TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Thousands including Britons, forced to flee as wildfire rages across Rhodes

    Thousands including Britons, forced to flee as wildfire rages across Rhodes

    More than 2,000 visitors and locals, including British tourists, had to be evacuated from beaches as Rhodes, a Greek island, continues to burn due to out-of-control wildfires.

    On Saturday, the coast guard received assistance from dozens of private boats to transport them to safety from four locations, including the south-eastern resorts of Kiotari and Lardos.

    As the five-day fire rages on, several have recounted ‘terrifying’ scenes of pandemonium, with power outages producing ‘chaos’ and a lack of information from travel firms.

    The blaze had previously been confined to the island’s mountainous centre before a change in wind caused it to veer towards the coast on the central-eastern side.

    Local media reported it threatened to engulf three hotels in the seaside village of Kiotari, which had already been emptied.

    Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said on Saturday that more wildfires could break out as temperatures are set to reach 45C on Sunday.

    Thomas Cook said 40 of its customers were at hotels in Lardos and Kiotari – the areas most affected by the fire.

    Greek television showed long queues of tourists dragging their luggage on foot, while smoke could be seen billowing in the background.

    Raging fires in Rhodes, Greece
    Smoke rises from a wildfire on the island of Rhodes (Picture: Reuters)

    Tourists described chaos on social media, with Paul Karlburgi writing: ‘Currently stranded in Rhodes escaping the wildfires on foot – left everything at the hotel and fled with towels across our faces.

    ‘My youngest just told me he doesn’t want to die. No news from any authorities. Terrifying situation here.’

    Corinne Watson, 42, who is holidaying with her husband and two sons, said she had only received one automated text message from Tui, telling her they were ‘sorry for any disruptions’.

    The mother-of-two said: ‘Our hotel has accepted some evacuees and hosted a few while other accommodation was found.

    ‘Power losses affecting the kitchens has caused chaos but hotel staff are working exceptionally hard to manage the situation – they must be very worried for their island.

    ‘Hotel staff [are] working flat out under desperate worry.’

    Smoke in Rhodes, Greece
    Smoke billows from a burnt hotel complex during a wildfire (Picture: AFP via Getty)

    However, she said Tui had offered a ‘poor service’ with no information on whether her area was safe or what to do in the event of an evacuation.

    Ms Watson, a local government worker from Cumbria, added: ‘Today the sky has rarely been blue and we have had the water planes above us frequently collecting from the sea.

    ‘Getting information is very difficult. Currently we are lucky, in a lovely hotel and hope it stays that way.

    ‘For others, both tourists and locals, it is awful and terrifying. I hope they bring them under control quickly with limited damage.’

    Sarah Roberts told the Telegraph she could see flames ‘lapping the hills’ as she and her family fled the five-star Mitsis Rodos Village Beach Hotel and Spa.

    She said: ‘People were still trying to take their suitcases along the beach, it was horrendous and stupid to see.

    ‘There was one tourist boat with one guy trying to board women and children but men were barging past and arguing, delaying the effort. It was horrific.’

    Simon Wheatley told the BBC: ‘We were told by police that we had to evacuate the building because the air was just unbreathable – it had turned bright orange and black above our heads.’

    Katie Piercefield-Holmes added it was ‘really quite terrifying’.

    A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: ‘We are monitoring closely the wildfires in Rhodes and are in touch with our customers who are on holiday there.

    ‘Our teams are in regular contact with our holidaymakers on the island currently as well as those about to depart to discuss their options.’

    There will be a brief respite in the heatwave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have said.

    Firefighting forces from eight EU countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Mr Artopios said.

    Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment.

    Both Tui and the Foreign Office have been approached for comment.

    Fires are common in Greece but hotter, drier and windy summers have turned the country into a tinderbox in recent years.

    Mr Artopios said the blaze in Rhodes is the most dangerous of several burning across Greece.

    One northwest of Athens and another near Sparta are easing, he said, although others may still erupt.

  • Three-week-old infant transported to the hospital when car hits a Ferrari

    Three-week-old infant transported to the hospital when car hits a Ferrari

    Following a collision between a Ford Fiesta and a Ferrari in Cheshire, a three-week-old infant was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

    Following the Friday evening crash, the Ferrari’s 34-year-old male driver was also brought to the hospital in the same condition.

    Around 5.05 p.m., the sports car and the baby-carrying Fiesta collided at the intersection of Manor Park Avenue and the A558 Daresbury Motorway outside of Runcorn.

    It had been joining the main road, while the Ferrari was travelling along the Expressway from the direction of Mersey Gateway.

    Cheshire Police have urged anyone who saw the crash between the two cars, both coloured dark grey, to come forward.

    Sergeant Andy Dennison said: ‘We’re keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading up to it.

    ‘The same goes for anyone with dash cam footage that may have captured events or prior driving of either vehicle leading up to the collision and the collision itself.’

  • Investigation into murder after an 18-year-old dies in hospital parking lot

    Investigation into murder after an 18-year-old dies in hospital parking lot

    A adolescent who was brought to the hospital by a member of the public died in the parking lot, prompting police to launch an investigation.

    Just after midnight on Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police received a call about an incident at a house in Bodmin, Cornwall.

    A number of people fled the scene while one, an 18-year-old guy, was critically hurt.

    He was taken to Bodmin Hospital by a member of the public, but he sadly died of his injuries in the car park.

    The victim has not yet been formally identified but his next of kin have been informed, police said.

    A 17-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

    A scene guard remains in the car park, but the hospital itself is open as usual.

    Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Wallace Street, Berrycombe Road, and the A389 between Cardell Road and Bodmin Hospital between 10pm Saturday July 22 and 1.30am on Sunday July 23.

    ‘We appreciate that this type of incident will come as a shock to the local community.

    ‘We ask that people refrain from speculating on social media and if you know anything that could assist with the investigation, that you contact the police immediately.’

    She also asked for anyone with CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage in the area the incident took place to get in touch.

  • Putin strengthens the National Guard to ‘coup-proof’ the Russian government

    Putin strengthens the National Guard to ‘coup-proof’ the Russian government

    The president of Russia has reorganised his special troops in response to mounting concerns about the allegiance of the nation’s senior officials.

    According to reports on Saturday, Vladimir Putin personally ordered the transfer of the Grom special forces unit from the Interior Ministry to the National Guard.

    About 7,000 men strong, Grom is well known for its aggressive operations against gangland activity.

    The National Guard, headed up by Mr Putin’s former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, is roughly 320,000 men strong and answers directly to the Russian president. Its former activities have largely centred on quashing anti-governmental protests. 

    Ben Noble, Associate Professor of Russian Politics at UCL, told The Telegraph the move represented an attempt to ‘coup-proof the Kremlin.’

    It’s exactly one month to the day after Yevgeny Prigozhin and members of his Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor, marched almost to Moscow in a rebellion against what it described as military failings in Ukraine. 

    Denouncing Prigozhin’s actions as ‘treasonous’, Mr Putin has since shown signs of concern over further signs of disquiet among senior members of the country’s military and security services. 

    In addition to the recent restructuring, the Russian president has also launched what appears to be an ongoing purge of defence officials, with up to 11 high-profile cannings in recent weeks.

    Last Monday, it emerged Major General Vladimir Seliverstov, a Russian paratrooper commander, had been removed from his post as head of the country’s 106th Guards Airborne division. 

    According to Washing DC-based think tank Institute for the Study of War, other fired generals include Major General Ivan Popov, who offered a scathing criticism of the country’s military leadership in a farewell speech to his troops. 

    Meanwhile, General Sergey Surovikin, a top military commander with links to the Wagner organisation, has not been seen since the rebellion took place. 

    US intelligence officials have reportedly claimed that Mr Surovikin likely had advance knowledge of Mr Prigozhin’s plans to stage his so-called ‘coup’ last month.

  • At least ‘two people killed’ and ‘multiple trapped’ as Greek bridge collapses

    At least ‘two people killed’ and ‘multiple trapped’ as Greek bridge collapses

    Based on reports, at least two persons have perished after a portion of a bridge collapsed on a highway in western Greece.

    Rescuers can be seen in video posted to social media at the scene of the accident in Patras, which happened close to a Roma settlement in the Haradro neighbourhood.

    According to reports from the local media, a number of Roma were killed when a building collapsed on them while they were seeking refuge from the heat under the bridge.

    There are fears a number of people are trapped under the large slabs of concrete.

    ‘We can confirm that the bridge collapsed. We are operating at the scene. There are people trapped but we don’t know the exact number,’ the fire brigade said.

    Rescue efforts are ongoing and dozens of firefighters can be seen sifting through the rubble.

    Several ambulances are already at the scene, while firefighters and police officers have been deployed from Athens to help.

    The bridge located at the entrance to the Ring Road has been under construction for two years.

    It remains unclear how the incident happened.

  • Russian airstrikes on Odesa result in one fatality, four injuries, and cathedral damage

    Russian airstrikes on Odesa result in one fatality, four injuries, and cathedral damage

    Russian missiles poured down on southern Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least one death and 22 injuries.

    Oleh Kiper, the regional governor, reported that 14 persons, including three children, were hospitalised as a result of the explosions in the Black Sea city of Odesa.

    Since the Kremlin cancelled the UN-backed grain accord, Vladimir Putin‘s soldiers have continued to target the major grain export hub.

    One missile hit the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century, destroyed under Stalin and then rebuilt in the early 2000s.

    This photograph taken on July 23, 2023, shows the destructed Transfiguration Cathedral as a result of a missile strike in Odesa, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine on Sunday said the death toll from overnight strikes by Russia on the port of Odesa rose to two, with 22 people wounded, including four children. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) (Photo by OLEKSANDR GIMANOV/AFP via Getty Images)
    Despite the damage, the building is still standing (Picture: AFP)
    A boy helps salvage items at the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral after it was heavily damaged in Russian missile attacks in Odesa, Ukraine, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
    A boy helps salvage items at the Transfiguration Cathedral (Picture: AP)

    Footage shared on Telegram shows the interior of the building partially destroyed, and a number of Orthodox shrines damaged.

    The floors can be seen covered in rubble and chunks ripped off the ornate walls.

    ‘The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless,’ Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk said.

    ‘All the windows and stucco moulding were blown out. There was a fragmentary fire, the part where icons and candles are sold in the church caught fire. It was all on fire, burning.’

    He said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a missile that penetrated the building down to the basement and caused significant damage.

    Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded.

    It is Odesa’s largest church and it is located in the city centre, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

    ‘The Kasperovska icon of the Mother of God, who is the patroness of Odesa, was retrieved from under the rubble,’ the administration said on its Telegram channel.

    Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a missile strike in Odesa, on July 23, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At least one person was killed and more than 15 wounded in a Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, the governor of the region said. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) (Photo by OLEKSANDR GIMANOV/AFP via Getty Images)
    Rescuers search for people trapped under rubble (Picture: AFP)
    Emergency workers walk through the rubble of apartment buildings in Odesa, Ukraine, Sunday, July 23, 2023, following Russian missile attacks. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
    Emergency workers walk through the rubble of apartment buildings in Odesa (Picture: AP)

    Six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were also destroyed in the attack.

    In central Odesa, some people became trapped in their apartments as a result of the damage.

    Rubble can be seen strewn in the street and partly blocking the road, and damage to power lines.

    Svitlana Molcharova was rescued by emergency workers, but after receiving first aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment.

    ‘I will stay here,’ the 85-year-old told rescuers.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and vowed that the enemy will ‘feel the retaliation’.

    Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s security council, said in a statement on Facebook: ‘The main purpose of Russia’s missile attacks on Odesa and the region is an attempt to cut off Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, and to use intimidation to prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the grain corridor.’

  • If $43m was spent desilting Odaw Basin, why are you surprised she has $1m – A Plus

    If $43m was spent desilting Odaw Basin, why are you surprised she has $1m – A Plus

    Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, a former musician turned political activist in a recent Facebook post on July 21, 2023, made serious allegations against Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in Ghana. A Plus claimed that there were large sums of alleged stolen money, both in foreign exchange and Ghana cedis, found at the minister’s home.

    A Plus pointed to the substantial amount of money spent by Cecilia Dapaah’s ministry on the desilting of the Odaw basin as evidence for his accusations. He suggested that it might not be surprising for her to have accumulated such wealth considering the expenses associated with the project.

    To support his claims, A Plus shared a video on his Facebook page featuring Cecilia Dapaah responding to a parliamentary sitting, where she addressed the Odaw River desilting project.

    In his post, A Plus captioned the video, insinuating a connection between the alleged stolen money and the significant amount spent on the Odaw basin desilting. He wrote, “Are you surprised that someone who spent 43 million dollars on the desilting of the Odaw basin has $1 million dollars and Koominini sitting in her house?”

    It’s essential to remember that these are serious allegations that can have far-reaching implications. Any accusations of corruption require a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

    According to an official charge sheet from an Accra Circuit Court, the brazen thefts occurred at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, over a three-month period from July to October 2022.

    The accused, identified as Patience and Sarah, are facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing involving staggering amounts of money.

    Not only were monetary assets stolen, but the accused also allegedly made off with personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, such as valuable clothes, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry. The stolen items amounted to a shocking value of GH¢95,000 and US$95,000.

    Further accusations involved Patience acting alone in the theft of cultural treasures, including six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband.

    The court has also charged three additional individuals in connection with the thefts, revealing the complexity of the case.

    The accused allegedly used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.

    The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations

  • Profile of Ablakwa’s wife

    Profile of Ablakwa’s wife

    “Behind every successful man” they say, “is a woman.” However, in the case of Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, it’s not just a woman. It’s “a beautiful woman with brains.”

    Nuhela Seidu, is the wife of the astute politician who for many years has contributed immensely to the development of Ghana’s democracy. 

    Recently, the Member of Parliament has actively been opposing the government’s agenda of constructing a national Cathedral; mainly because he firmly believes this is not the right time for such a project, especially when the country is still saddled with economic hardships. 

    He has also made claims backed by evidence suggesting that the project is fraught with corruption. In his attempt to fight the alleged corruption, the legislator has made some explosive allegations against Reverend Kusi Boateng who is the Secretary to the National Cathedral Board. 

    In an earlier revelation about the National Cathedral, Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that a whopping GH$2.6 million was dished out to a company named JNS Talent Centre Limited. Ablakwa’s investigations into the alleged payment led to the discovery of one Kwabena Adu Gyamfi as a director of JNS Talent Centre. Having confirmed the identities of two out of three directors of the centre, Ablakwa went on an expedition to discover the identity of the third director, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and it was revealed that Reverend Kusi Boateng was the identity behind the name.

    Rev Kusi Boateng has dragged Mr Ablakwa to court a number of times in a bid to redeem his reputation which he claims is being tarnished by the North Tongu MP, however, the attempts did not yield the expected results since the cases did not go in his favor.

    It has emerged that Nuhela Seidu, wife of North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudeto Ablakwa played a part in his recent court victory against Rev. Victor Kusi Biateng, an official of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees.

    Her name, along with Raphael Banaagmen, was listed in the final ruling delivered by the court as counsel for the lawmaker.

    Nuhela and her colleague were holding a brief for Thaddeus Sory, the substantive lawyer for the MP in his three-pronged legal battle against the clergyman.

    Ablakwa won a case in which Kusi Boateng had sought the court to restrict him from further publications of his personal details.

    The court, however, dismissed the case stating that the clergyman’s other name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, which he avers was an alias; was actually a separate individual hence the court ruled that he did not have locus standi to bring a case before it as the real identity of the plaintiff was not clear.

    It is the second case Ablakwa has won against Kusi Boateng after a contempt charge against the lawmaker for kicking court summons was thrown out weeks prior. The final case is a defamation suit the clergyman has brought against the MP.

    Who is Nuhela Seidu?

    Nuhela is a lawyer by training and used to appear on television programs like Law Express.

    She married Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in 2011 in what was said to be a “secret” wedding but which ended up being the talk of town.

    She is also the daughter of former NDC Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Hon. M.A. Seidu.

    In July 2022, she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley where she earned an LL.M. Degree & two certificates of specialisation in Business Law & Intellectual Property Law.

  • Man captured on CCTV stealing bedsheets, TV, other items from Airbnb in Ashaiman

    Man captured on CCTV stealing bedsheets, TV, other items from Airbnb in Ashaiman

    Social media is buzzing with frenzy following the emergence of a video depicting a man purportedly stealing various room items from a rented Airbnb accommodation in Accra.

    The alleged incident, said to have occurred in Ashaiman Lebanon, was recorded by the property’s CCTV cameras on both Thursday, July 20, 2023, and the following dawn on Friday.

    The post which was shared by Twitter user; Sikaofficial suggested that the said man who was named as Paul Arkoh in the description was a Nigerian.

    Per details in the post, the man paid for the usage of the place for 2 nights but left the premise around 2 am with items including a Television set, a blender, an iron and bedsheets which were in the room.

    The video captures the man wearing a green t-shirt and white shorts walking out of the house with what looked like a white bedsheet.

    The post has since generated a lot of reactions, some of which are captured in the tweet below.

  • Sarkodie spills the beans: Why he’s been riding solo for 18 epic years!

    Sarkodie spills the beans: Why he’s been riding solo for 18 epic years!

    Hey there, music enthusiasts! Today, we’ve got a scoop on the incredible Michael Owusu Addo a.k.a. Sarkodie, the Ghanaian rapper who’s been rockin’ the music scene for years!
    Sarkodie has finally spilled the beans on why he’s been sailing the music seas all on his own for nearly two decades!

    In an exclusive sit-down with the fabulous Angela Yee on her show, Way up with Angela Yee, Sarkodie dropped some truth bombs about his journey from the heart of Ghana to becoming a global icon.

    Angela Yee amongst several other questions, asked Sarkodie how has managed to attain global relevance as an independent artiste, with diehard fans worldwide.
    Turns out, Sarkodie came in through “the back door!” No, not like a sneaky cat burglar, but through social media and rap battles. He’s got mad skills, and his fans have been with him every step of the way.

    Despite the chance to sign with major labels, Sarkodie chose to stay independent. Why, you ask? He was all set to sign in the beginning, but his unique style had some doubters. So, he took matters into his own hands, funded his first video, and rocked the world with his unstoppable talent. Now, he’s an international superstar, and those who passed on him are probably kicking themselves!

    While he wouldn’t mind a helpful backbone, Sarkodie loves the freedom of doing things his way. He’s got the weight on his shoulders, but it’s all part of the thrill!
    Read a transcript of the interview below.


    Angela Yee: We have a very special guest from Ghana, let me say his name right, Sarkodie?
    Sarkodie: Sarkodie, yes. You got it right.
    Angela Yee: But we are going to call you Sark for the rest of the interview [Laughs].
    Sarkodie: I feel you. I understand [Smiling].
    Angela Yee: But welcome to “Way Up” with Angela, and I really appreciate having you here. You have such a huge following. Some people would say that you are the biggest artist from Ghana.
    Sarkodie: I don’t want to say that.
    Angela Yee: But some people would say that.
    Sarkodie: Yes.
    Angela Yee: Because you’re very humble. You’re also the first artist from Ghana to reach a million subscribers on YouTube.
    Sarkodie: That just happened. Big shout-outs to the fan base. They updated me on that. You know, I am really bad at keeping up with my own self, and I saw it on Twitter that I hit a million, which is great.
    Angela Yee: Wow! What is your secret to connecting with people that way that you have?
    Sarkodie: I think I came into the game by default, through the back door, meaning I didn’t come through media really. Because I was trying to literally come as a commercial artiste and have my songs on the radio, but it didn’t happen because the type of music I was doing at the time was not what was happening at the time. It was like super commercial high life music that was dominating, and I was rapping on sometimes kicks without no bass line, just raw, what I felt. So I had to take to social media, and that’s when I built a following. And I also used to do rap battles on a radio station in Ghana, so that kind of built followers because they used to vote every Saturday. I had to battle like over 20 something MCs and I kind of like came out on top all the time, yeah, so like…
    Angela Yee: That is pressure. Okay [laughs].
    Sarkodie: I built a following that cared about the journey because they were part of it from day one till now, so it’s a bit beyond just having a record; it’s more of like we know that’s our guy who’s sitting there, yeah.
    Angela Yee: … And to this day, you’re still independent, right?
    Sarkodie: Yes.
    Angela Yee: That is amazing for you to have accomplished even the international superstardom that you have being independent. You know, is there a situation where you feel like you would sign to a major label?
    Sarkodie: To be very honest, I really wanted to in the beginning, um I still would love to. I think partnership is good. It just has to make sense to you. Um so in the beginning, that’s what I was looking for. It started in Ghana, even in Ghana, I was looking for a label in Ghana because I’ve never been signed even in Ghana, so the type of music I was doing, as I said, people did not believe that I was going to sell, so I had to do stuff on my own. So just being able to do stuff and flipping back to back I got used to it, so it’s my own being stubborn, that’s why I don’t, I don’t involve people coming in.
    Angela Yee: Some people missed the bag then. Because I am sure those people that you had an opportunity to sign with, I know they’re like damn we missed the bag.
    Sarkodie: I know right. I know. And I still see a couple of them, but I think it’s just meant to be that you were supposed to be in charge of what you’re doing, and you can’t fight it because I didn’t understand why people did not want to sign me. Because there were a lot of people around them that I felt could have done better, but I always got passed on, you know? So then I had to do it myself. I paid my first video with my first pay cheque. I remember it was a beauty pageant in Ghana where I got my first pay cheque, and then I shot my first video with that. So then I built that flipping of money to date. So I’m used to it. I’m not saying that that’s the best way all the time.
    Angela Yee: (impressed) It just worked for you.
    Sarkodie: (reflective) Sometimes, you just need the weight off you, which I feel sometimes, that I wish I could have like a backbone that could take care of certain things I don’t have to think about too much because it’s a lot, being a creative person and also thinking about me being here, how to navigate my way around and all of that. So it’s pressure, but sometimes, I enjoy it…

    There you have it, folks! Sarkodie, the Ghanaian rap icon, on his epic voyage to stardom without a major label by his side.

    Source: The Indepenent Ghana

  • Private legal practitioner demands probe into source of Sanitation Minister’s stolen $1 million

    Private legal practitioner demands probe into source of Sanitation Minister’s stolen $1 million

    A private legal practitioner, Kwame Jantuah, has called on State investigative agencies to investigate the origin of the stolen $1 million and thousands of Euros belonging to Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffuor.

    The court is currently handling the case of two domestic employees of the couple, who are accused of stealing $1 million and 300,000 Euros, along with other belongings.

    While the court has not yet reached a final verdict on the issue, Mr. Jantuah holds the belief that investigating the source of the money will be instrumental in the ongoing fight against corruption.

    “If we are able to establish what work he (husband of the Minister) does and that work earns him this kind of money then the major thing there will be taxes. Has he evaded taxes? If it can be proven that this money is not the Minister’s own and she didn’t gain it unscrupulously and the money is genuine where her husband has worked and got that money, then it needs to be proven.”If we are able to establish what work he (husband of the Minister) does and that work earns him this kind of money then the major thing there will be taxes. Has he evaded taxes? If it can be proven that this money is not the Minister’s own and she didn’t gain it unscrupulously and the money is genuine where her husband has worked and got that money, then it needs to be proven.

    What I see there, nobody can hold anybody for keeping money in their house. It is the tax element,” Lawyer Jantuah said on the Weekly Review segment on Morning Starr on Starr FM Friday.

    He added: “It is open season and I’m not sure the court will ask because that is not what the case is about, it is about stolen money. So the authorities in this country, Special Prosecutor who looks at some of these things should ask the questions. GRA should ask the questions and let’s see where the truth lies. I wouldn’t want to hang somebody with the chain when I really don’t have the facts as to where that money is derived from.

    It could be for her husband, if it is for the Minister and if it is for both of them they should prove how that money was made. You cannot bring into Ghana a million dollars at the Airport, you will be questioned, and even when you transfer money into your account here, the bank that you transferred into has a responsibility to tell the Bank of Ghana that e person has put x amount of money in his account. If the Bank of Ghana questions you and you can’t prove the right source, the Bank of Ghana can seize it.

  • Meet Vicky Hammah, Former Deputy Minister sacked by Mahama for saying she wants to make $1m from Politics

    Meet Vicky Hammah, Former Deputy Minister sacked by Mahama for saying she wants to make $1m from Politics

    The country in November 2013, was hit with the ‘Vickyleaks saga’ that led to the dismissal of the Deputy Communications Minister in Mahama’s era.

    Victoria Hammah was sacked by the former president, John Dramani Mahama, after she was heard in a leaked tape making claims of how she would quit politics if she had $1million at hand.

    Her driver who is believed to have recorded the conversation that got leaked was arrested after the former Deputy Communications Minister’s dismissal.

    Although she claims to have respected Mahama’s decision, she felt she wasn’t given a fair hearing by the media.

    Read the full story originally published on November 8, 2013,

    President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, government announced in a statement issued on Friday morning.

    There’s a leaked tape on which a voice purported to be that of Victoria Hammah is heard telling a female interlocutor that she will not quit politics until she makes at least US$1m.

    The two ladies, who appeared to be traveling while having the gossipy conversation, are also heard on the leaked secret audio tape harshly condemning the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh, for instigating bad press against her boss, Nana Oye Lithur.

  • Ghana didn’t need an IMF bailout with such money in Cecilia Dapaah’s house – MP

    Ghana didn’t need an IMF bailout with such money in Cecilia Dapaah’s house – MP

    Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Professor Hamza Adam, has raised eyebrows by questioning the necessity of an IMF bailout when a substantial sum of money has been discovered in the house of Cecilia Dapaah, the current Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

    The revelations have sparked a heated debate among the public, demanding further scrutiny into the financial affairs of government officials.

    Making a submission on the matter, Prof Adam, said under the laws of the state, it is illegal to retain an amount of money exceeding a specific threshold within one’s residence.

    It is alleged that Madam Cecilia Dapaah had in her possession $1 million, €300,000, and an undisclosed amount of Ghana Cedis at her residence.

    These monies were allegedly stolen by two house helps, for which they are standing trial at an Accra Circuit Court.

    Speaking on this in an interview with the press in parliament on Friday, July 21, Prof Adam said “First of all it is illegal to keep certain money, at home particularly foreign. So an amount to the tune of millions will be shocking to the bone.

    “I will appeal to all the skakeholders who matter to investigate the matter so that we will get to the bottom of the issue because it is shocking if you look at the quantum of the amount that is alleged to be found at her residence. if we got such an amount of money we didn’t need to go to the IMF.”

    He added “That is also a wake-up call, which means we have to go down and investigate all ministers who are serving the country at the moment. What it simply means is that whereas everybody is dying that the stake is heating up and livelihoods are getting deteriorated others are sitting in gold mines. I am appealing to the stakeholders who matter to do further investigation.

    “I think it is important the minister, as a matter of urgency, relinquishes her position as the minister, the reason being that it may interfere with the investigation process otherwise the president must compel her to resign.”

  • “I will make $1m from Politics” – leaked tape that got Vicky Hammah sacked in 2013

    “I will make $1m from Politics” – leaked tape that got Vicky Hammah sacked in 2013

    The country in November 2013, was hit with the ‘Vickyleaks saga’ that led to the dismissal of the Deputy Communications Minister in Mahama’s era.

    Victoria Hammah was sacked by the former president, John Dramani Mahama, after she was heard in a leaked tape making claims of how she would quit politics if she had $1million at hand.

    Her driver who is believed to have recorded the conversation that got leaked was arrested after the former Deputy Communications Minister’s dismissal.

    Although she claims to have respected Mahama’s decision, she felt she wasn’t given a fair hearing by the media.

    Read the full story originally published on November 8, 2013,

    President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, government announced in a statement issued on Friday morning.

    There’s a leaked tape on which a voice purported to be that of Victoria Hammah is heard telling a female interlocutor that she will not quit politics until she makes at least US$1m.

    The two ladies, who appeared to be traveling while having the gossipy conversation, are also heard on the leaked secret audio tape harshly condemning the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh, for instigating bad press against her boss, Nana Oye Lithur.

  • I won’t delete cheating bit in my memoir if given another chance — Adjetey Anang

    I won’t delete cheating bit in my memoir if given another chance — Adjetey Anang

    Despite facing criticism for confessing about cheating on his wife in his memoir, award-winning actor Adjetey Anang stands firm, asserting that he will never remove that part if given another chance.

    In an interview with Graphic Online, he said “No, I won’t change a thing at all, I will leave it as it is”.

     “That is what it is supposed to be for someone in the limelight. There is an element of vulnerability and sincerity that is expected of you for them to relate”, he said.

    Talking about the fact that his cheating was not physical, he elaborated on that some more, “I decided that I was going to leave it as it is in the book for people to draw their own conclusions. I made some choices along the line and that is about just a paragraph in the book. The book is not all about that so we will leave people to draw their own conclusions as it is”, he added.

    Would he rather people discussed other issues in the book other than the cheating bit? “For a book of over 260   pages, you can’t just be discussing a paragraph, there is definitely more to it otherwise you would have defeated the purpose of writing the book in the first place”, he said.

    Did Adjetey Anang’s wife, Elorm, know about the cheating bit before publishing the book? “Oh yeah, she did, after the many years that I went through those challenges, the structures that we built like the passwords etc, she has been in the know of everything so there is nothing I have hidden from her, she knows everything”, he stated.

  • Video: Abetifi Hospital started by John Mahama left to rot

    Video: Abetifi Hospital started by John Mahama left to rot

    The Abetifi hospital, a grand initiative initiated by former President John Mahama and strategically located in Abetifi, the capital of Kwahu East District in the Eastern Region, is unfortunately yet to see progress since its construction was reportedly halted in 2016.

    The 120-bed capacity hospital project which was kickstarted in February 2015, as part of President Mahama’s ambitious plan to construct six district hospitals nationwide, was aimed at providing quality healthcare services to underserved regions and to ultimately alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the people of Kwahu and its environs.

    However, progress on the hospital came to an abrupt halt in October 2016, shortly before Mahama’s defeat in the 2016 general elections, with Nana Akufo-Addo emerging victorious.

    The new administration, attributed the standstill to alleged cost inflation and corruption under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC)government. Since then, the hospital has seemingly become an unfortunate symbol of wasted potential and resources. Reports of stolen materials and vandalism by scrap dealers further exacerbate the sorry state of affairs.

    The neglect has also sparked occasional public outrage and criticism, with citizens and politicians alike demanding swift action from the government.

    Notably, former President Mahama expressed his disappointment at the current administration for neglecting the hospital and wasting taxpayers’ money. He vowed to take up the challenge and see the project to fruition if elected in the 2024 elections.

    The government, on the other hand, has given some assurances that it will resume and complete the project soon. The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Acheampong, recently visited the site and said that the project was part of the government’s agenda 111, which aims to build 111 district hospitals across the country. He said that the government was conducting an audit of the project and would soon award a contract for its completion.

  • My former producer Big Ben has been very supportive – Ohemaa Mercy

    My former producer Big Ben has been very supportive – Ohemaa Mercy

    Ghanaian gospel singer, Ohemaa Mercy, has expressed gratitude to her former music producer, Big Ben, and praised him as her strongest supporter along with other colleagues.

    The multi-award-winning Gospel minister used her interaction with Big Ben as an example of a typical comparison to highlight the differences in her speech on the changes technology has brought to the music industry.

    “We felt really pampered during the times we worked with Big Ben. All that was needed was for Big Ben to pay for you to go and sing in a studio. The rest was history. He buys clothes for you to take videos but the marketing was not a problem for the artistes,” she disclosed.

    She continued, “So those times, we did not struggle too much, but now, you are too much involved,” adding more insight to the subject. Even though we have some people supporting and helping with the marketing, YouTube is all about patience. At first, you get physical cash coming straight to you but it’s different today.”

    During her appearance on Onua Showtime, Ohemaa Mercy discussed how the CEO of Big Ben Music Production has helped many people and how he was a strong support system for her.

    “He has helped a lot of people and then for me, my greatest support system is Big Ben,” she revealed.

    In the same interview, we had artiste manager, Kwesi Ernest adding his voice to the conversation on the modifications technology had brought to the music industry.

    “The difference is that back then, it was more of craft and talent. In the past, if you were not a musician, you wouldn’t go close to a microphone. However, in recent times, the system is different because now, even for someone who doesn’t have a voice, when they enter the studio, they sing whatever and it gets recorded after which the machine will then work on the voice. This has made the financial aspect of music difficult. It has become very expensive unlike before,” he added.

  • “We’ll form our own party” – Kennedy Agyapong campaign threatens breakaway

    “We’ll form our own party” – Kennedy Agyapong campaign threatens breakaway

    Camp of New Patriotic Party (NPP) has threatened to exit the party if it proceeds with its decision to decentralise the upcoming congress.

    Head of communication for the Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong‘s campaign team, William Kusi, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to decentralize its upcoming super delegates congress with the intention of reducing the number of presidential hopefuls from ten to five.

    He stated that the majority of the ten presidential hopefuls, specifically nine of them, prefer the congress to be centralized (held at a single location). Thus, deviating from this preference may lead to unfavorable outcomes.

    Lawyer Kusi, who made these remarks in an interview on Akoma FM, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, added that it is likely that eight of the presidential hopefuls would leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form another political party should the congress be centralised.

    “They may be shocked at what would happen after that decision. It is either we agree with them to go on with the decentralized elections.
    .
    “Or we would tell them to take their elections and we would organise our own elections… they (the eight contenders) would form their own party to contest in the election,” he said in Twi.

    The lawyer refuted the assertion that the 8 contenders would be responsible for the collapse of the NPP should they decide to form their own party.

    “It is the executives that are breaking the NPP. Let us use common sense, we are part of a group of ten. Nine out of the ten went to go in a certain direction but you insist on the other direction, are you not the one breaking up the party?” he quizzed.

    Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced it will conduct its super delegates congress at the regional level.

    This will be in line with the 2014 edition where it was held along regional lines as part of measures to prune the number of aspirants down to five for the main contest slated for November 2023.

    The party’s scribe told Metro TV in a brief interaction at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, where representatives of some flagbearer hopefuls had attended a crunch meeting over the matter; that all parties were satisfied with the decision.

    “The party has taken a firm decision with respect to the presidential primaries, where we are going to hold it and also one or two issues that came up. We have been able to resolve it.

    “We are going to do it (the super delegates voting) at the regional level. Across 16 regions, same as occurred in 2014,” JFK told Paul Adom-Otchere.

  • Brenya debuts AI-powered music video

    Brenya debuts AI-powered music video

    The official video for the album’s intro track, “Songs From B.A,” by the Ghanaian Highlife and Afrobeat group Brenya and The Spirits of Africa, was released today, Friday, July 21.

    This video uses artificial intelligence tools for the first time in an official music video by an African musician.

    The powerful and visually stunning video, titled “Son Of The Spirits,” explores the rich history and culture of Africa.

    Viewers are taken on a journey through the past, present, and future of the continent in this video using AI tools to create a distinctive and immersive experience.

    “We wanted to create a video that would capture the essence of Africa in a way that had never been done before,” said Brenya, the band’s lead singer.

    “We believe that AI is the perfect tool for this, as it allows us to create images and experiences that are truly magical.”

    The video features a variety of African artistic and historical imagery, including traditional masks, sculptures, and textiles.

    The video also features footage of some of Africa’s most iconic landmarks, such as the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.

    The Spirits of Africa’s trumpeter, Ben Amui, said that: “We wanted to create a video that would be both visually stunning and educational. We hope that people will watch this video and learn more about the rich history and culture of Africa.”

    The video for ‘Son Of The Spirits’ is now available on YouTube.

  • Tweeps compare Vicky Hammah’s intent to Cecilia Dapaah’s reality

    Tweeps compare Vicky Hammah’s intent to Cecilia Dapaah’s reality

    Ghanaians are still reeling from the news of theft involving Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah‘s house helps.

    On Friday, July 21, 2023, the Minister was in the top trends on Twitter over reports that money and valuables worth thousands of pounds and a million dollars, are reported to have been stolen from the Minister and her spouse’s house in Abelemkpe, Accra by two house helps; one Patience Botwe, an 18-year-old and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei. 

    Ghanaians have received the news with mixed reactions with some condemning the act while others have questioned the source of wealth of the minister and the motive for keeping such huge stacks of money in her house. 

    Former President John Dramani Mahama for instance cannot fathom how the Minister would choose to keep such an amount in her home. 

    In a tweet, he said: “$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home? Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” 

    Other tweeps have also expressed concern over the Minister still being in office.

    One user identified as @Datanomics expressed concern over how then deputy Communications Minister under the erstwhile Mahama administration, Victoria Hammah, was dismissed from office over a leaked tape in which she made claims suggesting that she would quit politics if she make $100 million, while the Sanitation Minister remains at post.

    “Victoria Hammah, then dep. Comms. Minister was sacked by John Mahama in 2013 for allegedly saying she would stay active in politics till she makes $1 million. Cecilia Dapaah had over Ghc16m kept under her bed for househelps to steal. She is still at post as Sanitation Minister,” she said.

    Victoria Hammah went to bed on one Thursday evening in November 2013, still a minister in the John Mahama-led NDC Administration. But by Friday morning (in the same month-within that same week), she was a persona non-grata following her dismissal from the position of Deputy Communications Minister by the president in a statement issued by Minister of Information and Media Relations, Mahama Ayariga.

    It is trite knowledge that the infamous leaked tape, which was later described rather wittily as vickyleaks, purported to contain her voice, had a lot to do with her being relieved of her duties.

    Victoria Hammah in the said audio confesses her determination to make one million dollars in politics before involving herself in any rancour. She also claimed among other things that a minister played a role in the Supreme Court judgment of the 2012 election petition which confirmed President Mahama as validly elected president.

    According to reports, the audio was leaked by her driver.

  • Thieves! – How Twitter is reacting to Cecilia Dapaah’s looted cash

    Thieves! – How Twitter is reacting to Cecilia Dapaah’s looted cash

    The wide-spread perception that politicians make dishonest living might have just received more credence from news making headline today July 12, 2023.

    Ghanaians woke up to shocking revelation of how much Minister of Sanitation and water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah had stashed at home–and eventually stolen by the ministers’ house helps allegedly.

    According to report Two house helps of the Minister are facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing an amount of $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis at her residence in Abelenkpe, Accra.

    But netizens considering the dire economic situation of the country are shocked that one person and a civil servant for that matter who have soo much at home, describing politicians as thieves.

    Read some tweets below

    https://twitter.com/kwekubills/status/1682376108656713728?s=20

  • I record some songs on an empty stomach – Amy Newman

    I record some songs on an empty stomach – Amy Newman

    Amy Newman, a seasoned gospel musician has revealed that occasionally she records some of her songs on an empty stomach.

     In an interview on Onua Showtime, she recounted how she realized in the late 1980s that she had been called into ministry, and how her journey in the music industry began.

    “In 86, I realized that I had been called into ministry so I started seeking the face of God. I sought the face of God for about 3 years,” she shared.

    It was in 1989 that she got her first gig to record in a studio and according to her, it was after that session that she became aware of the abundant grace in her life.

    “In 89, I got the opportunity to record a song in the studio. When I got to the studio, I did what God wanted me to do. After that, things began to unfold and I saw that there was so much grace upon my life,” she added.

    The ‘Okamafo Jesus’ singer disclosed that before every studio session, she would seek the face of God for 7 days in a period of fasting and prayers and by virtue of that, she would sometimes record her new song with nothing in her stomach.

    “Before going to the studio, for 7 days, I fast and ask God what I have to do. He will then equip me with strength. In all my songs, preparation is not easy. Sometimes I stand in the studio to sing on an empty stomach because if I haven’t finished recording the song, I can’t go and eat,” she stated.

    After emphasising how difficult it was to prepare for a new song, the celebrated singer revealed some information about the seven-day fast during which angels ministered to her.

    “For the 7-day fast, I drink only water and I realize that the angels are with me because we have ministering angels. Sometimes, you do not leave home with already prepared lyrics to the song but then when you get to the studio, the angels begin to minister it to you. So there are some songs that we get right from the studio and sing,” she said.

  • Efe Grace acknowledges her father Rev Mensah Bonsu for helping her music career

    Efe Grace acknowledges her father Rev Mensah Bonsu for helping her music career

    Gospel musician Efe Grace, has acknowledged that her father, Rev. Mensah Bonsu, was a major factor in her success as a musician

    During her interview on Onua Showtime, she revealed that her music career began when she was around 9 years old.

    “I’ll start from when I began singing. I was very young, about 9 years. I saw that I had been blessed with some ‘singing’ grace. At the time, my dad was already in the scene so he saw that I had that gift. He started to give me the necessary training and support,” she said

    She also praised her father, a well-known gospel minister from Ghana, for spending time and money on her after discovering her gift. He was the one who actually persuaded her to enter a studio.

    “So those times, when he is going to minister at a program or he is going to the studio to record a song, he’ll bring me along so that I get the necessary training. My father was the one that sent me to the studio for the first time. I went there to back him,” she added.

    According to the female gospel artiste, “I used to back Dr. Sonnie Badu when I completed school in 2011,” that was when she began professionalizing her singing. I also took up music as a profession during this period.”

    Efe Grace used the platform given to her to express gratitude and appreciation to all key personalities that play diverse roles in her journey.

    “I want to thank the Almighty God for the opportunity He has given me to preach of Him. I’m grateful. I want to thank Onua TV: I don’t take the opportunity for granted. I want to thank my father. He has been a blessing from day one. He is part of the reasons why I find myself here today. God bless him. I really love him,” she stated.

    Still sending her ‘thank you’s out, Efe Grace continued saying, “A lot of thanks going to Dr. Sonnie, Mummy Ohemaa Mercy, Mummy Diana, Joe Mettle… they all gave me their platforms when I was coming up. They have all been a blessing to me… Everyone that supports Efe Grace Music, thank you so much.”

    The Gospel songwriter hinted at the release of an album though she wasn’t ready to disclose the date.

    “My album will be coming out soon but I don’t want to put the date out just yet,” she disclosed.

  • Chale Wote Streets Festival to be held at Osu this year

    Chale Wote Streets Festival to be held at Osu this year

    The Chale Wote Street Art Festival will take place in Osu’s Black Star Square this year.

    It is reported that this year there will be no events in Jamestown.

    The Festival will take place from Monday, August 21 to Sunday, August 27.

    On Tuesday, August 22 through Thursday, August 24, the Castle Gardens will host Chale Wote Film LABS and knowledge-sharing salons.

    The event will offer hands-on digital art and photography training sessions for visitors and the general public. There will be 17 films screening at the Film LABS from Ghana, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.

    “This 2023 cycle of Chale Wote Street Art Festival is a celebration of over a decade of
    offering some of the most iconic public art interventions by African artists, as well as co-
    creations with collaborators from across the world,” a press release announcing the 13th edition of the Festival said.

    “Black Star Square, the adjoining streets and the Osu community will witness a new wave of artists creating some of the most innovative contemporary works of art in Africa.”

    Leading Ghanaian and international artists will exhibit outdoor murals along the new festival perimeter.

    International artists displaying creations motivated by the Afro-Brazilian slaves’ uprising

    Salvador Bahia’s triumphant return to modern-day Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria in 1835

    The story will also be performed as a musical theater piece called MEMORY MOVEMENT
    FREEDOM by multiple community based performance, dance troupes and brass band.

    Ghanaian art collective AFUABE will create live murals detailing the former Gold Coast’s long history of resistance against colonial invasions.

    Additionally, there will be performance art exhibits, graffiti, and four stages with 120 musicians.

    Independent artists will participate in the SHIKA Art Fair at the Christianborg Castle.

    The art fair supports and showcases dynamic presentations and works from inter-generational artists working outside of gallery spaces.

    For the first time, the renowned HIGHLIFE CAFÉ will open in Black Star Square.

    alongside the Accra Cookout serving both traditional and unusual foods from the city.

    Since its inception in 2011, CHALE WOTE has established an unmatched reputation for regularly hosting hundreds of performances and exhibitions on various stages throughout the festival grounds.

  • NSS ‘side chick’ who sued ‘sugar daddy’ kicked out of court, slapped with GHC6k fine

    NSS ‘side chick’ who sued ‘sugar daddy’ kicked out of court, slapped with GHC6k fine

    The High Court in Accra has ruled in favor of First Atlantic Bank, dismissing the case brought by former National Service Person, Deborah Sayram Adablah. She had accused the bank and its former Chief Finance Officer, Ernest Kwasi Nimako, of sexual harassment.

    Under the jurisdiction of Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, the Court ordered Deborah Sayram Adablah (the Plaintiff) to pay a compensation of GHc6,000 to First Atlantic Bank as part of the ruling.

    This was after the lawyers of the First Atlantic Bank had requested for GHc50, 000 and the Plaintiff offered to pay GHc5,000.

    Adablah, dragged Ernest Kwasi Nimako, a former Chief Finance Officer (First Defendant) and the bank (Second Defendant) to court and alleged among other things sexual harassment.

    Lawyers of the Bank filed a motion to have the name of the Bank struck out of the case.

    In a ruling on the motion on Friday July 21, the Court Presided over by Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu struck out the name of First Atlantic Bank from the case.

    Meanwhile, Lawyers of the Plaintiff (Deborah Adablah) had on June 15, 2023 filed a motion to set aside the ruling of the Court for execution and order for preservation of the Vehicle which is one of the subject matters in dispute.

    On the other hand, lawyers of Kwasi Nimako have also filed a contempt case against Adablah for certain publications made after the court had barred the parties from doing so.

    Background

    Adablah who is the plaintiff filed a writ alleging sexual harassment against Ernest Kwesi Nimako, former Chief Finance Officer and the bank.

    Following the action, the Bank has requested that its name be withdrawn from the lawsuit filed by the former NSS worker.

    In that application dated January 24, this year, the Bank requested that seven paragraphs of the writ be dismissed “on the ground that they disclose no reasonable cause of action against the applicant.”

    It contends that Paragraphs 7,8,9,10,11,31,32,33,34,36 and 37 which were requested to be excluded comprise portions of the writ that accuse the bank of watching on for female workers being harassed sexually by senior male officers of the bank.

    The substantive case alleging sexual harassment against Kwasi Nimako would be dealt with after this preliminary application.

  • My team was not aware that I recorded ‘Try Me’ – Sarkodie,

    My team was not aware that I recorded ‘Try Me’ – Sarkodie,

    Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, has admitted that before releasing his diss track, “Try Me,” in response to Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson’s autobiography, “I AM NOT YVONNE NELSON,” he did not get his team’s approval or support.

    Sarkodie revealed that the development of the Diss Track was a personal endeavour in an exclusive interview that aired on the Way Up Show with Yee Show in the United States.

    The song, which sparked controversy and garnered media attention as well as attention from fans, was inspired by Sarkodie’s own feelings and emotions.

    “That’s funny my team is here. People think my team is in support of the record, none of them knew I did a record cos I was on Tour, I am actually on Tour when it happened,” he shared.

    He disclosed that his team had no knowledge of the track’s existence as he was on tour when he felt the need to express his emotions through music.

    He decided to write the lyrics in a flash of inspiration and snuck into the studio to record the track without seeking outside counsel or influence.

    “Sometimes when I feel something then the lyrics is going to me right there and then I sneaked into the studio to record it,” he pointed out.

    “I didn’t want anyone to hear it because I didn’t want any advice, I just literally wanted to do what I felt at that point and face the consequences later on.  It wasn’t like the whole team sat down and said this was supposed to go, I did it personally for myself,” Sarkodie explained further during the interview.

    The Diss Track, released on June 28, 2023, at 1:4 am, quickly caught the attention of the Ghanaian audience. Sarkodie used the song as an opportunity to share his side of the story regarding his past relationship with Yvonne Nelson.

    The controversy arose from Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, where she mentioned Sarkodie as the father of an unborn child but accused him of neglecting his responsibilities.

    With its strong content and candid lyrics, the track has become a topic of discussion among Ghanaians.

  • 6 things you didn’t know about Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah 

    6 things you didn’t know about Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah 

    One of the popular names that has dominated the Twitter trends this week is Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who has been in the news following an alleged theft involving two of her househelps. 

    The reports indicate that money and valuables worth thousands of pounds, and a million dollars, are reported to have been stolen from the Minister and her spouse’s house in Abelemkpe, Accra. 

    The accused, one Patience Botwe, an 18-year-old and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.

    During the same period, the pair allegedly stole personal effects from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000.

    File photo: Bag and perfume. Source: Stock photo from Vecteezy

    Further accusations involve Patience acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GHC90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband, etc.

    The news has attracted mixed reactions from the public domain with a section of the public expressing shock while others including former President John Dramani Mahama has questioned why the Minister will keep such a huge amount in her home.

    The Minister may be well-known for her significant role in the public sector; however, there are other aspects of her life that remain less familiar to the public. In this piece, The Independent Ghana will shed light on these lesser-known aspects and provide a more comprehensive view of her persona.

    Cecilia Abena Dapaah, born on 27 November 1954, is a Ghanaian politician affiliated with the New Patriotic Party. She formerly represented the Bantama constituency in the Parliament. She has held various portfolios in the public sector including serving as the deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing, and presently serves as Ghana’s Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, etc.

    1. Experience in management and hotelier

    In addition to her prominent role in the public sector, Cecilia Abena Dapaah also has experience in management and the hotel industry. She has twenty- five years’ experience in management and a hotelier and this diverse background adds to her multifaceted skills and expertise.

    2. Gender and Human Rights activist

    She is a Gender and Human Rights activist and has a great passion for the WASH sector which has heavily contributed to Ghana’s great strides in achieving the SDG 6 goal.

    3. Academics

    Hon. Dapaah’s academic laurels include Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Linguistics in 1979 from the University of Ghana, a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School in leadership.

    She also holds a postgraduate certificate in International Development Studies from the University of Oslo in Norway and a postgraduate certificate in Leadership Development for Women in Management from the Atlanta Management Institute.

    4. Roles in the public sector 

    Hon. Dapaah served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Cocoa Processing Company between 2001 and 2006. She was the deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing under the erstwhile President Kufuor’s administration, from 2005 to 2006, and became the Minister of State from 2007 to 2008.

    During the Minister’s term as Member of Parliament for Bantama (in the Ashanti Region) , she served on various committees such as Works and Housing; Advisory Committee to the Speaker; Employment, Social Welfare and Youth; Foreign Affairs; and Special Budget.

    Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah was the Minister for Aviation from 2017 and served in that capacity till she was moved to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources in 2018 till date. Whilst serving in the capacity as a Minister, Hon. Dapaah held the position of the Executive Oversight and Chairperson of the Ghana Aids Commission between 2017 and 2021. She was also the Caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for a year (2021-2022). She is the Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee of Cabinet and the President of the Council of Ministers of the Volta Basin Authority.

    5. Enormous contributions at workshops and conferences 

    Minister Dapaah has participated in several Conferences as their Guest Speaker notable among them are, World Bank Water Week, Sanitation and Water for All Ministers’ meeting, Budapest Water Week, UNESCO International Week, World Water Week among others. The Minister’s dedication to her work has seen her being awarded as the “Incisive Public Servant” in 2019 by the Pan African Top Brands Eminence Awards. She also received the “Balafon award of Excellence” for her exceptional role as an Aviation Minister in 2018.

    6. Strong religious faith and marriage

    In addition to her notable achievements and public service endeavors, Minister Dapaah is known for her strong religious faith, which has been an integral part of her life and guiding force in her personal and professional journey.  She is a member of the Methodist Church. She is also married with one child.

  • Black Sherif was arrested because he failed to perform for a client in Greece – Kofi TV

    Black Sherif was arrested because he failed to perform for a client in Greece – Kofi TV

    The evening of July 19, 2023, Black Sherif, the VGMA Artiste of the Year, is said to have been detained at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    On Wednesday, there were numerous unconfirmed reports on social media that the singer of “Kweku The Traveller” had been taken from the airport to the police headquarters in Accra because he had broken a contract by skipping a performance in Greece.

    Kofi Adoma Nwanwani of Kofi TV, who confirmed the arrest, asserted that the incident revolves around a show scheduled to take place in Greece on July

    “There are some developments arising from the camp of leading Ghanaian musician Black Sherif, the information we picked from the Police headquarters indicates that he was picked by the Ghana Police Service,” he said.

    Black Sherif had allegedly charged a fee of US$40,000 for his performance and had received half of the amount in advance.

    “We called our sources but we are yet to call Black Sherif to hear his side of the story, however, it appears it is due to issues with the organizer of the event where he was contracted to play on a cruise ship in Greece after he charged US$40,000 and receiving half of the amount,” he explained.

    However, he failed to fulfil his commitment and play the show, leading to a complaint being filed against him by the client.

    As a consequence of the contractual dispute, the artist was placed on a stop list, preventing him from leaving the country. Kofi Adomah, the host of Kofi TV, stated that Black Sherif was expected to receive the balance of the payment after completing the show.

    “He was shocked when he was stopped by the police and arrested then taken to the police headquarters. As it stands out now they’re yet to decide if he will get bail or how they’ll discuss how he pays back the money,” he added.

    Black Sherif was returning from a European tour where he performed at several music festivals including the Wireless Festival and AfroNation in Portugal among others.

    The news of Black Sherif’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among his fans.

    As one of Ghana’s top musicians at the moment, Black Sherif has gained considerable popularity for his unique style and captivating performances, making him one of the country’s most sought-after performer.

    Details surrounding the contractual disagreement are still emerging, and fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting further updates on the situation.

  • Profile of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources

    Cecilia Abena Dapaah (born 27 November 1954) is a Ghanaian politician. She is a member of the New Patriotic Party and a former Member of Parliament for the Bantama constituency.

    She previously served as the deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and is the country’s current Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

    Cecilia’s Early Life and Education:

    Cecilia Dapaah was born on November 27, 1954 hails from Mpasatia in the Ashanti Region. She attended the University of Ghana, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and linguistics in 1979.

    She holds a certificate in leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a postgraduate certificate in International Development Studies from the University of Oslo.

    Dapaah was a development worker by profession and a special assistant to President John Kufour. In 2001, she was appointed the Chairperson of the Board of Ghana Cocoa Processing Company.

    She was moved from the board in 2005, and made the deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing. In 2007, she was made a substantive minister till the end of the John Kufour administration in 2008.

    Cecilia’s Political life (Career):

    During the 2008 general elections, Dapaah contested and won the Bantama constituency elections. She received 36,708 votes out of the 48,476 which represented 75.7% of valid votes cast. Cecilia Dapaah was a member of the Parliament of Ghana from 2009 to 2013.

    She served on various parliamentary committees in Ghana including Works and Housing; Advisory Committee to the Speaker of the Parliament; Employment, Social welfare and Youth; Foreign Affairs; and Special Budget.

    Dapaah was elected as the member of parliament for the Bantama constituency of the Ashanti Region of Ghana for the first time in the 2004 Ghanaian general elections. She won on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.

    Her constituency was a part of the 36 parliamentary seats out of 39 seats won by the New Patriotic Party in that election for the Ashanti Region. The New Patriotic Party won a majority total of 128 parliamentary seats out of 230 seats. She was elected with 41,064 votes out of 49,174 total valid votes cast equivalent to 83.5% of total valid votes cast.

    She was elected over Alhasan Napoh of the National Democratic Congress and Yaw Owusu Boafo of the Convention People’s Party. These obtained 14.8% and 1.7% respectively of total valid votes cast.

    On 7 January 2017, President Akuffo-Addo nominated her for the position of Minister of Aviation. She was vetted by the Appointments Committee of the Parliament of Ghana on 8 February 2017.

    During her vetting, she testified that she would improve the aviation industry in Ghana, and that her priority was to restart a national carrier by 2019. She was of the view that the unavailability of the carrier was depriving Ghana of several millions of cedis in revenue.

    The last national carrier was Ghana International Airlines, which collapsed in 2010. In March 2017, she announced that Ghana was progressing with its desire to become the aviation hub of the West African region.

  • ‘Why keep millions of hard currency at home?’ – Mahama questions Cecilia Dapaah

    ‘Why keep millions of hard currency at home?’ – Mahama questions Cecilia Dapaah

    News of an alleged theft involving two house helps of the Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, has attracted mixed reactions from the public domain. While some have expressed shock at the act, others have questioned why the Minister would keep such an amount in her home.

    Latest to comment on the matter is former President John Dramani Mahama, who has described the incident as scandalous.

    “$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home? Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” the former President tweeted. 

    Background

    Two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the theft of significant sums of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

    According to a report by The Chronicle, the thefts, which amount to millions of Ghana Cedis, reportedly took place at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, between July and October 2022.

    The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.

    During the same period, the pair allegedly stole personal effects from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000.

    Further accusations involve Patience acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GHC90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband.

    The court also charged three additional individuals in connection with the thefts.

    Benjamin, a 29-year-old plumber, has been accused of dishonestly receiving GHC180,000, while Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GHC50,000. Additionally, Malik Dauda, a 23-year-old unemployed individual, is alleged to have dishonestly received GHC1 million.

  • Saharan heatwave surpasses 40ºC, making it the hottest site in Europe 40ºC

    Saharan heatwave surpasses 40ºC, making it the hottest site in Europe 40ºC

    If you hadn’t noticed, mainland Europe is presently suffering an unprecedented heatwave.

    ‘Unprecedented’ weather has caused certain countries to experience highs of over 40 °C, grabbing the media for some time now.

    With temperatures much above average, people are finding it difficult to handle the severe heat of both the Charon anticyclone, named after the ferrymen of the dead, and the Cerberus heatwave, which was first and was named after the hound that guarded the gates of hell.

    From France to Italy, Spain to Germany, people are doing everything they can to stay cool and hydrated, seeking refuge in air-conditioned buildings or finding shade under trees.

    So, what are temperatures like at the moment, and what is each country doing about it?

    Here is what you need to know.

    Where is the hottest place in Europe?

    According to AccuWeather, today, Athens will be the hottest capital city in Europe, clocking in at highs of an astonishing 37ºC.

    Rome is finishing a close second at 36ºC, with Bucharest coming in third with 32ºC temperatures.

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    This is unsurprising, as Italy, Spain, and Greece have all been experiencing some of the most severe temperatures Cerberus has had to offer, with the Foreign Office issuing travel warnings for Spain and Greece.

    Hotest capital cities in Europe

    As of today, the top 10 hottest capitals in Europe have forecasted highs of:

    • Athens – 37ºC
    • Rome – 36ºC
    • Bucharest – 35ºC
    • Marseille – 32ºC
    • Madrid – 32ºC
    • Kyiv – 26ºC
    • Lisbon – 26ºC
    • Budapest – 25ºC
    • Paris – 25ºC
    • Vienna – 24ºC

    How hot will London get today?

    Britons hoping for a heat blast will need to keep waiting as the UK capital is only forecasted highs of 21ºC.

    How is the heatwave affecting each country?

    Each country has been undertaking different efforts in its battle to keep its citizens safe from the heat, with some even experiencing dangerous spreads of wildfires.

    Southern Europe is undoubtedly seeing the worst of the temperatures, with some places having hit north of 45ºC.

    The Foreign Office’s advice remains that travelling to Europe is generally safe, but to check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.  

    Spain

    Parts of Spain have hit highs of 45ºC this week, with Spanish authorities reporting that around 300 people have died due to the intense temperatures over the three weeks from June to July.

    The Spanish island of La Palm saw 4,000 citizens evacuated as firefighters battled to control wildfires.

    Italy

    Southern Italy has seen some of the worst of the heatwave so far, with temperatures expected to climb to 48ºC on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia this summer.

    iNews report that the Italian Weather Service predicts Sardinia will be at the heatwave’s ‘epicentre’.

    Earlier in the week, Italy put 23 cities on ‘red alert’ for the extreme temperatures.

    Greece

    Greece has seen some of the worst wildfires during this period of extreme weather, with fires across the country often burning for days.

    Firefighters utilised air-water bombers to combat blazes west of Athens, which prompted evacuations earlier in the week but is now contained.

    A densely wooded area on the island of Rhodes is still alight, with firefighters struggling to control the fire, which has seen people forced to leave their homes.

    Cyprus

    A second heatwave is expected to hit Cyprus and much of Greece this weekend

    Those flying into Paphos can currently expect temperatures of about 37ºC (98.6F).

    According to the Cyprus Department of Meteorology the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 40ºC over inland areas and around 32ºC (89.6F) over the highest mountainous areas.

    Croatia

    Throughout Croatia, you can expect mid-to-low 30ºCs, with areas around Split currently the hottest.

    The country will be hit by even warmer weather as the weekend approaches, but it is currently not included in the UK heightened travel advice.

    Wildfires in Grebastica have also caused damage, and six people have died after storms tore through Croatia and the Balkans where strong winds and heavy rain hammered the region in the wake of the heatwave.

    France

    Temperatures have come down considerably in France since the beginning of the Cerberus heatwave, but an orange weather warning – the second-highest alert – has been issued for some areas along the Mediterranean coast. with Marseille currently at around 31ºC.

    Paris meanwhile is staying slightly cooler at around 25ºC.

    Germany

    Those looking to travel to Germany should expect temperatures to rise in the country as well.

    While Germany has not been hit with as extreme weather as much of southern Europe, the Bavaria region has recorded temperatures of around 38ºC.

  • I can’t rob BoG, it was a joke – Man makes u-turn on intention to rob Central Bank

    I can’t rob BoG, it was a joke – Man makes u-turn on intention to rob Central Bank

    An unidentified man who had previously made threats of robbing the Bank of Ghana (BoG) with his gang and weapons, has now recanted his statements, asserting that it was only meant as a joke.

    Earlier this week, a video that went viral on social media showed a man, thought to be in his mid-20s, stating his plans to rob the Bank of Ghana. In the video, he issued a warning to the Ghana Police and the Military to be vigilant as they prepare for their intended action.

    However, just two days after the video went viral, the man, who remains unidentified, addressed the situation, claiming that his words were part of a broader conversation he had with a friend living in Qatar.

    According to him, his friend had shared the video with malicious intent.

    “Ghana Police and Ghana media, I am pleading with you. The video is not what it appears to be. The people who saw the video and perceived me as an armed robber, I am not one. Anybody who knows me can attest to the fact that I haven’t been robbed before.

    “The only thing is that my mouth is trying to cause trouble for me if it hasn’t done that already. I am pleading with everybody who saw and broadcasted the first one, they should do the same to this one,” he said.

    In his explanation, the man said that during the conversation, he disagreed with his friend, urging him to refrain from insulting the leaders of Ghana.

    His friend reportedly replied saying that life in Qatar was difficult, they should return to Ghana.

    He indicated that at the time of the reply from his friend, he had already deleted the portion of the video where he mentioned robbing the Bank of Ghana.

    “In the video, I argued with him [reference to his friend] and I told him to stop peddling insults at the leaders of this country because Ghana belongs to all of us. Being it beautiful or not, it is for all of us. If you go to my page, you will find other videos I did advising him against insulting the leaders of this country.

    “After, he replied to my message to say that, if Qatar is not a good country to live in, then he will let me return to Ghana. At the time of his reply, I had deleted that video that captured me saying I was going to rob the BoG,” he continued.

    To him, his friend allegedly took advantage of the situation and edited the video, leaving the threatening part and sharing it without context.

    The man insisted that he never had any intention of carrying out a robbery and that the edited video was misleading.

    “But because of his mischief, he saved that one and cropped it to the part I indicated I was going to rob Bank of Ghana, he didn’t bring out the full video. So, I am pleading with you, Ghana Police that is not the full video,” he added.

  • Scandalous! All these money in a minister’s home – Mahama shocked

    Scandalous! All these money in a minister’s home – Mahama shocked

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is bewildered at the huge sums of money reported to have been stolen from Sanitation Minister Cecelia Dapaah’s home.

    On July 21, 2023, news broke that two house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, were facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the theft of significant sums of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

    The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis. 

    These hefty amounts in a country seen be struggling drew words from National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama.

    According to the former President, it scandalous for a Ghana minister of state to hold such an amount in her home.

    “$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home? Will” he posted on micro-blog social platform twitter

    “@NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” he added

  • We will break away to form another party if congress is decentralised – Ken Agyapong’s team threaten

    We will break away to form another party if congress is decentralised – Ken Agyapong’s team threaten

    Head of communication for Kennedy Agyapong‘s campaign team, William Kusi, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to decentralize its upcoming super delegates congress with the intention of reducing the number of presidential hopefuls from ten to five.

    He stated that the majority of the ten presidential hopefuls, specifically nine of them, prefer the congress to be centralized (held at a single location). Thus, deviating from this preference may lead to unfavorable outcomes.

    Lawyer Kusi, who made these remarks in an interview on Akoma FM, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, added that it is likely that eight of the presidential hopefuls would leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form another political party should the congress be centralised.

    “They may be shocked at what would happen after that decision. It is either we agree with them to go on with the decentralized elections.
    .
    “Or we would tell them to take their elections and we would organise our own elections… they (the eight contenders) would form their own party to contest in the election,” he said in Twi.

    The lawyer refuted the assertion that the 8 contenders would be responsible for the collapse of the NPP should they decide to form their own party.

    “It is the executives that are breaking the NPP. Let us use common sense, we are part of a group of ten. Nine out of the ten went to go in a certain direction but you insist on the other direction, are you not the one breaking up the party?” he quizzed.

    Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced it will conduct its super delegates congress at the regional level.

    This will be in line with the 2014 edition where it was held along regional lines as part of measures to prune the number of aspirants down to five for the main contest slated for November 2023.

    The party’s scribe told Metro TV in a brief interaction at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, where representatives of some flagbearer hopefuls had attended a crunch meeting over the matter; that all parties were satisfied with the decision.

    “The party has taken a firm decision with respect to the presidential primaries, where we are going to hold it and also one or two issues that came up. We have been able to resolve it.

    “We are going to do it (the super delegates voting) at the regional level. Across 16 regions, same as occurred in 2014,” JFK told Paul Adom-Otchere.

  • Elderly man who killed his terminally sick wife exonerated of murder

    Elderly man who killed his terminally sick wife exonerated of murder

    Following the passing of his terminally sick wife, David Hunter was found guilty of manslaughter despite being exonerated of murder.

    In December 2021, Janice Hunter asphyxiated to death in the couple’s home in Cyprus’s Paphos region.

    According to testimony given in court previously, Hunter, a former British miner, killed his terminally sick wife after she ‘cried and begged’ him to do it.

    After being exonerated of her murder, the 76-year-old may now be allowed to leave prison.

    Cypriot judges accepted that Hunter had a ‘loving’ and ‘dream’ relationship with his wife Janice, director of Justice Abroad Michael Polak said.

    He told reporters: ‘The court accepted evidence that … on that morning she asked him to end her life.’

    Hunter was said to be ‘speechless’ and ‘too tired to smile’ following the news.

    Mr Polak continued: ‘I had a quick chat with David inside the courtroom where he was really speechless and we went down to the cells here at the court and spoke to him.

    ‘He said he hadn’t slept for three or four days, was very tired and said he is too tired to smile, but he is very pleased about what happened.

    ‘He would like to thank everyone who supported him in this case. This is the result he was looking for.’

    Hunter will be sentenced on July 27.

    In May, he broke down in tears as he told his trial that he would ‘never in a million years’ have taken Janice’s life unless she had asked him to.

    He added: ‘She wasn’t just my wife, she was my best friend.’

    He showed the court how he held his hands over his wife’s mouth and nose and said he eventually decided to grant his wife’s wish after she became ‘hysterical’.

    Hunter, from Ashington in Northumberland, said: ‘For five or six weeks before she died she was asking me to help her. She was asking me more every day.

    ‘In the last week she was crying and begging me. Every day she asked me a bit more intensely to do it.’

    Before he finished giving evidence, he asked to address the judge, who he told: ‘My wife was suffering and she actually said: “I don’t want to live any more,” and I still said no.

    ‘Then she started to become hysterical. I was hoping she would change her mind. I loved her so much. I did not plan it, I swear to God.’

    After giving evidence he told reporters his time in a Cypriot prison was ‘nothing’ compared to the last six months of Janice’s life.

    Hunter told the court he tried to kill himself after his wife’s death.

    At trial, the prosecution said he ‘had decided to kill her and there was no common consent’.

    During closing speeches in June, his defence team said it was not a case of premeditated murder and Hunter ‘acted spontaneously’ to end his wife’s life ‘upon her begging him to do so’.

    They have also argued a confession he is said to have made when he was arrested should not have been used against him, claiming he was suffering from dissociation at the time.

    A judge found Hunter was lucid and dismissed the application.

    On Wednesday, the couple’s daughter Lesley Cawthorne said his her father is ‘anxious, tired and lonely’ and the past ’19 months has taken a huge toll on him’.

    She added: ‘I think the hope has been crushed out of him.

    ‘He would probably tell other people he’s keeping his chin up but I see how much he’s struggling.’

    A panel of three judges handed down the verdict following a lengthy trial.

  • ‘Try Me’ is not my first track to aadress issues – Sarkodie

    ‘Try Me’ is not my first track to aadress issues – Sarkodie

    Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has acknowledged in a recent interview that while he has previously used music to address a variety of issues, there are some subjects he would rather avoid discussing for fear of losing his cool. 

    Sarkodie said that even though he does not hesitate to address specific issues in his music, there are some subjects that he avoids bringing up in public because they could cause strong reactions.

    “This is not the first time I’ve done records to address certain issues, I don’t know but there are certain things I hate to feed into especially speaking about it because maybe I might lose my cool,” Sarkodie said.

    He highlighted the importance of choosing his words carefully, especially when it involves personal matters between two individuals.

    Regarding his Diss Track in response to Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, “Try Me,” Sarkodie emphasized that he was not necessarily proud of releasing the track.

    “I am not going sit here and say I am super proud of it, the thing is just in a moment how I felt whether be my truth there should have been a way you could have said it that’s why I don’t like to speak about it because this is a conversation between two people,” he pointed out.

    However, at the moment, he felt compelled to express his truth and emotions through music.

    He acknowledged that there could have been other ways to handle the situation, but the track served as an outlet for him to share his side of the story.

    “We could have a conversation if you want to talk about it because it involves me as well,” he indicated.

    Sarkodie expressed his reluctance to participate in public debates on delicate subjects because he fears that some people might take advantage of his unwillingness to respond.

    He explained that people might assume he will not speak up and take advantage of that.

    But he admitted that on occasion, he needs to use music to express himself in specific circumstances.

    “People know that Sark doesn’t speak, people think they’ll say something and know Sark is not gonna speak and is gonna get away with it so once in a while…” he said.

  • You’re intimidating judiciary with your presence at Gyakye Quayson’s court hearings – Former MP tells Minority

    You’re intimidating judiciary with your presence at Gyakye Quayson’s court hearings – Former MP tells Minority

    Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkawkaw constituency in the Eastern Region, Seth Adjei Baah, has urged the minority caucus in parliament to cease their boycott of parliamentary proceedings concerning the trial of the embattled Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.

    He expressed concern that the minority’s actions might be seen as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary and urged them to respect the legal process and let it proceed accordingly.

    During an interview on Citi TV, the ex-MP emphasized that such actions could be construed as efforts to sway the judiciary’s judgment. He stressed the significance of permitting the judicial process to unfold independently, free from any undue influence or pressure.

    “They should give the judiciary the chance to do what is right because they are trying the case and the lawyers are there. I know they will do the right thing, so it is not about following up that will influence the decision of the court,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.

    Expressing empathy for those who wish to accompany James Gyakye Quayson to court, he underscored that boycotting parliamentary work is not a constructive approach.

    “If they [the Minority] think the problem is coming from the executive, then they should go and picket over there and tell them that they are not happy, but not go and put pressure on the judiciary because their presence there is intimidating,” he advised.

    The trial of James Gyakye Quayson, whose eligibility as an MP has been a subject of contention due to dual citizenship issues, has attracted significant attention in Ghana’s political landscape. In solidarity with their colleague, the minority caucus has boycotted parliamentary sessions, raising concerns about the impact of such actions on the country’s legislative process.

  • DJ Wanzam releases new track ‘SOBA’

    DJ Wanzam releases new track ‘SOBA’

    Wanzam the Classic DJ, an Accra-based DJ and ardent fan of alternative music, is defying expectations with the exciting announcement of his eagerly awaited debut song.

    A scorching track called “SOBA,” created in collaboration with Juma Mufasa, a rising star from the Alté scene, will be released soon.

    This follows their successful performances together, which have captivated fans on various stages.

    “SOBA,” written and performed by Juma Mufasa, beautifully encapsulates his deep longing for an unknown woman, igniting a soulful desire for
    more.

    This masterpiece falls within the Afro-Alternative genre, skillfully blending Akan, pidgin, English, and a touch of refreshing French, evoking a sense of nostalgia and offering listeners a pleasurable experience of both reflection and offering listeners a pleasurable experience of both reflection and reminiscence.

    https://youtu.be/MBoMPKdOp2U

  • Mortal remains of soldier who died in India transported to Ghana

    Mortal remains of soldier who died in India transported to Ghana

    On Tuesday, July 20, 2023, the Ghana Armed Forces received the body of one of its officers who passed away in India.

    The army reported that the late soldier, Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku, passed away in the Asian country following a brief illness.

    In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, the army mentioned that the late Victor Kwaku was stationed at the 37 Military Hospital until his passing.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has received the mortal remains of the Late Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Thursday 20 July, 2023.

    “During the Short ceremony at KIA, the Clergy, Chaplain Captain Michael Aniangyei and Imam Lieutenant Mohammed Abubakar prayed for the soul of the deceased and asked for God’s guidance and protection for the family during this difficult time,” parts of the post read.

    It indicated that the mortal remains of its officer has since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital Morgue.

    The Ghana Armed Forces did not state the reasons why the soldier was in India.

  • Ebuka opens up about favourite BBNaija housemates

    Ebuka opens up about favourite BBNaija housemates

    Famous media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has listed his all-time favourite housemates from the reality TV series Big Brother Naija.

    According to the media personality, his favourite housemates ended up surprising him.

    During the episode of Rubbin’ Minds on Channels TV, which was co-hosted by reality stars Beauty Tukura and Prince Nelson, Ebuka made this statement.

    He noted that he preferred the competitors who put on a lot of drama.

    Ebuka, however, expressed disdain for attendees who merely showed up without making an effort to make the event exciting.

    He questioned how someone could take part in a reality TV show without a plan given that there is money up for grabs.

    He said: “I can give you a number of people [my favourite BBNaija housemates]. There was Gideon who was in my season. He was amazing. I have liked everybody who surprised me because I got a lot of your profiles before the show starts and I think, ‘This person go dry’. So, the ones who ended up going in and I’m like, ‘Wow! Okay, I didn’t see that coming.’ And you [Beauty] were one of them because I thought you were going to be a dead babe but you were not so dead [laughs].

    “So, that was a little surprising. People that give me drama. You [Prince], I don’t know if your drama was intentional, but you had a community around you [laughs].

    “I have also enjoyed people who played the game… I have given you three names [of my all-time BBNaija favourites] already. One thing I’ve grown to like a lot less over the seasons are people who come in and say, ‘I was just myself.’ It’s a good thing, but I also say that there is money to be won, how do you not come in with a game plan?

    “I always feel like, if you are coming to win a N100 million, whatever it is, there should be some plan. And we don’t get that very often. Pere gave us a bit of that, then sort of disappeared at some point when I dragged him small and he sort of chilled. I like people who play the game and sticked with it. Miracle did that quiet a bit. Miracle and Tobi in their season. They had a bit of competition that was very interesting. But they also had woman matter around them.”

  • Carlin Glynn, singer and actress, passes away at age 83

    Carlin Glynn, singer and actress, passes away at age 83

    Carlin Glynn Masterson, an 83-year-old actress and singer, passed away.

    Both cancer and dementia affected the star of Sixteen Candles and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

    In an Instagram post, her daughter, the actress Mary Stuart Masterson, verified the information.

    “My mother, Carlin Glynn Masterson, died away on Thursday, July 13. We were together. No matter how difficult they were, I will always be grateful for those final moments,” she said.

    ‘Death is like birth in the oddest way. From my first breath to her last. This thread is as fragile as it is strong.

    ‘She was the most graceful clumsy person you would ever meet. Strong, smart, silly, intuitive, kind, generous, passionate and a deep listener. She was devoted to my father and to the enormous circle of students and collaborators who were considered her chosen family.’

    As well as a photo of her beloved mother, she also shared a stanza from the poem Clearances by Seamus Heaney. The final image was Glynn on a milestone birthday.

    ‘The last photo is from her 80th birthday party before the worst of dementia and cancer took their toll. She never lost her sense of joy or wonder. The silly guy pictured with her is my dear brother @seppisigh

    ‘Rest in peace, mommy.’

    The New York Times reports that she died at her home in New York.

    Ohio-born Gylnn enjoyed an illustrious career which included winning a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in 1979.

    She took home the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical gong for playing Mona Stangley in the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The original musical comedy was adapted by her husband Peter Masterson, who she met when they were both apprenticing at the Alley Theater in Houston – the city where she was raised.

    Glynn and Masterson, who died in 2018, had three children Mary Stuart Masterson, Alexandra Masterson, and Peter Masterson, Jr and she originally left the industry to raise them in New York but was convinced to return to her trade for the role.

    Materson was inspired by a non-fiction Playboy article which focused on the closure of a brothel and worked with the author Larry L. King and songwriter Carol Hall to bring it to life.

    ‘I initially worked on the play only to help out,’ she told NY Times but was convinced to continue playing the madam.

    ‘Peter was hesitant to force his wife on his collaborators. Finally, all four of the organizations who wanted to take the show to Broadway wanted me to stay in the part. So then I stopped worrying about nepotism.’

    Dolly Parton played her character in the 1982 film version.

    Glynn’s first movie came four years earlier in Three Days of the Condor, and she went on to star in movies Sixteen Candles and The Trip to Bountiful – the latter was directed by her husband.

    Her final acting credit was in a 2006 episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

    She is survived by her three children and six grandchildren as well as her brother Philip Glynn.

  • Shatta Wale to headline Uniland Campus Fest at UCC

    Shatta Wale to headline Uniland Campus Fest at UCC

    Dance hall king Shatta Wale will this Saturday, July 22, 2023, dazzle fans at the UCC campus as part of Uniland Fest Campus.

    Shatta Wale, who is renowned for his outstanding and unforgettable performances, will perform as the main act alongside some well-known and well-liked campus musicians.

    Uniland Fest has been dubbed as one of the most entertaining campus gatherings that unearths talents and also aids in establishing them as mainstream creatives to increase their financial independence.

    Uniland is a platform ready to offer chances to spend time learning about university life, networking, meeting students and staff, making friends, and having an exciting, enjoyable experience that produces quality results.

    The festival seeks to create more space for young African talent by amplifying their voice on a global scale. It promotes tourism, trade, and investment in the Ghanaian youth market and around the world and also create an atmosphere to reconnect, reunite, and strengthen Ghanaian diaspora communities in Africa, especially Ghana.

    Uniland is established to bring together the best African creatives and networks among tertiary education and market in the youth of the African mainstream through Afrobeats, Hip Hop, RnB, Dancehall, Amapiano, electric music, and other genres of music as a universal language and more to celebrate; and maintain a quality networking of students in universities and tertiary institutions across the world.

    The festival treats its audiences to a musical spree, acoustic performances, and back-to-back live music on centre stage. The maiden event will showcase a massive lineup of artists, with other major artists to be revealed soon.

    The festival will connect celebrities and students in Ghana with influencers and neighbouring international students worldwide.

    So far, the festival has been on over six university campuses in Ghana and is gearing up to step on other campuses with a three-day music festival across West Africa, Europe, and America, with the climax party in December.

    Apart from the musical performances, the festival features immersive art installations, culinary delights, games, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a truly unique experience for festival-goers.

  • ‘Side chick’ who sued ‘sugar daddy’s’ fate to be determined today as court set to deliver judgment

    ‘Side chick’ who sued ‘sugar daddy’s’ fate to be determined today as court set to deliver judgment

    The High Court in Accra is set to announce its verdict in a compelling legal dispute involving Deborah Seyram Adablah, the plaintiff. She has filed a lawsuit against Ernest Kwasi Nimako, the chief finance officer of a bank, claiming that he did not uphold a previously agreed commitment to support her well-being.

    As reported by graphic.com.gh, during the last court hearing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu instructed Deborah Seyram Adablah to hand over a contested Honda Civic vehicle valued at GHC120,000 to the Court Registrar.

    The vehicle had been at the heart of the legal contention, and the court decided to retain possession until the case’s final resolution.

    Subsequently, the Court Registrar, with assistance from the Police, retrieved the vehicle from the plaintiff’s residence.

    Deborah Seyram Adablah filed her lawsuit on Monday, January 23, 2023, alleging that Ernest Kwasi Nimako, whom she referred to as her “sugar daddy,” made several promises to her.

    According to the plaintiff, Nimako agreed to purchase the car for her, cover her accommodation expenses for three years, provide a monthly stipend of GH¢3,000, marry her after divorcing his wife, and offer a lump sum to establish a business.

    The plaintiff contends that although the car was initially registered in Nimako’s name, he later reclaimed it, depriving her of its use after only one year.

    Furthermore, she alleges that Nimako only fulfilled one year of accommodation expenses, despite promising to cover a three-year period.

    In Justice Obeng Owusu’s ruling, Ernest Kwasi Nimako was directed to submit all documents related to the disputed vehicle to the Registrar of the High Court.

    Additionally, both parties were instructed to refrain from making any public statements concerning the case via social or traditional media.

    The pending judgment has aroused keen interest from both parties, as it will determine the outcome of the case and address the allegations leveled by Deborah Seyram Adablah against Ernest Kwasi Nimako.

    The court’s decision is expected to elucidate the intricacies of the agreement between the involved parties and whether there was a breach.

    The case has garnered public attention due to the nature of the claims and the involvement of a prominent financial figure. As the legal proceedings approach their conclusion, stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments in Accra’s High Court.

    The plaintiff seeks a court order directing the “sugar daddy” to transfer the car’s title into her name and return the vehicle to her possession.

    Additionally, she requests the court to compel the defendant to provide her with the agreed-upon lump sum to establish a business and support herself.

    Furthermore, she is seeking a court order for the “sugar daddy” to fulfil his commitment to pay her outstanding two years’ accommodation expenses.

    The plaintiff also seeks compensation for her medical expenses, which she incurred as a result of a family planning treatment allegedly advised by the defendant to prevent pregnancy.

  • Met Office makes predictions on how long it will rain

    Met Office makes predictions on how long it will rain

    As school breaks start and the European summer continues, this weekend is expected to be a washout across the UK.

    According to Met Office estimates, Saturday and Sunday could see up to 60mm of rain fall in some regions of the nation.

    Tomorrow, much of the UK is expected to experience persistent, heavy rain with a likelihood of thunderstorms, and Sunday will see further inclement weather, according to the forecast.

    The UK’s west and south, west Wales, and portions of the north west are expected to get the highest rainfall.

    Temperatures will stay in the mid to late teens for much of the country, though some areas such as London will creep up to around 23C during the latter part of the weekend.

    It comes as much of southern Europe continues to battle extreme heat, with wild fires ripping through parts of Greece, Spain and Italy.

    North-west Italy, meanwhile, had to battle a different type of extreme weather, hailstones the size of tennis balls that fell in Veneto, injuring 110 people.

    The Met has forecast a mix of sunshine and rain for the UK today, with showers most frequent across northern regions.

    ‘Rain will move in across some western and northwestern areas, especially later, accompanied by brisk winds. Another mostly cool day,’ it said this morning.

    Tomorrow is set to be cloudy, wet and blustery for much of the country, with ‘heavy and persistent’ rain in places, especially over high ground in the west.

    Though if you’re in northern Scotland you’re in luck, as it’s due to be dry and bright there.

    Sunday will see further showers, though not as persistent, with some sunny spells. Temperatures will also be a little higher.

    The unsettled weather looks set to continue throughout next week, with temperatures unlikely to rise above early 20s.

    It comes as the RAC predicts millions will take to the roads this weekend, either on day trips or for longer breaks away.

    The start of the summer holidays in England and Wales will trigger miles of queuing traffic.

    The RAC has researched travel plans of 2,300 motorists to see when exactly congestion will be at its worst.

    Their survey suggests ‘getaway’ traffic will peak at around 2pm today with around 3.8 million separate leisure trips on top of normal weekday commuter traffic.

  • My late lawyer wouldn’t have endorsed ‘Try me’ -Sarkodie 

    My late lawyer wouldn’t have endorsed ‘Try me’ -Sarkodie 

    Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has acknowledged that, if his late Cynthia Quarcoo, had been alive at the time of the release of his new song “Try me,” she might not have given her full support.

    On June 21 after a protracted illness, the renowned attorney Cynthia Quarcoo, who had long represented Sarkodie, passed away.

    In an interview with Way Up Radio, Sarkodie, who is currently on tour in the United States of America, said that if his lawyer had been alive when his most recent single was released, she would not have given her endorsement.

    “In the heat of the moment, the person that I didn’t hear from which normally she would have been the first person to hit me is my lawyer.

    “Early morning I was trying to tease her and I said, ‘Mama Cee, so don’t you care about what is happening because you would hit me up and say what are we doing but sad news is that she was dead at the same time’.”

    According to him, he saw two ticks appear on her phone and expected a response from her in about five minutes, as is typically the case with his lawyer. However, it took him hours to learn that she had passed away.

    “She would have been somebody who I know wouldn’t have endorsed that situation of how I wanted to handle it but this to me, I think I will get to a point where I can speak freely about it because it’s still fresh that I still want to process it before I can really speak.”

    ‘Try me’ was released in response to a book ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ published by Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson. In the book she reveals having an abortion some years ago for the rapper after a failed relationship.

  • Two police officers ‘seriously injured’ after a car crash in London

    Two police officers ‘seriously injured’ after a car crash in London

    Two police officers are the ones who are “seriously injured.”Following a collision in London this afternoon, two police officers suffered significant injuries.

    Police were contacted at around 1.34 pm today following a collision on Kenton Road in Harrow between a police vehicle and a car being driven by a member of the public.

    The scene was visited by police, the London Fire Brigade, and the London Ambulance Service.

    Officers were alerted at 13:34hrs on Wednesday, 19 July that there had been a collision between a police van and a car, driven by a member of the public, on Kenton Road, Harrow, Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene. Two members of the public and two police officers were injured in the collision. All four have been taken to hospital- condition awaits. Local road closures are in place while emergency services deal.
    Police were called after the crash at around 1.30pm today (Picture: UKNIP)
    Officers were alerted at 13:34hrs on Wednesday, 19 July that there had been a collision between a police van and a car, driven by a member of the public, on Kenton Road, Harrow, Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene. Two members of the public and two police officers were injured in the collision. All four have been taken to hospital- condition awaits. Local road closures are in place while emergency services deal.
    Four people were injured in the crash(Picture: UKNIP)

    Two members of the public and two police officers were injured in the collision.

    All four have been taken to hospital and police have said they are awaiting an update on their condition.

    Latest London news

    One witness said it looked like the officers had suffered ‘serious’ injuries.

    This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

  • Ukrainian doctor recalls living in ‘war on healthcare’ crosshairs of Russia

    Ukrainian doctor recalls living in ‘war on healthcare’ crosshairs of Russia

    Volodymyr Ventsel initially experienced rage when coming under Russian fire while attempting to protect innocent lives.

    The paramedic now sees being targeted by Russian forces as a regular occurrence in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine.

    He is one of the first responders caught in the crossfire of Vladimir Putin‘s massive invasion as hospitals are repeatedly attacked.

    The 27-year-old described how Moscow’s operators’ strategies include waiting until first responders approach to the area of a bombardment before attacking them.

    The UK Ministry of Defence said this week that ‘a war on healthcare is raging in Ukraine’ and highlighted a figure showing there have been more than 1,000 attacks on the sector since February 24 last year.

    Volodymyr’s experiences bear out the pattern of Russian attacks on medics in contravention of international law. He also told how international assistance is aiding Kharkiv’s Centre for Emergency Assistance and Medicine of Catastrophe, which has a fleet bolstered by 21 ‘Type C’ ambulances donated by the official Ukrainian fundraising platform United24.

    ‘From my experience, the Russian forces are intentionally targeting medics,’ Volodymyr said. ‘In Kharkiv they will even wait for about 15 minutes after a missile attack and then check with drones to see if the emergency services are arriving on the scene.

    (Picture: United 24)
    Volodymyr Ventsel (left), Oleksandra Rudkovska-Rubann and Serhiy Sushitski work in Kharkiv (Picture: United24)

    ‘Then they will carry out another attack in exactly the same place.

    ‘There was a situation when the ambulance was stationary in the city and an attack began, which damaged the truck and destroyed medical equipment. It happens quite often.

    ‘At first, I was angry, now I am used to the fact that these are people with no value for human life, that these types of attacks are just normal for them.

    ‘They do not care that it is forbidden to attack medical staff, especially when they are providing assistance to other people.’

    (Picture: United 24)
    The intervention of the team with modern equipment and vehicles is making the difference between life and death (Picture: United24)

    Ukraine’s second city has been in the eye of Russian fire over the 18 months of war to date, with the shelling, suicide drone and missile strikes continuing after Moscow’s troops were beaten back from the region.

    The invaders have also dropped cluster munitions on residential areas of Kharkiv, according to Human Rights Watch.

    In March 2023, Volodymyr’s team arrived at the scene of an ambulance which had been hit by artillery fire. Mobile phone footage shows the medics starting to work on one of the casualties close to the gutted remains of the vehicle, which had been clearly marked with a cross.

    Speaking to Metro.co.uk from the city, Volodymyr said: ‘One night, my team was on the way to a call when we heard bombing.

    ‘We stopped and some people told us our assistance would be needed.

    ‘Five minutes later we found an ambulance that had been damaged by artillery fire and had crashed into some concrete blocks on the Kharkiv city highway as the driver tried to escape an area under attack.

    ‘We could smell the explosives and see some craters in the ground nearby.

    ‘The driver was injured, and some of the equipment in the truck was destroyed. Our team was in one of the ambulances provided by United24 and managed to help those who had been hurt.

    ‘There were 11 casualties, with four having very serious injuries while others escaped with grazes. The ambulance and excellent equipment from United24 helped to save people’s lives in this incident.’

    The state-run centre has a fleet of around 100 ambulances covering Kharkiv, with approximately another 240 assigned to the wider oblast.

    In the city, each of the clearly marked vehicles is assigned to a ‘brigade’ of three responders, with the teams working around the clock in shifts.

    Ukraine’s lifesavers face dangers starkly illustrated by WHO reports showing there were 1,067 attacks on healthcare facilities between February 24 last year and yesterday. They resulted in 101 deaths and 139 injuries, according to the agency’s surveillance system.

    The vast majority were caused by heavy weapons.

    In a tweet on Tuesday, the UK Ministry of Defence said the ‘war on healthcare’ involved Russian forces ‘deliberately targeting hospitals, healthcare facilities & healthcare workers’.

    Intentionally attacking medics and healthcare facilities is a war crime according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

    Volodymyr feels a ‘great responsibility’ to continue saving lives — even if it means placing himself in danger.

    ‘The main types of injuries we encounter are a result of Russian artillery and rocket fire, they include amputations and other traumas and injuries,’ he said. ‘We feel a great responsibility when we go out to use our specialist skills to save people’s lives.

    ‘As for the future, all we want is for the war to finish with Ukraine’s victory.’

    Russian forces have targeted civilian objects throughout the war, as evidenced by the work of the Tribunal4Putin coalition who spoke to Metro.co.uk earlier this month.

    Three successive nights of missile and drone strikes have been launched against port and grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine following the Kremlin’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain deal, the US Institute for the Study of War said this morning.

    On the battlefield, Ukraine was continuing counter-offensive operations, with likely advances on three areas of the eastern front, according to an update from the UK Ministry of Defence yesterday.

    Launched by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, United24 is contributing to the defence through a ‘process that brings Ukraine’s victory closer’, which involves work with organisations and high-profile ambassadors across the world.

    Former Chelsea ace Andriy Shevchenko and Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko are supporting the platform through the Game4Ukraine due to take place Stamford Bridge on August 5.

  • Teen denies killing 16-year-old Jennifer Ghey

    Teen denies killing 16-year-old Jennifer Ghey

    One of the two juveniles accused of killing Brianna Ghey, 16, has entered a not-guilty plea.

    On February 11, Brianna, a transgender teenager from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, was discovered dead from stab wounds on a walkway in Culcheth Linear Park.

    She was killed, allegedly, by a boy and a girl both 16 years old.

    One of the defendants entered a not guilty plea during a case management hearing on Thursday at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.

    The other defendant did not enter a plea.

    Reporting restrictions prevent the identification of which of the defendants entered the plea.

    Neither defendant can be named because of their age.

    Parents of both teenagers, who appeared separately in the dock, were in court for the hearing.

    Mrs Justice Yip told the court: ‘It’s a case in which I know emotions are likely to run high, that’s very understandable.

    ‘There has been a lot of publicity about it already.

    ‘We’re going to make sure that this case proceeds in a calm manner in court in a way that is going to be entirely fair to everybody.’

    A further hearing will be held on October 4.

    A trial has been set for November 27 and is expected to last three weeks at Manchester Crown Court.

    The girl, from Warrington, and the boy, from Leigh, are both currently held in secure accommodation.

  • Drug dealers found guilty of murder after murdering hopeful attorney on the way home

    Drug dealers found guilty of murder after murdering hopeful attorney on the way home

    A young, aspiring lawyer was attacked on his way home from a store by two drug dealers, and they were found guilty of murder.

    On the afternoon of February 6, 2021, Sven Badzak, 22, and a companion, 16, were attacked by a group of six men as they were returning from a Waitrose in Kilburn, northwest London.

    Sven was repeatedly stabbed as he slumped to the ground, but his friend was able to flee to a neighbouring Tesco to call for assistance before he passed out from back wounds.

    Now, Rashid Gedel, 22, from Ilford, and Shiroh Ambersley, 22, from Wembley, have been found guilty of Sven’s murder.

    The Old Bailey also convicted them for wounding with intent but acquitted the pair of attempted murder.

    Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told the court he believes the young men were ‘the unfortunate victims of mistaken identity’.

    He said they were targeted in a ‘gang-style attack’ over what the killers regarded as their drugs territory, despite ‘neither victim being a gang member or associate’.

    Latest London news

    Eight minutes before the murder, Gedel and Ambersley had gone to a bakery looking for other young people to attack, Mr Orchard told the court.

    Gedel was caught on CCTV ‘inspecting’ two hooded youths at the counter before walking out of the shop.

    During this time, Sven and his mate had been to the Waitrose on Finchley Road, about half a mile away.

    As they walked back, the 16-year-old was watching a Liverpool football game on his phone.

    Mr Orchard said: ‘As the two friends walked west on Willesden Lane, Gedel drew closer to them. Sven Badzak and his friend were wholly unaware of what was about to happen.’

    Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the pair walking together when their paths crossed with the killers, with one of the attackers asking: ‘What are you on?’

    Sven was stabbed in the chest and dropped his Waitrose shopping bag as he fled and collapsed outside a burger restaurant.

    Mr Orchard said: ‘His attackers catch up with him on the ground. It appears he was kicked and punched.

    ‘During the totality of the attack, he was stabbed four times. His phone fell to the ground. No attacker attempted to retrieve it. At least one of those attacking him shouted out.

    ‘The attack on Sven Badzak lasts no more than 20 seconds.’

    Part of the group of attackers had tried to follow the 16-year-old when he ran to a Tesco supermarket but they eventually gave up their chase and ran away.

    Both defendants, who were identified on CCTV, admitted being at the scene but denied they were carrying knives that day and claimed they were only there to sell drugs.

    Gedel claimed he did not even know Sven had been stabbed.

    He said: ‘I was a bit shocked someone died. I assumed it was only a punch. People were texting me. I went on Google to see what it was about.’

    He also added that he was sent a video on Snapchat of Mr Badzak laying on the floor and bleeding but did not know why people thought he would be interested.

    The court was told Gedel had four previous convictions for carrying blades dating back to 2014 and on his arrest in March 2021, a hunting knife was seized from his bedroom wardrobe.

    Ambersley also had a conviction for possession of a blade, two offences of threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place and affray, and possession of drugs.

    Mr Orchard said two other alleged members of the group were not in the dock.

    Harvey Canavan, 19, from Maida Vale, previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and unlawful wounding and Lior Agbayan, 20, had fled to the Ivory Coast and has not returned, jurors were told.

    The remaining two suspects have not been identified, the court heard.

    Gedel and Ambersley, whose trial was initially delayed because of industrial action last summer, will be sentenced at a later date.

  • Conservatives didn’t perform as poorly as anticipated despite their double by-election setback

    Conservatives didn’t perform as poorly as anticipated despite their double by-election setback

    In spite of his party’s historic losses to the Lib Dems and Labour last night, Rishi Sunak avoided being the first prime minister since 1968 to lose three by-elections on the same day.

    Conservative MPs in even the safest seats will be cautiously eyeing their majorities after Labour won Selby and Ainsty and the Lib Dems seized Somerton and Frome, overturning majorities of about 20,000 each.

    But Tory Steve Tuckwell managed to save his party from complete humiliation by narrowly holding on Boris Johnson’s former seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip with a majority of just 495, down from the 7,210 Mr Johnson secured in 2019.

    SELBY, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Labour Party candidate Keir Mather celebrates winning with 16,456 votes the Selby and Ainsty by-election on July 21, 2023 in Selby, England. The by-election was called in Selby and Ainsty when incumbent Conservative MP Nigel Adams announced he would stand down. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***
    At 25 years old, newly elected Labour MP Keir Mather is the youngest member of parliament- the ‘Baby of the House’ (Picture: Getty)

    In Selby and Ainsty, 25-year-old Keir Mather will become the youngest MP in the Commons – the Baby of the House – after overturning a 20,137 majority.

    The 23.7% swing from Conservative to Labour in the North Yorkshire seat to deliver Mather a majority of 4,161 is the second largest managed by Labour at a by-election since 1945.

    In a speech after he was declared the winner of the by-election, Mr Mather said he ‘understood the enormity of what has just happened’.

    ‘We have rewritten the rules on where Labour can win. People have opened their doors to us and embraced our positive vision for the future,’ he said.

    ‘The people of Selby & Ainsty have sent a clear message. For too long, Conservatives up here and in Westminster have failed us, and today that changes.’

    For the Lib Dems, a 29.0 percentage point swing in Somerton and Frome saw a 19,213 Tory majority turned into a 11,008-vote cushion for new MP Sarah Dyke.

    Ms Dyke said she was ‘excited, exhilarated and most of all humbled’ at the result.

    Asked what message the voters of Somerton and Frome had sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives, Ms Dyke replied: ‘Clearly, they are fed up and they are frustrated, they are angry and they want a hard working Liberal Democrat MP.

    ‘They want a local champion and they have elected me to do that.’

    Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the Somerton and Frome result showed his party was once again winning votes in its former West Country heartland.

    ‘The people of Somerton and Frome have spoken for the rest of the country who are fed up with Rishi Sunak’s out-of-touch Conservative government,’ he said.

    The victory means Sir Ed has become the first party leader since Paddy Ashdown in the 1990s to win four by-elections.

    Despite Labour’s success in North Yorkshire, the failure to secure victory in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London has led to a blame game among senior figures over the capital’s mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to expand the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) to cover outer boroughs.

    Labour candidate Danny Beales had distanced himself from the policy, saying it was ‘not the right time’ to expand the £12.50 daily charge for cars which fail to meet emissions standards.

    The defeat in the seat was dubbed ‘Uloss’ by a party insider in a sign of the unease at Mr Khan’s plan.

    In his victory speech, new MP Mr Tuckwell said Mr Khan had cost Labour the seat.

    ‘It was his damaging and costly Ulez policy that lost them this election,’ he said.

    ‘This wasn’t the campaign Labour expected and Keir Starmer and his mayor Sadiq Khan need to sit up and listen to the Uxbridge and South Ruislip residents.’

    Newly elected Tory MP Mr Tuckwell told reporters after his victory: ‘My campaign has been incredibly single-minded and it’s really been in complete opposition to Ulez from the outset.

    ‘That’s not me saying that, it’s not me that called the referendum on Ulez. It is the people of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.’

    After saying ‘Sadiq Khan needs to listen’, he added: ‘Well, I think there will be Labour MPs in outer London boroughs who will be looking at this result tonight with sweaty palms.’

    For Mr Sunak, the defeats happened as MPs drifted away from Westminster to begin their summer break, so he may be spared a clamour against his leadership.

    The Prime Minister could attempt to reset his administration with a Cabinet reshuffle in the wake of the contests – Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has already signalled he will exit the Government, so there is a vacancy to be filled – although No 10 has publicly said there are no plans for a shake-up.

    Mr Sunak may have decided the benefits of freshening up his team at this stage would be outweighed by the risk of it being perceived as a panicked response to an electoral setback.

    Sir Keir Starmer said Keir Mather’s victory in Selby and Ainsty demonstrates the ‘demand for change’.

    The Labour leader tweeted: ‘Congratulations @Mather-Keir, Labour’s new MP for Selby and Ainsty!

    ‘Last night, Selby and Ainsty made history. This incredible result shows how powerful the demand for change is.

    ‘Only Labour can deliver that change, and build a better Britain.’