Following the fatal stabbing of a guy in his 30s on a tram, a man has been detained on suspicion of murder.
After 11.10 a.m. on Monday, according to Nottingham shire Police, officers arrived at the Highbury Vale tram stop, where the victim had already passed away.
A single individual was detained and is still in police custody.
“What happened at Highbury Vale this morning is tragic and resulted in the death of a man in his 30s,” said Chief Constable Kate Meynell of the Nottinghamshire Police.
‘We know there were other passengers on board at the time and understand how frightening this must have been for anyone who saw what happened.
‘Our officers were at the scene quickly and detained a suspect. He remains in police custody.
‘This was an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened this morning.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon…Check back shortly for further updates.
The Metropolitan Police have identified a new suspect in the infamously racist murder of Stephen Lawrence.
A BBC investigation named Matthew White, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 50, and charged the force with handling significant inquiries against him improperly.
According to the broadcaster, there is proof that White was the’sixth man’ in the attack that happened in Eltham, southeast London, 30 years ago.
The Met responded by repeating Sir Mark Rowley’s apology from earlier this year on the anniversary of Stephen’s passing and noting that White had been detained twice.
On both occasions, the force said, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had advised there was no realistic prospect of his conviction.
Stephen Lawrence was 18 years old when a group of white men stabbed him to death as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in April 1993.
While the police have repeatedly said there were six attackers, only two people were ever found guilty.
David Norris and Gary Dobson were given life sentences for Stephen’s murder in 2012, and the three other prime suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt – were never convicted.
The BBC has said evidence found in the investigation that identified White also further implicates Knight and the Acourt brothers.
In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case inactive, saying the Met had exhausted all lines of inquiry – but she said the Lawrence family had been assured that any new evidence would be investigated.
Following the release of the BBC report, the force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said: ‘The impact of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and attack on Duwayne Brooks, and subsequent inquiries, continues to be felt throughout policing.
‘Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation and the impact of them continues to be seen.
‘On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today.’
The broadcaster highlighted a number of moments when alleged errors by the Met meant leads on Matthew White were not pursued.
The investigation found that wrong information was entered on a police database after a relative of White tried to approach the force, meaning the inquiry went no further.
When the relative was traced 20 years later, they said White had admitted to being present at the attack.
The Met said White was arrested and interviewed in March 2000 and in December 2013, with files submitted to prosecutors in May 2005 and October 2014.
A CPS advice file concluded no further action should be taken both times.
Speaking to the BBC, Stephen’s father Dr Neville Lawrence said any further investigation should be carried out by a different ‘decent police force’, while his mother Doreen said officers should ‘lose their jobs’ over the failings.
Luke Knight, Neil Acourt and James Acourt did not respond to the accusations when approached by the broadcaster.
On both occasions, the force said, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had advised there was no realistic prospect of his conviction.
Stephen Lawrence was 18 years old when a group of white men stabbed him to death as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in April 1993.
While the police have repeatedly said there were six attackers, only two people were ever found guilty.
David Norris and Gary Dobson were given life sentences for Stephen’s murder in 2012, and the three other prime suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt – were never convicted.
The BBC has said evidence found in the investigation that identified White also further implicates Knight and the Acourt brothers.
In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case inactive, saying the Met had exhausted all lines of inquiry – but she said the Lawrence family had been assured that any new evidence would be investigated.
Following the release of the BBC report, the force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said: ‘The impact of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and attack on Duwayne Brooks, and subsequent inquiries, continues to be felt throughout policing.
‘Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation and the impact of them continues to be seen.
‘On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today.’
The broadcaster highlighted a number of moments when alleged errors by the Met meant leads on Matthew White were not pursued.
The investigation found that wrong information was entered on a police database after a relative of White tried to approach the force, meaning the inquiry went no further.
When the relative was traced 20 years later, they said White had admitted to being present at the attack.
The Met said White was arrested and interviewed in March 2000 and in December 2013, with files submitted to prosecutors in May 2005 and October 2014.
A CPS advice file concluded no further action should be taken both times.
Speaking to the BBC, Stephen’s father Dr Neville Lawrence said any further investigation should be carried out by a different ‘decent police force’, while his mother Doreen said officers should ‘lose their jobs’ over the failings.
Luke Knight, Neil Acourt and James Acourt did not respond to the accusations when approached by the broadcaster.
Former Finance Minister and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential hopeful, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has made a bold declaration, stating that former President John Dramani Mahama will emerge victorious in the upcoming 2024 elections, regardless of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) stance.
Addressing a gathering at Assin North, Dr Duffuor noted that the New Patriotic Party has not adequately prioritised the needs and welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian.
He, therefore, entreated the electorates to ensure that the New Patriotic Party is ousted in the 2024 elections and former President John Dramani Mahama is elected into office.
“Whether the NPP likes it or not, John Mahama will win the election 2024,” he said.
He noted that the NPP has plunged the country into economic hardships, and “hunger.”
Ghana’s political landscape is characterised by vibrant competition between two major political parties, namely the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both parties have emerged as the dominant political parties in Ghana. They have consistently garnered significant electoral support and have alternated in power since the country’s transition to multi-party democracy in the early 1990s.
Both parties are optimistic about a win in the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2024.
Dr Duffuor while addressing the gathering asked them not to allow the NPP to intimidate them, rather, urged them to exercise their franchise without fear and in favor of the NDC, since the latter will ensure that the lives of Ghanaians improve significantly.
Despite facing seemingly unending adversity, socialite and singer Mona Moutrage, known as Hajia4Reall, has shared an inspiring message of hope and resilience. Her words aim to uplift and motivate others, emphasizing the importance of finding strength in the face of challenges. In the midst of her own journey, Hajia4Reall seeks to inspire a sense of resurgence and a belief in brighter days ahead.
Her 30th birthday would have been a joyous one as it has been over the years, except she is currently in confinement due to some finance-related crimes she has been charged with.
Nonetheless, her associates have taken to their various social media platforms to wish her well and shower her with love.
In a candid social media post, she expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming birthday wishes and shared her deep appreciation for the love and prayers she received during challenging times.
This would be her first public comment since she was slapped with the charges of romance scam for which she is under a $500,000 bail bond with GPS tracking via an ankle monitor.
Hajia 4reall’s message carried an emotional undertone as she reflected on the profound wisdom her father imparted to her throughout her life.
In her words, she least understood the expression “Only the good die young,” as said by her father, until her case which has triggered wide online attention.
Without giving much details in her case, she subtly revealed the accusations leveled against her are not entirely true, as she is confident that “there is a time for everything, and the world will come to know the truth, and my story will be heard”.
Hajia4Reall accompanied the message with eight photos that captured her covered in luxurious designer pieces from top to toe.
Camidoh captivated the audience with his impeccable fashion sense, representing Ghana on the prestigious BET red carpet. In a night brimming with clever remarks, unexpected victories, and awe-inspiring fashion, Camidoh stood out with his captivating style. His remarkable presence showcased his unique fashion choices, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and attendees alike.
As a highly talented Ghanaian artiste, Camidoh continues to captivate both musically and in the realm of fashion.
His breathtaking style choices showcased his individuality and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
To captivate attention during his inaugural appearance, Camidoh made a striking entrance donning a dashing three-piece suit complemented by a stylish sweater overcoat.
The vibrant hue of Camidoh’s red suit harmoniously melded with the black and white overcoat, making the overall look an eye candy.
Confident in his top notch fashion, the Sugarcane hitmaker walked majestically to the red carpet while flashing smiles to all who looked his way.
His appearance on the BET red carpet is kind courtesy a nomination he received for Best New International Act, his first-ever opportunity in the award scheme, but he failed to clench the award.
Libianca won ahead of Asake, Camidoh and Pabi Cooper.
Ghanaian artiste and Sugarcane hitmaker, Camidoh, unfortunately did not win his first BET award. He missed out on the 2023 BET Viewers Choice: Best New International Act award, which was presented at the recent awards ceremony held on June 25. Despite the loss, Camidoh’s talent and contribution to the music industry are recognized, and he continues to make an impact with his music.
Cameroonian singer/songwriter Libianca clinched the covetous title beating the likes of Camidoh, Werenoi (France), FLO (UK), Raye (UK), Maureen (France), MC Ryan SP (Brazil), Paris Cooper (South African) and Nigeria’s Asake for the award.
Despite the loss, a number of his fans on social media have expressed optimism about his global exploits in the coming years.
Also, West Africa had a strong representation at this year’s event. Apart from Nigeria’s Davido thrilling patrons with his eclectic performance, his other countryman, Burna Boy made history as the first African artiste to win the Best International Act four times.
TEMS also won the Best Collaboration with Future and Drake.
Camidoh adds up to the number of Ghanaian artistes who have earned nominations in previous years.
They are Kojo Antwi, D Black, Sarkodie, R2bees, Stonebwoy, Fuse ODG, MzVee, Kwesi Arthur and Black Sherif.
Camidoh, real name Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie earned considerable attention with songs such as For My Lover, Slow, Adoley and Kaba.
However, the VGMA24 Afrobeats Song of the Year winner gained international prominence when he released the remix of ‘Sugarcane’ which featured Mayorkun and Darkoo in 2022.
The BET Awards is an American award show that was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports and philanthropy.
Nigerian politician and business mogul Ned Nwoko has revealed that he received an invitation for the OceanGate submersible adventure. However, he had to decline the offer due to his commitment to national duties, which required his full attention. Despite the enticing opportunity, Ned Nwoko prioritized his responsibilities to serve his country.
He made this revelation while mourning the death of his friend, British businessman Hamish Harding, who tragically passed away during a voyage to explore the wreckage of Titanic.
It was earlier reported that Hamish and four other people were confirmed dead days after the Titan submarine they were in disappeared from the radar. The submersible was said to have imploded, killing everyone onboard. Read here
Reacting to the tragic news, Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian billionaire who was recently sworn in as a Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, revealed that he received an invitation for the Titan adventure but could not honor the invitation because he had other commitments in Nigeria.
The 62-year-old businessman took to his Instagram page to share photos he took with Hamish and wrote,
“I have lost a very dear friend and business partner. Captain hermish Harding. We both went on a very dangerous expedition to the Southpole Antarctica few years back. He was a gulf stream pilot who flew across the world in a record-breaking expedition by the Guinness world record for circumnavigation of the earth some years ago. He descended into the Mariana. he also invited me on his space shuttle last year and this very Titan ill-fated adventure but I was tied down with national duties. Above all he was a partner on the various researches into the eradication of malaria in Africa project. He was very enthusiastic about it and always gave his support at every given opportunity. His last message to me was this last Sunday when he told me they were ready to dive to the titanic if the weather permits. He loved adventure and challenges. My heart bleeds for his dear wife and kids who have become family friends over the years. We will surely miss his wealth of experience.”
The County Hall in Preston, where the Nicola Bulley death inquest has just begun and has been given additional security.
The mother-of-two’s spouse and sister are scheduled to testify at the building in the city centre where pathologist Dr. Alison Armour determined the cause of death to be drowning.
Security around the inquest has to be stepped up to “ensure the safety of everyone attending the inquest” since interest in how the 45-year-old died had been so intense.
Additional security plans were made by police and the county council, and more officers were seen patrolling the area.
Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, warned attendees not to disrupt the proceedings – set to last at least five days – after ‘unusual online commentary’ about Ms Bulley’s death.
‘If anybody has the slightest inclination or is contemplating disrupting this inquest they should be aware this may amount to contempt of court,’ he said.
The coroner added that the consequences could be ‘a significant fine or prison’.
A number of people who turned up to the inquest without registering in advance have already been refused entry.
It was more than three weeks later, on February 19, that her body was pulled out of the water despite extensive searches by divers.
The mystery surrounding her case sparked intense public interest as her mobile was found on a bench overlooking the water.
During the search, detectives and her family had to repeatedly ask the public to show respect after strangers tried to get too close to the investigation.
They included one ‘ghoul’ who filmed police retrieving Nicola’s body from the water and then shared it online.
After a 31-year-old woman vanished last week, a murder inquiry was opened.
Last Tuesday, June 20, at around 9 p.m., Sarah Henshaw vanished in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
She was last seen at her home address on Norman Street, according to the police, and hasn’t been seen since.
Her description includes being Caucasian, having a medium frame, and having long, dark, straight hair that she wears in a bun.
Sarah is thought to be wearing a black lightweight coat, a khaki green top, blue skinny jeans, and black flat pumps. She also has a tattoo on her right foot.
Sarah Henshaw was last seen on Wednesday at her home in Derbyshire (Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary / SWNS)
A man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and remains in custody.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone that may have CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Transit van in the early hours of Wednesday, June 21 around the area of J29 of the M1 and the A617 Chesterfield.
Detective Inspector Maria Pleace said: ‘We have information in relation to Sarah’s disappearance that has led us to believe that she may be seriously hurt or deceased.
‘Sarah’s disappearance is very out of character and finding her is our number one priority at this time.
‘I would like to appeal to the public for CCTV and dashcam footage as stated or any other information that may be of use to our investigation.’
Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, has asserted that the Assin North constituency will not see any development under the leadership of Gyakye Quayson, especially with President Akufo-Addo still in office.
Addressing Assin North Constituents ahead of the by-election scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023, he contended that Gyakye Quayson cannot facilitate any development in the area for two reasons: since he is standing trial over his Canadian citizenship brouhaha and also because President Akufo-Addo is still in power.
“President Akufo-Addo is still the President and will remain the President for the next 18 months so if you make a mistake to vote for Gyakye Quayson you’ll experience two things; first he’s standing trial in and cannot report to Parliament and the Constituency frequently and secondly, he doesn’t have any direct access to the President to fight for or implement developmental projects,” Mr Agyapong told the Constituents.
He, therefore, entreated the gathering to vote for the NPP since voting for the NDC will only be a waste of votes.
Assin North is gearing up for a by-election scheduled for June 27, 2023, following a court ruling that Parliament should expunge the records of Mr Gyakye Quayson from its records.
Mr Quayson has been dragged to Court over claims he bears a Canadian citizenship in addition to his Ghanaian citizenship. This is against the laws of the state since the Constituency clearly prohibits persons who intend to contest in any national election from holding dual citizenship.
As it stands now, his fate is yet to be decided by the Court, however, he is optimistic his Constituents will re-elect him to represent them in Parliament.
Ukraine is launching a significant attack in the south and east by capitalising on the anarchy that has engulfed Vladimir Putin‘s government.
According to reports, Kiev generals were considering how they could gain an advantage on the front lines as the Wagner Group’s mercenaries marched towards Moscow.
In Ukraine, where there is ferocious fighting going on apart from the revolt, deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar wrote earlier today that “progress is being made in all directions.”
She claimed that the army had initiated an operation in a number of eastern sites, including Bakhmut, Yagidne, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Kurdyumivka, despite earlier cautions not to divulge Ukraine’s military preparations.
This is where Russian forces and allied Wagner soldiers had made major advances in recent months.
Ms Maliar also added: ‘The enemy tried to advance in the Kupyansk, Lymansk, and Marinsk directions, but they failed to advance.
‘They launched airstrikes and artillery fire in the Avdiyiv and Shakhtar directions.’
Russian forces said they had repelled multiple attacks in four areas in the east of the country.
In the south, Ms Maliar confirmed that heavy fighting continues in all directions of the offensive.
‘The enemy is on the defensive, making great effort to stop our offensive actions,’ she added.
‘At the same time, the enemy is suffering significant losses in personnel, weapons and equipment.’
The UK Ministry of Defence said Ukrainian soldiers have been undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in the south and east.
An update on Twitter this morning read: ‘Forces are using the experiences from the first two weeks of the counter-offensive to refine tactics for assaulting the deep, well prepared Russian defences.
‘Ukrainian units are making gradual but steady tactical progress in key areas.
‘In Luhansk Oblast, Russian forces have made their own significant effort to launch an attack in the Serebryanka Forest near Kremina.’
The MoD said Russia has made some small gains, but added that Ukrainian forces have prevented a breakthrough.
A diabetic woman was found dead at home and called 999 for an ambulance, but it took the ambulance until the following day to arrive.
Because of her extremely high blood sugar levels, Sandra Diane Finch called 911 to request assistance.
The 44-year-old female patient from Lichfield, Staffordshire, reported to the West Midlands Ambulance Service that she had been vomiting, that her blood glucose levels were high, and that she was “sleepy.”
Her call was labelled “category three,” meaning it was an urgent medical emergency that needed to be handled within the specified one-hour response window, and an ambulance had to be dispatched.
But when paramedics finally turned up 15 hours later, she had died.
Miss Finch had reportedly first called for an ambulance at around 9pm on December 4, 2021.
At the time, the clinical validation team that carries out a review before an ambulance is sent was ‘understaffed’ and ‘had no time limit attached for an assessment’.
Paramedics were first called at around 9pm – but didn’t arrive until shortly after 1pm the following day (Picture: SWNS)
It meant that no assessment was attempted until Miss Finch failed to answer a call back from the ambulance service at 7.22am the following day – 10 hours after her 999 call was made.
By the time the ambulance arrived at her Curborough Road home at 1.08pm on December 5, the type 1 diabetic had died from ketoacidosis – dangerous acidic deposits released when patients’ sugar levels are excessively high.
Clinicians told coroner Emma Serrano that Miss Finch’s call should have been a ‘category two’ case, in line with those who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, severe blood loss or trauma – the targeted arrival time for which is 18 minutes.
However, they also felt Miss Finch would not have died when she did if an ambulance had arrived within the accepted category three time limit.
Last month, Ms Serrano, area coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, recorded a narrative conclusion at Miss Finch’s inquest, saying she died of ‘ketoacidosis due to insulin deprivation contributed to by neglect’.
And now she has issued a report calling for action to be taken by ambulance service chiefs to ensure similar deaths do not happen in the future.
Ms Serrano said she was concerned that ‘the pathways used by the service to categorise the level of ambulance and ridged and have no capacity for movement away from the path’.
She said: ‘This led to a type-one diabetic patient, who was feeling sleepy and with deranged glucose levels, not being classed as a potentially serious situation requiring rapid intervention.
‘Clinical opinion in agreement that this was, but the rigidity of the pathway meant it was categorised incorrectly.
‘(And) that the use of an assessment team, to assess a category 3 ambulance call, with no time limit for assessments to take place, and no prioritisation system, will lead to further deaths resulting from delays.’
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘We would like to convey our deepest sympathies to the family of Sarah Finch. The introduction of the Clinical Validation Team has led to significant patient benefits.
‘Almost 200,000 callers have received the necessary care they required much more quickly than they would have done had we been sending an ambulance to every case.
‘All category three and four incidents, except for a predefined list of exemptions now go directly to the clinical validation team. For those where no ambulance is initially sent, outcomes range from a higher ambulance response category, referrals into urgent and community services, and self-care advice.
‘By appropriately reducing the requirements for emergency ambulances, those patients with the most acute needs get an ambulance more quickly, while those with less urgent needs get the advice or referral that they require more rapidly than would have been the case.
‘The trust now aims to contact category three and four patients for a clinical assessment within 60 minutes. Patients are prioritised for call back in time order, within their incident category.’
Following the uprising by mercenaries from the Wagner Group, the Ukrainian president claimed that Vladimir Putin is ‘very terrified’ and has left his residence in Moscow.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s heavily armoured warriors were about 100 miles from the Russian capital when his’march’ to oust corrupt commanders he accuses of botching the war was called off.
After 24 hours of turmoil, neither he nor his soldiers would be punished, and despite the attack on the Russian army, which Putin referred to as “treason,” he was deported to Belarus.
There are a number of unanswered questions about the deal that Putin’s former ally struck to pull his for-hire troops, and about what happens next.
But one thing is clear – the Russian leader’s picture of authority is now weakened.
Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address last night: ‘The man from the Kremlin is obviously very afraid and probably hiding somewhere, not showing himself.
‘I am sure that he is no longer in Moscow. He knows what he is afraid of because he himself created this threat.’
He added: ‘The world can see that the masters of Russia control nothing.
‘That means nothing. Simply complete chaos. An absence of any predictability. It is happening on Russian territory, which is fully loaded with weapons.’
There was also little pushback from Russian armed forces, raising questions about Putin’s hold on power.
Zelensky’s comments came shortly before the Wagner boss announced the retreat of his fighters.
A convoy was later filmed leaving the southern city of Rostov, a Russian military post that they had taken control of.
The Ukrainian president stressed the march exposed weakness in the Kremlin and ‘showed all Russian bandits, mercenaries, oligarchs’ it is easy to capture Russian cities ‘and, probably, arsenals with weapons’.
He also warned the situation in Moscow will only become ‘more dangerous’ and that another similar advance from Putin’s enemies is likely to come.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that under a deal brokered by Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, the criminal case opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped.
Prigozhin would move to Belarus, and Wagner fighters who joined his ‘march for justice’ would face no action, in recognition of their previous service to Russia.
Peskov, who called the events of the day ‘tragic’, said Lukashenko had offered to mediate, with Putin’s approval, because he had known Prigozhin personally for around 20 years.
A rollercoaster partially derailed in Sweden, resulting in one fatality and four injuries.
Before the tragedy, witnesses said they heard a “metallic thud” and noticed the Jetline ride’s support beams beginning to tremble at Stockholm’s Grona Lund park.
One of the rollercoaster cars was observed leaving the tracks at a ‘high height’ before crashing to the earth.
The attraction, which is used by a million visitors each year, reaches a maximum speed of 56mph and a top altitude of 30 metres.
It’s known among rollercoaster buffs worldwide for having a rare curved lift hill, though it’s not clear where exactly the carriage derailed.
Jenny Lagerstedt, a journalist with Swedish broadcaster SVT who happened to be at the park with her family, said: ‘My husband saw a roller coaster car with people in it falling to the ground
‘My husband, who was sitting outside, saw how a carriage came loose and fell from a great height, and that there were people in it.’
The park was evacuated while paramedics, an air ambulance and fire engines descended on the scene.
Grona Lund’s communications chief, Annika Troselius, said: ‘It is incredibly tragic and shocking. Unfortunately, we have received the news that one person has died and that several others are injured.
‘This must not happen and it should not happen. We are all very taken and shocked and are currently focusing on taking care of all those affected and our staff.’
Local police said they have launched an investigation into the accident.
Following a rowdy incident on an easyJet flight from Manchester to Turkey, two Russian males have been detained.
The 48-year-old and 39-year-old were dragged from the aircraft by police in Greece after the captain made a diversion there because they wouldn’t calm down.
Although there was no violence, according to the authorities, they began yelling at the staff and passengers.
The men were accused of upsetting the peace, interfering with transportation, and failing to follow the crew’s orders.
They were released pending trial but were forced to stay in a police station as they had no Greek visas.
The flight to Dalaman took off without the pair, though it’s believed they will be put on another flight to Turkey later on Sunday.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: ‘easyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.
‘Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard.’
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has addressed the situation concerning the ousted Member of Parliament (MP) for the Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson, during a speech delivered to residents of Assin North on Sunday, June 27, 2023, at a local Church of Pentecost. Akufo-Addo sought to clarify that it is not him or his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government who are responsible for the prosecution of the removed MP, but rather the laws of the country that are catching up with him.
Responding to claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that Quayson would still receive votes even if he were jailed, the President questioned the rationale of voting for a candidate who would ultimately end up in prison. Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for an MP who can address the challenges faced by the constituency and work collaboratively to find solutions.
In a gesture of support, President Akufo-Addo also donated a total of GH¢150,000 to the Church of Pentecost to aid in the construction of the Pentecost University in Assin North.
The background to the situation revolves around a Supreme Court ruling on May 17, 2023, which ordered the expulsion of James Gyakye Quayson from Parliament. The court declared that Quayson was not eligible to contest the 2020 general elections due to his failure to prove the renunciation of his Canadian citizenship at the time of filing his nomination.
Consequently, the Assin North seat was declared vacant by Parliament, leading to the Electoral Commission of Ghana announcing a by-election on May 27, 2023, to fill the vacant position. However, Quayson still faces another case in court, as the Office of the Attorney General has accused him of deceiving public officials to obtain state documents.
On February 12, 2022, James Gyakye Quayson was charged with five counts, including deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration.
As the by-election unfolds, Assin North constituents will have the opportunity to choose their new representative, with the outcome significantly impacting the constituency’s future political direction.
Vladimir Putin asserts that he is confident in his ability to carry out all of his preparations for the’special military operation’ following the Wagner uprising.
After yesterday’s unprecedented events in his country, the Putin spoke to the people today and declared that his terrible war in Ukraine continues to be his top priority.
Putin, 70, said: “We feel confident, and of course, we are in a position to implement all the plans and tasks ahead of us [in Ukraine]” while speaking on Russian state television.
This also holds true for the nation’s defence, the special military operation, the economy overall, and its various sectors.
A planned meeting of Russia’s Security Council will take place next week despite this weekend’s chaos.
But Putin previously claimed the attempted coup had put Russia’s very existence at threat.
Putin’s location is not currently known after reports of both his presidential planes fleeing Moscow yesterday.
Putin was said to be ‘very afraid’ and fled his residency in Moscow after the rebellion from Wagner Group mercenaries over the weekend, the Ukrainian president said earlier today.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s heavily-armed fighters were some 100 miles from the Russian capital when his ‘march’ intended to remove corrupt commanders he blames for botching the war was called off.
After 24 hours of chaos, neither he nor his men will face punishment, and he was sent to Belarus despite the action against the Russian army, which Putin labelled as ‘treason’.
There are a number of unanswered questions about the deal that Putin’s former ally struck to pull his for-hire troops, and about what happens next.
Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address last night: ‘The man from the Kremlin is obviously very afraid and probably hiding somewhere, not showing himself.
‘I am sure that he is no longer in Moscow. He knows what he is afraid of because he himself created this threat.’
He added: ‘The world can see that the masters of Russia control nothing.
Ukraine was also said today to be making use of the chaos that has gripped Vladimir Putin’s regime to launch a major offensive in the south and east.
As Wagner Group mercenaries marched towards Moscow, Kyiv generals were said to be weighing up how they could take advantage on the frontline.
Away from the rebellion, fierce fighting continues in Ukraine and deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said in a post on Telegram earlier today ‘there is progress in all directions’.
Despite earlier warnings not to discuss Ukraine’s military plans, she said the army launched an offensive in several locations in the east including Bakhmut, Yagidne, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Kurdyumivka.
The Wagner Group officially known asPMC Wagneris a Russian paramilitary organization. It is seen as a private military company(PMC), a network of mercenaries and a de facto private army of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman formerly with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It operates in support of Russian interests, receives equipment from the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and has used MoD installations for training. While the Wagner Group itself is not ideologically driven, elements of it have been linked to neo-Nazism and far-right politics.
Prior to June 2023, it was widely speculated that the Wagner Group was used by the Russian government to allow for plausible deniability and to obscure the true casualties and financial costs of Russia’s foreign interventions. The group came to prominence during the Donbas war in Ukraine, where it helped pro-Russian separatist forces of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics from 2014 to 2015. Its contractors have reportedly taken part in conflicts around the world, including the civil wars in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and Mali, often fighting on the side of forces aligned with the Russian government. Wagner operatives have been accused of committing war crimes, including rape, robbery of civilians, and torturing accused deserters.
Wagner has played a significant role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where it has been reportedly deployed to assassinate Ukrainian leaders, among other activities, and for which it has recruited prison inmates from Russia for frontline combat. In December 2022, United States National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby claimed Wagner had 50,000 fighters in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts. Others put the number of recruited prisoners at more than 20,000, with the overall number of PMC forces present in Ukraine estimated at 20,000. In 2023, Russia granted combat veteranstatus to Wagner contractors who took part in the invasion.
After years of denying links to the Wagner Group, Prigozhin admitted in September 2022 that he founded it. He declared, “I am proud that I was able to defend their right to protect the interests of their country.”
On 23 June 2023, Prigozhin launched an armed rebellion after accusing the Russian military of killing Wagner forces. Wagner units withdrew from Ukraine and seized the city of Rostov-on-Donin Russia. A convoy of Wagner forces then headed towards Moscow, attempting to reach the capital before it could be intercepted by regular forces loyal to the government. The rebellion was abruptly halted on 24 June by a deal brokered by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.
Origins and leadership
The Wagner Group first appeared in Ukraine in 2014, where it participated in the annexation of Crimea. The group was also active in 2014, fighting with Russia-backed separatists in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
Dmitriy Valeryevich Utkin, a veteran of the First and Second Chechen Wars, reportedly founded the group. Until 2008 or 2013, Utkin served as lieutenant colonel and brigade commander of a unit of Spetsnaz GRU, the 700th Independent Spetsnaz Detachment of the 2nd Independent Brigade.
After leaving the military, in 2013 he began working for the Moran Security Group, a private company founded by Russian military veterans, which was involved in security and training missions worldwide, and specializes in security against piracy. The same year, senior Moran Security Group managers were involved in setting up the Hong Kong-based Slavonic Corps, which headhunted contractors to “protect oil fields and pipelines” in Syria during its civil war. Utkin was deployed in Syria as a member of the Slavonic Corps, surviving its disastrous mission. Subsequently, Russia’s Federal Security Service arrested some members of the Slavonic Corps for illegal mercenary activity in November 2013.
In 2021, the Foreign Policy report noted the origin of the name “Wagner” to be unknown.Others say the group’s name comes from Utkin’s own call sign “Wagner”, reportedly after the German composer Richard Wagner, which Utkin is said to have chosen due to his passion for the Third Reich (Wagner being Adolf Hitler’s favorite composer). As such, some believe he is a neo-Nazi, with The Economist reporting that Utkin has several Nazi tattoos. Members of Wagner Group say Utkin is a Rodnover, a believer of Slavic native faith. Radio Liberty cited insiders as saying that the leadership of the Wagner Group are followers of the Slavic Native Faith, a modern Pagan new religious movement. In August 2017, the Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak speculated that Utkin was possibly a figurehead for the company, while the real head of Wagner was someone else.
Various elements of Wagner have been linked to white supremacist and neo-Nazi far-right extremists, such as Wagner’s openly far-right and neo-Nazi Rusich unit, and Wagner members have left neo-Nazi graffiti on the battlefield. However, Erica Gaston, a senior policy adviser at the UN University Centre for Policy Research, noted that the Wagner Group is not ideologically driven, but rather a network of mercenaries “linked to the Russian security state”. Russia denies the connection and officially the group does not exist.
In December 2016, Utkin was photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Kremlin reception given in honour of those who had been awarded the Order of Courage and the title Hero of the Russian Federation (to mark the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland [ru]), along with Alexander Kuznetsov, Andrey Bogatov [ru] and Andrei Troshev. Kuznetsov (call sign “Ratibor”) was said to be the commander of Wagner’s first reconnaissance and assault company, Bogatov was the commander of the fourth reconnaissance and assault company, and Troshev served as the company’s “executive director”. A few days after, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the presence of Utkin at the reception, stating that Utkin was from the Novgorod Region and had received the award, but could not say for what except that it was presumably for courage. Peskov stated he was not aware how famous Utkin was.
It has been reported that Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin—sometimes called “Putin’s chef”, because of his catering businesses that hosted dinners which Vladimir Putin attended with foreign dignitaries— has links with Wagner and Utkin personally. The businessman has been said to be the founder and actual owner of the Wagner Group. Prigozhin denied any communication with Wagner, until September 2022, when he admitted having created the group in a post at VKontakte. Prigozhin claimed, “I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this. From that moment, on May 1, 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion.” Previously, Prigozhin had sued Bellingcat, Meduza, and Echo of Moscow for reporting his links to the mercenary group.
In 2019, as the presence of Wagner PMCs in Africa was growing, a planned trip by Utkin to Rwanda was reportedly cancelled at the last moment. He was supposed to travel with Valery Zakharov, a Russian security advisor to the President of the Central African Republic. Subsequently, it was thought that Utkin was withdrawn from the Wagner Group’s African operations due to his over-exposure that was the result of the medal-awarding ceremony at the Kremlin in 2016, and the United States sanctions imposed on him. Subsequently, Colonel Konstantin Aleksandrovich Pikalov (call sign “Mazay”) was said to have been put in charge of Wagner’s African operations. According to another report, there was a change in leadership in the Wagner Group due to changes in the methodology and direction of its work, with Utkin leaving the group and Konstantin Pikalov becoming the new head of the organization. Another theory was that Dmitry Utkin had been killed, as his phone number was no longer functioning and his regular trips from Krasnodar to St. Petersburg stopped.
Pikalov served as a military officer in Russia’s experimental military unit numbered 99795, located in the village of Storozhevo, near St. Petersburg. The unit was tasked, in part, with “determining the effects of radioactive rays on living organisms”. Following his retirement, he continued to live on the military base until at least 2012 and ran a private detective agency.
In the autumn of 2014, along with a large group of Cossacks, he possibly took part in suppressing opponents of the Russian-supported President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, during the Republika Srpska general election in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik won the re-election. Between 2014 and 2017, Pikalov traveled several times to destinations near the Ukrainian border, sometimes on joint bookings with known Wagner officers.
In 2016, Pikalov ran for office in local council elections in the district of his military base near St. Petersburg on behalf of the pro-Kremlin A Just Russia party. However, his participation was denied by Russia’s Central Election Committee, possibly due to his criminal record. His name is listed on a Central Bank blacklist with a note that he was “a suspect in money laundering”, although his current criminal file is blank. According to Bellingcat, this could mean either that the suspicion did not result in criminal charges or that the records were purged. Former employees of Prigozhin interviewed on the condition of anonymity by Bellingcat stated Pikalov was known to have taken part in military operations in both Ukraine and Syria.
The president’s longtime political friend Sergei Shoigu made his first public appearance today since mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded his removal due to shortcomings during the conflict.
Video made public by the Russian Defence Ministry appears to show the politician visiting Ukrainian war fighters.
Shoigu can be seen flying in a helicopter, being shown battle positions from the air.
Duration 0:47
He then met with military officers, though it remains unclear when or where it was filmed.
This comes as speculation continues to spread on Russian Telegram channels that he is being investigated, and under house arrest, pending his removal from the Kremlin over theft of military funds.
Vladimir Putin appears to have for survived the revolt after Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko stepped in to broker a deal, but Shoigu’s position is deeply precarious.
The minister was nowhere to be seen at the time as Wagner fighters approached Moscow over the weekend.
Further to this, there are rumours the Russian leader has lined up Alexei Dyumin, Tula governor and former deputy defence minister, to replace Shoigu.
A trusted ex-bodyguard of Putin, he once saved him from being attacked by a brown bear.
He is also thought to have played a role in the pact that stopped Wagner’s ‘march for justice’ into the capital on Saturday.
Burna Boy has once again proven his musical prowess by winning the Best International Act Award. Among his fellow African nominees, including Ayra Starr, K.O, and Uncle Waffles, Burna Boy stood out and secured the honor. This achievement marks his fourth consecutive win in the category, as he previously claimed the title in 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, in 2022, the award was won by Tems, highlighting the dynamic talent within the African music scene.
Tems, who won the Best Collaboration award last year for her contribution to Wizkid’s remix of ‘Essence’ featuring Justin Bieber, once again emerged victorious in the same category. This time, she was recognised for her appearance on Future’s ‘Wait for U’ featuring Drake.
Libianca emerged as the winner of the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award after surpassing Asake (Nigeria), Camidoh (Ghana), Flo (UK), Maureen (France), MC Ryan SP (Brazil), Pabi Cooper (South Africa), Raye (UK) and Werenoi (France).
Five years after winning the Best International Act at the awards, Davido returned to the BET Stage, treating the audience to a medley of his singles ‘Feel’ and ‘Unavailable’, taken off his recent new album Timeless.
Meanwhile, SZA and Beyoncé emerged as big winners, each taking home three awards, including tying for the highly coveted Album of the Year Award.
Below is the full list of winners:
Best International Act
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Central Cee (UK)
Ella Mai (UK)
K.O (South Africa)
L7nnon (Brazil)
Stormzy (UK)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Aya Nakamura (France)
Tiakola (France)
Viewer’s Choice Award
‘Wait For U’ by Future ft. Drake & Tems
‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy
‘Break My Soul’ by Beyoncé
‘Jimmy Cooks’ by Drake ft. 21 Savage
‘Kill Bill’ by SZA
‘First Class’ by Jack Harlow
‘Super Freaky Girl’ by Nicki Minaj
‘About Damn Time’ by Lizzo
Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act
Asake (Nigeria)
Camidoh (Ghana)
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Maureen (France)
MC Ryan SP (Brazil)
Flo (UK)
Raye (UK)
Werenoi (France)
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Tems
Ari Lennox
Beyoncé
Coco Jones
H.E.R.
Lizzo
SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Burna Boy
Blxst
Brent Faiyaz
Chris Brown
Drake
The Weeknd
Usher
Best Group
City Girls
Drake & 21 Savage
Dvsn
Flo
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
Quavo & Takeoff
Wanmor
Best Collaboration
‘Call Me Every Day’ by Chris Brown ft. Wizkid
‘Wait For U’ by Future Feat. Drake & Tems
‘Big Energy (Remix) by Latto & Mariah Carey ft. DJ Khaled
‘Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2’ by Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice
‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ by King Combs ft. Kodak Black
‘Creepin’ by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage
‘F.N.F. (Let’s Go)’ by Hitkidd & Glorilla
‘Tomorrow 2’ by Glorilla & Cardi B
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Glorilla
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
21 Savage
Drake
Future
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Baby
Video of the Year
‘We (Warm Embrace)’ by Chris Brown
‘2 Million Up’ by Peezy, Jeezy & Real Boston Richey ft. Rob49
‘About Damn Time’ by Lizzo
‘Bad Habit’ by Steve Lacy
‘First Class’ by Jack Harlow
‘Kill Bill’ by SZA
‘Tomorrow 2’ by Glorilla & Cardi B
Video Director of the Year
Burna Boy
A$Ap Rocky For Awge
Benny Boom
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Director X
Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor
Best New Artist
Ambré
Coco Jones
Doechii
Flo
Glorilla
Ice Spice
Lola Brooke
Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
‘Bless Me’ by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
‘Finished (Live)’ by Tamela Mann
‘I’ve Got Joy’ by Cece Winans
‘Kingdom’ by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin ft. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore
‘New’ by Tye Tribbett
‘One Moment From Glory’ by Yolanda Adams
‘The Better Benediction (Pt.2)’ by PJ Morton ft. Lisa Knowles-Smith, Le’andria Johnson, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard & Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Bet HER
‘About Damn Time’ by Lizzo
‘Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2’ by Pinkpantheress, Ice Spice
‘Break My Soul’ by Beyoncé
‘Her’ by Megan Thee Stallion
‘Lift Me Up’ by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – music from and inspired – by Rihanna & Ludwig Göransson
Following a failed coup attempt to remove Vladimir Putin, senior government sources have advised Britain to “prepare for the fall of Vladimir Putin.”
When Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin halted his mercenary group’s planned march from Rostov to Moscow this weekend, an apparent coup was almost avoided.
Putin had made a statement on television threatening rebels with “brutal” reprisal if they persisted in their uprising.
However, as part of a deal that will see him banished in Belarus, Prigozhin was spared punishment.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, said the failed coup showed ‘real cracks’ in Putin’s regime. ‘This was a direct challenge to Putin’s authority,’ he told CBS News. ‘It raises profound questions.’
US intelligence agencies learnt of Wagner’s plans days before Prigozhin ordered his troops to seize control of cities Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don, according to The Washington Post.
But they decided not to publish the intelligence, as they had done in the weeks prior to the invasion of Ukraine. Instead they let events in Russia play out.
British officials have predicted political unrest in Russia since the beginning of the war, but were surprised at how quickly events unfolded over the weekend. Diplomats were forced to rapidly prepare for various possibilities.
‘From the very beginning of the invasion, one of the most obvious scenarios was that the war could lead to political unrest back home in Russia,’ a senior UK Government source told The Times.
‘We have to wait, watch and see what comes next. This could be chapter one of something new. Or it might be all over for Wagner. We must prepare for a whole range of different scenarios.’
Meanwhile, John Glen, the chief secretary to the Treasury, said Britain continues to support Ukraine but would not get involved in what was happening in Russia.
John Foreman, the former British defence attaché in Moscow, said Prigozhin ousting Putin was not something people should wish for.
‘Prigozhin is not some sort of liberal, peace-loving democrat. He’s a fascist,’ he added.
Lithuanian president, Gitanas Nauseda, who will host a Nato summit next month, said Europe’s eastern borders would need to be strengthened if Prigozhin and some of the Wagner group end up in Belarus ‘with unclear plans and unclear intensions’.
Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, a former UK chief of the defence staff, said Putin remained powerful and warned the west about underestimating Russia.
He told Times Radio that Ukraine’s struggling counter-offensive showed the ongoing strength of the Russian army.
He added: ‘Despite the weakened state, arguably of Putin, we’re in for a long haul here. And that actually is the worst of all worlds for the west.’
The 2023 BET Awards took place on Sunday night with plenty of hip-hop’s biggest stars taking home awards for their work over the past year.
See who took home awards at the 2023 BET Awards below.
Album of the Year Anyways, Life’s Great, GloRilla Breezy, Chris Brown God Did, DJ Khaled Her Loss, Drake & 21 Savage Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar WINNER (TIE): Renaissance, Beyoncé WINNER (TIE): SOS, SZA
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Ari Lennox Beyoncé Coco Jones H.E.R. Lizzo WINNER: SZA Tems
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Blxst Brent Faiyaz Burna Boy WINNER (TIE): Chris Brown Drake The Weeknd WINNER (TIE): Usher
Best Group City Girls WINNER: Drake & 21 Savage Dvsn FLO Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin Quavo & Takeoff Wanmor
Best Collaboration “Big Energy (Remix),” Latto & Mariah Carey feat. DJ Khaled “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice “Call Me Every Day,” Chris Brown feat. Wizkid “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” King Combs feat. Kodak Black “Creepin’,” Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” Hitkidd & GloRilla “Tomorrow 2,” GloRilla & Cardi B WINNER: “Wait For U,” Future feat. Drake & Tems
Best Female Hip Hop Artist Cardi B Coi Leray GloRilla Ice Spice WINNER: Latto Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip Hop Artist 21 Savage Drake Future J. Cole Jack Harlow WINNER: Kendrick Lamar Lil Baby
Video of the Year “We (Warm Embrace),” Chris Brown “2 Million Up,” Peezy, Jeezy & Real Boston Richey feat. Rob49 “About Damn Time,” Lizzo “Bad Habit,” Steve Lacy “First Class,” Harlow WINNER: “Kill Bill,” SZA “Tomorrow 2,” GloRilla & Cardi B
Video Director of the Year A$AP Rocky for AWGE Benny Boom Burna Boy Cole Bennett Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar Director X WINNER: Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor
Best New Artist Ambré WINNER: Coco Jones Doechii FLO GloRilla Ice Spice Lola Brooke
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award WINNER: “Bless Me,” Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin “Finished (Live),” Tamela Mann “I’ve Got Joy,” CeCe Winans “Kingdom,” Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore “New,” Tye Tribbett “One Moment From Glory,” Yolanda Adams “The Better Benediction (Pt.2),” PJ Morton feat. Lisa Knowles-Smith, Le’andria Johnson, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard & Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Viewer’s Choice Award “About Damn Time,” Lizzo WINNER: “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé “First Class,” Jack Harlow “Jimmy Cooks,” Drake feat 21 Savage “Kill Bill,” SZA “Last Last,” Burna Boy “Super Freaky Girl,” Nicki Minaj “Wait For U,” Future feat. Drake & Tems
Best International Act Aya Nakamura (France) Ayra Starr (Nigeria) WINNER: Burna Boy (Nigeria) Central Cee (UK) Ella Mai (UK) Ko (South Africa) L7nnon (Brazil) Stormzy (UK) Tiakola (France) Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act Asake (Nigeria) Camidoh (Ghana) Flo (UK) WINNER: Libianca (Cameroon) Maureen (France) MC Ryan SP (Brazil) Pabi Cooper (South Africa) Raye (UK) Werenoi (France)
BET Her “About Damn Time,” Lizzo “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice WINNER: “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé “Her,” Megan Thee Stallion “Lift Me Up,” Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By – Rihanna & Ludwig Göransson “Players,” Coi Leray “Special,” Lizzo
Best Movie WINNER: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Creed 3 Emancipation Nope The Woman King Till Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Best Actor Amin Joseph Brian Tyree Henry WINNER: Damson Idris Daniel Kaluuya Demetrius ‘Lil Meech’ Flenory Jr. Donald Glover Michael B. Jordan
Best Actress WINNER: Angela Bassett Coco Jones Janelle James Janelle Monáe Keke Palmer Viola Davis Zendaya
Youngstars Award Akira Akbar Alaya High Demi Singleton Genesis Denise WINNER: Marsai Martin Thaddeus J. Mixson Young Dylan
Sportswoman of the Year Award Alexis Morris Allyson Felix WINNER: Angel Reese Candace Parker Naomi Osaka Serena Williams Sha’carri Richardson
Sportsman of the Year Award Aaron Judge Bubba Wallace Gervonta Davis WINNER: Jalen Hurts Lebron James Patrick Mahomes Stephen Curry
Congratulations on making the decision to get a tattoo! It’s not always an easy choice, but before you proceed, there are a few important things to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Design and Meaning: Choose a tattoo design that holds personal significance to you. Take your time to research and find a design that you truly connect with, as it will be a permanent mark on your body.
Placement: Consider where you want the tattoo to be located on your body. Think about factors like visibility, your pain tolerance in specific areas, and potential impact on your professional life.
Tattoo Artist: Find a reputable and experienced tattoo artist. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and ensure they follow proper hygiene and safety practices. It’s crucial to work with a skilled artist who can bring your vision to life.
Communication: Clearly communicate your expectations, design ideas, and any concerns with the tattoo artist. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your tattoo.
Pain and Aftercare: Tattoos involve some level of discomfort. Be mentally prepared for the process and understand the pain tolerance associated with the chosen placement. Additionally, follow the artist’s instructions for proper aftercare to ensure your tattoo heals well.
Long-Term Commitment: Remember that tattoos are permanent. Consider how your tattoo might age and whether you will still be content with it in the future. Think about potential lifestyle changes or career choices that could be impacted by visible tattoos.
Taking these factors into account will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your tattoo experience is a positive one. Good luck!
MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has asserted that President Akufo-Addo missed an opportunity to legalise LGBTQ+ rights during his early days in office. He argues that if the President had intentions to support the cause, he would have done so in 2017.
Ghana, like many African nations, faces ongoing debates and challenges concerning LGBTQ+ rights. The issue remains deeply divisive, with traditional values often clashing with more progressive perspectives.
Kennedy Agyapong, known for his outspoken nature, made the headlines with his assertion that President Akufo-Addo’s failure to act on this matter during his early presidency implies a lack of commitment to the cause.
“If Akufo-Addo wanted to do this in 2017, the NPP had 169 seats against NDC’s106 seats, if he intended to promote gay or lesbianism he would have done so at that time”, he said.
He went on to state that John Mahama on the other hand has a bosom friend who is a renowned gay activist by name Andrew Solomon and they have even shared a bed before.
“I am surprised that Mahama sat on the same bed and wrote a book for Andrew Solomon but comes here to Assin to say that if you vote for Charles Opoku as Parliamentarian, the laws would be changed at Parliament to promote same sex marriage”, he wondered.
He emphasized that the people of Assin abhor gay and lesbians activities.
During challenging times, he found himself without a proper place to stay, lacking a home to call his own. As a result, he had to rely on sleeping on a friend’s veranda, enduring cold and rainy nights.
This is the story of celebrated Ghanaian Gospel musician, Nana Osei, popularly known as Nacee.
He started out working in the production department of the church, setting up the instruments, playing the keyboard, and drums as well as singing before his big break.
“I used on someone’s veranda at Zongo Junction. On rainy and windy nights, I stand and wait, when it stops, I mop the floor and go back to bed.
“I used an old chocolate drink-making machine as a dressing table where I kept all my cosmetics and hygiene products.”
In an interview with Delay, Nacee shares his life story before fame, his music journey and challenges.
South Dayi MP and Minority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has blamed the Supreme Court for stalled development in the Assin North Constituency.
In a tweet, he told President Akufo-Addo that Assin North has not witnessed the needed development because the deposed Member of Parliament James Gyakye Quayson was stopped by the court from holding himself as an MP which affected his move to develop the constituency.
Mr Dafeamekpor indicated that if the constituency has not witnessed the required development, the President and government should be held accountable, not the opposition party.
“Assin North voted for Nana Addo and an NPP MP in 2016 yet both couldn’t develop Assin North by 2020.
“NDC MP wins in 2021 and immediately the Court stops him from working. Meanwhile, Nana Addo remains President yet he blames the injuncted NDC MP for not developing Assin North. Excuse promax,” Mr Dafeamekpor tweeted in reaction to President Akufo-Addo campaign message to Assin Nortn residents ahead of the byelection on Tuesday, June 27.
Meanwhile, President Nana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has told constituents in Assin North not to vote for a candidate who is standing trial in court during the by-election.
Assin North voted 4 Nana Addo & an NPP MP in 2016 yet both couldn’t develop Assin North by 2020.
NDC MP wins in 2021 & immediately the Court stops him from working. Meanwhile Nana Addo remains Prez yet he blames the injuncted NDC MP for not developing Assin North. Excuse promax
— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) June 26, 2023
Addressing a gathering in the constituency on Sunday, June 25, he said for the constituency to witness the needed development, a candidate with legal issues should not be voted for.
“They say even if Gyakye Quayson is in jail they will vote for him, are we going to vote for someone who is going to prison?
“What benefits will the people derive from voting for such a person? We want someone when he is voted for can come to me and plan how to develop the constituency.”
But former President John Dramani Mahama told him that the facts of the cases involving Adamu Sakande, the late Bawku Member of Parliament who was sentenced to two years imprisonment after he was found guilty of false declaration of office, perjury, and deposed Assin North lawmaker James Gyakye Quayson who is also standing trial for the same charges, are not the same.
Mr Mahama also told a gathering in the constituency on Sunday that “Don’t deceive the people of Assin North to believe that the two situations are the same.
“Adamu Sakande went to prison because he lied and concealed his passport. Gyakye Quayson has not hidden his passport. Prior to voting for him in 2020 Canada had accepted that he was no longer a Canadian citizen, what crime has he done?”
Ghanaian musician Iwan has emphasized that Rastafarianism is not associated with being dirty, careless, and wretched.
Talking to Amansan Krakye in an interview, the reggae dancehall artiste said stereotyping won’t stop if his colleagues don’t brand the Rastafari culture well.
“The stereotype won’t stop if some of our Rasta brothers don’t brand the Rastafari well because being a Rasta isn’t about looking so dirty,” he opined on Property FM in Cape Coast.
He continued, “Rasta isn’t about being I don’t care and Rasta isn’t about being mad because if someone is going crazy then the person says I’m doing Rasta.
“If someone is frustrated in life and the person gets mental health issues then the person says that now I’m also doing Rasta.
“I think they need to be corrected because Rasta isn’t about those things sake of Rasta is about being neat and being a responsible person,” he added seen by MyNewsGh.com
Renowned musician and cosmetics billionaire Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty has made the significant announcement that she will be stepping down from her role as CEO of Savage X Fenty. The lingerie brand, which she co-founded in 2018, has become a prominent name in the fashion industry under her leadership. Rihanna’s decision to step down as CEO marks a new chapter for Savage X Fenty, and fans and followers are eagerly anticipating the brand’s future direction under new leadership.
After leading the company for over five years, Rihanna will now take on the role of executive chair, paving the way for Hillary Super to assume the position of CEO.
Rihanna’s vision for Savage X Fenty has had a significant impact on the industry since its inception. In a statement, she expressed her gratitude for the brand’s success, stating:, “It’s been beautiful to see our vision for Savage X Fenty impact the industry at such an incredible magnitude over the last five years.”
She also expressed her excitement about the company’s future under Super’s leadership, added: “I’m so grateful and excited to welcome Hillary Super as our new CEO—she is a strong leader focused on taking the business to an even higher level.”
Super, the former CEO of Anthropologie Group, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having served as the global CEO at Anthropologie Group for four years and held leadership positions at renowned retailers such as Guess, American Eagle, Gap, and Old Navy, Super is well-equipped to guide Savage X Fenty to new heights.
She expressed her enthusiasm about joining the brand, stating: “I’m thrilled to join the Savage X Fenty family. The brand is a major powerhouse in the lingerie and apparel industry, and its unwavering commitment to celebrating inclusivity and fearlessness is inspiring.”
Savage X Fenty, in which Rihanna owns a 30-percent stake, was launched in partnership with TechStyle Fashion Group and has attracted investments from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners and private equity firm L. Catterton, which includes Bernard Arnault as a shareholder.
In a funding round led by Neuberg Berman in 2021, Savage X Fenty raised an impressive $125 million, elevating its valuation to $1 billion and bringing its total venture capital funding to $310 million since its launch.
With Rihanna’s transition to the executive chair position and the appointment of Hillary Super as CEO, Savage X Fenty is positioned for continued growth and success.
Taylor Swift has exciting news for her fans worldwide as she has officially announced international dates for her highly anticipated Eras tour. The tour will include shows in the UK, Europe, and Asia, scheduled to take place in 2024. This announcement has generated significant buzz among her global fanbase, who are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience Taylor Swift’s record-breaking tour in their respective regions.
The pop star will play nine shows in the UK, with concerts in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London.
There is also a gap on Glastonbury’s final night, with the star rumored to be reclaiming the headline slot she missed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The tour’s first leg has seen her play to record audiences in the US.
Demand for the tickets was so high that it overwhelmed Ticketmaster’s systems, with thousands of fans unable to obtain seats.
The fiasco led to Ticketmaster being hauled in front of US senators to answer questions on the company’s event handling.
Swift herself said it was “excruciating” to watch fans struggling to get tickets, and that she had been assured Ticketmaster could cope with the demand.
For the UK dates, fans have been invited to register interest via Swift’s website, although those who tried to do so after the announcement were put in a long queue.
After registration closes, fans will be sent a purchase link for tickets. The London dates then go on sale on 18 July, followed by Edinburgh on 19 July and Cardiff on 20 July.
“We expect there will be more demand than there are tickets available,” Ticketmaster warned those who successfully registered.
“Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis while currently-available inventory lasts”.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia has accused the Ghana Police Service of plotting to assist the New Patriotic Party rig the upcoming Assin North by-election scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Descending heavily on the police providing security in the Assin North Constituency in the Central Region, he claimed the police are scheming to get the ruling party to win Tuesday’s by-elections.
He said no meeting has been held so far with leadership of the various political parties ahead of the by-election, a situation which only foments suspicions among parties.
“These are all deliberate mechanisms in making sure that the elections are rigged,” he told TV3‘s Komla Klutse in an interview in Assin North on Sunday, June 25.
A meeting has, however, been scheduled to be held between the Ghana Police Service and leadership of the various political parties on Monday, June 26.
Mr Asiedu Nketia is not convinced, however, as he says no measure can be taken to avert a security risk less than 24 hours to the D-day.
He, nonetheless, pledged to work with the state security agencies, without any other options, to ensure peaceful polls on Tuesday.
“If the security is going to be provided by the police service that is organizing medical screening to facilitate the victory of one side, that is NPP, but we still trust that we don’t have any option than to cooperate with state security.”
The NDC has maintained James Gyakye Quayson for the by-elections despite being the cause of it after the courts declared his election in 2020 null and void and of no legal effect.
The NPP has, however, changed its candidate, going for Charles Opoku, who hails from the same town, Assin Breku, as Mr Quayson.
Nollywood actress Iniobong Edo has recently expressed her regret over her decision to get married. It’s worth noting that Ini Edo tied the knot with American-based businessman Philip Ehiagwina on November 29, 2008.
The marriage lasted for a period of five years, and they finally divorced in 2013.
Speaking in a recent interview with popular media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the actress said she got married in the first place because of “family pressure.”
She said, “I regretted my decision to get married because it wasn’t just the right move to make.”
The thespian, however, said she would get married again “if the right person comes.”
On why she chose to welcome her baby via surrogacy, Ini Edo said, “I chose surrogacy because I had couples of miscarriages. And I just got tired of trying.
“I don’t have a husband. So, I’m like, I want a child for myself whether I have a husband or not. So, what other options would I have? And I wanted it to be my child. My eggs. Thankfully, my eggs are good. So I did that.”
In 2021, Ini Edo announced the arrival of her first child, a girl through surrogacy.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia says no meeting has been held so far with leadership of the various political parties ahead of the Assin North by-election, a situation which only foments suspicions among parties.
“These are all deliberate mechanisms in making sure that the elections are rigged,” hesaid in an interview with TV3 on Sunday, June 25.
A meeting has, however, been scheduled to be held between the Ghana Police Service and leadership of the various political parties on Monday, June 26.
Mr Asiedu Nketia is not convinced, however, as he says no measure can be taken to avert a security risk less than 24 hours to the D-day.
He, nonetheless, pledged to work with the state security agencies, without any other options, to ensure peaceful polls on Tuesday.
“If the security is going to be provided by the police service that is organizing medical screening to facilitate the victory of one side, that is NPP, but we still trust that we don’t have any option than to cooperate with state security.”
The NDC has maintained James Gyakye Quayson for the by-election despite being the cause of it after the courts declared his election in 2020 null and void and of no legal effect.
The NPP has, however, changed its candidate, going for Charles Opoku, who hails from the same town, Assin Breku, as Mr Quayson.
Once again, veteran actress Rita Edochie has expressed her support for May, the first wife of actor Yul Edochie.
May and Yul have allegedly been at loggerheads after he had a son with his mistress-turned-wife, Judy Austin.
The couple has since received several backlashes after they shared videos of themselves goofing around a few weeks after he lost his first son with his first wife.
However, Rita who is married to the brother of legendary actor, Pete Edochie, has openly declared her displeasure over Yul and Judy’s union.
In a new post shared online, Rita revealed that Pete Edochie is not Judy’s father in-law because he has not approved her union with his son.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made a highly anticipated appearance at the final rally of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Assin North on June 25, ahead of the upcoming by-election scheduled for June 27. During his speech, President Akufo-Addo passionately endorsed the NPP’s candidate, Charles Opoku, asserting that he was a superior choice compared to James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Following the conclusion of his speech, President Akufo-Addo turned around and was pleasantly surprised to see Akua Donkor, the founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), standing behind him with a cheerful expression. Displaying his amazement, President Akufo-Addo joined Akua Donkor in a spontaneous dance, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. Taking advantage of the moment, Akua Donkor requested a photo with the President, which he happily obliged, amidst the lively singing of the crowd.
The Assin North by-election was necessitated by the removal of James Gyakye Quayson from his position as lawmaker due to a Supreme Court ruling, which invalidated the processes leading to his nomination as a parliamentary candidate in 2020. Despite this setback, Quayson has been retained as the NDC’s candidate, setting the stage for a closely contested race against Charles Opoku of the NPP. Political analysts have predicted a highly competitive election, with potential outcomes favoring the NPP.
As the by-election draws closer, the political atmosphere in Assin North remains charged with excitement and anticipation. Both the NPP and the NDC have intensified their campaigns to secure victory in this pivotal electoral contest. President Akufo-Addo’s presence at the NPP’s final rally, coupled with his enthusiastic endorsement of Charles Opoku, has undoubtedly injected further momentum into the party’s campaign, heightening the stakes for all parties involved.
On June 27, the residents of Assin North will exercise their right to vote and determine their new representative. The outcome of this by-election will not only shape the dynamics within the constituency but also carry broader implications for Ghana’s political landscape. As the nation eagerly awaits the election results, all eyes will be on Assin North to witness the democratic process unfold and to ascertain which candidate will emerge victorious in this closely watched race.
Social commentator Kwame A Plus issues apology for derogatory comments made about Yvonne Nelson following the launch of her memoir ‘I am no Yvonne Nelson.’
He said although his thoughts on the actress’ book were the blatant truth, he has apologized to people who were hurt by his comments.
Earlier in a series of trolls, A Plus reacted to portions of Yvonne Nelson’s book where she disclosed conducting DNA tests in the quest to unravel the identity of her real father, after the man whose surname she bears turned out not to be her father.
He labeled Yvonne Nelson’s mother promiscuous for not knowing who the actress’ father is.
A Plus, also stated that Sarkodie was right to have rejected a pregnancy from Yvonne, who exhibited similar characteristics as her mother, adding that, it was evident in the number of boyfriends the actress had.
But responding to the scathing attacks he has received so far from individuals who have described his comments as insensitive, Kwame A Plus said,
“In this life everyone must be happy. Everyone must be allowed to share their opinion on issues. Although I won’t state that what I said wasn’t true, if I said something that people didn’t like, I apologize and I am sorry. I don’t want anybody to feel pain, I don’t want anybody to be sad.
“In most cases, what is painful heals. That’s why when you go to the hospital, they administer injections to sick people. Even Yvonne Nelson stated in parts of her book that her mother, at a point said she (Yvonne) was disgracing her. Her mother said she had seen that Yvonne wanted to bring shame to her.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has chastised former President John Dramani Mahama during the New Patriotic Party’s final rally ahead of the June 27 by-election in Assin North, for allegedly attacking the judiciary.
Mahama, who had also addressed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) final rally in Gangan made comments to the effect that the courts had been politicized and that led to the ouster of NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson as Member of Parliament, which ouster led to the by-election.
Akufo-Addo blasted Mahama for the comments describing it as unfortunate but unsurprising for a man who ever said that ‘Ghanaians are forgetful.’
The president referred to the case of NPP MP Adamu Dramani Sakande who was jailed during Mahama’s presidency over a dual citizenship case, a similar incident to what Quayson is facing in an Accra High Court.
“John Mahama says if not for politics, what the courts have said of Mr. Quayson will not be. Essentially that the Supreme Court has been politicized. Ghanaians easily forget and that is why he said that.
“What happened to Adamu Dramani Sakande during his presidency, he seems to have forgotten. It is the exact same thing that has befallen Quayson.
“Was it politics that led to Sakande’s jailing during his presidency? Why is he relating it to that now, let us be truthful, we should be truthful, people should stop lying to people in the villages,” he jabbed.
He drummed the advantages of choosing the NPP’s Charles Opoku over Quayson stressing that the constituency needs someone from the ruling party and not a lawmaker who could potentially be in jail or who would be frequenting the courts during his tenure.
“Don’t elect someone who will be frequenting the courts – Appeal, Supreme, High Courts, that is not what you need. I came to appeal to you to elect a lawmaker who can join government to continue the work government is executing in Assin North.
“Ghanaians are forgetful, does such a person think well of Ghanaians? We are not a forgetful people. What happened to Sakande, it is on the same path Quayson is traveling. It is not for me to say.
“The NPP is not interested in intimidating or scaring him, it is the laws that are after him, it is not me scaring him, it is the laws. If the laws come after you, it is not Nana Addo, it is the law,” Akufo-Addo stressed stating that he has never sought to influence the courts in his time in office.
The by-election has attracted a lot of political activity in the past few weeks. Campaigns ended on June 25 ahead of the vote.
Ghanaian music sensation, Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, widely recognized as Mzbel, expresses immense joy as she celebrates the arrival of a precious baby girl into her life.
The news comes after Mzbel announced her pregnancy on June 11 through social media, sparking anticipation among her fans.
After weeks of teasing her followers with glimpses of a wedding ring and adorable baby bump pictures, Mzbel shared the full pictures of her precious daughter on June 25.
In her heartfelt post, she wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us @baby_ohemaa1 is given, and the government will be on her shoulders… Forever grateful ????????????”
The announcement of Mzbel’s baby girl has ignited a wave of excitement among her followers and well-wishers, prompting an outpouring of reactions and congratulatory messages from all corners.
Mzbel’s fans are overjoyed by the news, and many have expressed their congratulations and best wishes for the singer and her new-born daughter.
Management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has moved to reassure the public, particularly Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), that the TOR-Torentco partnership will bring significant benefits to Ghana’s oil industry.
In a statement addressing the concerns surrounding the collaboration, TOR management reaffirmed that the deal is in the country’s best interest.
The partnership between TOR, Ghana’s leading oil refinery, and Torentco, a reputable international energy company, has recently raised apprehension among Ghanaians.
Many individuals and CSOs have expressed fears regarding the potential implications for the country’s oil sector and national sovereignty.
Details of the Deal
In a stunning revelation, Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, said the Public Procurement Authority is quietly leasing the Tema Oil Refinery to a shadowy group called Torentco Asset Management (TAM).
He explained that the refinery will be leased to TAM for 6 years where Torentco is allowed to refine up to 8 million barrels of oil a year by paying $1 million every year as annual rent.
He added that the group will also pay an additional rent amount of $1.067 million per month. Under the deal, Bright Simons said the group will pay $0.5 for each extra barrel if it refines more than 8 million barrels.
The CSOs had raised objections to the partnership, which they said had been carried out in obscurity and did not present the best opportunity or value to TOR.
They added that the partnership would render the refinery invalid at the end of its six year tenure.
However, TOR’s management is determined to alleviate these concerns and highlight the advantages that this partnership brings.
TOR’s management said in the statement that it is acutely aware of the concerns raised by Ghanaians, particularly the fear of relinquishing control over the oil industry to an international entity. To address this, TOR has emphasized that the partnership is founded on mutually beneficial terms, ensuring that Ghana’s interests remain safeguarded.
In a three-page report signed by the board and management, they explained that while they had wished to deal directly with a major multinational company, TOR’s accrued debts have made the refinery unattractive to any of them, thus their settling on Torentco.
Additionally, TOR said the partnership will allow the company to move from being an annual loss making entity to a sustained positive net cash flow during the lease, and demonstrate that crude oil can be processed at the refinery, achieving industry accepted yields if managed efficiently.
Moreover, the TOR-Torentco partnership will help curb the outflow of highly skilled personnel seeking opportunities in the Middle East and other regions.
TOR’s board and management stated that the transaction is already in its final stages of documentation and the company has an extensive list of ‘conditions precedent’ which Torentco must satisfy to demonstrate their ability to deliver all that is required in the transaction.
“If at any point they are unable to do so, the transaction will not become effective and TOR will be left to continue with its ongoing efforts to find a solution,” TOR stated.
Allegations have emerged claiming that singer-turned-politician Bankole Wellington, widely known as Banky W, has engaged in infidelity within his marriage.
According to a post shared by a popular blog, Gistlover, Banky W reportedly impregnated another lady while still married to Adesua Etomi.
Although the blog did not directly mention his name in the post, many Nigerians attributed the post to the singer following the description that was used to describe the culprit.
Gistlover in the post said “uncle politician don give side chic wey dey US another belle after multiple abortions.”
Netizens upon hearing the about the scandal, took to social media to share their thoughts.
ugojesse: If she is not BANKing on the truth, tell ADE to SUe her
homeoftastymeals: I feel pity for Adesua I swear, she should have just married someone that’s not out here on social media , Mayb a big man that’s not social media influenced at least the heartbreak go dey coded… after what she went through now this! Men sha, they will never do otherwise no be everybody go be like me, as u Dey cheat I Dey do my own, home go scatter everybody go dey alright follow me for more tips, marriage na scam
iam_degold: Think about his ambition, I know something is not right with him, Naso his political career go end be that, 2nd attempts, he never still win the election. Imagine people choose LP Unknowingly over him because you are cheating your wife, you can’t just cheat some women, cheating cause problems and damage to his life
packagedjteejuiz: Banky news has trended more than warri pikin and Obi Cubana renewal of their vows…. Na bad news people wants to hear… Nobody will talk about those two men as good men… Na Banky go be content for “”men will stain your whites “”.contents… I wonder if these people don’t have parents they could take as role models, so celebrities lifestyles won’t be the yardstick to validates everything
hiffyz: If Banky can cheat on a beautiful lady Like Adesua, it’s a prove that as a woman, your beauty alone cannot stop a man from cheating, marriage cannot stop a man from cheating. What stops a man from cheating is self control and sense of commitment
brownskyn_1: People nerd to stop expecting too much from celebrities. They are human as every other person. They make mistakes of the flesh as every other person. Saying they disappointed you isn’t their fault. Infact, these people are usually scape goat or example to life. That is why their life is outside. To learn from them not to feel any form of disappoinment. Because someone is fine or handsome does not make them perfect. It doesn’t make them any less a sinner, it doesn’t mean they don’t cry and go through every other persons life struggle. At this stage, if anyone believes theres any fairy tale love story then you must be delusional. You’re not telling yourself the truth. There’s no perfect love story. Men are polygamous in nature. We refused to accept it and blame them for acting in their true nature. Hence why culture accepts men marrying more than one wife. Stop shaming men for what they have. O control over. Billionaires have wives all over the world and no one dares to drag them cosoneu
Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, the Catholic Bishop of Ho, has shared his deep concern regarding the growing influence of pentecostalism within the Catholic Church, emphasizing that this trend has resulted in the gradual disappearance of numerous cherished Catholic devotions from various church settings.
He explained that Catholic devotions were particular customs and acts of worship to God and in honour of the saints that were observed in addition to the liturgy of the church.
Those devotions, he said, were the manifestation of the church’s profound love for God, rooted in service and worship to God and also an expression of readiness to give honour and glory to God whether in public or in private prayer.
“Therefore, these devotions should not be seen as outmoded or irrelevant to the contemporary Catholic.
They remain forms of Catholic spirituality that can enhance our encounter with God and bring us closer as a community in prayer,” he said.
Most Rev. Fianu, who doubles as the Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was giving a lecture at this year’s Biennial Marshall Moreau Murat Memorial Lecture, which was held at the Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra last Friday.
In his lecture, he proposed some spiritual pathways that, he believed, contemporary Christians had abandoned and needed to be rediscovered and reused.
The two-day lecture was held on the theme: “The Quest of a Christian for Spirituality- Some Pathways for Catholics and Marshallans in Particular”.
The Biennial Marshall Moreau Murat Memorial lecture was instituted in 1989 by the Noble Order of Knights of Marshall in Memory of Sir James Marshall, a Scotsman who served as Chief Justice in the then Gold Coast, after whom the Noble Order was named.
Minimalism
The bishop observed that many contemporary Catholics had become minimalists and preferred to go to where Christianity was less demanding.
“Some Catholics find the church too demanding so they prefer to go where Christianity sounds less demanding but if we read the scriptures carefully and study the teachings of the church, we have to conclude that minimalism has no place in the church.
We have some uncommitted Catholics who have no time for catechesis, workshops, seminars, recollections and retreats, among others.
So this fight against minimalism in the church eludes them,” Most Rev. Fianu said.
He said the knowledge of God that such people had was just the basics of the Christian faith and they did little to progress from there.
“Such minimalists are just proud to attend Mass on Sundays and pay their monthly dues but nothing more because they only believe that their dues card must be in order,” he said.
Such minimalist Catholics, he said, needed to read the scriptures and discuss good Catholic writings in order to know more about God.
Most Rev. Fianu urged them to put the little knowledge that they had into practice and gain practical experience of what it meant to believe in God.
For those who were continuous learners and dynamic Catholics, Most Rev. Fianu said they welcomed opportunities to know and loved God as well as the church more and always sought to become the best versions of themselves.
He explained that a dynamic Catholic had a regulated prayer pattern, was committed to continuous learning, was very generous with his or her time, and committed to sharing the beauty of the Christian faith with others.
He further said the church as a whole must be prepared to make Catholic learning materials easily available so that the faithful could obtain the knowledge they needed and grow in faith.
“We must also use the mass media to disseminate catholic content and not limit ourselves to catechism hours and the sermons during Mass,” Most Rev Fianu said.
I have never had anything to do with anyone on TV or in the entertainment industry, award-winning Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo popularly known as Sarkodie says.
This statement was made by Sarkodie when he took his turn on the Delay show some 9 years ago.
When pressed by Delay why he was too emotional with the response, the rapper who appeared quite uncomfortable defensively explained that he wishes that aspect of his life remains private.
According to the rapper, he loves children and plan of having one soon but he never dated anyone in the same industry.
These remarks totally contradicts what actor Yvonne Nelson have revealed in her explosive autobiography.
Among the revelations in her book ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ is her decision to terminate a pregnancy because the man who put her in that situation refused to accept responsibility on the basis that he had another girlfriend.
The man in question, according to Yvonne Nelson, was a rapper based in Tema and this incident was in 2010. In her narrative, she mentioned that the said rapper was Sarkodie, the Ghanaian musician who is now an icon and a multiple award winner.
“I had gone for a pregnancy test to confirm what becomes the most obvious conclusion for a sexually active young woman who misses her monthly flow. I was in the company of Karen. And when the test result was ready, I wasn’t strong enough to open it. She did and declared the verdict.
“Charlie, it dey there!” she exclaimed.
“On an ordinary day, I would have laughed out loud and that would trigger a string of jolly conversations and jokes. But this was no laughing matter. It was a grim piece of information that was capable of turning my world upside down. I wasn’t the only one responsible for the situation, so I called the man whose potent seed had germinated in me. His name is Michael Owusu Addo, a renowned Ghanaian musician who is better known as Sarkodie.
“Sarkodie was a budding musician with the potential to become one of the biggest artists in Ghana and beyond. At the time, however, the future looked uncertain, and his way through the maze of life still appeared too foggy to predict. Success was not guaranteed. He was still living with his mother and was not ready to carry a burden while he was being carried by his mother.
“I wouldn’t call what had developed between us a serious relationship. I gravitated toward people in the music industry. For the longest time in my life, music was my getaway from all the unpleasant things life threw at me. So, I liked his talent. We started talking and got close. Closer,” parts of the book read.
A total of 14,450 children aged between 3 and 59 months in Kadjebi are set to benefit from a Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) exercise organized by the Kadjebi District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service.
The SMC exercise is scheduled to take place from June 26 to June 30.
The primary objective of the Seasonal Measles Campaign (SMC) exercise is to reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five in the district. Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, the District Director of Health Services, shared this information during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kadjebi, located in the Oti Region.
The SMC exercise aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates among children under five in the district. Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, the District Director of Health Services, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an interview in Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He stated that the registration target is 90 percent, with a closing target of 95 percent, and that the exercise will be conducted in four rounds: round one in June, round two in July, round three in August, and round four in September, which are considered peak malaria transmission periods.
Nana Takyi said “there was much reduction in malaria mortality during the SMC period as compared to the non-SMC period in the previous year’s”.
“Morbidity among children under five reduced from 32 per cent in 2021 to 22 per cent in 2022” and “no death among the under-five in 2022 as compared to 2021 where one death was recorded”, he said.
The District Director of Health Services emphasized that SMC is a proven intervention to reduce malaria morbidity during rainfall, and the medication is not harmful and provided free of charge.
He urged all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive the full three doses for three consecutive days in order to complete the treatment, emphasizing the importance of their participation in the exercise.
Ghana is reportedly facing a new and alarming challenge as jihadist groups engage in the sale of stolen cattle, according to a report from dw.com.
This illicit trade not only poses a significant threat to the country’s security but also has severe socio-economic repercussions.
According to DW, Jihadist operating in the West African sub-region are now crossing into Ghana with looted animals for sale.
“Some of the cattle here are rustled and brought to the market for sale, but we won’t know,” Kwesi Adumbila, a well-known cattle dealer in the market, told DW.
“Others even cross the borders with the cattle to sell in Ghana. Those who cross the borders have their agents, who they meet in the bush for exchange.”
The number of market destinations for these stolen cattle is rapidly increasing, as revealed by Rev. Fr. Clement Aapengnuo, who works with COGINTA, an EU-supported community peace-building NGO.
“When you look at the cattle markets that are coming up especially near border towns – I hear a market has just come up in Banda Nkwanta,” Aapengnuo told DW, referring to a town in the center of Ghana.
The stolen cattle attract buyers due to their low prices at the markets, according to Aapengnuo.
“So, you go there, there are a lot of cattle that they are selling, and people are enjoying, they think this is cheap cattle we can buy and do ABCD, but they don’t realize that by buying those cattle they are financing terrorism,” he said.
The presence of jihadist groups engaging in cattle rustling and subsequent sales necessitates immediate attention and robust measures to safeguard Ghana’s stability, economy, and the well-being of its citizens.
Cattle rustling and its implications
Cattle rustling is a criminal activity involving the theft and subsequent sale of livestock, particularly cattle. Historically, it has been prevalent in various parts of Africa, and now, the involvement of jihadist groups in this illegal trade has added a new dimension to the issue.
These jihadist groups often operate in remote areas, exploiting weak law enforcement and security measures, taking advantage of porous borders and inadequate surveillance systems.
However, Ghana’s security forces are not passive in addressing the matter. As part of the measures to tackle this issue, Ghana’s security forces have established camps in areas close to its northern borders with Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ivory Coast.
Awal Ahmed Kariama, a security analyst from RISE Ghana, an organization advocating for border security, expressed concerns about the permissive nature of some Ghanaians, which allows crime to thrive.
“We have a culture of highly accommodative nature of our people,” he said.
“So, we have people coming from different jurisdictions, we basically do not question them. Some of these people may be violent extremists; however, they are also locals who engage in cattle rustling.”
The Global Initiative has recommended that cattle rustling assessments should be “used in early-warning stabilization operations, as is the case with other types of organized crime.”
The Veterinary Service Directorate, a division operating under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has recently provided a comprehensive report regarding the documented cases of anthrax in the Upper East Region. The report, submitted by the Directorate, contains valuable information and insights on the subject matter.
Since the confirmation of the cases of anthrax in some parts of the Upper East Region by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, a lot has been done to control and contain the spread of the disease to other parts of the region and subsequently to the rest of the country.
Sample analysis at the laboratory of the Veterinary Service Directorate confirming the anthrax cases led to a directive by the Sector Minister, Dr Bryan Acheampong, to restrict the movement of animals within, into and out of the Binduri District, which first recorded the cases.
The directive further advised the public to, observe vigilance, purchase meat from only certified abattoirs and promptly report animal deaths to the nearest veterinary unit or health facility in the affected area.
There was also a mass vaccination exercise of animals in the affected areas and also, a ban on the consumption of meat from dead animals in the affected areas, while the public was advised to contact the nearest veterinary services directorate for professional guidance and advice in all suspected cases on the matter.
Policy on anthrax
• In times of outbreak, ring vaccinations (8km) must be conducted.
• Treatment of in-contacts with penicillin and other appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Burning carcass and/ or burying 6ft with line. (burying must be complete) • Disposal of spore-vaccine bottles through burning or burying • Annual vaccinations within endemic areas.
• Exporters require veterinary certification for hides, skins and hairs (from ruminants, equines and pigs) • Control of importation.
Surveillance
Effective disease surveillance is essential for prevention and control programmes of anthrax.
The Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the Environmental Health Department of the Local Government Service is working to ensure the rapid control of the disease.
The disease surveillance is currently intensified in the region by these health institutions (VSD, GHS & Environmental) to ensure the early detection, diagnoses and effective control of the disease in order to avert further deaths and economic losses.
Public health implication
Anthrax is primarily an occupational hazard for handlers of processed hides, goat hair, bone products, wool and infected wildlife.
In humans, anthrax manifests itself in three distinct patterns (cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation).
The most common is a skin infection, where people become infected when handling animals or animal products that contain spores.
To avert this public health challenge, there is the need for a resilient animal health system.
Preventive measures
The veterinary services conducts disease surveillance (active & passive) throughout the country.
This activity is meant to early detect diseases before they spread, cost lives and become difficult to control.
Effective disease surveillance can improve disease outbreak detection in emergency settings, while routine vaccination of cattle in such endemic areas are necessary.
The carcasses of infected animals should either be burnt at the site of death or deeply buried, while scorching with a down directed flame or disinfection of death sites is mandatory.
Data from the Volta Regional Directorate of the National Identification Authority (NIA) indicates that a staggering 61,771 individuals are yet to collect their Ghana Cards, thereby impeding the effective implementation of various government services and identity verification processes.
Regional Director of the Authority, Mr Samuel Mawuli Dayi, shared this information during a press interaction, stating that the figure pertains to the end of May 2023.
Breaking down the numbers, Mr Dayi noted that Ketu South alone accounts for 10,567 unclaimed cards, followed by Akatsi South and Central Tongu with 7,589 and 7,513 unclaimed cards, respectively.
Additionally, he noted that the Regional Directorate in Ho possesses 845 unclaimed Ghana Cards, while the Akatsi North office holds 908, and Hohoe has 1,266 unclaimed cards.
Mr Dayi highlighted possible reasons for the high number of unclaimed cards, suspecting that some migrants may have undergone registration but have since left the jurisdiction, and others may have passed away.
However, he appealed to members of the public who do not fall under any of the aforementioned categories to collect their processed cards, as the Ghana Card is a permanent identification document.
Meanwhile,the National Identification Authority (NIA) has expanded its premium Ghana Card registration services to five additional regions across the country. Residents in Volta, Bono, Bono East, Northern, and Western North regions can now access enhanced registration facilities to obtain their Ghana Cards.
The premium Ghana Card registration service has proven to be highly convenient for individuals seeking swift acquisition of their national identification cards. In line with its commitment to broaden the coverage and accessibility of this service, the NIA has extended its premium registration facilities to the newly added regions.
A statement issued and signed by the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Col. Peter Kwame Ghansah (Rtd.), announced the operation of new hubs alongside the existing premium centres at the NIA and CalBank Head Offices in Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regions.
Mr Dayi further stated that the premium services in Ho have received an average of 50 daily applicants since the exercise began on June 12, 2023.
He further noted that in the Volta Region, the premium registration services in Ho have seen an average of 50 applicants daily since the commencement of the exercise on June 12, 2023. Mr. Dayi expressed satisfaction with the response from residents in Ho, highlighting the steady influx of individuals seeking premium Ghana Card registration services. This positive trend indicates a strong demand for efficient and expedited registration processes.
He further highlighted that registrants who avail themselves of the premium registration services in Ho have the advantage of receiving their Ghana Cards on the same day, provided they arrive at the office early enough. This expedited process ensures that individuals can obtain their identification cards promptly and without any conflicts in the details.
The NIA has implemented measures to ensure that the registration process is efficient and accurate. In cases where there may be doubts or discrepancies in the information provided by applicants, the NIA relies on supporting documents such as affidavits and gazettes to verify and process the cards. This additional step ensures that the information recorded on the Ghana Cards is reliable and reflects the correct details of the individuals.
The premium registration centres will offer the following fee-based registration services: for first-time registration and issuance of a Ghana Card at GH¢280; replacement of lost, missing, or damaged cards attracts GH¢110; while update of personal records that requires printing of a new card costs GH¢110.
MTN, a prominent telecommunications company recognized for its leadership in the industry, has made a public announcement regarding an imminent alteration to be implemented in the near future for its mobile money withdrawal transaction fees.
Starting from July 1, 2023, customers will experience an increase in fees for cash-out transactions above a certain threshold.
In a recent SMS circular sent to its customers, MTN MobileMoney Limited informed them about the adjustment.
According to the circular, cash-out transactions below GH₵2,000 will now attract a fee of 1% of the transaction amount.
However, for cash-out transactions of GH₵2,000 and above, a flat fee of GHS20 will be charged directly from the customer’s wallet. The circular also emphasized that customers should not pay any additional fees to Mobile Money agents and should simply use the “Momo” platform for their transactions.
Presently, MTN charges a maximum fee of 1% for cash-out transactions up to GH₵1,000, and a fee of GH₵10 for all cash-out transactions exceeding GH₵1,000. Under the new fee structure, the 1% fee will only apply to amounts below GH₵2,000, and the maximum fee has been doubled to GH₵20.
This adjustment in mobile money withdrawal fees by MTN has garnered attention among its user base.
The Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that the government is currently in the process of formulating a policy aimed at providing incentives to Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) that fulfill specific criteria regarding the provision of social services, with the objective of empowering them.
He acknowledged the enormous roles FBOs continue to play in the area of education, health and care for persons with disability, among others, to improve the standard of people in society.
Dr Bawumia announced this last Saturday during a sod-cutting ceremony for work to begin on a 2,000-acre, 9,000-home Integrated Community and Empowerment Centre for Persons With Disability (PWDs) at Agortor-Kope in the Osudoku Traditional Area of the Greater Accra Region.
Intervention
Known as the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM) Ability Village, the enclave is designed to support and empower PWDs skills training and specialist health care to promote their full participation in all facets of society.
The first phase of the project covers an area of 200 acres and is expected to cost $85.3 million.
The project will be funded through donations, corporate and international donor contributions as well as by individual philanthropists.
Project
The CEM Ability Village will have an Empowerment Centre to provide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other skills training to address the employment challenges of PWDs, an ultra-modern hospital to cater for the specific needs of PWDs, as well as a technology centre to focus on software development and hardware assembly, and repair.
It will also have an advocacy, counselling, guidance and information service; assisted living and affordable housing support and support for PWDs to venture into agriculture.
Commendation
Dr Bawumia commended the leadership of the church for conceiving and undertaking such a major project.
“I am clear in my mind that faith-based organisations who provide so much in the areas of education, healthcare and looking at the needs of PWDs must be provided special attention and incentives by the government to empower them to continue to provide these services to our dear country,” he said.
Dr Bawumia noted that PWDs faced a variety of social, attitudinal, physical, educational, transportation and communication barriers in their everyday lives which affected their full inclusion in society.
Those barriers, the Vice-President said, resulted in negative consequences such as social exclusion, physical and mental health challenges, discrimination, stigmatisation, low self-esteem and financial difficulties.
Marginalisation
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CEM Ability Village, Rev. Dr Steve Mensah, said PWDs in Ghana had been marginalised and their situation prompted the church to support them every year with the provision of basic needs and free medical services.
He said the idea of an empowerment centre was to institutionalise the support of CEM offered PWDs to enable them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations in order to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Paramount Chief of the Osudoku Traditional Area, Nene Aadegbor Ngmongmowuyaa Kwesi Animle VI, in a speech read on his behalf, commended the CEM for extending the project to the area which would contribute to the opening up of the area for development.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation, Rita Kusi Kyeremaa, said PWDs constituted about 8 per cent of Ghana’s current constitution who unfortunately continued to have limited access to services in terms of health, education, employment and other services.
The unfortunate event took place on Saturday, June 24, when a group of seven students allegedly sneaked out of the school premises to embark on an ill-fated swimming excursion.
Despite being boarders, these students managed to leave their dormitory undetected by the school authorities and their housemaster.
Regrettably, two bodies have been recovered from the river and are presently resting at the morgue in Effia-Nkwanta Teaching Hospital.
However, the search continues for the third missing student.
The Western Region and its surrounding areas have been battered by heavy rainfall, resulting in the overflow of numerous rivers and the displacement of several communities.
Although the students were not residents of Daboase Township, they ventured into the river to bathe and wash clothes, underestimating the formidable current caused by the flooding, which ultimately swept them away.
Despite the courageous efforts of four companions to rescue them, they were unable to prevail against the force of nature.
Nevertheless, a dedicated rescue team, led by District Chief Executive Mr. Emmanuel Boakye and assembled by the District Security Council, is tirelessly combing the area in search of the missing student.
Expressing profound grief over the incident, Mr. Boakye acknowledged that this unfortunate event was just one among many severe consequences of the incessant rain that has been relentless since Wednesday.
He remarked, “The rains have rendered numerous people homeless. While we were inspecting the affected communities, the police informed us about the tragic incident involving the students.”
Providing further information about the victims, Mr. Boakye disclosed that they hailed from Inchaban in the Shama District, Amanful in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, and Agona in the Ahanta West Municipality.
The school authorities and local assembly have notified the parents of the victims, extending their support during this immensely difficult time.
Seizing the opportunity, the DCE advised students, particularly those from other parts of the country, to refrain from venturing into rivers, especially given the current perilous conditions.
The government has announced the disbursement of about GH¢241.9 million for the payment of Teacher Trainee Allowances nationwide.
In addition, GHC32.4 million has been released to cover Books and Research Allowances for eligible senior members of public Tertiary Education Institutions, including Colleges of Education, for the 2022/2023 Academic Year.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum announced this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Professor Yahyra Dzakadzi, at the 14th Graduation of the Saint Monica’s College of Education at Asante Mampong.
Broadcast Journalist and Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu Constituency Ras Mubarak has reportedly married a third wife in a private ceremony.
The said new wife, Samaha Muhammad posted pictures of she and her lover boy on social media and has since been receiving congratulations from friends and well wishers.
Mr. Mubarak has not yet officially confirmed the alleged new marriage yet.
But sources say marriage was a private event in which the former MP said his vows to Ms Samaha Muhammad now Samaha Mubarak.
Ras Mubarak’s marriage has been in the news after his marriage to “Portia” Rasheeda Adams ended on a sour note with the ex-wife taking to social media to malign him.
The estranged ex-wife has since abandoned social media after the MP responded to her claims.
Ras Mubarak remarried a close cousin after his then wife Rasheeda Portia “packed out and sued for divorce a few weeks before the 2016 election”.
Ras Mubarak married Huseina Mubarak in 2018.
In 2020, the former MP married a second wife who was said to be an Arab biochemist from Algeria.
