TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • ‘I blame one person,’ mother of a kid murdered by police says

    ‘I blame one person,’ mother of a kid murdered by police says

    The mother of a 17-year-old who was slain by French police claimed that she solely holds the officer responsible for her son’s death accountable. This tragedy has caused three nights of violent unrest and reignited a contentious discussion about prejudice and policing in low-income, multiethnic areas.

    Tuesday morning during a traffic stop in the Nanterre neighbourhood of Paris, the kid, Nahel, was fatally shot. Two officers were standing on the driver’s side of the vehicle, according to bystander video of the incident, and one of them discharged his gun at the driver even though he didn’t appear to be in immediate danger.

    According to Nanterre prosecutor, the officer said that he shot his weapon out of concern that the youngster would run someone over with the vehicle.

    “I don’t blame the police, I blame one person, the one who took my son’s life,” Nahel’s mother, Mounia, told television station France 5 in an on-camera interview.

    Prache said that it is believed the officer acted illegally in using his weapon. He is currently facing a formal investigation for voluntary homicide and has been placed in preliminary detention, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported Thursday.

    Despite calls from top officials for patience to allow time for the justice system to run its course, a sizable number of people across France remain shocked and angry, especially young men and women of color who have been victims of discrimination by police.

    That anger has, for three nights in a row, given way to violent protests across the nation.

    Ahead of an expected night of unrest, France deployed nearly 40,000 officers Thursday and sent its elite police force, the RAID, to the cities of Bordeaux, Lyon, Roubaix, Marseille and Lille to help contain the protests, which saw 667 people arrested across the country, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Friday morning. The Interior Ministry said 249 police officers and gendarmes were injured.

    Confrontations flared between protesters and police in Nanterre, where a bank was set on fire and graffiti saying “vengeance pour Nael” (using an alternative spelling of his name) was spray painted on a wall nearby, according to footage from the suburb.

    A mall in central Paris was also damaged, while several other suburbs were rocked by violence, including Montreuil and Aubervilliers, where 12 city buses were charred in a parking lot.

    Protesters threw fireworks at police officers in Marseille, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV, while footage from the northern city of Lille showed fires burning on streets and riot police officers running. Six people were taken in for questioning after participating in a protest banned by authorities in Lille, the regional authority said in a Facebook post.

    The violence has prompted President Emmanuel Macron to hold a crisis meeting the second day in a row, BFMTV reported, as his government tries to avoid a repeat of 2005. The deaths of two teenage boys hiding from police that year sparked three weeks of rioting and prompted the government to call a state of emergency.

    Continued unrest would be a major blow to the government’s agenda. Macron and his ministers have spent much of the year dealing with the fallout of pushing through extremely unpopular pension reforms that were divisive enough that the government felt it necessary to launch a 100-day plan to heal and unite the country.

    That deadline is up on July 14, France’s national day.

    If Macron’s government is to address allegations of institutional racism in response to Nahel’s death, it will be a tough balancing act.

    Race and discrimination are always tricky political issues, but in France they are particularly challenging due to the country’s unique brand of secularism, which seeks to ensure equality for all by removing markers of difference, rendering all citizens French first.

    In practice, however, that vigorous adherence to French Republicanism often prevents the government from doing anything that would appear to differentiate French citizens on the basis of race, including collecting statistics.

    Mounia, like other activists, believes her son’s race was a factor in his killing. French media have reported that Nahel was of Algerian descent, and the country’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday issued a statement extending its condolences to Nahel’s family.

    “He saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life,” she said, referring to the police officer who fired their weapon.

    “Killing youngsters like this, how long is this going to last?” she added. “How many mothers are going to be like me? What are they waiting for?”

    While the government’s approach has so far been cautious, left-wing politicians and some activists have called for police reform, including abolishing a 2017 law that allowed police greater leeway in when they can use firearms.

    Laurent-Franck Lienard, the lawyer of the officer accused of shooting Nahel, told French radio station RTL that his client acted in “compliance of the law.” He claimed his client’s prosecution was “political” and being used as a way to calm the violent tensions.

    He added that his client was “devastated” by Nahel’s death and he did not want to kill him.

    “He committed an act in a second, in a fraction of a second. Perhaps he made a mistake, justice will tell,” Lienard said.

  • Over 400 people detained as France has its third night of violent protests

    Over 400 people detained as France has its third night of violent protests

    On Thursday, more than 400 people were detained across France as a wave of protests swept the nation for a third night in response to the deadly police shooting of a teenage boy that was seen on camera.

    The RAID, France’s top-tier police squad, was sent to Bordeaux, Lyon, Roubaix, Marseille, and Lille to assist in controlling the demonstrations.

    Protesters and police exchanged blows in Marseille, a port city in southern France, and Nanterre, a suburb of Paris where Nahel, a 17-year-old, had been killed days before.

    Amid burning debris, “vengeance pour Nael” appeared to be spray painted on a wall in Nanterre, which translates to “revenge for Nael” in reference to the slain teenager and using an alternative spelling of his name, according to footage from the suburb.

    A bank was set on fire in Nanterre, according to photographs from the scene, and 15 people have been taken in for questioning by police after a march held in memory of the teenager turned violent.

    Protesters threw fireworks at police officers in Marseille, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV, while footage from the northern city of Lille showed fires burning on streets and running riot police officers. Six people were taken in for questioning after participating in a protest banned by authorities in Lille, the regional authority said in a Facebook post.

    At least 421 people were arrested in the protests across France from Thursday night into Friday morning, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told BFMTV.

    More than half of those arrests took place in the Paris region, in the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne, BFMTV reported, citing Paris police.

    Earlier, Darmanin said police were instructed to “intervene systematically” and expressed support for the police officers and firefighters who “are doing a courageous job.”

    President Emmanuel Macron will hold a crisis meeting Friday for the second day in a row following Thursday night’s violence, BFMTV reported.

    Authorities had hoped to avoid a repeat of the scenes that played out Wednesday night, when police stations, town halls and schools were set alight in various cities and about 150 people were arrested. The Interior Ministry earlier said it planned on deploying 40,000 police officers across the country Thursday – including 5,000 in Paris – to quell any potential unrest.

    The unrest broke out Tuesday, hours after a police traffic stop in Nanterre resulted in the killing of Nahel. Over the course of a chaotic night, 40 cars were burned and 24 police officers injured, French authorities claimed. The police officer was put under formal investigation for voluntary homicide and placed in preliminary detention, BFMTV reported Thursday.

    On Thursday, an estimated 6,000 people, according to BFMTV, joined a march to honor Nahel led by his mother in Nanterre.

    Many wore shirts emblazoned with “justice for Nahel,” while others shouted the slogan. Some were seen holding signs saying “the police kill.” A lawyer for the family on Thursday confirmed the spelling of the boy’s name as Nahel; he was initially identified as Naël.

    Buses and tramways in Lille shut down after 8 p.m. local time, according to BFMTV, and a couple of Parisian suburbs have installed curfews.

    Bus and tram services were also suspended in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, from Thursday night, the local transport authority said. Government ministers were asked to postpone non-urgent travel and remain in Paris due to the protests, a government source told CNN on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity citing French professional norms.

    The violent scenes seen over the past two days have raised concerns that Nahel’s death could lead to a level of unrest and rioting not seen since 2005, when the deaths of two teenage boys hiding from police sparked three weeks of rioting and prompted the government to call a state of emergency.

    The video of Nahel’s killing has sparked a similar level of shock and anger across France, touching a particular nerve among young men and women of color who feel that they have been discriminated against by police. A 2017 study by the Rights Defenders, an independent human rights watchdog in France, found that young men perceived to be Black or Arab were 20 times more likely to be stopped by police than their peers.

    Many of these individuals are simply “tired,” journalist and racial equality activist Rokhaya Diallo told CNN.

    “People know and have been speaking about police brutality and have not been heard,” she said.

    The Algerian Foreign Ministry on Thursday extended its condolences to Nahel’s family, saying in a statement their “grief and sorrow are widely shared in our country” and that it will “closely follow the developments of this tragic case.”

    The ministry said it trusts the French government to “carry out their duty to protect, assure peace of mind and security which Algerian nationals are entitled to in their host country.”

    French media have reported that the teenager was of Algerian descent.

    Video of the shooting in Nanterre surfaced on social media shortly after the incident took place Tuesday morning. The clip shows two police officers standing on the driver’s side of a yellow Mercedes AMG, one near the door and another near the left front fender. As the car attempts to drive away, one officer is seen firing his sidearm.

    The bullet that hit Nahel pierced his arm and chest. After fleeing the scene, the car crashed into a stationary object at a nearby plaza. Nahel was in the car with two others at the time of the incident. One passenger in the vehicle was taken into custody and later released, while another, who is believed to have fled the scene, is missing, authorities said.

    The local Nanterre prosecutor, Pascal Prache, said Thursday that the officers testified both drew their weapons and pointed them at the driver to dissuade him from restarting the engine. The officer who fired his weapon said, according to the prosecutor, that he was scared the boy would run someone over with the car. However, Prache said it is believed the officer accused of shooting and killing Nahel may have acted illegally in doing so.

    Lawyers for Nahel’s family slammed the decision not to pursue charges over alleged false statements, claiming the officer said in his initial declaration that “young Nahel had tried to run him over with the vehicle.” CNN has asked the French national police for a response to the allegations against the unnamed officer.

    Prache said that Nahel had been known to authorities for a previous “breach of rules,” but it is not clear what law or orders that pertains to. The teen was expected to appear before a juvenile court in September.

    Laurent-Franck Lienard, the lawyer of the officer accused of shooting Nahel, told French radio station RTL that his client acted in “compliance of the law.”

    In another interview with BFMTV, he said that any accusations his client lied in a statement were false as he had never made a written statement and that his verbal testimony did not contradict the facts.

    He claimed his client’s prosecution was “political” and being used as a way to calm the violent tensions.

    As to the deadly incident, Lienard said police officers had “struggled for 30 seconds” to detain the driver while the car had stopped. He added that his client feared for the safety of the public as the car had nearly hit pedestrians before the start of the video.

    Lienard said his client was not the person in the video who shouted, “I’ll put a bullet in your head,” while also suggesting that might not have been what was said.

    He added that his client was “devastated” by Nahel’s death and he did not want to kill him. “He committed an act in a second, in a fraction of a second. Perhaps he made a mistake, justice will tell,” Liénard said.

    Macron and other government officials, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, have called for patience to allow the criminal justice system to run its course.

    “We need calm for justice to carry out its work,” Macron said Wednesday. “We can’t allow the situation to worsen.”

    Rallying public support and goodwill, however, is likely to be difficult for Macron’s government given how much political capital it spent in the first half of 2023 pushing through unpopular pension reforms, which sparked months of mostly peaceful mass protests.

    Acknowledging the government’s massive unpopularity, Macron gave himself 100 days to heal and unite the country. That deadline is up on July 14, France’s national day.

    Addressing allegations of institutional racism in France is particularly challenging given the country’s unique brand of secularism, which seeks to ensure equality for all by removing markers of difference, rendering all citizens French first. In practice, however, the vigorous adherence to French Republicanism often prevents the government from doing anything that would appear to differentiate French citizens on the basis of race, including collecting statistics.

    Racial and religious data, where available, typically comes from private institutions, and extra care is typically taken by politicians to avoid circumscribing racial motives to state institutions.

    “On a general level, people tend to think there is no racism in France. And it’s one of the reasons people are so angry, because they feel and experience racism on a daily basis,” said Diallo, the anti-racism activist. “Despite that, they still face institutions, public discourse, and media which still say that there is no racism and that the race debate does not belong in France. And that’s the reason people are so angry and so outraged.”

    Government officials have so far not broached questions of racism in the police. Leaders of opposition left-wing parties have focused their criticisms on police violence rather than racism. Government spokesman Olivier Veran told BFMTV that anger against the state itself, however, is unjustified.

    “It is not the republic that killed this young man,” Veran said. “It is one man who must be judged if the justice system deems it necessary.”

  • Police clash with Gyakie’s manager at Afro Nation concert in Portugal

    Police clash with Gyakie’s manager at Afro Nation concert in Portugal

    According to multiple reports, Electro Mirror, the manager of songstress Gyakie, was subjected to physical aggression by security guards at the venue of the Afro Nation concert in Portugal. A video posted by Anas Entertainment News, an entertainment blog, captures the artiste manager dressed in black trousers, a white top, and black boots.

    Multiple officers are captured in a chaotic situation with Mirror who is pinned to the ground by two officials, one who has his knee on the head of the manager.

    The officers lift him to another part of the beach venue before he is ‘released’ as they all walk away leaving him gasping for breath.

    His release was confirmed by among others artiste manager and businessman George Mensah Britton who posted on social media that Electro Mirror is “very fine now.”

    He added that “Party continues [champagne and glasses emojis].”

    By party, he meant the three-day 2023 Afro Nation concert happening in Praia Da Rocha, Portimão, Portugal.

    “Information reaching us from Portugal is that Gyakie’s manager, Mirror, is fine and stable now after receiving swift medical attention at the hospital,” entertainment journalist Olele Salvador tweeted at 11:16 PM, Thursday night.

    Other Ghanaian stars performing at the concert also are 45 hitmaker Black Sherif and Sugarcane hitmaker Camidoh.

  • Koku Anyidoho congratulates NDC on Gyakye Quayson’s victory

    Koku Anyidoho congratulates NDC on Gyakye Quayson’s victory

    Koku Anyidoho, the former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has congratulated his former party for emerging victorious in the Assin North by-election.

    According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had also won the Kumawu by-election, which means both parties have maintained their seats in back-to-back by-elections.

    The Assin North by-election, which took place recently, saw the NDC secure a significant victory in the constituency. In light of this outcome, Koku Anyidoho took to social media to extend his congratulations to his party on June 29, 2023.

    He stated, “Congratulations to my NDC for winning the Assin North Seat. The NPP won Kumawu, we have won Assin North: Status-quo ante.”

    Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Ghana declared James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Assin North constituency on June 27, 2023, following the conclusion of the by-election.

    According to the Electoral Commission’s announcement, James Gyakye Quayson garnered a total of 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the total votes cast. His closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes. Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, which represented 0.29% of the overall tally.

    The by-election in Assin North was held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following a legal battle that questioned Quayson’s eligibility to hold office due to dual citizenship concerns.

  • Supermodel Naomi Campbell joyfully welcomes a baby boy at 53

    Supermodel Naomi Campbell joyfully welcomes a baby boy at 53


    Making the announcement on Instagram on Thursday, June 29, the renowned supermodel revealed the joyous arrival of her second child, a son, by sharing an adorable snapshot capturing herself, her two-year-old daughter, and the newborn holding hands, while expressing heartfelt sentiments in the caption, assuring her little darling that they are profoundly cherished and enveloped in boundless love from the very instant the newborn entered their lives, acknowledging the child as a genuine blessing bestowed upon them by a higher power, and asserting the timeless truth that embarking on the journey of motherhood knows no constraints of age.

    Campbell is indeed defying expectations around age and motherhood. She first became a parent in 2021 at age 50. While Campbell hasn’t revealed whether she carried the child or used a surrogate, she did confirm to British Vogue that “she’s my child.” Now, at age 53, she’s done it again.

    In the same March 2022 interview, where she posed with her daughter on the magazine’s cover, the CFDA Fashion Icon also said she was encouraging all her older friends not to rule out having children—even if they are above society’s expected age. “I’m telling them all, do it! Don’t hesitate!” she said.

    Campbell also shared the feelings of fulfillment she has found in parenthood. “I always knew that one day I would be a mother, but it’s the biggest joy I could ever imagine. I’m lucky to have her and I know that,” she said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

    There are, however, many details about her family life that she has chosen to keep private: Campbell has not shared either her son or daughter’s name, or their birthdays, and does not posts photographs that show their faces.

  • 3 persons stabbed during gender studies class by a 4-year-old suspect in Canada

    3 persons stabbed during gender studies class by a 4-year-old suspect in Canada

    Suspect, age 4, accused of stabbing three students in gender studies class At the University of Waterloo in Canada this week, a 24-year-old student is accused of stabbing three individuals during a gender studies class in what the police are describing as a “hate-motivated incident.”

    According to Waterloo Regional Police Service Chief Mark Crowell, the suspect, Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, is a foreign student who recently graduated from the university.

    Villalba-Aleman is accused of targeting the gender studies class, and “investigators believe this was a hate-motivated incident related to gender expression and gender identity,” according to a news release from the Waterloo Regional Police Service. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault; four counts of assault with a weapon; two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and mischief under $5,000.

    “It is both sad and disturbing that this incident has occurred during Pride month,” Crowell said. “We hope this incident does not diminish from these celebrations but, instead, encourages us all to come together.”

    Police say the suspect walked into a university lecture classroom on Wednesday around 3:30 p.m. and stabbed a 38-year-old professor, a 20-year-old female student and a 19-year-old male student with a knife. Roughly 40 students were inside the classroom at the time of the attack, police said.

    At 3:37 p.m., police received multiple 911 calls from students at the university, saying people were stabbed inside a classroom, Crowell said. The first police officer arrived on the scene within three minutes, the chief said.

    The victims’ injuries are serious but not life-threatening, and all were being treated at hospitals, police spokesperson Cherri Greeno told CNN Wednesday.

    Officers found the suspect in the same building where the stabbings took place – Hagey Hall – and placed him under arrest “without further incident,” Crowell said. The suspect initially posed as a victim before officers quickly identified him, he added.

    Villalba-Aleman was not a member of the class, Crowell said, but spoke with the professor of the class “before attacking her with two large knives without provocation.”

    Several students attempted to stop the attack while others fled the room, Crowell said. As students were trying to escape, the suspect stabbed two students and attempted to stab a third student, who was not injured, he said.

    “We have since sought judicial authorizations to search the suspect’s home to further our investigation,” Crowell said during the news conference. “At this point, there’s no information to suggest the suspect coordinated with anyone else in carrying out this attack.”

    The stabbings prompted the university to issue orders to vacate the building and shelter in place order as police responded to the scene.

    Waterloo is about 70 miles west of Toronto.

  • Contracts of 3 Agenda 111 contractors terminated

    Contracts of 3 Agenda 111 contractors terminated

    Contracts of three contractors under the Agenda 111 project in the Ashanti region have been terminated by the government.

    The contractors were working on the projects sited at Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South-West District, Manso Adubia in the Amansie South District, Nsuta in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Refgion.

    The contractors, according to the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, failed to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

    He said this at the Minister’s press briefing on the progress of the Agenda 111 hospital projects held at the Trede project site in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region, which is 62 percent complete.

    Mr Nkrumah, therefore, urged the various contractors working on the hospital projects to do well to meet the KPIs or risk having their contracts terminated.

    The Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Nsiah Asare, indicated that the IMF conditionalities will not affect the Agenda 111 projects.

    Dr Nsiah Asare also assured unemployed health workers, especially nurses and doctors more jobs when the projects are completed.

  • Assin North result shows our readiness to save Ghana- NDC representative

    Assin North result shows our readiness to save Ghana- NDC representative

    Following the victory of James Gyakye Quayson and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Assin North by-election, party members have conveyed congratulatory messages to the Assin North electorates and the MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson, while expressing confidence in their prospects for the upcoming 2024 general election.

    A member of the communication team of the NDC, Ralph Apetorgbor, who also congratulated the electorates of Assin indicated that voting for Gyakye Quayson and rejecting the NPP’s Charles Opoku is a testament that the NDC is ready to rescue Ghana in 2024.

    He said this in a Twitter post

    “Kudos to Hon. James Quayson and the good people of Assin North! FREEDOM at last, and yesterday’s victory is a preamble to the prospective fortunes of the NDC.

    “Indeed, this is a testament that the NDC is READY to RESCUE Ghana and H.E. JDM will win the Presidential Polls come 2024,” the tweet read.

    The NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson won with 17,245 votes representing 57.56 per cent of the valid votes cast with the New Patriotic Party candidate, Charles Opoku coming second with 12,630 votes representing 42.15 per cent.
    The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate Sefenu Bernice Enyonam got 87 votes representing 0.29 per cent.

  • Politicians need assistance to develop the country – Alban Bagbin

    Politicians need assistance to develop the country – Alban Bagbin

    During the Investiture and Induction Service of the leadership of the Apostolic Church-Ghana (TAC-GH), the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, delivered a keynote address wherein he urged religious leaders, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities to actively engage in the daily governance of the nation, emphasizing that politicians alone cannot single-handedly develop the country.

    The Speaker of Parliament emphasised the importance of embracing each day with a meaningful purpose, spreading kindness, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

    He urged everyone to value the blessings of waking up healthy and to find joy in God’s grace.

    The Speaker expressed concern over the negative reputation that leaders, whether political, traditional, or religious, have garnered for themselves personal wealth at the expense of their organisations or nations.

    He stressed the importance of electing leaders driven by merit and a commitment to improving social, economic, and human resources.

    Speaker Bagbin urged religious leaders, including those in the church, to embrace their civic responsibility and actively engage in national and political matters. He highlighted the negative consequences of religious disengagement from these issues, such as corruption, unemployment, and illegal activities.

    In response to these challenges, Speaker Bagbin introduced the Citizens Bureau, a project aimed at enhancing citizens’ participation in the work of parliament. He encouraged leaders from civil society organisations, religious bodies, and traditional institutions to collaborate closely with the bureau to address national issues effectively.

    Also, Speaker Bagbin called on the newly elected leaders of the Apostolic Church-Ghana (TAC-GH) to adhere to the core tenets of the church and prioritise self-sacrificial love, moral uprightness, excellence, and a strong desire to serve and improve society.

    In conclusion, he emphasised that the responsibility of TAC-GH’s progress lies not only with the leadership but with the entire membership, urging everyone to play an active role in the church’s mission.

  • China to surpass its wind and solar target

    China to surpass its wind and solar target

    As per recent study, China is on track to treble its wind and solar energy production capacity and achieve its 2030 clean energy targets five years early.

    If all planned facilities are constructed and put into service by 2025, the nation should be able to generate 1,200 gigawatts of solar and wind energy.

    In terms of solar energy production, China currently outperforms the rest of the world combined. Since 2017, its capacity for onshore and offshore wind has doubled, and as of 2018, it almost equals the combined capacity of the next seven nations.

    Dorothy Mei, project manager at Global Energy Monitor, said China’s surge in solar and wind capacity was “jaw-dropping.”

    The country’s renewable energy boom is the result of a combination of incentives and regulations, according to the report. China pledged in 2020 to become carbon neutral by 2060.

    But, while China may have become the global leader in renewable energy, the world’s biggest producer of planet-heating pollution is also ramping up coal production.

    “China is making strides, but with coal still holding sway as the dominant power source, the country needs bolder advancements in energy storage and green technologies for a secure energy future,” Martin Weil, a researcher at Global Energy Monitor, said in a statement.

    Coal power permitting in China accelerated rapidly last year when new permits reached their highest level since 2015, according to a report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air and the Global Energy Monitor.

    The amount of new coal projects permitted was equivalent to two large coal plants a week, the report found.

    The country turned to coal last year in large part because of devastating heat waves and drought, the worst in six decades, which saw a surging demand for power at the same time as hydropower capacity plunged as rivers ran dry.

    China’s reliance on coal poses a significant challenge to global green energy targets, but the pace of wind and solar development is a positive sign, Byford Tsang, senior policy adviser at climate think tank E3G told CNN.

    “China is rapidly and successfully scaling up its deployment of renewable power and has become the largest investor into renewables globally. This is both a cause and consequence of rapidly falling costs of renewable energy as compared to coal power,” he said.

    Tsang hopes that relative cheapness of renewable energy will persuade China to kick its coal habit.

    “China’s ability to build and deploy homegrown, cost-competitive renewable energy at speed and scale further calls into question the economic viability of new coal projects into the future,” he added.

    In 2021, the IEA said that no new coal-fired power plants can be built, and no new oil and gas be developed, if the world is to limit warming to 1.5  degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to a report from ERG.

  • NPP congratulates NDC on winning Assin North seat

    NPP congratulates NDC on winning Assin North seat

    Acknowledging the outcome of the Assin North Constituency by-election, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally conceded its defeat and expressed its acceptance of the people’s verdict in favor of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidate James Gyakye Quayson. The NPP affirmed that although it made concerted efforts to regain the parliamentary seat, it holds respect for the decision and judgment of the electorate.

    The party made this known in a statement dated June 28, 2023 to congratulate the NDC on their electoral victory. 

    Strong democracy, gratitude

    A statement issued by the party on Wednesday, June 28, a day after the by-election, said the NDC’s victory added to the country’s democratic credentials.

    “Indeed, the recent two by-elections have demonstrated the strength of the country’s democracy, with outcomes favouring different political parties.

    This is a testament to Ghana’s much touted accolade as a bastion,” it explained.

    The party expressed its gratitude to all who contributed to the preparations for the by-election, which was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

    Notable among these were: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; the party’s regional chairmen and flagbearer hopefuls.

    “We are equally grateful to all ministers, Members of Parliament, chief executive officers, deputy chief executive officers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, other government appointees, and all party adherents for their diverse contributions towards our efforts,” the statement added.

    The party also commended the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service for their joint efforts in ensuring a successful election.

    “Finally, we express our gratitude to the hundreds of journalists who worked tirelessly and responsibly to provide up-to-date feedback from the Assin North poll for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” it added.

    Background

    On May 31, 2023, the EC announced Tuesday, June 27, 2023, as the date for a by-election for the parliamentary seat of the Assin North Constituency in the Central Region.

    This came after the EC was notified by Parliament that the seat had become vacant on account that the Supreme Court had declared the election of the then MP, James Gyakye Quayson, as unconstitutional.

    The court held that his election was null and void because at the time he filed to contest, he owed allegiance to another country which was contrary to the laws of Ghana.  

    Mr Quayson won with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56 per cent of the valid votes cast, with the NPP candidate, Charles Opoku, coming second with 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 per cent.

    The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate Sefenu Bernice Enyonam got 87 votes, representing 0.29 per cent.

    This was the second by-election held this year with the first being in the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region. 

  • Serial caller arrested for praying for by-election in Odotobri

    Serial caller arrested for praying for by-election in Odotobri

    A well-known serial caller who goes by the moniker “Bashy,” has come forward to share his recent prayer on a live radio broadcast. The 40-year-old individual expressed his fervent desire for a by-election to take place in the Odotobri Constituency.

    The Amansie Central District Police Command arrested Bashy after a report was lodged by Member of Parliament for the Odotobri Constituency in the Ashanti Region.

    Bashy had on Dompeace Radio urged the people of Odotobri Constituency to pray to God because the area is in dire need of development and that could only happen if there is a by-election.

    He was subsequently picked by the police and later released and asked to report to at a specific date.

    In an interview after his release, he explained that his motive was never to wish death on the MP.

    “I will never threaten to kill the Member of Parliament for Odotobri Constituency so I wonder why he (MP for Odotobri) told police to arrest me.

    “If by-elections will bring development to Odotobri Constituency then I believe that Odotobri Constituency needs it because the lack of development in the constituency has affected the youth of the constituency.

    “After the police granted me bail, they said I should report myself on Tuesday because MP went to Accra immediately the police arrested me so he will come back on Tuesday,” he revealed.

    The Programs Manager for Dompeace Radio Ebenezer Boakye speaking on AMBASSADOR TV explained the circumstances under which the man was arrested.

    “The Member of Parliament for Odotobri Constituency Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi ordered for the arrest of Bashy after he made a comment on radio that Odotobri Constituency needs a by-election for development”

    “I went to the police station when I heard the news and I was told that the MP Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi has accused Bashy of threatening to kill him on Dompeace Radio Morning Show to pave the way for a by-election which wasn’t true” Ebenezer Boakye told Osei Kwadwo.

    “I was ordered by the police to provide the audio of the comment made by Bashy so as a Programs Manager for Dompeace Radio, I have given the police the audio recording. Ambassador, I’m part of the Morning Show production team and we all know the ethics of journalism so my host will never allow someone to threaten the MP or anyone on live radio” he explained.

  • Woman had her leg amputated after being stuck on a moving walkway

    Woman had her leg amputated after being stuck on a moving walkway

    In a bizarre event that hasn’t been completely explained by authorities, a 57-year-old Thai woman had to have her leg amputated after being entangled in a moving walkway at a Bangkok international airport on Thursday.

    Director of Don Mueang International Airport Karant Thanakuljeerapat stated that the event happened in the domestic passenger terminal’s southern corridor at about 8:27 a.m. local time.

    Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Karant said the woman, who was traveling to the southern city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, had a “severe” accident at the end of a moving walkway after her left leg became caught in the end of the walkway.

    Medics responded quickly and the woman was transferred to the nearest hospital, though the severity of her injuries led to the amputation of her leg up to the kneecap, Karant said.

    She has since been transferred to Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the country’s top medical facilities, the director added.

    “I would like to convey our deepest sorrow,” Karant told reporters.

    The woman has not yet been named by authorities.

    But her son, Krit Kittirattana, released a statement on Facebook in which he described the accident as “heartbreaking”.

    He said his mother has had an operation but still faces risks of potential complications and that doctors were keeping a close watch for any signs of infection.

    “My mother has continued to express her strength through her face and voice. But deep down we know that her heart is broken since she suddenly lost her leg,” he wrote.

    He added that the family has requested surveillance camera footage of the accident.

    Karant, the airport director, said Airports Of Thailand (AOT), the state-owned company that operates airports across the country, would take care of all medical expenses and provide compensation.

    All of the airport’s moving walkways have had their service suspended while the cause of the incident is investigated and engineers do safety checks, he added.

    “The cause of the incident is still under investigation to find the facts. We might need to set up a fact-finding committee with outsiders to join in order to achieve impartiality and transparency,” he said.

    He said closed-circuit television footage available was taken from afar, thereby taking his staff more time to investigate.

    He refrained from making any preliminary conclusion at this stage.

    The director, however, defended the airport’s routine maintenance and checkups, and said the walkway had been in service for 39 years.

    One of the two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang is located in the northern part of the capital. It was previously the city’s main airport until the newer and larger Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2006.

    Thailand is a hugely popular tourist destination for those seeking warm weather and palm fringed beaches.

    The country has also been pushing hard for its health tourism with an abundance of private hospitals.

    Prior to the coronavirus pandemic tourism accounted for some 12% of the country’s economy with nearly 40 million arrivals in 2019.

    Arrival numbers were decimated during the pandemic but have begun recovering in recent months. Thailand beat its tourist target in the first quarter of 2023, logging 6.15 million arrivals between January and March.

  • YEA secures 84,000 youth jobs in 6 months

    YEA secures 84,000 youth jobs in 6 months


    Exceeding its 2023 target by 16 percent, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has successfully facilitated employment opportunities for more than 84,000 young individuals across diverse sectors of national life during the initial six months of the year, encompassing modules within its conventional scope.

    Officials said the agency also created some jobs for the youth under the innovative modules carved out to ensure that more Ghanaian youth got skills and employment.

    Giving the breakdown, the Chief Executive of the YEA, Kofi Baah Agyapong, said the employment opportunities included 15,000 Community Protection Assistants; 6,000 Community Health Workers; 1,500 Youth in Prison Support and 5,000 more in the area of Entrepreneurship (Trade and Vocation) being executed in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).

    The rest, he added, were the revamped and remodelled Youth in Sanitation, which had employed 45,000 youth; Artisan Directory, 500; and Job Centres, 11483, making up the 84,483 youth from its traditional modules.

    He added that through innovative models, it had commenced a programme with the National Insurance Commission (NIC), where senior high school graduates and first degree holders were being trained to fill vacant positions at the various insurance companies.

    He said already, 6,000 people had been enrolled.

    Mr Agyapong said the YEA had liaised with Blue Space, an online insurance company, with 2,000 youth trained by the company.

    Under the arrangement, the beneficiaries get clients for the company on commission basis in addition to their monthly allowances.

    Garment

    Mr Agyapong said the authority was on the verge of opening a new opportunity for those interested in the garment and apparel industry.

    He said under this new model, dubbed Garment and Apparel Training and Employment Programme, the agency was rolling out a programme to create sustainable opportunities for young people interested in tailoring, general dressmaking and industrial sewing.

    He said the trainers who would be selected would be provided with financial support to train the youth who would also be provided with some stipend to be able to undertake the training.

    Transition

    Mr Agyapong said the agency had put in place an elaborate and effective transition plan that would ensure that more of the beneficiaries transitioned to some of the models or embarked on their own enterprises after the minimum of two years of engagement.

    He said with those in the health sector, the authority had started assisting them to secure admission forms and prepare them to enter nursing training institutions, among other forms of support.

    Mr Agyapong noted that in discussions prior to the training, it was agreed in principle through the signing of the memoranda of understanding that the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Health Service would offer the youth working under their schemes a quota when it came to employment or recruitment.

    He said because the young ones, after their training, would become familiar with the environment of the police, the prisons and the health service, recruiting them into those services was considered a priority.

    He said some of them had also been saving and preparing to enter tertiary institutions, adding that “our models are giving hope and support for the youth to realise their vision and potential to contribute their quota towards the development of the country”.

  • Third night of violence rocks France as turmoil spills to Belgium – live

    Third night of violence rocks France as turmoil spills to Belgium – live

    Following the deadly police shooting of a teen, France has been rocked by yet another night of riots, with violence escalating around Europe.

    Several French cities have experienced rioting that resulted in bus stops being completely demolished, houses and cars being set on fire, and an increasing number of arrests.

    After three nights of protests, at least 667 individuals have been detained, according to Gerald Darmanin, France’s interior minister.

    There are reports in local media that violence has spread to the Belgian capital of Brussels.

    Yesterday several authorities havecurfews in place, stopped public transport services earlier than usual and banned the sale of flammable products.

    Earlier, the government said it was set to deploy 40,000 police officers and gendarmes to try and calm the chaos.

    Demonstrations first broke out on Tuesday after a 17-year-old boy named only as Nahel M was shot dead during a traffic stop in the suburb of Nanterre.

    President Emmanuel Macron said the attacks on officers and burning of buildings and vehicles were ‘unjustifiable’.

    Nahel’s devastated mother Mounia said: ‘I lost a 17-year-old, I was alone with him, and they took my baby away from me. He was still a child, he needed his mother.’

    The police officer who killed the boy was detained and has now been charged with voluntary homicide.

    Live Feed

    Speaking of Macron, the French President came under heavy criticism for attending an Elton John concert last night while the country was engulfed by rioting and chaos.

    French President Emmanuel Macron will hold another emergency crisis meeting today following another night of unrest, AFP reports.

    Good morning and welcome to our continued coverage of the riots in France as the country experiences a third successive night of looting and unrest following the killing of 17-year-old Nahel M by police.

    if you’re just joining us, here’s a summary of last night’s key events:

    • Over 40,000 officers have been deployed across France quell further clashes with protesters, with around 5,000 incidents reproted in Paris alone.
    • Over 180 arrests were made last night, bringing the total to 667.
    • The officer involved in the shooting of Nahel M has been arrested and is facing preliminary charges of voluntary homicide. His lawyer has issued an apology to the teenager’s family and says the officer is ‘devastated’.
    • Widespread looting has been reported throughout the country. In Paris, the central shopping street of Rue de Rivoli has been ransacked, whereas looters in Roubaix, near the Belgian border, targeted a mini supermarket before setting fire to it.
    • A library in Marseille has been burned and vandalised, local officials claim, and police used tear gas to disperse up to 150 people who tried to set up barricades.
    • Local media has reported the unrest hs spread to Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
    • A memorial march for Nahel attracted thousands of protestors and was attended by Nahel mother, Mounia. In a TV interview, Mounia said she didn’t blame the whole police force for what happened to her son- just the officer who fired the lethal shot.
  • Unknown tourist left names on the Colosseum wall

    Unknown tourist left names on the Colosseum wall

    A visitor who allegedly carved himself and his girlfriend’s names into the Colosseum in Rome has been identified.

    Ivan Dimitrov, also known as Ivan Hawkins, is a Bristol-based fitness professional.

    The 27-year-old was allegedly captured last weekend using a set of keys to carve the words “Ivan and Hayley 23” into the masonry by American tourist Ryan Lutz.

    In the video Ryan can be heard saying ‘Are you serious man? That is f***** up man. Stupid a******.’

    When challenged, the man said to be Ivan turns around to Ryan and grins before turning his attention back to the wall.

    MailOnline has established Ivan is originally from Lovech, Bulgaria, and also works as a delivery driver around Bristol.

    His girlfriend, Hayley Bracey, 33, is thought to run her own sports nutrition business and the pair live together in Keynsham, near Bristol.

    In a statement released this afternoon a spokesperson for the Carabinieri said: ‘Following investigations, subsequent to the complaint presented by the Colosseum Park Authority, the Carabinieri of the Command of Rome Piazza Venezia, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor of Rome, have identified, through traditional investigations and photographic comparison, the person seriously suspected of being responsible for engraving his own name and that of his partner, at the Colosseum, filming the scene, then published on social media.

    ‘The Carabinieri have ascertained that it is a couple, man and woman, residing in England.

    ‘It should be noted that the proceeding is in the preliminary investigation phase, therefore the suspect must consider himself innocent until a final sentence is issued.’

    Meanwhile in a statement culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said: ‘I am grateful to the Arma dei Carabinieri for having promptly identified the alleged perpetrator of the uncivilized and absurd act committed at the Colosseum.

    ‘An act that has offended all those throughout the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history.

    ‘Now I hope that justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws. If it comes to a trial, the Ministry of Culture will appear as a civil party’.

    Ryan previously said: ‘I couldn’t believe it when I saw what this jerk was doing to the brickwork.

    ‘I’m fascinated by history and culture and here was this dumba** defacing it which is a crime and I wanted to do something about it.

    ‘That’s why I took the video and I showed it to the security guard at the site and I pointed the couple out to them.

    ‘He said there was nothing he could do as he hadn’t actually seen them defacing the wall but he said I should speak with his boss. So I did and he told me the police had been called.

    ‘That was the last I heard and then I left the Colosseum and carried on with my day. I posted the video in the hope that someone would recognise and identify them and then they will be punished.

    ‘I think both of them, whoever they are, are idiots and I have a horrible gut feeling these two jerks are American because it’s the sort of thing we have a reputation for doing.

    ‘But I respect culture and history and I’m grateful to be a visitor to a place like Rome and be hosted by such wonderful people and then two idiots do something like this.

    ‘They clearly have no shame and when he looked at me in that bizarre way and he just smiled you can hear what I thought of him. 

    ‘I don’t understand what would possess someone to do something like that and I really hope they are caught and punished.’

    Builders who work at the couple’s home said: ‘They left last week and aren’t due back for a fortnight. We are just doing the groundwork. They said they were touring Europe.’

    Hayley’s mum expressed her shock and said: ‘No, that can’t be right. She wouldn’t do anything like that. She’s on holiday in Italy. Ivan is her partner, and they are both away.’

    Hayley’s dad refused to comment on the matter and said: ‘I’ve got nothing to say.’

  • Helsinki’s deputy mayor captured in spray painting graffiti in a tunnel

    Helsinki’s deputy mayor captured in spray painting graffiti in a tunnel

    After being seen spray-painting graffiti, Helsinki, Finland’s deputy mayor is perhaps facing legal proceedings and calls for his resignation.

    In the Greater Helsinki city of Vantaa, Länsimäki, Paavo Arhinmäki and a friend were finishing off their graffiti when police caught them last Friday at about 9:50 p.m.

    According to a picture shared by Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s biggest newspaper, one of the graffiti’s lines said, “World dominance and great career moves.”

    The tunnel Arhinmäki and his friend illegally painted in, used by cargo trains running to and from the Vuosaari Harbour, had to be closed for 10 minutes, regional police said.

    Arhinmäki, 46, one of Helsinki’s four mayors who is in charge of culture and leisure affairs, is now under investigation for vandalism and interference with rail traffic.

    The ex-MP apologised a day later on Facebook, saying that he grew up with the art form when he lived in a central-northern neighbourhood in Helsinki.

    ‘I got excited about graffiti as a kid like almost all my boys in Pasila,’ said Arhinmäki, the former chairman of the socialist political party, the Left Alliance.

    Arhinmäki, long a keen supporter of street art, said that since city officials began sanctioning some graffiti displays in 2009, he has been ‘randomly painting with my old childhood friends’.

    They have been grabbing their spray cans and heading to far-flung parts of Helsinki, such as by train tracks used by freight trains, to capture the spirit of the city.

    The former culture and sport minister and a friend sprayed the wall in Helsinki last week while enjoying the night before Midsummer Day, which sees people celebrate the Summer.

    ‘What a silly thing it was done by me and us,’ Arhinmäki added.

    ‘Somehow I’ve puzzled myself to the idea that you can make paintings on such grey already-painted concrete walls away from people’s eyes.

    ‘It was stupid of us to think that no one would be interested in us painting in a place like that. We were just thinking that there was a fine Pasila spirit in the train tunnel and clearly nobody is bothered.’

    ‘I’m so sorry for this stupid foolishness of mine,’ he added. ‘I’m asking for forgiveness.’

    The graffiti was scrubbed clean on Monday at a reported cost of €3,500 (£3,000), the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency said, according to Finland’s public broadcaster Yleisradio Oy (Yle).

    Arhinmäki has refused to step down both as deputy mayor and from the city council, which he has been a member of since 2001, in the face of public uproar but has agreed to pay any fines.

    Itä-Uusimaa police officials confirmed to Yle that the investigation is ongoing and the suspects will likely be fined if criminal charges are brought.

    Whether he will face legal action is unclear.

  • New base of Wagner Group in Belarus visible on satellite pictures

    New base of Wagner Group in Belarus visible on satellite pictures

    A putative new headquarters for the exiled Wagner mercenary gang has been revealed by satellite photographs that seem to suggest rapid building at an abandoned military station in Belarus.

    Yevgeny Prigozhin, its leader, crossed the border from Russia as part of an agreement to put a stop to the militia’s uprising, which shook the Kremlin.

    The dictatorial president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who is a devoted supporter of Vladimir Putin, offered the guns for hire asylum after they were spared from being tried for treason.

    Lukashenko said he had offered the private military company an ‘abandoned military unit’ to set up camp and promised to ‘help with whatever we can’.

    ‘We’re looking at it pragmatically -– if their commanders come to us and help us, (we get their) experience,’ Lukashenko said.

    Although the base’s location has not been made public, Russian media have reported that Wagner could set up at a vacant military facility near the town of Osipovichi, about 50 miles from Minsk.

    Images captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel 2 satellites on June 27 show rows of long structures in the nearby village of Tsel, in a field which had appeared empty on June 14.

    Residents of the city of 30,000 said they were worried by the developments.

    Inga, a 43-year-old doctor in Osipovichi, said: ‘There’s military equipment in the streets and Belarusian servicemen — all residents are discussing the arrival of Wagnerites and, frankly speaking, we’re panicking and are not happy about being neighbours with them.

    ‘I have teenage daughters. … How will we live next to thugs, pardoned murderers and rapists?’

    Belarusian opposition and guerrilla activists, who called Wagner fighters ‘a threat to the Belarusian people and (the country’s) independence’, promised action.

    Aliaksandr Azarau, leader of the BYPOL guerrilla group of former military members, said: ‘We’re categorically against stationing Russian mercenaries in Belarus and are preparing a “warm” welcome to Wagnerites in Belarus.’

    Neighboring Baltic countries also expressed concerns about how this would affect regional security.

    In a joint statement Wednesday, parliament speakers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania urged the European Union to label Wagner a terrorist organisation.

    ‘The emergence of the Wagner mercenary group in Belarus could make the security situation on the eastern borders of NATO and the EU even more precarious,’ it read.

    Lukashenko has been Putin’s closest ally, allowing Russia to use Belarus to send troops and weapons into Ukraine.

    He has welcomed a continued Russian military presence in the country and the deployment there of some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons.

    But he has stressed that Wagner fighters ‘will not be guarding any nuclear weapons’.

    Prigozhin himself arrived in Belarus on Monday, Lukashenko said, but his exact whereabouts are unknown.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has played down concerns that Wagner would pose a threat from Belarus.

    He said the mercenaries probably wouldn’t go there in significant numbers and added that Ukraine’s military believes security along their border will remain ‘unchanged and controllable’.

  • The Tiffany & Co. building catches fire in New York City

    The Tiffany & Co. building catches fire in New York City

    In New York City, a fire breaks out in the Tiffany & Co. tower.Inside the Tiffany & Co. offices in New York City, an electrical fire has started.

    On Thursday morning, the lavish jewellery store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan, received a swift response from first responders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

    A fire started in the building’s basement just as staff members were getting ready for the store to open, at around 10 in the morning.

    According to the FDNY, when firefighters arrived, they found that the fire had originated in a “utility vault” in the basement.

    The FDNY deployed 14 units with 80 first responders to the scene. At least two civilians were transported to the hospital from the blaze, the FDNY said. Their condition is currently unknown.

    It is unclear if the injured civilians were employees at Tiffany’s or shoppers.

    Photos and video from the scene show black plumes of smoke pouring from grates on the street.

    The fire comes only two months after the iconic New York City jeweler renovated its building, which was first built in 1940.

    The iconic jeweler’s flagship store was closed from 2019 to April 2023 for the renovation. Tiffany & Co President and CEO Anthony Ledru called the reopening ‘a major milestone for our House.’

    The new building was unveiled in an opulent grand opening ceremony on April 26, attended by celebrities including Katy Perry, Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively.

    The newly renovated building houses a high-end restaurant, a museum space, and stunning views of Manhattan and Central Park.

    Wonder Woman actress and Tiffany brand ambassador Gal Gadot presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony.

  • Ukrainian launch nuclear drills close to Zaporizhzhia despite fears of a Russian attack

    Ukrainian launch nuclear drills close to Zaporizhzhia despite fears of a Russian attack

    Near the nuclear power plant that is held by Russia in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine has been practising its nuclear disaster response procedures.

    The drills, according to the governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, which includes the facility, Yuriy Malashko, were created to coordinate the response of all services to a “emergency situation” at the plant.

    It follows Kyiv’s accusation that Moscow was planning a “radiation catastrophe” by attacking the facility in a “terrorist” manner, a claim that Moscow has refuted.

    Russia’s envoy to the UN Vassily Nebenzia wrote to the Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying: ‘We do not intend to blow up this NPP (nuclear power plant), we have no intention of doing so.’

    Footage showed rescuers in yellow and white protective gear and gas masks, using dosimeters to check passenger cars and trucks for radiation levels and then cleaning wheels before vehicles underwent additional decontamination at specialised washing points.

    A man on a stretcher was brought into a medical tent as sirens blared.

    Tetyana, 45, said as she was checked for radiation as part of the drill: ‘Of course, it is scary. I fear for my family, my child. What do we do? It is very scary.’

    Officials and civil defence forces worked on scenarios that might follow a nuclear disaster, and on how to inform and evacuate the population.

    ‘We have assumed the worst scenario, in which the contamination zone will be bigger than 50 kilometres,’ Yurii Vlasenko, a deputy energy minister, told reporters.

    ‘This would mean four regions would be affected.’

    He said the results of the drill were good and Ukraine was ‘ready for the challenges’ Russia posed.

    The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, has been occupied by Russia since early March last year, shortly after Moscow’s full-scale invasion.

    Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of shelling the vast complex ever since.

    Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, suffered the world’s worst nuclear accident in 1986 at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.

  • Anger as Sweden demonstrators destroy and burn Quran outside mosque

    Anger as Sweden demonstrators destroy and burn Quran outside mosque

    Anger following Sweden‘s approval of demonstrators tearing apart and burning the Quran outside of a mosqueWidespread criticism has been directed at the Swedish government’s decision to permit two men to conduct a divisive protest in front of a mosque.

    Salwan Momika, who is believed to be an Iraqi living in Sweden, tore pages off a Quran, wiped his shoes on them, and then covered the book in bacon before setting it on fire.

    Yesterday, about 200 people observed as another man stood next to him outside Stockholm’s main mosque.

    One man was detained by police as he attempted to throw a rock, while others of the attendees screamed “God is Great” in Arabic in protest of the burning.

    Swedish authorities granted permission for the protest to go ahead and the burning of the holy Islamic text has been heavily criticised by Muslim-majority nations.

    Muslims consider the Quran the sacred word of God and any intentional damage or show of disrespect towards it is considered extremely offensive.

    Prime minister Ulf Kristersson said the protest, which coincided with the beginning of one of the most important Muslim holidays of Eid al-Adha, was ‘legal but not appropriate’.

    However, a 37-year-old man has now been charged by police with agitation against an ethnic or national group following the incident.

    Middle Eastern nations including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have voiced their strong disapproval of the protest.

    Iraq said it was ‘a reflection of a hateful aggressive spirit that has nothing to do with freedom of expression’.

    Demonstrators have also broken into the Swedish embassy in Baghdad following orders from Shia cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, who called for the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador in the city.

    Some protesters were seen climbing over a barricaded wall outside the embassy and were understood to have been inside for around 15 minutes before they left, reports CNN.

    Egypt described it as a ‘shameful’ act, while Iran labelled it ‘provocative’ and ‘unacceptable’.

    Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan slammed a ‘despicable, atrocious act’ and said it was ‘unacceptable to allow these actions under the pretext of freedom of expression’.

    Turkey is one of the NATO countries with a say over whether Sweden gains membership but Mr Kristersson said he would not speculate about how the protest could impact the process.

    Sweden sought NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year but alliance member Turkey has held up the process, accusing Sweden of harbouring people it considers terrorists and demanding their extradition.

    Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said burning of religious texts is ‘disrespectful and hurtful’.

    He told reporters at a daily briefing: ‘What might be legal is certainly not necessarily appropriate.’

    But he continued to urge Turkey and Hungary to approve Sweden’s NATO status and added: ‘We believe Sweden has fulfilled its commitments under the trilateral memorandum.’

    Swedish police have rejected several recent applications for anti-Quran demonstrations, but courts have overruled those decisions, saying they infringed on freedom of speech.

    Mosque director Imam Mahmoud Khalfi said he was disappointed by the decision to grant permission for the protest during Eid al-Adha.

    He said: ‘The mosque suggested to the police to at least divert the demonstration to another location, which is possible by law, but they chose not to do so.’

    Up to 10,000 visitors attend Stockholm’s mosque for Eid celebrations every year, according to Mr Khalfi.

    In January this year, Turkey suspended talks with Sweden on its NATO application after a Danish far-right politician burned a copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

  • Kofi Akpaloo of LPG claims NPP and NDC spent money worth constructing 30 factories on Assin North by-election

    Kofi Akpaloo of LPG claims NPP and NDC spent money worth constructing 30 factories on Assin North by-election

    The founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has criticized both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their wasteful spending during the recent Assin North by-election.

    According to him, both parties disappointed the country as the amount of money poured into the election campaign by both parties alone could have been used to construct 30 factories in the country.

    “Both the NDC and NPP have let down the country. The amount of money they spent on this by-election alone can be used to build about 30 factories. They have really spent money,” he said.

    He described scenes of people carrying money, seasoning cubes, and cement in broad daylight.

    “You can find someone carrying ‘amane’ [herrings] on her head and you on top of it, you will find bundles of money being carried and is in full glare. A little after he or she will come back to collect Maggie seasoning cubes and salt, they really spent a lot.

    “And for cement, it is as though they brought a cement factory into this constituency. In every environment in the constituency, you will find cement being shared. The NPPs were sharing, the same as the NDCs. This is the only job they came to do there.

    Kofi Apkaloo also recounted witnessing a fight in Assin Bereku, with individuals claiming to have been cheated in the distribution of monies being given to them by the NPP and the NDC.

    “Both the NPP and NDC have really paid huge sums of money in Assin North and none of them can deny that fact. This morning, I witnessed a fight here in Assin Bereku with some constituents claiming to have been cheated in sharing the money,” he added.

    The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) presented the only female to contest in the Assin North by-election. The candidate, Bernice Enyonam Sefenu, polled 87 votes representing 0.29 per cent out of 29,962 of the total valid vote cast.

  • Elikem Kumordzie unveils fashion film ‘Pilolo’ showcasing culture and new clothing line

    Elikem Kumordzie unveils fashion film ‘Pilolo’ showcasing culture and new clothing line

    In a new move to launch and showcase his new clothing line, Elikem Kumordzie has combined his years in film and tailoring to create ‘Pilolo’, a fashion film.

    The film is connected to the release of the new sequin collection themed, ‘The Tailors Sequence’.

    ‘Pilolo’ is an outdoor game where an object like a stick is hidden while the participants have either closed their eyes or are not in the same location. At the shout of “pi-lo-lo”, the participants run from their hideout to search for the item.

    The last person who does not find the object loses.

    Elikem Kumordzie’s film depicts the real-life indigenous Ghanaian outdoor game but with a twist.

    “But in the case of the fashion film, the last man who loses is stripped off the sequin look and reduced to a monster and added on to the ‘Dracula’ team,” the designer, Elikem Kumordzie said in an interview.

    The film shows how sequin fabrics can be used in different forms to construct garments for both males and females.

    While an actor and designer, Elikem Kumordzie is creatively pushing both film and fashion through Ghanaian culture with his new sequin collection.

    ‘Pilolo’ also sends the message to other designers that they can creatively showcase their pieces and collections through film and storytelling.

    The film features Elikem Kumordzie himself as the lead character who doubles as the writer and director and the famed Haillie Sumney who played the supporting role.

  • Bagbin unhappy about Gyakye Quayson’s daily trial

    Bagbin unhappy about Gyakye Quayson’s daily trial

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin is unhappy about an Accra High Court decision to hear James Gyakye Quayson‘s on a daily basis, describing it as “selective.”

    He believes that it is not right for the court to put Assin North MP-elect James Gyakye Quayson through a daily trial following the perjury and forgery charges brought against him by the state.

    Speaking in an interview with Graphic Online, he said the decision to hold the trial daily seems selective, especially since no case has been taken through such a process.

    The Speaker was speaking during a visit to the office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra to meet with management and the editorial staff.

    The visit is aligned with the Speaker’s desire to strengthen Parliament-Media Relations, and it is his first to a media organisation since he was elected Speaker on January 7, 2021.

    “What we are doing is rule by law, not rule of law, and I think that we should move away from that. For democracy to succeed, the pillar is the rule of law. I tell them, and I tell the judges, it is not right. If it is done to everybody, I have no problem, but if it is done selectively, I have a problem,” Mr Bagbin said.

    He added that “the law is not the centre of democracy, that is one of the errors in our constitution. Read through our constitution and you’ll see the law is a respecter of so many people. So many people in Ghana are above the law. You can’t have democracy [with that], and so we need to work at it seriously.”

    The speaker called on the public to, as a result, support the need for a constitutional review emphasizing that “it is something we must take up.” 

    This comes after an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh ruled that the trial of the opposition National Democratic NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson will be heard on daily basis starting from July 4, 2023.

    The court ruled that its June 16 order announcing this arrangement was within the law and a case for a review had not been made.

    The decision was protested by many including the MP-elect’s legal team.

    However, the court maintained that “adjournments are at the discretion of the court and not the convenience of parties. The order of this court was clearly in line with the law. Nowhere was it demonstrated that the order was contrary to law.”

    “His rights have not been violated by the court for refusing not to give him time to campaign. Mere refusal of the court does not constitute denial of right to fair trial,” the judge stated.

    Mr Quayson is being tried for forgery and perjury after he was charged by the Attorney-General’s Office.

    He is also accused of deceiving a public officer and knowingly making a false declaration when he filed nominations to contest in the 2020 election when he had not renounced his Canadian citizenship.

    Background

    This followed a Supreme Court ruling that the Electoral Commission acted unconstitutionally in allowing Mr Quayson to contest the 2020 parliamentary election without proof of him renouncing his Canadian Citizenship.

    The apex court in its ruling ordered parliament to expunge James Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records as a Member of Parliament. It further declared that his election was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect. His swearing-in was equally declared to be unconstitutional.

    Following the ruling, his seat was declared vacant and a by-election was held Tuesday, on June 27.

    Mr Gyalye Quayson won the by-elections with 17,245 votes representing 57.56% of valid votes.

    His main rival, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party polled 12,630 or 42.15% of valid votes to place second, while Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu polled only 87 votes or 0.29%.

    Speaking to JoyNews about his victory, Mr Gyakye Quayson said the electorates in his constituency cannot be swayed by the governing New Patriotic Party.

    “When it comes to the people of Assin North, nothing can break us apart. And if they (NDC) want to go for a by-election 10 times, I will win 10 times. I can assure you that.

    “They are not in for money, they are in for real development and what I can say is that I am the first gentleman of Assin North now,” he stressed.

    Meanwhile, he has filed a motion on notice at the High Court for stay of proceedings, pending an appeal.

  • I’ll always win even if by-election is held 10 times in Assin North – Gyakye Quayson

    I’ll always win even if by-election is held 10 times in Assin North – Gyakye Quayson

    Assin North MP-elect James Gyakye Quayson is highly optimistic about a victory in the constituency no matter how many times a by-election is held in the area.

    This follows his victory in the recently held by-election in the constituency.

    The exercise became necessary after Parliament wrote to the Electoral Commission declaring the seat vacant.

    Earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled that the Electoral Commission acted unconstitutionally in allowing Mr Quayson to contest the 2020 parliamentary election without proof of his renouncing his Canadian Citizenship.

    The apex court in its ruling ordered parliament to expunge James Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records as a Member of Parliament.

    It further declared that his election was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect. His swearing-in was equally declared to be unconstitutional.

    Subsequently, the Attorney General charged the former MP with forgery and perjury.

    Speaking to JoyNews today, Mr Gyakye Quayson who was in court this morning for his criminal trial said the electorates within his constituency cannot be swayed by the governing New Patriotic Party.

    “When it comes to the people of Assin North, nothing can break us apart. And if they (NDC) want to go for a by-election 10 times, I will win 10 times. I can assure you that.

    “They are not in for money, they are in for real development and what I can say is that I am the first gentleman of Assin North now,” he stressed.

    Background

    Mr Quayson won the closely contested by-election with 17,245 votes representing 57.56% of valid votes.

    His main rival, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party polled 12,630 or 42.15% of valid votes to place second, while the Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu polled only 87 votes or 0.29%.

    In the 2020 Parliamentary election in Assin North, Gyakye Quayson won with 17,498 votes representing 55.21 per cent as against the then NPP candidate Abena Durowaa Mensah’s 14,193 votes representing 44.79 per cent.

  • I don’t get tired of working with Kwesi Arthur – Kofi Mole

    I don’t get tired of working with Kwesi Arthur – Kofi Mole

    Ghanaian rapper Kofi Mole has revealed the remarkable telepathic connection that he shares with his former label mate, Kwesi Arthur.

    Speaking on Property FM in an interview with Amansan Krakye, Kofi Mole said he doesn’t get fed up doing songs together with Kwesi Arthur.

    “Oh naa I don’t get tired doing songs with Kwesi Arthur because Kwesi is my brother and we only have three songs now. It wouldn’t be bad if we have a whole tape together like Kofi Mole and Kwesi Arthur,” he posited.

    He added that the fans have always requested more collaborations between him and Kofi Mole, “It will only have about three songs on the tape and the fans are already requesting for more and what the fans want is my priority to do it for them.

    “Our first song was Mensah in 2018, and the second was Navana that’s 2022 so between the first and second song there was four years interval.

  • Asenso-Boakye touts government’s efforts in addressing flooding in Ghana

    Asenso-Boakye touts government’s efforts in addressing flooding in Ghana

    Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has asserted that the government of President Akufo-Addo has committed more funds to tackling the perennial challenge of flooding and building resilience of communities than any other government in the country’s history.

    The Minister said this is evident in the implementation of the comprehensive flood control and management programme that commenced between 2018 and 2020 under the National Flood Control Programmes (NFCP). 

    The Programme, has since seen the government committed GHC 450 million, making it the most substantial investment from a government to address flooding challenges in the country.

    In a statement to Parliament on Thursday on measures being undertaken by the sector Ministry to address the perennial flooding, Asenso-Boakye stated that the government’s commitments to tackling the menace under the programme resulted in initiating 384 desilting projects and the commencement of the construction of 202 drainage channels.

    “To date, 370 desilting projects, representing 96% have been completed and 84 drainage channel construction projects representing 42% have been completed, with the remaining 118 at various stages of completion”the Minister disclosed.

    The impact of the investments, the sector Minister noted has been the mitigation of flood hazards in beneficiary communities such as Kuntunse Satellite, Achimota Mile 7, Katamanso, Mamprobi, Abeka-Ayigbe Town, Labadi Olympia, Nungua (United Church Area), Haatso, Madina Firestone, Madina Mayehot, Madina Redco, Madina Oblogo, Dome Crossing, Weija GEICEL, Kasoa Iron City, Kasoa Obom, Nsuoano stream in Ngleshie Amanfrom and Ashaiman.

    “Other flood hot spots that are benefiting from the 2020 Programme include Kasoa Millennium City, Adenta Sakora, Nsakyi, Ablekuma, Dawhyenya Dome Railway Crossing, New Legon, Adenta, Sango and Naapladjor Drains, Kakum River, Birim River, Leprosarium Drain, Densu River, Korkordjor River, Owabi River, Sefwi Wiaso and Aboabo Drain.”

    Asenso-Boakye indicated that the increasing risk of flooding in some parts of the country is largely due to improper solid waste disposal, disregard for planning rules and regulation, and rapid urbanization compounded by the adverse effect of climate change.

    This, the Minister noted, has resulted in flooding in other urban centres, such as, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Koforidua and Tamale that did not use to experience flooding.

    The sector Minister also mentioned that the government, in partnership with the World Bank and under the Greater Accra Resilience and Integrated Development (GARID), is investing about $200 million towards reducing flood risks and addressing solid waste management challenges in the Odaw Drainage Basin.

    The project, which is jointly being implemented by the Ministries of Works and Housing, Sanitation and Water Resources and Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has already provided financial assistance to 17 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Odaw Catchment area for desilting key drainage channels within their respective jurisdictions.

    “The procurement process for the dredging of the Odaw drainage channel, drainage improvement works at Achimota, Nima and community upgrades in Alogboshie and Akweteyman are almost completed. Construction is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year, following the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan,” the Minister indicated.

  • NPP reveals why it lost Assin North by-elections; blames insufficient time to market candidate

    NPP reveals why it lost Assin North by-elections; blames insufficient time to market candidate

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) says one of the things that went against them in the just-ended Assin North by-election was the fact that they had limited time to market their candidate, Charles Opoku.

    The NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson polled over 17,245 representing 57.56% of the votes, while the NPP’s Charles Opoku managed 12,630 or 42.15% of the valid votes cast.

    The General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, says unlike the NDC, his party had a limited time in propagating their message to the electorate.

    Speaking to JoyNews, he said “as a party, we did not have enough time. We had to go and quickly hold our primaries to elect our candidate, and yes Charles Opoku was elected within the shortest possible time.”

    “We could not get the time to market him very well. It’s true, the time was very short against a candidate who had won elections in 2020.”

    He explained that Mr Quayson was popular and already had a stronger support base in the constituency, and so if the party wanted to win the seat, there should have been enough time to market their candidate.

    “This is someone who won the seat from us in 2020, and until the supreme court made a pronouncement that he could not hold him as a Member of Parliament, he was a Member of Parliament for the constituency, so he was definitely popular,” he said.

    “In terms of reality in terms of what happened at Assin North, you can concede that there was an element of sympathy that went his way,” he added.

    Mr Frimpong explained that the constituents felt their MP had been treated unfairly hence the need to re-elect him into the office to fulfill the promises made to them.

    He, however, says vital lessons would be gleaned from the election for a stronger comeback in 2024.

    However, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana says the discerning nature of the electorates in Assin North came to play in the by-election.

    Prof Ransford Gyampo noted that the governing party seemed to have underestimated the voters’ capacity to interpret hidden meanings and intentions behind some strategies implemented.

    Prof Gyampo further noted that the residents comprehended the motives behind the sudden surge in developmental projects and the attempts at vote buying.

    As a result, the lecturer believes they chose to “teach them [NPP] a lesson” by voting for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, James Gyakye Quayson.

  • Afriyie Akoto lands significant tractor deal for Ghana

    Afriyie Akoto lands significant tractor deal for Ghana


    Despite stepping down as minister to pursue his presidential ambitions, former minister of Food and Agriculture and a flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has won a tractor manufacturing plant deal for Ghana, which will encourage mechanised farming and boost agricultural growth.


    This comes after Dr Akoto and the directors of Hattat Traktör had in-depth discussions during his recent trip to Turkey, where he also gave the keynote speech as the Special Guest of Honour at the African Investors Council Forum.


    The discussions mainly centered on creating an environment that would allow the Hattat Traktör business to flourish, developing policies to safeguard and support the company, as well as issues of accessibility and affordability.


    Dr Akoto noted in an interview noted, that it is about time the world sees Africa as the next big destination for investment, especially in our agricultural sector. Available data points to the fact that Africa is going to feed the world by 2050. The directors of Hattat Traktör have this data and got even more convinced during the discussions. By establishing their manufacturing plant in Ghana, they will have full access to the ECOWAS community market, and that will boost agriculture in Ghana and the West African sub-region”.


    The directors of Hattat Traktör are reportedly getting ready for a visit to Ghana, where they will formally present their proposal to the government for consideration after concluding initial discussions on the investment potentials in the West African sub-region.


    Hattat Traktör, which was founded in 1998, produces tractor models with a horsepower range of 50–113. It creates vehicles with cutting-edge technology and low fuel usage for efficient gardens, small-scale farming, and fields. In 2010, Hattat Traktör won prizes in Poland for tractor and cab design officer of the year. Additionally, they received recognition at the plough champion competitions in Ireland in 2011, Latvia in 2013, Moldova at the Moldagrotech Fair in 2014, and Poland with the new T4000 series in 2016.


    Meanwhile, Dr Akoto has already begun some Hattat Traktör preparations in light of the significance he accords to the agricultural sector, which he has highlighted in his campaign message as the fulcrum for the development of the other sectors of the economy when the proper investments are made in the sector.
    There are 3.1 million professional farmers in Ghana. While the majority of these farmers are smallholders, a few of them practise mechanised farming. According to the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research’s (ISSER) 2021 “State of Ghanaian Economy Report,” Ghana’s agricultural sector grew by 8.4% in 2021, the highest growth seen in the 4th Republic.
    Additionally, it suggested that policymakers in Ghana think about diversifying employment options away from the service sector and promoting greater expansion in the agricultural sector.
    To help raise the availability of mechanical power to levels that can lead to sustainable productivity, measures to import more tractors should be actively pursued as the population of the country grows.
    If the Hattat Traktör agreement is finalised and the assembly facility is constructed in Ghana, mechanised farming will exponentially increase, maintaining food and nutrition security in the nation and the ECOWAS region as a whole.
    Other countries in the West African sub-region are anticipated to gain from the agreement as well.


  • Ned Nwoko absent as his daughter Julia Nwoko marries baby daddy in Canada

    Ned Nwoko absent as his daughter Julia Nwoko marries baby daddy in Canada

    Julia Nwoko, the eldest daughter of Nigerian politician Ned Nwoko, has tied the knot with her baby daddy.

    The wedding took place in Canada following Julia’s recent announcement of her pregnancy and the joyful anticipation of welcoming a baby girl.

    A video of their ceremony, which was only attended by close friends and family, was shared on Julia’s Instagram page.

    She was seen wearing her wedding band in the photos as well.

    Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels, Julia’s father Ned Nwoko and his wife Regina Daniels were obviously not present.

    See comments here:

    de_perfecto1: “this one was told they can’t have a baby out of wedlock u better marry her papa Ned will come for u”

    christophina_sellee: “This is the kind of wedding i like . simple and beautiful. all that matters is the wedding certificate congratulations again baby. i love your cool lifestyle.”

    poshvera_amaka: “Congratulations but does it mean that Regina Daniels will stop giving birth cuz her step daughter’s child can’t be older than her child”

    hickkythebrat: “A whole wife and mummy congratulations babyyyy”

    nenesvibe: “God bless your union super happy for you”

  • Let’s advocate for a ‘kinder online conversation style’ to combat cyberbullying- Juliet Ibrahim

    Let’s advocate for a ‘kinder online conversation style’ to combat cyberbullying- Juliet Ibrahim

    Juliet Ibrahim, a celebrated actress and philanthropist, has expressed her deep concerns regarding the widespread problem of cyberbullying. She has passionately advocated for a shift towards a more compassionate and respectful approach to online conversations.

    In a recent thread on Twitter, she expressed her reluctance to actively use Twitter due to the prevalence of attacks, insults, and bullying that she encounters on her timeline, not only directed toward her but also toward others.

    “I’ve always been very reluctant to actively use Twitter because so many times I’ll scroll and all I’ll see are attacks, insults, and bullying on my timeline, not only to me but even on the timeline of others.

    “I think Twitter will be more exciting to people like myself that flee from cyberbullying when Twitter users learn to distinguish between sharing opinions and engaging in bullying, by promoting a kinder online conversation style,” she said.

    The actress also believes that Twitter would be more appealing to individuals like herself, who strive to escape the clutches of cyberbullying, if users could distinguish between sharing opinions and engaging in bullying behavior.

    She highlights the importance of promoting a more compassionate and understanding approach to online interactions.

    “People in today’s digital age frequently encounter numerous personal obstacles and struggles. So, when people seek solace or entertainment online, they may intend to share a joke, watch videos, or engage in lighthearted discussion.

    “However, for some unfortunate souls, the experience is ruined by the presence of internet bullies. Cyberbullying has become a severe problem affecting mental health and well-being. Let’s learn to be kind to one another in our utterances because we do not know what people are dealing with personally,” she added.

    Juliet Ibrahim emphasizes that everyone deserves the freedom to engage in online activities without being subjected to the harmful impacts of cyberbullying and by fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and empathy, we can create a safer and more inclusive digital space where individuals can express themselves freely and without fear of persecution.

    “Constant exposure to online bullying can be harmful to people, and it adds another layer of stress to their already difficult lives. They are subjected to cruel insults, harassment, and intimidation instead of finding refuge and entertainment. Cyberbullying can have serious implications, causing emotional and psychological discomfort and leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

    “Everyone deserves the freedom to engage in online activities without being subjected to the harmful impacts of cyberbullying,” she stated.

  • Security policy expert asks IGP to ensure police imposters in Assin North are prosecuted

    Security policy expert asks IGP to ensure police imposters in Assin North are prosecuted

    A security policy expert at the Center for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy (CSDPA), Anthony Acquaye, has called on the Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to ensure that individuals who impersonated police officers during the Assin North by-election must be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent for others ahead of the 2024 general election.

    This, he said in a statement dated June 29, 2023.

    According to the statement, the IGP’s commitment to ensuring peace in the by-election led to the deployment of new strategies to ensure that the police take charge of the security of all 99 polling stations in the constituency instead of the political parties.

    “It is important to acknowledge the fact that, the security strategic measures such as the band on the use of firearms at or around the polling stations, the tactical worn of police body cameras and the pre-election shared security activities such as the community engagement and health screening implemented in Assin North by-election to occasion a successful and peaceful by-election never came out of a vacuum but rather through determination, commitment and above all the unbiased actions by officers on the grounds coupled with the self-confident and garner credibility of the Inspector General of Police to empower his senior officers to take in charge of all the 99 polling stations in the constituency,” parts of the statement read.

    However, the expert Anthony Acquaye, added that the IGP must implement strict measures to deal with the imposters to prevent the repetition of such crimes in the 2024 general election.

    “Prevention as they say is better than cure, for this reason am calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare to as a matter of fact, ensure that, those persons who deliberately portrayed themselves as officers of his noble institution are brought into book by prosecuting them to strictly serve as deterrent to or prevent others who have intention or planned to commit such crimes going into 2024 general election,” the statement added.

    Below is the full statement by the expert

    ASSIN NORTH BY – ELECTION : THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE (IGP) MUST ENSURE POLICE IMPOSTERS ARRESTED ARE PROSECUTED TO SERVE AS DETERENT TO OTHERS AHEAD OF 2024 GENERAL ELECTION – Security Policy Expert

    Congratulations to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, the Police Management Board ( POMAB) and the entire Police Service for delivering on their promises to the people of Assin North constituency and Ghanaians at large in ensuring a peaceful by election through the right and prudent strategic security measures put in place to maintain law and order, and to curb the unfortunate disturbances that could have resulted into dreadful election security violence.

    It is important to acknowledge the fact that, the security strategic measures such as the band on the use of firearms at or around the polling stations, the tactical wear of police body cameras and the pre-election shared security activities such as community engagement and health screening implemented in Assin North by-election to occasion a successful and peaceful by-election never came out of a vacuum but rather through determination, commitment and above all the unbiased actions by officers on the grounds coupled with the self-confident and garner credibility of the Inspector General of Police to empower his senior officers to take in charge of all the 99 polling stations in the constituency.

    With police’s alertness and braveness to arrest persons who portrayed themselves as police officers of the noble police institution, in videos that have gone viral which emanated from the constituency strongly convinced us, as the Center for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy that, the IGP and his men and women have critically studied and analysed the new casual factors of election security violence which dominated clearly in Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections, where party loyalists in the name of national security operatives infiltrated in the constituency with state security cars unnumbered and uniforms without name tags caused mayhem in the full glare of the cameras and professional police officers. Again, the historical antecedents of election security violence of previous by-elections, observable election security violence indicators on the ground, geographical nature of the constituency were all fundamental elements for the formation of the strategy.

    Prevention as they say is better than cure, for this reason am calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare to as a matter of fact, ensure that, those persons who deliberately portrayed themselves as officers of his noble institution are brought into book by prosecuting them to strictly serve as deterrent to or prevent others who have intention or planned to commit such crimes going into 2024 general election.

    Sign
    Anthony Acquaye ( MA in Security KAIPTC)
    Security Policy Expert, Center for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy ( CSDPA)
    0556783793

  • Nollywood actress Iyabo Oko has died

    Nollywood actress Iyabo Oko has died


    Amiloaded news has reported the unfortunate passing of Kudirat Odukanwi, a renowned veteran Yoruba actress in Nollywood, who was widely known by her stage name Iyabo Oko.

    Her daughter, Bisi aisha announced on Facebook today, saying that the actress died on Wednesday evening.

    Bisi Aisha wrote; “My mum is gone.” she added; “May your soul rest in peace, mummy.

    Foluke Darmola wrote; and finally we lost her, rip Iyabo Oko, we did our best but God knows best.

    Recall In 2022, Bisi Aisha via her official Instagram page disclosed that her mum, Iyabo Oko has resurrected as her hands moved 3hours after she announced dead.

    She wrote; “Wonderful being ,she moved her hand after been confirmed dead 3hrs ago.God we will forever praise ur HOLY name.”

    According to reports, Iyabo Oko, who has been away from the movie scene for years now, has been battling with ill health which has now led to her untimely demise.

    Though much details about her death hasn’t been made known, her daughter, Bisi Aisha, confirmed the news of her death.

    Also announcing the death on his official page, popular Skit Maker simply known as “Boda wasiu” wrote “Mama iyabo is dead ????” with the picture of the actress attached. The post has garned more than 1000 likes as at the time of filing this report.

  • Veterinary Officer assures public Anthrax disease is under control

    Veterinary Officer assures public Anthrax disease is under control

    Metropolitan Veterinary Officer for Tema and Kpone Katamanso, Dr. Emmanuel Kwao Pecku, says the Veterinary Service has contained the spread of the anthrax disease.

    He, however, admonished the public to report any “suspicious” condition or death they identified in livestock to the nearest veterinary service outfit.

    Dr Pecku said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the spread of the disease ahead of tomorrow’s Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

    He said the Service had undertaken inspections of livestock on the market and assured them of their safety.

    “I am just coming from one of such markets in Tema here and I can assure you that the animals are safe after conducting our inspections. From what I am seeing now, I can say they are safe,” he added.

    Dr Pecku, on the contrary, did not downplay any instance of spread or infection since some of the livestock were coming from nearby countries.

    He commended the security services for their continuous checks on livestock to ensure they had movement permits.

    Talensi and Binduri in the Upper East Region in May 2023, recorded cases of Anthrax, which led to the death of 20 sheep and four cattle, with several others infected.

    One person is reported dead after consuming meat from an infected animal.

    To deal with the outbreak, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council had imposed a region-wide one-month prohibition on the transportation of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and their byproducts to curtail the spread of the disease.

    Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria and affects both humans and animals.

    People who come into direct contact with infected livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, or their by-products, run the danger of contracting Anthrax.

    Eid-Ul-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam (the other being Eid al-Fitr).

    It honours the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of obedience to God’s command. It is celebrated annually on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, on the Islamic calendar.

    Muslims across the globe mark the day by sacrificing a goat, sheep, or battle.

    The 2023 Eid-Ul-Adha celebration falls on June 28 and marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Minā, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, but celebrated by Muslims throughout the world.

  • Meet 15-year-old Britney Cooke to represent UK at Miss Teen Tourism World 2023

    Meet 15-year-old Britney Cooke to represent UK at Miss Teen Tourism World 2023

    Britney Barry Cooke finds great joy in participating in conversations that promote unity and understanding among individuals, fueled by her strong belief in embracing diverse cultures.

    The subject of culture and heritage, the resolve to showcase her talent to the world, among others, have informed the decision of the 15-year-old, born on February 26, 2008, to partake in the Miss Teen Tourism World 2023, expected to be held in Ghana from August 1 to 20, 2023.

    Britney Cooke is a student of British International School Ghana with Literature and Sociology as her academic focus due to her intense interest in criminal law and criminal psychology.

    “I chose to select subjects such as Literature and Sociology as I hope to pursue a career in criminal law and criminal psychology,” she says while trumpeting her desire to foster cross-cultural understanding. “I believe that we as humanity are very segregated and know barely anything about other aspects of cultures which may help benefit us in numerous ways.”

    Britney has a charisma that makes her stand out even if she may at first glance seem to be a quiet person. She is able to convey her vibrant personality and win the admiration of her peers via her participation in extracurricular activities like poetry and the debate team, where she articulates her opinions with skill.

    As she puts it, “I see myself as a bold and charismatic person. Although I may come off as the quiet type, I always seem to have a lot on my mind.”

    As Britney prepares to represent the UK at Miss Teen Tourism World 2023, she embodies the attitude of a young person who supports cultural fusion.

    Britney Cooke is poised to enthrall the audience and motivate a new generation to value and cherish the diverse fabric of cultures throughout the world with her singular vision and unyielding resolve.

  • More than GHC73bn wasted by gov’t on policies and programmes – Report

    More than GHC73bn wasted by gov’t on policies and programmes – Report

    Findings by a poll conducted by the Institute of Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), a public research think-tank, indicates that the government has wasted a staggering 73 billion cedis on its programmes and key decisions.

    According to the group, the amount covers a range of programmes, decisions and policies, including presidential travels, Saglemi Housing Project, National Cathedral, establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, government appointees, Planting for Food and Jobs, fighting galamsey etc., which are all areas that Ghanaians perceive as government waste of taxes.

    The group made the revelation at the launch of a research report by the institute, dubbed “Government Wasteful Spending: Crumbs of Government Waste Report, 2022.”

    “On average, the Government wastes GHc0.70 out of every GHC1.00 received as revenue. This denotes that 70 percent of every GHC1.00 of taxpayers’ contributions goes into wasteful spending,” the findings said.

    The report also mentioned that a key factor that contributed to the wastage of public funds was the lack of transparent and accountable procurement processes, which included inefficient bidding systems, inadequate oversight mechanisms and instances of corruption, leading to inflated contract prices.

    Additionally, the presence of redundant or obsolete government programmes and agencies, which often duplicated functions, resulted in inefficient resource allocation and unnecessary administrative costs. Insufficient evaluation of project feasibility, unrealistic cost estimates and poor monitoring of expenditures often amounted to cost overruns and improper allocation of resources.

    Touching on the duplication of institutions performing the same function, Executive Director for ILAPI, Peter Bismark Kwofie said that, for instance, the office of the Attorney General was allocated funds to fight corruption. In the same vein, CHRAJ and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which were also mandated to fight the canker, were allocated funds.

    The perception poll was conducted across the country between August and November 2022 with 2000 respondents on its website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp pages through random sampling. 

    Mr Kwofie averred that the poll provided primary information on the perception of Ghanaians about how their taxes were being utilised to solve problems and enhance economic prosperity.

    Its Conceptual Review, Definition and Methodology were prepared by ILAPI’s Executive Director, Peter Bismark Kwofie. Poll and Data Analysis were conducted by Stephen Dansu and a public policy contribution was made by Dr Mohammed Jamal of the Koforidua Technical University.

    Mr Kwofie believes that the amount would be more if the research had been conducted over a longer period.

    “If we had conducted the research sector by sector and we had done it on almost all the government flagship programmes from 2014 up to date, we would be receiving more than 73 billion Ghana cedis as waste,” he noted. 

    Touching on other revelations in the poll, Mr Kwofie indicated that 92 per cent of respondents were of the view that the government was wasting taxes; this, he noted, influenced the citizens’ degree of trust in the government.

    He said, “statistically, 90.5 percent of Ghanaians have lost trust in the Government due to corruption and a lack of accountability and transparency in the implementation and execution of policies and programmes.”

    Providing recommendations on how to mitigate wasteful spending and gain citizens’ trust, the Report suggested that strengthening of budgetary processes and introducing effective oversight mechanisms in promoting a culture of fiscal responsibility within the government financial architectures.

    It went on to suggest fiscal covenant responsibility laws and rules, which would regulate government spending to enhance transparency and accountability. Additionally, ILAPI suggested a comprehensive review of government programmes to identify redundancies and inefficiencies. It explained that eliminating or merging redundant entities or institutions can result in cost savings and improved service delivery.

  • Mylisa highlights societal prejudice: women’s narratives damaging men’s lives

    Mylisa highlights societal prejudice: women’s narratives damaging men’s lives


    Ghanaian producer and author Princess Agyapomaa, also known as Mylisa, emphasizes the importance of granting men a fair opportunity to present their side whenever women make allegations, particularly in matters concerning relationships.

    Mylisa asserts that certain women are exploiting societal biases, as their belief in their own narratives detrimentally impacts the emotions and lives of men.

    Mylisa stated that men deserve equal protection as women, stating that men have been silenced from giving their perspective on pertinent issues.

    “The emotions of men matter, so manhood has to be respected. Men are committing suicide and ‘murdering’ women every day because they are dying in silence.

    “Are we fighting for women’s rights to ridicule and emasculate men? Or we are fighting for women’s rights to build society.

    “Whenever there is an issue between men and women, society is so quick to defend the women because women are seen to be weak.

    “A lot of women are riding on this to attack and falsely accuse men,” she stated.

    She further asserted that if the narrative of men could be given a fair hearing by society, many women would be exposed for some negative things they do.

    “A grown woman will have consensual sex with a grown man, and the man will be shamed for impregnating the woman. Women have so much power over whether to carry a pregnancy or not, but nobody holds them responsible for being careless.

    “How can a jobless man father a child? Why isn’t the woman attacked for having unprotected sex with a jobless man? When a woman speaks, it is healing, but when a man speaks, it is immaturity.

    “Men deserve more respect than women because these men are literally our fathers, husbands, and brothers. If women are free to express themselves,then men must be given the same freedom to express how they feel without being called disrespectful,” she said.

  • Asakaa Boys poised to win drill category win at 2024 Grammy awards

    Asakaa Boys poised to win drill category win at 2024 Grammy awards

    Ghanaian music group Asakaa Boys has expressed their ambition to become the inaugural winners in the newly introduced Ghanaian Drill genre category at the upcoming 2024 Grammy Awards, hosted by the esteemed Recording Academy of the United States.

    Braa Benk, speaking on behalf of the group, in an interview conveyed their profound humility and excitement upon receiving recognition from such a prestigious award platform like the Grammys.

    He revealed that the announcement has inspired them to work even harder to secure a nomination and ultimately become the winners of the category.

    Braa Benk stated, “Bringing the award home depends on the effort we put in and how we push our work out there for the world to see our full package. We believe when we put our minds to it and work hard, we can make very good strides. We have been ready for whatever comes our way, and there’s no limitation to how far our music could reach.”

    Furthermore, Braa Benk emphasized that although Asakaa Boys spearheaded Ghana Drill music, they are open to other artistes exploring the genre.

    They welcomed artistes from other countries to embrace and contribute to Ghanaian Drill, as their initial goal was to break barriers and see the genre thrive internationally.

    “We don’t mind seeing other people from other countries hop on to this genre because when we started this, our goal was to break barriers and have other people embrace it. If we have others doing Ghanaian Drill and eventually winning the Grammys, it will still mean a lot to us because what we started in our little space will be going places,” he explained.

    With their dedication, talent, and pioneering role in Ghana Drill, the Asakaa Boys are poised to make a significant impact in the music industry and are determined to secure the coveted Grammy Award in their category.

    Comprised of nine members, namely O’Kenneth, Jay Bahd, Kawabanga, Cedi City Boy, Reggie, Kwaku DMC, Sean Lifer, Rabby Jones, and Braa Benk, Asakaa Boys are credited for pioneering Ghana Drill. They confidently state that they possess all the necessary qualities to meet the award criteria and surpass any competition effortlessly.

    The recent recognition of Ghana’s Drill and Highlife music as relevant African music styles in the Best African Music Performance category of the 2024 Grammy Awards has inspired the group.

    The Best African Music Performance category is one of three new slots introduced in the prestigious awards scheme, along with Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.

  • 4 communities in Suaman Constituency left out of electrification projects, sparking concerns

    4 communities in Suaman Constituency left out of electrification projects, sparking concerns

    Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr William Owuraku Aidoo, has disclosed that four communities within the Suaman Constituency have been excluded from the ongoing Electrification Projects (EP) initiated by the Ministry.

    He, however, added that the communities would be considered when funds were available and mentioned Asempaneye, Samanga, Tarlorkrom and Mensahkrom as the affected communities.

    Mr Aiddo named the communities, on Thursday on the Floor of Parliament, in Accra, in an answer to a question by Mr Joseph Betino, Member of Parliament (MP), for Suaman.

    Mr Betino inquired about when Asempanaye, Samanga, Tarlorkrom and Mensahkrom would benefit from the Rural Electrification Project (REP).

    The REP was incorporated in 1975 with the specific mandate to expand the reach of electricity supply to rural areas, where the provision of such services would not be economically viable for commercial providers of electricity.

    “Mr Speaker, the communities have been noted and will be considered for connection to the national grid in the subsequent phase of the electrification programme when funds are available, ” he said told Parliament.

  • Here are 5 benefits of an evening workout

    Here are 5 benefits of an evening workout

    The optimal timing for a workout is a topic of ongoing debate, with varying opinions among experts.

    While some experts advocate for morning workouts as the ideal choice, others emphasize the merits of exercising in the evening.

    Exploring the advantages of an evening workout, we can highlight the following factors:

    • It is a perfect stress buster​

    Indulging yourself in a workout session in the evening can reduce the stress level you have accumulated throughout the day. Evening workouts are perfect stress-busting activities that can help you ease and have a good night’s sleep later on.

    • It eases body tension​

    Long sedentary hours make the body’s muscles stiff. A workout session in the evening breaks this tension and helps the body ease. Long sitting hours often inhibit the ability of the body to sleep properly. Hence a moderate-intensity workout is effective in putting you to sleep.

    Evening workouts are good options as they give you more time to exercise. You don’t have the stress of going to the workplace or worrying about the commute. Most people do not have anything in their schedule during the evening time. This makes it the best time to work out.

    • ​You are likely to perform better​

    It is more likely that during the evening time, you can do better at your workouts than you do in the morning. The stress factor plays a major role in this. During the evening, when you have wrapped up your work you are more at ease and have less in your mind to deal with and hence can focus more on your work.

    • Evening workouts help in more fat burning​

    Studies suggest that evening workouts work best for men as it helps in more fat burning and improves blood pressure control. It also increases muscular performance in women.

  • Ways to turn your regular walk into an excellent workout​

    Ways to turn your regular walk into an excellent workout​

    Walking is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of physical activity.

    Engaging in regular exercise offers numerous advantages for your heart, bones, muscles, weight management, and sleep, ultimately contributing to a longer and healthier life.

    By incorporating exercise into your everyday routine, it becomes a habit that seamlessly integrates into your normal schedule.

    Walking is incredible exercise. It’s effective, free, and can be done practically anywhere. Walking is also an enjoyable form exercise because it can be social and stress-relieving. Regular walkers reduce their risks for cardiovascular disease and obesity, and enjoy other health benefits like stronger bones and muscles and improved moods.

    If you like walking but are looking to burn more calories, try out some of these suggestions to transform your walk into a full-body workout:

    • Maintain a routine​

    Set a walking routine for yourself. Be it for 30 minutes or 40 minutes a day, stick to your routine. If you can not manage walking for 30 minutes at a time, plan small short walks in a day. Putting your body through this physical activity for a regular amount of time helps your body get its benefits steadily.

    • Warm up before walking is important

    Walking might seem like a low-intensity workout but you would be surprised to know that warm-up is essential before a walking session. You should stretch before going out for a walk. Stretch your leg muscles, calves, and thighs for about 10 minutes. Don’t push yourself to stretch; do it with ease. Take your time and do it at a slow pace.

    • Maintain your posture while walking​

    While walking keep your head up, stand tall, strengthen your back, and keep your shoulder down and back. Do not slouch, hunch, or lean forward while walking as it will do you more harm than good. Keep your body relaxed, loosen it, and walk with ease. Do not walk under stress. Take a moderate-intensity pace while walking.

    • ​Move your arms​

    The best way to walk is to swing your hands and arms in a gentle manner. While walking make sure your shoulders move too and not just the hands below the elbows. Swing arms parallel to the body, not across it. Do not swing your arms too high intentionally.

    • Take steps properly​

    The right way to walk is to know the right way to take a step. Take a step from heel to toe. This means striking the ground with your heel first and then rolling your feet to the toe. Push for the next step with your toe. Do not start a step with your toes.

  • Gas and Ewes underrepresented in gov’t – Ayikoi Otoo

    Gas and Ewes underrepresented in gov’t – Ayikoi Otoo

    Nii Ayikoi Otoo, a respected lawyer and former Attorney General, recently voiced his surprise and disappointment at the lack of ministerial appointments for individuals with his qualifications.

    During an interview, he raised concerns about the underrepresentation of the Gas and Ewes, the indigenous people of the Greater Accra Region, in the government of President Akufo-Addo.

    Ayikoi Otoo questioned the reasoning behind this disparity and pointed out that there are highly qualified individuals from the Ga and Ewe community who are more than capable of serving in government positions.

    One of Ayikoi Otoo’s main points of contention was the issue of regional balance in appointments, as outlined in the Constitution. He criticized the limited representation of the Gas community, highlighting the fact that only two Ga women and two Ewe held ministerial positions, while other regions had a more substantial presence in the government. He questioned whether this was an accurate reflection of regional balance and fairness.

    Ayikoi Otoo also expressed his concerns about the treatment of the Gas in terms of land allocation. He argued that successive governments had failed to develop areas outside of the capital, Accra, which had put immense pressure on the lands of the Ga people. He highlighted the difficulties faced by the Gas in finding burial space in their cemeteries, which were once exclusively reserved for their community. This loss of land and limited burial space further reinforced his belief that the indigenous people of the Greater Accra Region were not being treated fairly.

    Furthermore, Ayikoi Otoo criticized the compulsory acquisition of land by the government. He mentioned notable examples such as the University of Ghana, Legon, and the expansive size of ministries and the Accra Airport. He argued that these development projects had encroached upon lands that belonged to individuals and communities, including the Gas. Ayikoi Otoo questioned whether adequate compensation and benefits were provided to those affected by these land acquisitions, particularly the indigenous communities.

    Another point raised by Ayikoi Otoo was the resettlement of the people of Tema Manhean. He described how their lands were acquired by the government to establish the Tema Industrial Area, resulting in the displacement of the indigenous population. He highlighted the lack of benefit to the Gas community in terms of employment opportunities and other advantages that arose from these development projects.

    Ayikoi Otoo concluded by emphasizing the need for special treatment and consideration for the Gas community and other marginalized groups. He called for a fair and equitable distribution of ministerial appointments, highlighting the importance of regional balance and inclusivity in government representation. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of respecting the rights of indigenous communities in land allocation and development initiatives.

    The concerns raised by Nii Ayikoi Otoo reflect a broader issue of representation, fairness, and equitable development in Ghanaian politics and governance. They underscore the need for government officials to prioritize regional balance and ensure that marginalized communities are given opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. By addressing these concerns and striving for inclusivity, Ghana can take meaningful steps towards fostering unity and ensuring that all citizens have a fair chance to contribute to the nation’s development.

  • Kadjebi NADMO warns against placing container shops under high tension lines

    Kadjebi NADMO warns against placing container shops under high tension lines

    The Kadjebi District Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued a strong advisory to residents of the area, urging them to refrain from placing Container Shops beneath high tension electricity lines.

    This cautionary measure comes as a response to potential risks associated with such placement, emphasizing the importance of avoiding hazardous situations that could endanger lives and property.

    “The danger of trading under such high-tension cables far outweighs the profits of any business transaction.”

    Nana Oboako Joseph, Kadjebi District Director of NADMO, disclosed this in an interview with the media at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.

    They were also informed that due to the weight of the cables, fire outbreaks could occur anytime should the wires snap.

    He cautioned the inhabitants to desist from staying under transmission lines as those who live under transmission lines risk losing their lives should line sag.

    He said the victim would “burn beyond recognition to the thousands of volts carried in these transmission lines.

    The NADMO District Director said the safest place to site container should be 5.5 meters away from the high tension.

    According to him, “it is a dangerous act of raising structures around or close to high tensions as that could lead to a fire outbreak causing destruction to life and properties.”

    Nana Oboako said they visited Freetown, Dubonku, Kadjebi Central, among other communities in the district to sensitise residents on the need to comply with the directive.

  • Fashion film: Elikem Kumordzie taking fashion to a different level

    Fashion film: Elikem Kumordzie taking fashion to a different level

    Ghanaian designer Elikem Kumordzie has unveiled a captivating fashion film that celebrates and showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of the country.

    The film, Pilolo, is connected to the release of the new sequin collection themed: TheTailorsSequence.

    “The film depicts the real life indigenous Ghanaian outdoor game Pilolo, but with a twist, where a master hides objects and screams Pilolo, then the group runs out to go find the objects.

    The last person who doesn’t find the object loses. But in the case of the fashion film, the last man who loses is stripped off the sequin look and reduced to a monster and added on to the ‘Dracula’ team,” the designer said.

    The film shows how sequin fabrics can be used in different forms to construct garments for both males and females.

    While an actor and designer, Elikem Kumordzie is creatively pushing both film and fashion through Ghanaian culture with his new sequin collection.

    Pilolo also sends the message to other designers that they can creatively showcase their pieces and collections through film and storytelling.

    The film features Elikem Kumordzie himself as the lead character who doubles as the writer and director and the famed Haillie Sumney who played the supporting role.

  • Amnesty International visits former President Mahama

    Amnesty International visits former President Mahama

    Amnesty International (AI) Ghana and its partner Civil Society Organisation (CSO) have paid a courtesy call on Former President John Dramani Mahama at his office in Cantonments,Accra.

    The visit was to seek support and guidance on human rights issues in Ghana.

    Addressing the gathering, Madam Genevieve Partington, Country Director of AI Ghana, reiterated the need to scrap the death penalty.

    She appealed to the Former President to use his platform to advocate for the amendment of the National Health Insurance Act to accommodate free medical care for victims of sexual violation.

    She said, “the health insurance should make medical care of victims of sexual violation free to enable them move forward with the prosecution of perpetrators.”

    Victims currently pay between 200 Ghana Cedi and 2000 Ghana Cedi for the medical report.

    She said, “for the freedom of expression and civic space they will be partnering stakeholders like the Ghana Police Service, Trade Unions and Student groups as they look at protests in Ghana.”

    On the Witchcraft Accusation bill, she said AI proposing sentencing one to five years imprisonment for persons who abuse alleged witches.

    Mr. Francis Nyantakyi, Board Chair Al, Ghana described the death penalty as inhumane.

    He said, “with your support, we hope that Ghana joins our neighbouring countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo among other countries which have abolished the death penalty.”

  • 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group visit deepens Ghana-China relations

    43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group visit deepens Ghana-China relations

    The long-standing relationship between Ghana and China has been strengthened with the visit of the 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group to Tema Port, Ghana.

    The 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group consists of the Chinese war ship DDGH Nanning 162 Type 052DL guided-missile destroyer, the FFGH Sanya 574 Type 054A and a comprehensive supply ship AOR Weishanhu 887 Type 903, all of which have berthed on the territorial waters of Ghana.

    The taskforce, with two ship-borne helicopters and over 700 troops, will voyage from Ghana on Saturday, July 1, 2023, after spending some time in Cote d’Ivoire as part of their escort mission.  

    The brief welcoming ceremony, characterised by performances from traditional Chinese masquerade dancers, also witnessed the assemblage of the Chinese community in Ghana, which continuously waved China and Ghana flags.

    The 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group, with women aboard in spotless white uniforms standing motionless with arms at the sides and feet together on the deck and outer parts of the ship, drew continuous applause from dignitaries and onlookers alike.

    Performing their duty with bravery and loyalty during the past six months, the Escort Task Group has been on mission since January 10, 2023.  

    The group has successfully accomplished an escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, evacuated Chinese nationals from Sudan, fulfilled the international humanitarian obligations and protected the international sea lines of communication.

    The Destroyer 162 berthed at the Tema Port, with the inscription “China-Ghana Friendship is Time-tested”. 

    It is one of the many Type 052DL guided-missile destroyers available to the Chinese surface fleet fitted with all-modern solutions to all-modern battlefield threats.

    Dignitaries, including the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Lu Kun; Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Deputy Minister of Defence; Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defence Staff; Senior Naval Officers and the Chinese Community were given a guided tour of the Destroyer 162.

    Mr Lu Kun, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, said the task force’s escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan, demonstrated that China was a responsible country and congratulated the team for the courage, dedication and outstanding achievement.

    He said China-Ghana relations was getting enhanced with pragmatic cooperation flourishing, cultural ties increasingly closer, and military cooperation making considerable progress.

    The Ambassador said the Armed Forces of Ghana and China had and resumed face-to-face exchanges after COVID-19 with the sod-cutting for the Chinese Military Aid Gratis Project for Ghana.

    The port call, he noted, aimed at deepening understanding, and would further consolidate the Ghana-China friendship and expand cooperation. 

    He expressed optimism that the visit would open a new chapter for military relations and promote China-Ghana relations to a higher level.

    China and Ghana, the Chinese Ambassador said, were both advocates and defenders of world peace and that last year, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative with China issuing the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper early this year.

    “It states clearly that it is our common aspiration to achieve lasting world peace and China is ready to conduct bilateral and multilateral security cooperation with all countries and international and regional organisations under the framework of the Global Security Initiative…to jointly promote world peace and tranquillity,” he said.  

    Mr Kun said, “China supports the efforts of African countries, the AU 46 and sub-regional organisations to resolve regional conflicts, fight terrorism and safeguard maritime security”.

    “Enhancing mutual exchanges and cooperation in the military field between our two countries is of positive significance. China is willing to explore cooperation with the Ghanaian side and jointly promote peace and tranquillity in the African Region and the world at large.”

    The visit of the 43rd Escort Task Group in Ghana, Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Deputy Minister of Defence, said was “appropriate and timely as the Government of Ghana is strategically deepening its relationship with its valued partners, including the People’s Republic of China to reshape our Maritime issues.”

    He said over the past decades, the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces had benefited enormously from the Chinese Defence Cooperation Assistance in many areas, including training, platform acquisition, construction amongst others.

    Mr Amankwa-Manu reiterated that the military relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army had seen enormous cooperation, with the recent one being the 37 Military Hospital expansion project awarded to the China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited.  

    Enhancing existing partnership between China and Ghana under a broader Defence Cooperation, he said, was important in the face of deteriorating security conditions within the West African sub-region.

    “Enhanced security cooperation in the maritime domain will also help address some of the maritime security threats. Contemporary threats to security such as Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Climate Change, Pandemics, epidemics can only be addressed through cooperation and collaboration with each other,” he added.

    Senior Captain ZHAO Lang and Senior YANG Yanhua, captains of the Destroyer 162, said the 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce set sail for the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia from a military port in Zhanjiang city, southeast China’s Guangdong province, on the morning of January 10, 2023.

    Captain Zhao, who applauded the hard work of the task force, said in late April, an armed conflict broke out in Sudan and due to the severe and prolonged nature of the conflict, the task force rushed to Sudan and evacuated 1,171 people from nine countries successfully.

  • VRA, ECG, TOR, GNPC, BOST, Bui, NEDco, GRIDco owe $2.4 bn

    VRA, ECG, TOR, GNPC, BOST, Bui, NEDco, GRIDco owe $2.4 bn

    Accrued debt from eight State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) amount to $2.4 billion, a Deputy Energy Minister, William Owuraku Aidoo, has revealed.

    He said the indebtedness of the said eight SOEs in the energy sector, as of December 2021, per the validated debt matrix published by Deloitte in May 2023, is approximately $2.4 billion.

    The Deputy Minister who announced the figure, in Parliament, in Accra, mentioned the SOEs as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

    The rest are Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Bui Power Authority and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

    Mr Aidoo’s announcement was part of his response to a question by Mr Edward Abambire Bawa, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bongo.

    The MP wanted to know from the Energy Minister the total indebtedness of the eight SOEs – VRA, ECG, NEDCo, GRIDCo, TOR, BOST, Bui Power Authority and GNPC.

    The Deputy Minister said the creditors were stakeholders – SOEs, Independent Power Producers (IPP) and fuel suppliers in the power sector supply value chain.

    Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the MP for Bulsa South, who asked the question on the behalf of Mr Bawa, requested that the Speaker should direct the Deputy Minister to furnish the House with the detailed report of the indebtedness of the individual SOEs.

    Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, presiding, then directed the Deputy Minister to furnish the House with the detailed report of the indebtedness of the individual SOEs in the energy sector within one week.

  • 5 best tips to prevent your armpit from sweating

    5 best tips to prevent your armpit from sweating


    Excessive sweating in the armpits, known as hyperhidrosis, can be bothersome for some individuals, although it is a natural physiological function aimed at regulating body temperature and cooling down the body when it overheats.

    While minimal perspiration is common and poses no major issues, excessive perspiration is a concern. It can drench your favourite top or dress, and those visible sweat marks can be uncomfortable and annoying.

    Excessive underarm sweating can make you feel really uncomfortable especially if the problem persists. This can significantly affect your daily life but fortunately, you can manage this at home.

    To learn how to reduce armpit sweating naturally, here are some daily tips for you:

    Maintaining proper hygiene is essential in controlling underarm sweating. Wash your underarms with antibacterial soap regularly to prevent bacterial growth that can contribute to odour. Dry your underarms thoroughly after showering.

    • Wear breathable fabrics and dress strategically

    Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or bamboo that allow air circulation and help absorb moisture. Avoid synthetic materials like nylon or polyester that trap heat and moisture, exacerbating sweating.

    Also, opt for loose-fitting clothing that promotes airflow and reduces friction against your skin. Avoid tight-fitting or restrictive clothing that can increase sweating and make you feel more uncomfortable.

    • Stay hydrated

    Drinking plenty of water helps regulate your body temperature and can reduce sweating. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and maintain overall bodily functions.

    • Maintain a healthy weight

    Being overweight can contribute to excessive sweating. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can reduce overall sweating, including underarm sweating.

    • Manage stress

    Stress and anxiety can trigger excessive sweating. Use stress-reduction strategies like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, as well as indulging in hobbies and other enjoyable activities. Additionally, consider seeking professional help if stress becomes overwhelming.

  • Vim Lady reacts to Sarkodie and Yvonne Nelson bruohaha

    Vim Lady reacts to Sarkodie and Yvonne Nelson bruohaha

    Ghanaian media personality and broadcaster Vim Lady has offered her perspective on the ongoing Sarkodie-Yvonne Nelson controversy, highlighting the significance of taking into account both parties involved in the controversy.

    Vim Lady expressed her belief that when two consenting adults engage in raw sex or other sexual activities without using protection, they automatically accept the risks associated with such decisions in a thought-provoking social media post on Instagram.

    She questioned the tendency to solely blame either the rapper or the actress for the situation, emphasizing the mutual responsibility shared by both parties.

    Addressing her followers, Vim Lady stated, “If two people of age agree to RAW SEX, it means they’ve agreed to all the things that accompany it, so why do we blame Sarkodie or Yvonne alone?”

    Her words encouraged a broader perspective that takes into account the choices made by both individuals involved in the scandal.

    Recognizing the emotional impact of the controversy on Sarkodie, Yvonne, and their families, Vim Lady called for understanding and forgiveness.

    She stressed the need for grace in moving past the scandal, stating, “Both Sark and Yvonne need to give themselves GRACE and find forgiveness to move on past this.”

    The broadcaster highlighted the traumatic effects of public scrutiny and media attention, particularly on Yvonne’s mother, Sarkodie’s mother, and sisters.

    Furthermore, Vim Lady emphasized the significance of considering potential coercion or influence in such situations.

    She urged for a fair and balanced perspective, stating, “Unless one person can prove being influenced to have raw sex or sex without a condom (duress).”

    By raising this point, she aimed to encourage a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and avoid hasty judgment.

    In her message, Vim Lady appealed to the public to approach the controversy with empathy and sensitivity. She reminded her followers that the news trends alone can be distressing for both Sarkodie and Yvonne, as well as their families.

    On the back of Yvonne’s claim that Sarkodie impregnated her in 2010 but had to abort the baby because the rapper did not like the idea of keeping the baby, Sarkodie replied with a track titled ‘Try Me.’

    In the song, he addressed Yvonne’s accusations of pregnancy and denial, stating that it was her decision to undergo an abortion.

    Sarkodie alleged that Yvonne was manipulating the situation, taking advantage of the fact that society tends to listen to women more than men.

    Yvonne, on the other hand, took to Twitter to express her discontent with Sarkodie’s reply, engaging in a series of rants aimed at addressing the lyrics that hurt her the most.

    As the controversy continues, the public eagerly awaits further developments in the Sarkodie-Yvonne scandal, hoping for a resolution that promotes understanding and healing for all parties involved.

  • Tonto Dikeh professes undying love for Davido

    Tonto Dikeh professes undying love for Davido

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh, has expressed her deep affection and admiration for the popular Afrobeats singer, Davido, and his wife, Chioma Rowland.

    She shared a photo of the couple with a caption that read that Davido can do no wrong in her eyes.

    Tonto Dikeh sent love and light to the singer and his wife amidst these trying times.

    Her post comes amidst the singer’s cheating scandal which has since taken over the internet.

    Davido is said to have cheated on his wife, Chioma, with a couple of women.

    The women in question, have all been impregnated by the singer

    “There are people who can do no wrong in your eyes… And you are one of them. Love and light My Gee”.

    Tonto Dikeh isn’t the only celebrity who has reacted to the singer’s cheating scandal.

    See her post here