear goals, investing in your skills, seeking feedback, and taking initiative, you can break free from stagnation and move towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.
The Organisers of the Humanitarian Awards Global have unveiled the list of nominees for the 2023 edition of the prestigious awards. Held annually, this ceremony serves as a platform to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that are making significant contributions to humanitarian causes.
The awards aim to recognize change makers, NGOs, SDG advocates, volunteer leaders, donors, organizations, philanthropists, corporations, social impact companies, and professionals who are dedicated to advancing the vital work of charity on a daily basis. By highlighting their exceptional efforts, the awards celebrate and commend the nominees for their extraordinary contributions in providing resources, leadership, and financial support that inspire generosity and bring hope to humanity.
Through this event, the organizers seek to shed light on the profound impact that these compassionate and philanthropic individuals and entities are making in their respective fields, inspiring others to join the cause and create positive change in the world.
The theme of the Award dubbed ‘Celebrating Change Makers’ will be putting the spotlight on these individuals and organizations which will not only
be celebrated but also build a strong platform for them by giving them a voice and opportunities while they continue to build a positive change in the world.
The Humanitarian Award Global board and the research team, have been at work, rigorously sifting through, meticulously reviewing and carefully analyzing over thousand submissions
The much-anticipated Awards event will be held on 28th October 2023 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
This year’s program will gather change-makers from thirty-three countries into Ghana as the host country to be celebrated.
The event is sponsored by M&C Group, St Philip Enterprise and supported by Bel Beverages, Bel AQua Mineral Water, Akwaaba Ushering Agency, Dd’s Cocktail and More, Tarragon Edge, Kobby Kyei News and Theglobalheroes.com
Baba Sadiq, the Founder of 3Music Network, has expressed his concern over the directive issued by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) that prohibits the use of celebrities in alcoholic beverage advertisements.
He believes that this directive is putting a constraint on the creative industry’s growth and opportunities.
Sadiq pointed out that the beverage industry had been a significant sponsor of creative content in the past, but the FDA’s restrictions have limited their ability to collaborate with celebrities for promotional campaigns.
This change in sponsorship dynamics could have a negative impact on the revenue generation and development of the creative sector, as it restricts potential partnerships with alcohol brands and hinders the industry’s ability to access financial support from this significant advertising source.
According to him, the regulation robs celebrities of potential sources of income and hampers the entertainment industry’s growth.
Mr. Sadiq raised these concerns at Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable in Accra.
“The beverages used to be the biggest sponsors of a lot of creative contents or creative experiences in town, but due to regulation and also their inability to get the full benefit… Today, even if you promised them [beverage companies] media for the experience that you’re creating, they’ll know that they will not get the full extent of it.”
“If it is an alcoholic brand, he knows that it cannot be seen at certain times. So first and foremost, he’s not actually getting the full benefit. So they’ll probably zero down and come down to the experiential benefit that they’ll get,” he said.
According to FDA guidelines, celebrities cannot be used to promote alcohol in any form.
As part of government efforts to protect minors from alcoholism, the policy aims to protect them.
Many industry players, including Baba Sidiq, say this move is detrimental to the showbiz industry.
Moreover, the time restrictions on beverage advertisements in the media also make it difficult for industry players to develop a suitable package for alcoholic drink producers.
AGN’s national president, Emeka Rollas, issued a statement revealing that the association had been closely observing Williams’ drug use since December of the previous year, leading to the ultimate decision to suspend him from their ranks.
The statement said Williams’ drug use had “gotten out of hand” and that he was now a danger to himself and other actors.
AGN in its statement said Williams had been allowed to seek treatment for his drug addiction, but that he had “defaulted on treatment.” As a result, the AGN said it had no choice but to suspend him indefinitely.
AGN said the suspension was “in the best interests of the guild and its members.” It said the AGN would continue to monitor Williams’ progress and would lift the suspension once he had completed treatment and was deemed to be drug-free.
Williams is a popular actor who has starred in several Nollywood films. He is known for his roles in action and thriller films.
The AGN’s decision to suspend Williams is a significant step in the fight against drug abuse in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Indeed, the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s decision to suspend Jerry Williams for drug abuse sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the industry, and there will be consequences for those who engage in it. This action by AGN reflects the growing awareness of drug abuse as a pressing issue in Nigeria and beyond.
As society becomes increasingly conscious of the detrimental effects of drug abuse on individuals and communities, we can expect to see more organizations and individuals taking proactive steps to address this problem. The fight against drug abuse is a collective effort, and actions like AGN’s suspension of Jerry Williams demonstrate the commitment of various entities to combat this issue and protect the well-being of individuals involved in the entertainment industry and the wider society. By raising awareness and taking decisive actions, we can foster a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, the National Theatre in Accra witnessed an overflowing audience, eagerly gathering for the highly anticipated stage play titled ‘The Dilemma of a Ghost produced by Ghanaian actor Fifi Coleman.
Written by the renowned late Ghanaian playwright Ama Ata Aidoo, the play unfolded the captivating narrative of Ato Yawson, a Ghanaian man who repatriated from the United States accompanied by his American wife, Eulalie.
The couple’s marriage is marked by friction due to their cultural differences, prompting them to confront the challenge of harmonizing their distinct worlds in the stage play.
The captivating performance showcased a brilliant ensemble of Ghana’s finest actors, such as Fred Amugi, Fiifi Coleman, Brew Riverson Jr., and Naa Ashorkor, adding to the play’s allure and leaving the audience captivated by their exceptional talents.
In their outstanding portrayals, Fiifi Coleman and Naa Ashorkor skillfully brought to life the characters of Ato Yawson and Eulalie, respectively, in the stage play ‘The Dilemma of a Ghost.’
Their remarkable performances, along with the rest of the cast, left the audience utterly captivated by the compelling narrative, making it an enthralling and unforgettable theatrical experience.
The play was a critical and commercial success, and it would definitely be remembered as one of the highlights of the Ghanaian theatre season.
Ghanaians from all walks of life have gathered on Twitter to express their grievances about the current state of affairs in Ghana, with the hashtag #LifeHardUnderThisGovt.
The hashtag, believed to be sponsored by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has swiftly become a focal point for citizens to express their concerns and frustrations regarding the policies of the present government and their impact on daily life.
The social media sensation coincides with the day Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the highly anticipated 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.
The trending hashtag has allowed users to pinpoint specific instances where they feel let down by the government’s response to crucial issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
Prioritizing goals when you have a lot to achieve can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stay focused and make meaningful progress. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals effectively
Write Down All Your Goals: Start by making a comprehensive list of all the goals you want to achieve. This could include both short-term and long-term goals, personal and professional aspirations, and anything else you wish to accomplish.
2. Assess Importance and Urgency: Evaluate each goal based on its importance and urgency. Identify which goals are critical and need immediate attention, and which ones can be pursued later.
3. Set Specific and Realistic Targets: Break down each major goal into smaller, achievable targets. Be specific about what you want to accomplish and set realistic deadlines for each step.
4. Consider Impact and Alignment: Think about the potential impact of achieving each goal. Focus on goals that align with your values, long-term vision, and overall purpose in life.
5. Time and Resource Constraints: Be mindful of the time and resources required for each goal. If a goal demands significant time and resources, you might need to prioritize it differently.
6. Eliminate or Postpone Less Important Goals: If you have too many goals on your plate, consider eliminating or postponing some that are less important or don’t align with your current priorities.
7. Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize your goals using the Eisenhower Matrix, which divides tasks into four quadrants based on importance and urgency. Prioritize tasks in the “Important and Urgent” quadrant first.
8. Create a Schedule: Plan your days and weeks in advance, allocating time to work on specific goals. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
9. Stay Flexible: Priorities may change over time, so be open to adjusting your goals as circumstances evolve.
10. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. This will keep you motivated and reinforce your commitment to reaching your goals.
11. Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one goal at a time to maintain productivity and quality in your efforts.
12. Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Ensuring you have the energy and focus needed to work on your goals is crucial.
Remember, it’s okay to take one step at a time. Prioritizing goals is about making intentional choices and maintaining a balance between ambition and practicality. Stay committed and be patient with yourself as you work towards achieving your aspirations.
This remark came in response to a video featuring actor Kwaku Manu offering advice to the public, emphasizing the significance of humility and citing some respected Ghanaian businessmen as role models of down-to-earth individuals.
While Kwaku Manu refrained from naming names in the video, Oboy Siki implied that the advice was directed at LilWin, indicating his belief that LilWin could benefit from adopting a more humble attitude.
“He should have mentioned Kwadwo’s name while giving this advice,” said Oboy Siki in the video shared by GhPage.
This led to a discussion on the show, with one of the hosts questioning whether LilWin is genuinely arrogant.
“But Kwadwo is not really arrogant; or?” said the co-host.
Oboy Siki retorted, insisting that LilWin’s arrogance was what Kwaku Manu had addressed in his advice.
“Kwadwo Nkansah is not arrogant?” Oboy Siki asked. “It’s his arrogance Kwaku Manu is talking about. Do you know how arrogant he (LilWin) is? Everyone should tag Kwadwo and tell him Kwaku Manu has shared a piece of advice and it’s meant for him.”
The cause of Kwaku Manu’s video remains unclear, and GhanaWeb cannot confirm whether LilWin was the intended target. However, there have been speculations of friction between LilWin and Kwaku Manu, adding weight to Oboy Siki’s statement.
Ghanaian hip-hop artiste, Pappy Kojo, has declared that he is Nigerian and has always known his culture is Nigerian.
Using his Twitter account, he posted an audio announcement.
According to Pappy Kojo, his curiosity about tracing his ancestors’ origins led him to take an ancestry DNA test. The test results revealed that he is of Nigerian descent, which made the hip-hop artiste happy and affirmed what he had always known – that he is not Ghanaian but Nigerian.
“Chale guys, I just did my DNA test; my ancestry thing, the DNA thing. I found out that I am actually a Nigerian. Omo, I am Nigerian oo. I always knew I am Nigerian”, Pappy Kojo said.
His post has aroused reactions from netizens.
A netizen known as EXpensive Gh Minister of Abandoned project commentated by saying that: “Your mother has something to explain to your father then… trust me”.
“We already know this on, and it’s not only you. Addo D, Ken Ofori Atta, Bawumia, Cecelia Dapaah, Gabby Orchtere, Ya’ll should leave Gh”, a netizen tweeted.
“Me naaa I knew… your comedic side gave it away”, Barima commented.
The ancestry DNA test has been in the system for some time now, and through that, a lot of people have been able to trace their true origin as well as find their lost relatives.
In a recent video, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) appear to inform the Russian people that various Russian cities will be attacked in less than a month.
The brief video, which was uploaded to the AFU StratCom Telegram channel, depicts a small cartoon child sobbing in front of a demolished house over a picture of a family holding a Ukrainian flag.
He transforms the drawing into a paper aeroplane, a drone, and eventually a fleet of drones.
Then, red lines are displayed travelling from various regions of Ukraine to locations in or occupied by Russia, such as Sevastopol and Melitopol.
Before the screen falls black and the date August 24 is displayed, one last red line is displayed connecting Kyiv to Moscow.
On that day, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, which honours the day in 1991 when the nation gained its independence from the Soviet Union.
Threats of attacks on Kyiv marked the day the previous year, and some city residents fled the area.
The year of retribution continues, according to AFU StratCom’s caption in Ukrainian for the video. The dates are flexible.
“And the outcome is still there—the suffering and tragedy of the occupiers.”
There were no fatalities, according to the city’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin, although two office tower facades sustained “slight damage.”
Zelensky did not confirm or deny that Ukraine was responsible for the strikes, but he did state in his nightly speech that the war was gradually returning to Russian soil, including its military sites and symbolic centres, and that this was a natural, unavoidable process that was entirely fair.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in a candid introspection, has revealed that the year 2022 proved to be the most challenging period of his tenure as a Minister.
Reflecting on the year, while delivering the Mid-Year Budget Review, he said the year was characterised by economic uncertainties and despondency.
“2022 has been a year of brutal inflation. It has been the most difficult year for me as a Minister because the country was going through economic uncertainties and despondency,” he confessed.
The Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, delivered on July 31, 2024, is in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
The Mid-Year Budget Review serves as a crucial stepping stone, enabling the government to embark on a transformative economic agenda for the latter half of the year.
According to the Finance Ministry, the Mid-Year Budget Review will lay out essential programmes and policies aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, while propelling economic growth.
Unaware customers were startled when Prince William showed up as the waitress distributing vegetarian burgers at a food truck in London.
The meat-free burger was constructed using the environmental solutions of the 2022 winners of The Earthshot Prize in a collaboration between the British heir to the throne and YouTube channel Sorted Food.
In a video posted to the channel on Sunday, the Sorted Food team was seen cooking the burgers with Earthshot supplies Prince William had given them, before going outside to serve diners from a food truck.
Four Earthshot burgers were ordered by a team member, and as the “chef” turned around to answer, gasping diners saw that it was Prince William.
One of the women in the video said, “Of all the things I was expecting, it was not that,” and afterwards enquired of others, “What just happened?”
One man continued, “My brain took about three seconds to buffer.” Is this a dream? Have I had enough rest?
Another customer said, “I was at a loss for words.
Customers were informed by William that the Earthshot Prize, a 10-year initiative he created in 2020, seeks to “repair and restore the planet.”
The award honours those who have made significant contributions to the environment in five categories: “Protect and Restore Nature,” “Clean Our Air,” “Revive Our Oceans,” “Build a Waste Free World,” and “Fix Our Climate.”
Prince William’s presence at Sorted Food’s studio and food truck was a “pinch me” moment, according to Jamie Spafford, co-founder of the company. “Hearing him explain how passionate he is about helping the planet and what the Earthshot Prize is doing was incredibly inspiring, and has already given us a lot of ideas for future projects to work on with our community,” Jamie Spafford said in the release.
Utilising veggies that would typically be cultivated in Kheyti’s Greenhouse-in-a-Box, the Sorted Food team created plant-based burgers. According to the prize’s website, the invention of the Indian start-up is intended for small-holding farmers and provides protection for their crops from erratic weather and harmful pests.
After that, the team prepared the meal on Mukuru Clean Stoves, which Charlot Magayi introduced to Kenya in 2017. The webpage for the prize claims that when burning, they emit 90% less pollution than an open fire and 70% less than a conventional cookstove.
After that, the burgers were served in Notpla food boxes, which are composed of plants and seaweed rather than plastic.
The major teaching union‘s members have agreed to a 6.5% wage increase for English instructors and approved the end of strikes.
According to the National Education Union (NEU), 86% of its participants in a ballot in England opted to accept the resolution of the pay conflict.
60% of respondents indicated that they were in favour of ending the strike.
Since February, eight days of strikes by NEU teacher members have been held in public schools over a salary dispute.
The general secretaries of four education unions advised members to accept the 6.5% wage increase for teachers in England that was provided earlier this month. The unions had been planning additional walkouts during the upcoming fall semester.
95% of NEU teacher members in England who participated in a re-ballot on strike action that began in May before the salary offer was made, with a turnout of 53%, approved extending the union’s strike mandate for an additional six months.
However, the NEU has stated that additional wage-related strike action would no longer take place in the autumn semester as a result of the electronic ballot result on the Government‘s 6.5% pay offer for 2023–24.
85% of NEU support staff members in England who participated in a computerised poll also decided to accept the pay offer, with a turnout of 46%.
On July 13, the Government decided to carry with the STRB’s recommendation to increase teacher pay in England by 6.5% starting in September of this year.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in England has already voted for its members to accept the wage increase beginning in September.
On Monday, it’s anticipated that the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the NASUWT teachers’ union will make public the replies of their respective memberships to the compensation offer.
According to the government, the 6.5% wage increase for teachers will be “fully funded” with an additional £525 million for schools in 2023–2024 and another £900 million in 2024–2025.
Since the salary hike is just for teachers in English public schools, sixth-form college teachers were not included in the NEU’s electronic consultation.
‘As a democratic union, the NEU leadership assured members that any compensation and funding offer made by the government that called for their attention would be placed to them,’ stated Dr. Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, joint general secretaries of the NEU. Several members have spoken up loud and clear.
“The NEU submissions to the STRB significantly altered the Government’s stance on funding and pay,” said one NEU representative. The strike action that our workers participated in also changed the balance, securing the biggest pay award in more than 30 years. Members should be pleased with themselves for securing additional cash for schools.
They continued, “The Government should have no doubt that we will keep it accountable for providing for teachers and support staff in terms of workload and funding, and we will continue to represent the profession in further STRB discussions.
The NEU continues to believe that funding for schools and colleges is woefully inadequate. The NEU is still committed to pushing for more salary raises for teachers.
Everyone in the community of schools and colleges deserves an educational system that draws and retains teaching personnel and one that makes sure every kid receives the care and assistance they need. We won’t give up on our fight for a better-funded educational system.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is before the 8th Parliament of the 4th republic to president the 2023 mid-year budget review.
Originally slated for July 27, 2023, the presentation was rescheduled to July 25, 2023, only to be cancelled.
“In accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2023 Financial Year, is expected to be presented to Parliament on Monday, 31st July 2023,” the Finance Ministry announced in a statement.
The presentation will provide an update on the implementation of the 2023 Budget, with insights into the economic and fiscal performance for the first half of the year.
Ghanaian comedian Lekzy DeComic expressed concern about the involvement of middlemen in corporate institutions, making it challenging for creative brands to seek sponsorship.
During the third edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable at Labadi Beach Hotel on July 29, 2023, he shared his personal experience with companies where middlemen took ‘kickbacks,’ leaving him with insufficient funds to support his comedy show.
Lekzy DeComic emphasized that the involvement of middlemen in sponsorship deals adversely impacts event organizers, including himself, and hinders their ability to execute their work effectively. The practice of middlemen taking ‘kickbacks’ from sponsorship funds leaves event organizers with inadequate financial resources to properly plan and host their events, creating obstacles in delivering successful and impactful shows. Lekzy’s concern reflects the broader challenges faced by creative individuals and brands in securing fair and transparent sponsorship arrangements to support their artistic endeavors.
“Do corporate entities in this country actually know that sometimes when we come to them for them to sponsor us, the budget we write on our proposal, they have certain individuals in their company who will tell you to top it up a little so they could forward it to the topmost bosses. Before the budget comes to you they tell you their bosses didn’t even agree to the figures,” he said.
He added that there have been instances where after the show, when they went for their money and the original amount has been totally slashed down.
“They have been instances that you will finish the show, you go back and find out the money that was supposed to be 100, 000 cedis that came down to 80,000 cedis, that reduced to 50,000 cedis, finally they are telling you that they can only do 20,000 cedis,” he noted.
According to Lekzy they are unable to go back to complain to the topmost bosses because they would still need that little money to fund their show.
Responding to him, Procurement Expert, Kobina Atta-Bedu, said that it is unethical to take ‘kickback’.
“We have what we call Code of Business Conduct. If you deal with an organisation that I work in and anybody says that to you, come and tell me. I will get the person fired the next day.
There is opportunity for corruption. And for corruption to perpetuate it is not a one person activity. It is normally a clique. And for business people if you don’t identify that clique and break it, your business will suffer,” he said.
‘Showbiz Roundtable’ is a Joy FM event comprising an assembly of creative arts people, held periodically to address thought leadership conversations.
Lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Center for Policy & Education (Imani Africa) Kofi Bentil has expressed his curiosity regarding the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) substantial losses, as the bank, in its announcement, stated that it does not engage in trading activities like commercial banks.
In 2022, the Bank of Ghana disclosed a loss of GHC 55.12 billion, primarily attributed to the implementation of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). The program was initiated to restructure the Government’s domestic debt during an economic crisis, aiming to achieve debt sustainability and fulfill the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.
As an example, the bank reported experiencing a 50% reduction in the value of Government financial instruments, including long-term stocks, COVID-19 bonds, and overdrafts.
“I’m having a hard time understanding how you can make such losses when you don’t trade like a commercial bank, please explain again slowly so I can understand,” he demanded on social media.
“Of course central can run into ‘profit’ and ‘loss’. Central banks can earn income from various sources, such as the interest earned from holding government securities or income generated from foreign exchange reserves.
Nonetheless, any income generated by a central bank usually goes toward supporting its stated objectives and maintaining its operations, rather than being distributed as profits to shareholders or investors.
‘In the case of Ghana, your reserves are in the negatives and government securities are used in paying debts. So what do you expect from the BoG? Loss?” Fidelis Abagulum replied.
The announcement of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on the losses it made in 2022 continues to generate discussions on both social media and mainstream media.
At least four persons have died as a result of a Russian missile attack on a home in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Images from the scene show a massive hole that spans from the fourth to the ninth floors of the apartment building, with black smoke rising out of it.
‘A 45-year-old mother and a 10-year-old daughter’ were among the fatalities, according to a social media post by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Zelensky presidential office.
“International law will never succeed if the aggressor does not perceive a real power behind it,” he continued. Closing the Ukrainian skies with missile defence and air defence equipment is where the power starts.
Zelensky said in a statement shared on social media that the enemy has been obstinately bombing cities and city centres as well as shelling homes and other civilian objects in recent days.
However, we won’t be scared or broken by this dread. Saving our people is what we are doing.
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of last year, attacks on Kryvyi Rih have been extremely infrequent.
The significant exception occurred last month, when a missile strike that struck a five-story residential structure resulted in three fatalities and 25 injuries.
Three drone missile attacks on Moscow’s federal buildings were followed by this morning’s strike.
The façade of two office towers were “slightly damaged,” according to the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, but no one was hurt.
Although Zelensky did not explicitly affirm or deny that Ukraine was responsible for the strikes, he did state in his nightly speech that “gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia”—specifically, to its military bases and symbolic centres. He added that this process was inevitable, natural, and wholly fair.
Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed head of the forcibly annexed province, reported that two individuals were killed in a Ukrainian artillery strike in the partially held Donetsk region.
Pushilin claimed that during the shelling of Donetsk, the provincial capital, a bus had also been struck.
Amidst great anticipation, the latest limited series ‘Prophet Baddo’ from Lynx TV captivated the cinema world, leaving a lasting impact with its exclusive premiere at Silverbird Cinemas on Saturday, July 22.
The star-studded event witnessed the presence of numerous celebrities and industry insiders, making it a momentous occasion for the burgeoning digital TV station, Lynx TV, and its associated production company, Tigon Creative Studios. The glitzy affair not only showcased the high-quality content that Lynx TV and Tigon Creative Studios have to offer but also signaled their arrival and prominence in the entertainment industry.
Since its announcement on June 19th, the series has been creating a significant buzz, capturing the attention and interest of audiences. The news of popular actor Richmond Amoakoh, affectionately referred to as Lawyer Nti, assuming the lead role further intensified the excitement surrounding the project. As a seasoned actor and skilled writer, Richmond’s dual involvement as both the protagonist and the screenwriter added an extra layer of anticipation and elevated expectations for the series. Fans and viewers are eagerly looking forward to witnessing his talent and creative prowess unfold in this promising production.
‘Prophet Baddo’ explores the gripping tale of a seemingly ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The show’s premise revolves around a man’s desperate attempt to escape his troubles by transforming himself into an unexpected prophet.
The story promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending intensity and humor in a unique and captivating manner. With the brilliant performances of the ensemble cast, including Fiifi Coleman, Princess Nkrumah, Andy Tetteh, Andrew Tandoh, and Henry Agbai, viewers are in for a treat.
The premiere at Silverbird Cinemas saw a star-studded red carpet event, with actors and actresses from the series dazzling in their fashionable attire. Fans and followers gathered in excitement, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars and show their support for Lynx TV’s latest endeavor.
As the lights dimmed and the opening scenes rolled on the big screen, the audience was immediately drawn into the world of ‘Prophet Baddo.’ The enthralling narrative and the on-point performances kept everyone at the edge of their seats, eager to witness what would unfold in the subsequent episodes.
Speaking about the overwhelming response to the premiere, Lynx TV’s CEO expressed his gratitude and excitement. “We are thrilled to witness the incredible turnout and enthusiasm for ‘Prophet Baddo.’ It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are grateful to our viewers for their unwavering support. This marks the beginning of a new era for Lynx TV, and we promise to continue delivering top-notch content for our audience.”
Following the successful premiere at Silverbird Cinemas, ‘Prophet Baddo’ will be screened at the Golden Eagle Cinema in Kumasi tonight, fulfilling the excitement of audiences outside the capital city.
For those who couldn’t make it to the cinemas, the limited series will be available on Lynx TV’s platforms starting from tomorrow, July 23rd, 2023.
As the applause resonated through the cinema halls at the end of the premiere, ‘Prophet Baddo’ has undoubtedly set the stage for an entertaining and unforgettable television experience.
With its perfect blend of drama, humor, and gripping storytelling, it is destined to become a crowd favorite. So, get ready to embark on a thrilling journey with ‘Prophet Baddo,’ and witness the transformation of a random gentleman into an unexpected prophet.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has indicated that in the new Standing Orders yet to be implemented by Parliament, legislators will be mandated to recite the National pledge.
The Speaker made this known at the launch of the Citizen’s Bureau on Monday, July 31, 2023.
According to Speaker Bagbin, this will foster patriotism as the words of the national pledge will speak to lawmakers.
“We must demonstrate patriotism in what we do. That is why in the New Standing Orders, we have included the recitation of the national pledge.
Very important. Because if you are not patriotic, how can you lead. For him, it is imperative that leaders are true to the average Ghanaian they work for,” he said.
The objective of the Citizens Bureau is to facilitate engagements and information sharing between Parliament and Civil Society Organisations.
The Bureau is equally responsible for the formulation, implementation and reporting on Open Parliament Initiative under the Open Government Partnership.
Parliament has taken steps to holistically review the current Standing Orders which has been in operation since 2000.
It comes in response to a growing public demand for transparency and accountability, as well as a desire for Parliament to increase its oversight of the executive and other constitutional bodies.
Speaking to the Standing Orders Committee’s report on the review of the Standing Orders, MPs stated that Parliament, as a representative of the people, is thus obligated to respond to the call by adopting new rules to provide structural and procedural arrangements to deliver on its mandate effectively and efficiently.
Article 110(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992 provides that “subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may, by standing orders, regulate its own procedure”.
The First Parliament of the Fourth Republic developed and adopted the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana which regulated the proceedings of the House and its Committees, as well as, the privileges and immunities of the House and Members until its revision in November 2000.
According to the MPs, the expansion in the frontiers of democracy and good governance worldwide, coupled with changing trends in legislative practices and procedures, have necessitated a holistic revision of the current Standing Orders.
Russia is utilising games like Minecraft to instill pro-Kremlin beliefs in the minds of unknowing players while at war with Ukraine.
Nearly the entire video game industry unequivocally declared support for Ukraine when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. Russian teams were removed from EA’s sports games, and major publishers like Sony and Nintendo completely shut down their operations there.
President Vladimir Putin is promoting Russia’s own “cyberchampionship” gaming competition as a result of the country’s attempt to develop its own gaming sector.
According to reports, Russia is reportedly using video games, particularly Minecraft and Roblox, to disseminate information on its invasion of Ukraine.
Both games allow players to produce and edit their own content, making them undoubtedly the best options for guaranteeing that pro-Russian messaging can be spread to a large audience.
Not to mention, young kids who are perhaps less conversant with the specifics of the conflict are particularly fond of Minecraft and Roblox.
According to The New York Times, user-made environments like Roblox and Minecraft show Russian parades and have Russian flags flying over Ukrainian territory.
Even a Russian government official whose mother is a close ally of Putin sponsored and streamed one in-game Minecraft performance held to commemorate Russia Day.
Video games can be used to promote education, according to Putin, “within the framework of universal human values and within the framework of patriotism.”
A 2021 report by Wired claims that Roblox in particular has grown immensely popular in Russia in recent years, maybe as a result of the exodus of so many other games, and that it has turned into a haven for racists and anti-Semites.
Both Roblox Corporation and Microsoft, the company that owns Minecraft, have made no comments regarding the propagandistic usage of their products.
American singer Madonna has expressed her gratitude to her family and friends for their unwavering support during her recent hospitalization due to a severe bacterial infection, which landed her in intensive care (ICU) last month.
Taking to social media, the singer shared an update, stating that she considers herself fortunate to be alive and credited the support from her loved ones for helping her through this challenging time.
“When the chips were down my children really showed up for me. It made all the difference,” she said.
The 64-year-old had previously said she was “on the road to recovery” after spending several days in the ICU.
She was due to begin a seven-month world tour in the coming weeks, but has had to postpone its start date by three months..
“Love from family and friends is the best medicine. One month out of the hospital and I can reflect,” the pop star said on Instagram on Sunday.
“As a mother you can really get caught up in the needs of your children and the seemingly endless giving. But when the chips were down my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before.”
Madonna went on to thank her friends for their “love and support” in the post, which features a photo of her hugging her son David and another posing beside her daughter Lourdes.
She also shared an image of her holding a Polaroid photograph which she revealed was taken by Andy Warhol of Keith Haring wearing a jacket with Michael Jackson’s face painted on it.
She described the three artists as a “perfect triangle of brilliance” who “touched so many lives including my own”.
‘Fortunate’ The singer thanked her manager Guy Oseary for the present, adding: “I sobbed when I opened this gift because I realised how lucky I am to be alive.
“And how fortunate I am to have known these people and so many others who are also gone.”
The post concluded: “And thank you to all my angels who protected me and let me stay to finish doing my work!”
In a previous statement earlier this month, Madonna said her plan was to reschedule the first leg of the tour, all in North America, and instead begin her Celebration Tour in the UK in October.
She had been due to start the greatest hits tour in Canada on 15 July. The European leg is scheduled to begin with four nights at London’s O2 Arena from 14 October.
In announcing the tour back in January, she told fans: “I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for.”
It was due to be her 12th tour, marking 40 years since the release of her first album.
American magazine Forbes lists her as the 45th richest self-made woman in the US with an estimated wealth of $580m (£460m) and says she has earned an estimated $1.2bn from tours.
Journalist and blogger Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah, well-known in showbiz as Attractive Mustapha, expressed his opinion of Lasmid becoming an independent artiste.
In an interview on Accra FM, he said Lasmid may jeopardize his career by attempting to engage in a feud with celebrated music producer Kaywa.
Attractive Mustapha advised Lasmid to refrain from engaging in public accusations and counter-accusations of ingratitude with Kaywa and instead, urged him to move forward, as it is Kaywa who has little to lose in this situation, while the musician’s career prospects may be influenced positively or negatively based on how he chooses to handle the matter.
According to him, Lasmid became successful when he was under Kaywa but might not even know the efforts made in secret or behind the scenes apart from the ones he is privy to that made him a household name.
“Moving on is not a crime, even people marry and get divorced. Great footballers like Messi and Ronaldo all do move on to new contracts that will help their career so moving on is not a crime”, he said.
He continued that the danger in moving on is that one has to try his or her best and make sure that after moving on they keep a clean sheet with former managers.
“Attempts to fight your former manager or talk back at your former manager may end your career because other potential managers are watching and taking notes of your emotional intelligence”, Attractive Mustapha said.
Twenty-four (24) Nigerian commercial sex workers were at the mercy of law enforcement agencies in Ghana after authorities apprehended them over their involvement in the sex trade.
They have been penalised by the La District Court with fines for engaging in solicitation of sex in Osu, Accra, in contrast with the laws of the state.
The individuals involved are Favour David, 20, Nancy Victor, 23, Angel Isaiah, 23, Gloria Uyi, 27, Chukwuma Olivia Chinyere, 22, Jennifer James, 27, Matilda Samuel, 28, Ogbona Success, 23 and Ibeh Mary, 20.
Others are Berry Michael, 23, Angel Mbah, 23, Eze Jane, 23, Jenny Daniel, 23, Joy Timothy, 24, Comfort James, 23, Eze Kelly, 24, Lilian Ikpomwosa, 26 and Joy Bolle, 22.
Each of the accused individuals admitted guilt to the charge of soliciting or importuning by a prostitute, thus, the Court convicted them on their own plea.
The Court also ordered the deportation of the convicts back to their home country. The Court instructed the Police to collaborate with the Ghana Immigration Service in facilitating the deportation of all the convicts.
According to Police Chief Inspector Doris Darko’s presentation, all the convicts were of Nigerian nationality.
The prosecution stated that Osu, a suburb of Accra, has been witnessing an influx of the convicts engaging in solicitation and importuning as prostitutes, leading to disturbances and inconvenience for the local community.
According to the statement, on July 23, 2023, at approximately 10:00pm, the Police conducted an operation to crackdown on the activities of the commercial sex workers apprehended from different locations within Osu while soliciting and importuning as prostitutes.
The prosecution stated that during the investigation, the accused individuals confessed to the offense in their caution statements.
Stamps without a barcode won’t be accepted for postage after today.
A scannable barcode will now be present on every stamp as part of a new initiative to digitalize them.
In February of last year, barcoded stamps were introduced, enabling users to view additional content like movies and messages from senders.
The plan, according to Royal Mail, will increase productivity and incorporate more “security features.” In the future, the technology is anticipated to advance and find new applications.
In order to allow individuals more time to use them up, the expiration date for stamps without a barcode was extended by six months from the initial end-of-January date.
Old-style stamps, however, will be considered to have inadequate postage as of tomorrow, August 1, and will incur a £1.10 fee.
However, anyone who still has stamps without a barcode can still trade them in for fresh ones.
By printing and completing this Stamp Swap Out form, you can exchange up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps if you have a printer.
No other address information or postcode is required; simply write “Freepost SWAP OUT” on the envelope and include the form with your stamps to send it without paying postage.
Use the Bulk Stamp Swap Out form if you have a printer and more than £200 worth of stamps to exchange.
It needs to be delivered to the following address: Royal Mail, Swap Out, Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9PB.
By filling out this form, you can ask for a Stamp Swap Out form to be mailed to you if you don’t have access to a printer.
Forms for stamp exchanges can also be obtained at the customer service desk at your neighbourhood delivery offices.
At a post office, you cannot directly exchange your stamps.
The Queen’s face-themed barcoded stamps are still in use. In April, the first stamps bearing the image of King Charles were made available.
Due to the inevitable discontinuation of the Queen’s stamps, we will likely see two monarchs on our post for a number of years, which is unusual given how long it has been.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has advised graduates to resist the unhealthy temptation of utilising leadership positions to advance personal or partisan interests that could be detrimental to the organization or the nation they are entrusted to serve.
“You should also not use your leadership roles to victimise and settle personal scores but must unite and develop our country,” he added.
The former President made the remarks at the 2023 graduation ceremony of the Academic City University College in Accra.
“Do not join these self-centred models of leadership, but I expect you to provide leadership that will strengthen the public service, promote competent-based staff engagement and strengthen systems in both the public and private sectors,” he added.
He urged the graduates to prepare themselves for the leadership tasks, use their developed competence to provide leadership in solving challenges at home, church, workplaces and wherever they may find themselves.
Former President Mahama said leadership was full of challenges and whoever wanted to be a leader could not escape them, adding that leadership was exciting where one focused and pursued a noble agenda that sought to serve the best interest of the people.
He urged them to embrace the values of hard work, honesty, compassion, tenacity and patriotism in whatever they do.
Mr Dev Varyani, the Founder of Academic City University College, said, “Our unwavering commitment to fostering a rich learning environment centered around STEAM, Entrepreneurship, and Ethics, has truly shaped a winning formula for any student who joins our academic family.”
He said these past four years had been a journey of growth, self-discovery, and academic excellence.
The Founder said the skills and connections you had forged here would undoubtedly propel their careers and pave the way for their dreams to be fulfilled.
“As you step out into the world, armed with the knowledge, passion, and determination you have acquired, take your exciting ideas and innovations to the global stage. Make your country and your college proud by leaving an impact on society,” he added.
He said Professor Fred McBagonluri, the Founding President of Academic City, had been instrumental in propelling the young University to contend admirably with well-established institutions in the region due to his excellent leadership and guidance.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to providing unwavering support to the institution, ensuring that it reached new heights.
“Together, we will continue to ascend towards success and have a significant impact on education,” he said.
Prof McBagonluri said the University had fostered and shaped the students to become individuals, who were resilient, compassionate, and intellectually inquisitive.
“We have faith in your capacity to have a significant effect on the world around you,” he said.
He urged them to embrace naive optimism, view setbacks as stepping stones, cultivate meaningful relationships, and engage in playful disarray.
The Overall Best graduating student award went to Ms Daniella Ishioma Omenogor, a Computational science Student.
Management of the defunct gold trading company, Menzgold, has assured its customers that it will soon settle the debts owed them.
Menzgold issued a statement dated July 29, 2023, announcing the successful completion of their transaction validation process.
According to the statement, traders who made investments with Menzgold will soon have the opportunity to check the status of their validated transactions digitally.
They will be able to see if their claims have been approved and receive information about the specific date on which they can expect to receive their payments.
“Following the gold trading transaction claims supporting document collection and vetting exercise initiated, we are happy to announce that validation has successfully been completed,” Menzgold said in its statement.
According to Menzgold, traders will be granted access to digitally check their validated status and payment date.
“In a few days, traders will be granted access to digitally check their validated transaction status and an exact, individually scheduled binding payment date,” Menzgold promised.
In 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ordered Menzgold to cease its gold trading operations and shut down its business for violating financial regulations.
The company’s shutdown led to a crisis as customers were unable to access their invested funds or receive the promised returns.
Many customers lost substantial amounts of money, and protests erupted as they demanded the return of their investments.
Nana Appiah Mensah, the CEO of Menzgold, faced legal challenges and was arrested in Dubai in 2018 on charges of fraud.
He was later extradited to Ghana, where he faced additional legal proceedings.
However , the aggrieved customers petitioned the government to ensure their locked up funds are released to them with some accusing the government of being lackadaisical in its prosecution of the embattled Menzgold owner, Nana Appiah Mensah, widely known as NAM 1.
Gospel singer, Empress Gifty has strongly dismissed the notion that artistes who utilize promotional videos to advertise their events are considered cheap.
During her appearance as a guest on the United Showbiz Show, she explained that the prevalent use of various social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and others has fundamentally transformed event marketing into a more digitized realm, where the creation and dissemination of promotional videos on these platforms have become an increasingly relevant and effective strategy for gaining publicity.
“Even with the church now, if you are invited for a programme and you don’t do a promotional video, they don’t believe you will come for the event unless they see videos to confirm your commitments so that in the event that you don’t come as earlier agreed, they can use the video to hold you accountable.
“So for now, videos are part of the promotional strategies, at least in the new era that we are in. It’s not a matter of whether it’s in the contract or not. At first, it wasn’t but it is now. Besides, I don’t think it’s too much of a burden because it is also good for the artiste,” she stated.
The “Awiey3” singer advised other singers to critically evaluate all contracts offered to them before they agree. She urged them to be assertive and explain to organizers what they can and cannot do.
She explained, “As an artist, you need to check the contract from event organizers so that if there’s anything that you don’t agree to it or can’t do, you just let them know. For instance, if you can’t create three promotional videos for the event and can only do one, you should make them know and understand. “
A woman who was “loved by many” has received tributes following her weekend death in Plymouth.
Police were summoned to a home in Ilbert Street at around 4.15 p.m. on Saturday after receiving complaints of worries for the safety of a woman, and Hazel Huggins, 53, was discovered inside.
Emergency first aid was administered after officers forcibly entered the residence, but Hazel was pronounced dead on the scene.
On July 31, Bradley Huggins, 24, of Ilbert Street, Plymouth, is scheduled to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on a charge of murder.
It is assumed that they knew one another.
“Hazel was a bright shining light and loved by many,” claimed Hazel’s family. The family requests privacy at this time as they are grieving their loss.
As part of the sub-regional integration process of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people, Winneba, will in September 2023 host the Extra Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, in Ghana.
This would be the second time Ghana would host the ECOWAS Parliamentwhich convenes twice a year.
The 2023 First Ordinary Session of Parliament, opened on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Abuja and ended on Friday, May 26, 2023.
The session was convened under Article 21.1 of the Supplementary Act relating to the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, which provided that Parliament should meet twice a year in Ordinary Sessions to provide a platform to deliberate and strengthen Member States’ position on issues of regional and continental importance.
As provided for in Article 32 of the supplementary Act, the Session also provides the President of the ECOWAS Commission to present a general report on the implementation of the Community Work Programme to the Plenary.
This allows the House to be updated on developments in the Community and followed by debates, expressed opinions and recommendations.
Further, National Delegates also have the chance to present their country’s reports to inform the Body of unfolding developments in their respective Member States and the status of implementation of their community’s texts.
Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the Ghanaian delegation announced in Monrovia – Liberia at the end of a joint delocalized meeting, when he interacted with the media.
He explained that the Conference being hosted out of the capital would bring governance to the doorsteps of the people and create an opportunity for the region by way of putting it on the visibility map for development.
“This will also allow Member States not only to connect to build consensus towards ECOWAS Development but also an opportunity to travel outside the capital city to familiarise themselves with neighbour countries,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament and a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament, further told Journalists that international programmes created opportunities for growth, development and tourism; and Winneba being the capital of one of the Municipalities in the Central Region was more than ready to welcome the ECOWAS delegation.
According to him, the Session would also market the region, the Effutu Constituency and the city which was a coastal city for greater opportunities.
He maintained that such Sessions projected facilities towards development and urged his colleagues to push for more opportunities and take advantage of such possibilities.
“We cannot always over-concentrate in the capital cities; we need to move out and spread opportunity to the people,” he said.
The Effutu NPP Member of Parliament (MP), told Journalists from Member that this will not be the first of its kind, particularly when Winneba 2021 successfully hosted a delocalised meeting and an Extra Ordinary Session, and therefore a precedent had been set.
… “We are optimistic that this will be better than before. The Ghanaian government will put in place the necessary protocols for all MPs, focal persons and staff, security arrangements will be in place. Winneba, which is the capital of my constituency, is just an hour’s drive from Accra on a good road,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that Members were already used to that route with facilities going to be there to host them, adding “As I did indicate, we hope to make it a pleasurable time, profitable time for all; we encourage all of you to come and take part in the programme,” he said.
The tipping of a milk tanker last night caused udder chaos on a highway.
Last night, the milk-laden lorry was travelling down the A303 through Honiton, Devon, and Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Although it sent forth a flood of milk as it turned the Southfields roundabout, there were no cookies to be found.
Ilminster road police and firefighters responded to the incident, causing a brief closure of the road at Horton Cross.
After the milk soaked the road, Devon and Somerset Fire andRescue Servicehad to patch it up using specialised tools.
Officers were concerned that the milk would contaminate the ground and drainage systems by entering neighbouring sewers.
According to the authorities, environmental protection officers were called in to assist as they wiped up the milk and brought another van to decant it into.
The cross-county road police reported that no one complained or was hurt over the spilled milk.
The Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing and Road Safety Teams stated on Twitter/X, “Last night the A358 at Southfields RAB had to be closed while recovery agents worked to get this milk tanker back on all four wheels after it overturned.”
Thank goodness, nobody was hurt. Sorry for any inconvenience caused to drivers during the road closure.
Ahead of the 2023 Mid- Year Budget review, President and Founder of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has outlined eight reasons why the Akufo-Addo government cannot introduce new taxes.
In a Facebook post dated July 31, 2023, Cudjoe stated that one of the justifications for the government’s inability to introduce new taxes in the mid-year budget review is that taxation is an unproductive approach to generating revenue.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the introduction of new taxes by the government would have a detrimental impact on businesses and go against President Akufo-Addo’s pledge to shift the nation’s focus from taxation to production, as outlined in his manifesto.
Below are the reason the IMANI boss gave for the government not to introduce new taxes:
1.Some taxes imposed by the government is not only a lazy way of raising money to finance poorly thought policies and a very large and unproductive size of government, it drives millions of severely poor citizens further into extreme penury. These taxes a reverse of what was promised in the ruling NPP government’s manifesto- from taxation to production.
2. There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.—Robert A. Heinlein, 3. The wages of sin are death, but by the time taxes are taken out, it’s just sort of a tired feeling.—Paula Poundstone
4..Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keepsmoving, regulate it. And if it stopsmoving, subsidize it.– Ronald Reagan.
5. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.– P. J. O’Rourke
6. The real goal should be reduced government spending, rather than balanced budgets achieved by ever rising tax rates to cover ever rising spending.– Thomas Sowell
7. Which countries contain the most peaceful, the most moral, and the happiest people? Those people are found in the countries where the law least interferes with private affairs; where the government is least felt; where the individual has the greatest scope, and free opinion the greatest influence; where the administrative powers are fewest and simplest; where taxes are lightest and most nearly equal–Frederic Bastiat.
8. Elections should be held on April 16th- ( April 18th for Ghana??) the day after we pay our income taxes. That is one of the few things that might discourage politicians from being big spenders.–Thomas Sowell.
Ghanaian Highlife musician,KK Fosu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to his fellow musical colleagues, Samini and Kokoveli.
The celebration comes after both Samini and Kokoveli successfully completed their studies at the prestigious Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). This achievement highlights not only their musical talents but also their dedication to personal growth and academic excellence.
The trio made a significant impact on the music industry in the 2000s by releasing back-to-back hits. The trio had previously been a significant musical ensemble known as “Trinity.”
KK Fosu, who is very active in the music industry, commended his colleagues for starting a journey of academic excellence as they seek to influence the music industry with their knowledge.
“I thank God for guiding my brothers through this educational journey. I am delighted about the academic excellence, and I hope they come and impact the world, especially the Ghanaian music industry, with their knowledge,” he said in an interview.
KK Fosu added that the trio still shares strong ties and would soon collaborate on various musical projects in the near future.
Emmanuel Andrews Samini and Nathaniel Totimeh (Kokoveli), as they are known in real life, earned a 2nd Class Upper Honours in BSc. Project Management after their completion from GIMPA.
Social media users have congratulated the duo for the academic milestone and urged other musicians to follow their trajectory.
The public recognition bestowed upon Cpl Edward Opoku is not merely a consequence of a job promotion, but rather a result of the exceptional acts that have earned him such praise.
While serving as a lance corporal in the Ghana Prisons Service, this courageous individual went above and beyond to facilitate the apprehension of an escaped fugitive from the Ahinsan Camp Prison in Kumasi, located in the Ashanti Region.
As stated in a report by graphic.com.gh, Cpl Edward Opoku, with service number 11557, and also serving as a sound engineer with the Prison’s Master Piece Band, demonstrated exceptional professionalism and courage in his actions, leading to his well-deserved recognition.
The report dated December 3, 2022, said the officer, stationed in Accra, mentioned that he was en route to visit a friend in Asiwa, Kumasi. However, the journey came to an unexpected halt at Bomfa Akyiase, as the driver of the commercial vehicle he was traveling with decided to end the trip there.
Before he could proceed with his journey, he overheard some residents in the area discussing the arrest of a fugitive.
Further reports indicate that the officer was informed that the man had managed to escape from prison and was apprehended while attempting to steal a mobile phone in the community.
Despite the enraged residents’ near-lynching stance towards the fugitive, Cpl Opoku courageously took the risk and intervened, rescuing the escapee, but not without sustaining injuries himself in the process.
“I sustained injuries while trying to protect the fugitive. I feared for the life of the fugitive but the angry mob would not listen to me. had to show them my identification card at some point,” he said, the report added.
After successfully apprehending the fugitive, Cpl Edward Opoku proceeded to take him to the nearest police station located in Pemenase, a community situated after Bomfa Akyiase. However, the policemen at the station declined to receive the prisoner due to concerns that he might not withstand custody, given his weakened state from the beatings he endured. Cpl Edward Opoku then took it upon himself to bring the escapee to a medical facility, where both of them received the necessary medical attention.
Subsequently, Cpl Edward Opoku facilitated the transfer of the fugitive to the Kumasi Central Prison and later arranged for his relocation to the Prison’s headquarters in Accra, as mentioned in the report.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has stated that he is not a politician.
Despite his strong ties to the ruling party, Mr Otchere-Darko asserted that he does not identify himself as a politician.
He stated that his association is solely with the NPP, and being affiliated with the party doesn’t categorize him as a politician.
During an interview with Kwahu Ambassador, Odame Agyare, which was posted on Facebook on July 28, 2023, Gabby referred to himself as a public figure and a political strategist.
While the journalist was in the process of posing a question, he referred to Gabby as a politician, prompting Gabby to interject with the response, “I’m not a politician.”
“Yes, I’m a public figure; I have been a journalist, I have been on radio. I’ve been a political strategist. I have a political affiliation but I am not a politician,” he reiterated.
Showbiz critic, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, also known as BullGod has criticized Ghanaian artists for not taking advantage of international stages.
In a Facebook post, Bullgod alleged that R2Bees and Efya only enjoy leisure time with Nigerian artist Wizkid whenever he visits Ghana. He expressed his frustration at the fact that they haven’t utilized such opportunities to showcase their talents on international stages.
Bullgod questioned why Ghana missed out on being represented at WizKid’s sold-out concert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, which has a capacity of 62,850 people. He rhetorically asked what was wrong with the Ghanaian music industry.
“Again Ghana missed out on national duties at the 62,850-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, yesterday.
“What is wrong with us?,”
However, there was a quick confirmation that Ghanaian singer King Promise did perform at WizKid’s concert in London, contradicting Bullgod’s claim about Ghanaian artists missing out on the opportunity.
State police in New Mexico have charged a man and his 14-year-old son after a 13-year-old girl was reportedly slain using her father’s guns.
On July 28, while four young people were enjoying some music at 104 Cabresto Road in Questa, a town in Taos County, one of the boys pointed a gun at the female.
The youngster fired the trigger, killing the woman, before ‘dragging the female’s body outside’ and returning to the property, according to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
The teenager’s father, William Brown, 39, allegedly entered the home afterward, and both he and the son allegedly refused to leave when police arrived.
The 30-minute standoff was heated.
The child was eventually handcuffed by police and taken to Farmington’s San Juan Juvenile Detention Centre for booking.
The kid, who has not been named by officials, was accused of two charges of tampering with evidence and one open count of first-degree murder.
He is also charged with two charges of assault on a police officer, though the department gave no additional information.
The safety agency noted that Brown possessed the weapon and was charged with giving a youngster access to a firearm, which resulted in death.
The Taos County Detention Centre has received his booking.
The kid, who has not been named by officials, was accused of two charges of tampering with evidence and one open count of first-degree murder.
He is also charged with two charges of assault on a police officer, though the department gave no additional information.
The safety agency noted that Brown possessed the weapon and was charged with giving a youngster access to a firearm, which resulted in death.
The Taos County Detention Centre has received his booking.
According to the New Mexico State Police, out of respect for the victim’s family, her identity will not be disclosed.
The safety department announced that while the inquiry is ongoing, all information related to the matter would be given to the district attorney’s office.
John Anthony Ortega, the mayor of Questa Village, wrote on Facebook: “I am saddened by the tragedy that occurred yesterday.”
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families, neighbours, and First Responders who were impacted by it.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nigerian singer, Moonlight Africa, who recently experienced a distressing incident during his performance at a concert in Lagos.
According to witnesses who shared the incident on social media, Moonlight Afriqa appeared to be in high spirits while entertaining his fans, but suddenly slumped on stage, leaving everyone in shock and concern.
Thankfully, his attentive crew members quickly came to his aid and rushed him backstage for immediate medical attention.
During this unsettling moment, emergency medical personnel were called to the venue to attend to the singer, while his team tried their best to comfort the worried audience.
As of now, the cause of Moonlight Afriqa’s collapse remains uncertain, as no official statement regarding his health condition has been released by his team.
The incident has understandably sparked concerns among his fans, who are anxiously waiting for updates on his well-being.
We hope that Moonlight Afriqa receives the necessary care and attention and that he makes a swift and full recovery. May he find strength and support from his loved ones and fans during this challenging time.
Based on the most recent UK weather forecast, people should be prepared for a soggy week because nine days of rain are expected.
Forecasters have issued a warning to those who are currently spending their summer vacations at home, saying they may experience a washout.
The heatwave that has triggered wildfires and droughts around the world is still going strong, so while the UK faces heavy rain showers, Europe will continue to experience blistering temperatures.
Beginning on Sunday, July 30, Britain can anticipate showers and a chilly wind for nine straight days.
Greece and Italy‘s temperatures will continue to climb in the meanwhile.
The arrival of this weather coincides with the recent summer break for millions of kids from school.
The inclement weather may prevent thousands of families from taking planned excursions to the beaches and national parks in the UK.
The end of August is expected to bring ‘sometimes warmer’ weather, according to the Met Office.
A protracted dry and hot spell, it was noted, seemed improbable.
The driest weather is expected to be in sections of the West and South, while the North and North East will likely have cloudier skies and more frequent showers.
It will frequently be windy, more so than normal, and there may even be significant gusts. Most temperatures will be below average.
In the meantime, flames have been raging around Greece for more than two weeks, including outside the capital Athens and in Rhodes.
Fires have claimed the lives of five persons, including two firefighting pilots. The mercury has surpassed 40C.
Celebrations are in order for Nigerian music sensation, Davido, as he and his beloved wife, Chioma, joyfully welcome their second child, a baby boy.
The couple reportedly received this bundle of joy while they were in London, seeking some relaxation amid recent paternity controversies.
Close associates of the singer shared the news of the birth, prompting excitement and well-wishes from fans and admirers.
This momentous occasion marks the second child for Davido and Chioma, after the tragic loss of their first son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, due to an accidental drowning in their home.
The arrival of their new baby boy brings a mix of emotions for the couple, as they cherish the joy of a new life while still mourning the loss of their firstborn.
With this newest addition, Davido’s family now extends to four children, each from different mothers.
While the news has been circulating on social media and in the entertainment industry, the singer himself has yet to confirm the reports.
In the midst of this heartwarming news, messages of love and congratulations have been pouring in from friends, colleagues, and fans who share in the couple’s happiness for their growing family.
A former British miner who killed his wife in manslaughter has been imprisoned in Cyprus.
In their house on the island, Janice Hunter, his wife of 52 years, was suffocated by David Hunter, 76, after she ‘begged him’ to do so since she had blood cancer.
Hunter received a two-year prison term from the Paphos District Court judges; he has already completed the most of his sentence after spending 19 months in imprisonment.
According to Michael Polak, the director of Justice Abroad, the firm that is defending Hunter, a defendant in Cyprus will serve 10 months in jail for every year they are sentenced to.
He had been ruled not guilty by judges before of the more serious crime of premeditated murder.
In a case that is a legal first for the nation, Hunter’s defence team had argued that he should receive a suspended sentence.
Ritsa Pekri, the defence attorney, claimed last week that the defendant’s motivation was to “liberate his wife from all that she was going through due to her health conditions.”
According to testimony given in court, Mrs. Hunter’s “wish” was to pass away, and her husband “had only feelings of love for her.”
Hunter, of Ashington, Northumberland, testified during his lengthy trial—which lasted more than a year—that his wife ‘cried and begged’ him to end her life.
He sobbed as he declared that he “never in a million years” would have killed Mrs. Hunter unless she had requested him to.
He demonstrated to the court how he covered his wife’s mouth and nose while telling the jury that after she went “hysterical,” he ultimately chose to grant her desire.
He then allegedly tried to kill himself by overdosing, but doctors were able to save him.
According to Hunter’s legal team, he was formally calculated to be freed from imprisonment by Cypriot prison officials.
This weekend, eight clubgoers were sent to the hospital after an unidentified chemical substance left them struggling to breathe.
When Pop Works in Doncaster fled just before 5am on Sunday, witnesses estimated that 50 to 60 individuals were inside.
Awoman who was caught in the commotion reported that “everyone” around her was wheezing, coughing, and having trouble breathing.
Although the club’s managers appeared to imply the poison was released by ‘humans’ rather than a technical glitch, the reason of the incident is still unknown.
In order to get them to leave, bouncers allegedly sprinted to the dance floor, shouting at them while door personnel supplied them with water while they waited for ambulances.
According to authorities, none of the visitors who were transported to the hospital experienced “lasting effects.”
One person claimed that after being advised to “drink plenty of fluids,” the only treatment they ultimately need was a doctor’s recommendation to return if their symptoms grew worse.
As customers recovered on Doncaster’s Silver Street, water was brought to them.
South Yorkshire Police pleaded with anyone with information to come forward, saying: “We are looking into reports that a chemical substance was released inside a nightclub in Doncaster city centre in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, July 30).”
We received a call at 5 a.m. about several persons who were allegedly feeling ill at Pop Works on Silver Street.
Eight attendees at the event needed hospital care, although no one is believed to have suffered any long-term repercussions. The material that was released at the scene is currently the subject of our investigation.
‘On the early hours of Sunday morning around 04:55am we had to evacuate everyone out of the club, this was a big eye opener for us as a business and it was managed very professionally thank you to our door staff and management,’ Pop Works said in a statement.
We would like to express our regret to everyone who was present and participated in the tragedy.
“What a world we live in that people would make business more difficult than it is in this trade after Covid,” someone once said. We sincerely apologise.
After their ship in Turkey was swallowed by a storm, the passengers were left wailing and clinging to their seats.
Due to the erratic weather on Thursday afternoon, passengers on the DO Istanbul Fast Ferries boat reportedly fainted as the normally three-hour trip took more than four hours.
A storm on the Sea of Marmara jolted the boat as it travelled 83 kilometres north from Avşa Island to Istanbul.
A passenger claimed that wind and rain began to batter the boat approximately 15 minutes into the trip and continued for nearly 45 minutes, according to the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet.
They said, “It felt apocalyptic.”
At least four times when waves pounded the boat at around 3 o’clock, the skipper had to tell the passengers to calm down.
His remarks, however, did little to allay passengers’ anxieties as footage captured on board the ferry showed water entering it as passengers struggled to keep themselves from sliding overboard with each nauseating swing.
Waves from the ocean can be seen crashing into the drone as it is propelled up in footage posted by the online meteorological forum Hava Forum.
Fears of the ferry tipping over quickly increased as babies and little children wailed and the boat was forcefully rocked.
On that day, the inland sea was shaken by an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.1, according to the earthquake tracking website Volcano Discovery.
The ferry skipper declared that it was the ‘first time’ he had experienced such a storm in 15 years in his final statement before the boat successfully docked at the Avcilar Terminali port.
Severe motion sickness struck six travellers. There were no injuries recorded.
According to Hürriyet, the storm also caused havoc on a second ferry that was heading from Avşa to the southern Yenikap port.
According to the publication, some passengers “loudly prayed.”
A man who claims to be the first to have been to every nation on earth without taking a single flight or turning around to go home has finished his journey.
In his native Denmark’s harbour city of Aarhus, 44-year-old Torbjorn “Thor” Pedersen says he has just completed a 10-year voyage around the world that was totally completed by rail, bus, boat, and foot.
“I’ve been dreaming about coming back home and having it over with and done,” he said, describing his arrival as “bittersweet.” The day is over, then. I’m concerned about the future at the same time.
He said, “There are many things in the air and the unknown, mixed emotions.”
On October 10, 2013, Mr. Pedersen, who had previously worked in shipping and for the UN as a peacekeeper, left.
Had the pandemic not kept him in Hong Kong for two years, his voyage may have taken less time.
I figured it would take a total of no more than four years, maybe three and a half if I went a little quick, he added.
Le Gjerum, who flew out to see him and travel with him about 30 times during his journey, and he also kept up a long-distance romance.
Due to COVID-19, Ms. Gjerum, who is now his wife, said she admired her husband’s resilience but was looking forward to starting a “daily life together.”
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Graham Hughes, a British citizen, was the first person to travel to every nation without using an aeroplane; however, unlike Mr Pedersen, Mr Hughes made two home visits while on his journey.
Not all records have been broken this year, though.
Heidi Crowter, a resident of Coventry in the West Midlands, set a Guinness World Record earlier in June by recalling the birth dates of 70 celebrities in less than 180 seconds.
The Down’s syndrome-afflicted 27-year-old said: “I am feeling very proud of myself.” I have been writing a birthday list and practising a lot because I love to share my delight of birthdays with other people.
The oldest living dog in the world, Bobi, celebrated his 31st birthday with 100 guests a month earlier at his owner’s property in Portugal.
For the second time in 13 years, a woman in the US broke the record for the largest natural afro in April.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has indicated that his nation would be amenable to peace talks.
Russia and Ukraine have both previously stated that certain requirements must be completed before peace negotiations can begin.
In spite of the potential for retaliation over a Ukrainian attack on a vital road bridge to Crimea, Putin has now stated that African and Chinese initiatives might serve as the foundation for peace in Ukraine.
Although he said he hadn’t ruled out negotiations about Ukraine, he added that it would be challenging to put a ceasefire into effect because Ukraine is presently on the offensive, according to DW.
The notion of a ceasefire has been rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskybecause it would allow Russia to maintain authority over about one fifth of his nation’s land.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukraine attempted to assault Crimea with 25 drones over the course of one night, and nine of those drones crashed into the Black Sea.
2014 saw the annexation of Crimea by Russia; ever since, Ukraine has been waging war against Russia.
Attacks on the region have grown and become more frequent in recent weeks as Kiev attempts to retake Crimea.
According to Russian authorities, three Ukrainian drones were shot down above Moscow early on Sunday, destroying two office buildings.
Following the airstrike on Moscow, the Kremlin threatened to use nuclear weapons, with Putin loyalist and former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev stating that there is “simply no other way out.”
According to the MailOnline, he reportedly advised Kyiv to “pray to our warriors” so they won’t “allow the global nuclear fire to flare up.”
“Our Armed Forces protect the people of Russia and our land,” declared Medvedev in response to the enemy’s concerted counteroffensive.
“This is obvious to all moral individuals.” Beyond that, though, they also stop global war.
After all, under the terms of the directive issued by the Russian President on February 6, 2020, we would have to deploy nuclear weapons if we assumed that the [Ukrainians’] offensive, which had NATO‘s support, was successful and they had captured any of our territory.
Simply put, there is no other way out.
As a result, our adversaries must pray to our soldiers. They prevent a flare-up of the global nuclear fire.
The statement was made as Putin and other military leaders celebrated Russia’s Navy Day on Sunday with a parade off the coast and the addition of 30 new ships to the fleet.
A plane crash in Canada claimed the lives of six individuals.
After taking off the previous night from Springbank airport, the event took place just west of the city, in the highlands of Alberta, according to Calgary police.
There were five people riding with the pilot. They were flying in a single-engine Piper PA-32 and heading for Salmon Arm in the nearby British Columbia province.
A Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules plane was quickly ordered to hunt for the missing aircraft after the plane was reported overdue at 1AM on Saturday, according to officials.
The emergency locator transmitter was tracked by the search team to Mount Bogart, where it was determined that nobody had survived the crash.
It brings to mind the terrible two-year-old crash of a small plane carrying a “will you marry me?” banner.
The message was being followed by a 1974 Cessna 172 aircraft when it caught fire and crashed in Montreal’s Parc Dieppe.
Partygoers at the adjacent Osheaga Get Together music event witnessed the plane falling.
When the plane hit the ground, it bounced and spun before coming to a stop, according to evidence recovered from the crash site.
Gian Piero Ciambella, the pilot, was hurt, and one passenger perished. When his engine failed during a flight in 2016, he made an emergency landing in the city and received recognition for his “extraordinary piloting feat.”
Two more pilots perished earlier this week while battling flames on the Greek island of Evia, close to Athens. Their aircraft, which is believed to be a Canadair, crashed into a mountainside.
Locals described how nearly fifteen years ago to the day, a very identical tragedy also involved a Canadair jet claimed the lives of two men.
After Typhoon Doksuri, one of the strongest storms in years, dumped torrential rain throughout China and forecasters warned another storm with the intensity of a hurricane was on its way, tens of thousands of people evacuated their homes in Beijing.
Similar to much of the rest of the world, China is struggling with this summer’s harsh weather events. This year, heat waves seared China sooner than usual as global temperatures, ocean heat, and sea ice loss all broke records.
Doksuri ploughed into the coastal province of Fujian in the southeast late last week, weakening as it made its way north but dumping copious amounts of rain since Saturday on at least five northern Chinese provinces.
As of Sunday night, more than 31,000 individuals have left the Chinese capital, according to state television station CCTV. According to state news agency Xinhua, another 500,000 residents in the southern province of Fujian had to leave because of flooding.
According to CCTV, two people were killed by the storm and two more went missing while mushrooming in the northeastern Liaoning province.
According to the China Meteorological Administration on Monday, about 40 inches of rain are expected to fall on portions of the capital’s southwest and the nearby province of Hebei, perhaps breaking previous records for precipitation in Beijing.
Through Tuesday, there is a chance for more intense rain, raising worries of landslides and hazardous flooding.
In accordance with the country’s warning system, the weather signal was dropped to the second-highest level in some areas on Monday, but was at the highest level in nine Beijing districts. There were at least 95 other weather alerts issued nationwide.
Numerous railroads and highways in the capital were temporarily shut down as a result of the heavy rains, and residents were advised to stay inside.
According to CNN Weather, based on early data, Doksuri is the most potent typhoon to make landfall in China and the strongest storm to impact Fujian since Typhoon Saomi in 2006. Rita in 1972 was the storm that passed the closest and closest to Beijing.
At least 39 people were killed in the Philippines and sections of southern Taiwan before it made landfall in Fujian.
According to Xinhua, the flooding caused by the rains cost Fujian’s economy approximately $60 million ($428 million yuan) in direct economic losses. According to the state media agency, more than 151 hectares of crop failure occurred on more than 6,333 hectares of farmland in Fujian.
And the future holds little hope for relief. Authorities are getting ready for Khanun, the sixth typhoon predicted to hit China this year, as Doksuri winds down.
As Typhoon Khanun approaches, forecasters anticipate storm tides to affect Zhejiang’s coastal districts from Monday through Thursday. As a result, local authorities activated the lowest of four emergency reaction levels on Monday, according to Xinhua.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre has upgraded Khanun to a Category 3-equivalent typhoon as it intensifies in the Pacific Ocean. Over the next two days, it is expected to approach the southern Okinawa islands of Japan and start a lethargic trudge into the East China Sea.
From Monday through Wednesday, more than 200 domestic flights to and from Okinawa’s Naha, Miyako, and Ishigaki islands were cancelled, displacing approximately 30,000 people.
Asia, the largest and most populous continent in the world, is having to deal with the devastating consequences of summer’s harsh weather as its nations experience scorching heatwaves and monsoon rains that set records.
The neighbouring Korean peninsula is experiencing fatal heat waves while most of northeastern China is being swamped by rain.
According to data issued on Sunday by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), at least 10 people have passed away as a result of illnesses brought on by the heat in South Korea, which is suffering from a heat wave that has caused several areas of the country to see their highest temperatures this year.
In South Korea, flash floods and landslides killed at least 41 people just two weeks earlier, including at least 13 from a flooded subway that trapped cars in the downpour.
A total of 1,015 persons experienced heat-related illnesses this past weekend, which the KDCA classifies as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, cramps from the heat, syncope from the heat, and heat edoema.
Around 20% of individuals impacted by the heat were between the ages of 50 and 59, while more than 25% of those affected were 65 years of age or older.
According to the research, more than 35% of the incidents involved people who were engaged in outdoor activity, and 14% involved farms.
The majority of the country has been under heat wave warnings since late July as temperatures soared over the weekend to between 33 and 39 degrees Celsius (about 91 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit).
Many cities recorded their warmest day temperatures of the year on Saturday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures in Gyeongju reached 36.8 degrees Celsius (98.24 degrees Fahrenheit) while in Jeongseon county reached 36.1 degrees Celsius (96.98 degrees Fahrenheit).
Temperatures in the affluent Gangnam neighbourhood of Seoul reached 35.7 degrees Celsius (about 96.2 degrees Fahrenheit), while temperatures in North Gyeongsang Province reached 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.58 degrees Fahrenheit).
On Monday, a heat wave warning is still in effect, indicating that daily maximum temperatures are predicted to be 35 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two days.
Senior Russian official Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that if Ukraine’s counteroffensive is successful, Russia may be obliged to deploy nuclear weapons. This is the latest nuclear threat issued by President Vladimir Putin’s top backer during Moscow’s invasion.
Imagine for a moment suppose the NATO-supported offensive was successful and a portion of our land was captured. The Russian Presidential Decree’s provisions would therefore force us to use nuclear weapons, stated Medvedev, the deputy head of the Russian Security Council, in a Telegram post.
The former Russian leader continued, “There would just be no other way out.” “Our adversaries should beg our warriors to prevent the world from engulfing in nuclear conflagration.”
Throughout Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev, the Russian president from 2008 to 2012, has adopted a bellicose demeanour and frequently invoked the possibility of nuclear war.
He issued a nuclear warning last April should Sweden and Finland join NATO. Stockholm’s path to NATO membership was eased earlier this month after Turkey abandoned its objections, while Helsinki joined the defence alliance later that month.
In September, Medvedev claimed that Russia might protect Ukrainian territories that had been annexed by it with strategic nuclear weapons.
And in January, as NATO members discussed sending more weaponry to Ukraine, Medvedev warned that a loss for Russia in the fight may spark a nuclear exchange.
In January, Medvedev posted on Telegram that “the loss of a nuclear power in a conventional war can provoke the outbreak of a nuclear war.” “Nuclear powers don’t lose significant battles in which their future is at stake.
“Anyone should understand this. even to a Western politician with even a modicum of competence.
In a rare admission from a senior Russian official, Medvedev said in his speech on Sunday that Russia may eventually lose the war after nearly 18 months of attrition.
They also occurred just after the Russian Defence Ministry accused Kiev of launching a drone attack on Moscow. A corporate and shopping complex in the western part of the Russian capital was damaged, the ministry reported, despite the fact that three drones were intercepted on Sunday.
Both privately and publicly, notably during the previous UN General Assembly, the United States has already warned Russia against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Putin said last month that Russia had transferred a first batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, where they had been stationed for “deterrence.”
Putin stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Belarus would get the remaining tactical nuclear weapons from Russia “by the end of the summer or by the end of the year.”
According to the US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), there is “no reason to doubt” Putin’s assertion that Belarus has nuclear weapons.
However, Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the US State Department, stated at the time that the US had “not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture nor any indication Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon.”
Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, declared last month that he would use the Russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed on Belarusian land without “hesitation” in the event of assault.
Senior DIA officials, however, asserted that they did not think Lukashenko would be in charge of the arsenal. Russian authority over it would likely be total, according to the officials.
The Federation of American Scientists estimates that Russia possesses 4,477 deployed and reserve nuclear warheads, including around 1,900 tactical nuclear weapons.
The founder and leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, made a bold claim during a sermon to his congregation on Sunday.
He stated that he possesses the power to determine the outcome of events in Ghana. According to him, the country’s fate is influenced by his mood – whether he is content or angry – and that people should not underestimate his significance.
Rev. Owusu Bempah asserted that he is one of the spiritual and physical elders of Ghana, and he cannot be removed from the equation. He emphasized that if he were to be sidelined, the progress of the nation would be hindered.
“I would not talk much but what I’m saying is that there are elders in Ghana. And by God’s grace, I’m one of the elders. It is impossible to take me out of it both spiritually and physically.”
He claimed that his emotional state directly affects the state of the nation; if he is happy, Ghana would prosper, but if he is angry, the country would face troubles.
Despite acknowledging that he is not God, Rev. Owusu Bempah proclaimed himself as God’s prophet, suggesting that God has entrusted Ghana into his hands, regardless of whether the public agrees with this assertion or not.
This bold statement has likely garnered attention and sparked debates among Ghanaians about the role of religious leaders and their influence in the country’s affairs.
