Russia has been added to the UN’s yearly list of nations that have been deemed to have violated children’s human rights.
It emphasised the murder and dismemberment of children committed by both Russian forces and mercenaries following on Moscow’s instructions, including the notorious Wagner Group.
The UN has confirmed 480 strikes on schools and hospitals and 136 child deaths by Russian forces in 2022 alone, along with 518 injuries.
Ukraine says 484 have died as a direct result of the invasion over the 16 months since it began.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: ‘I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks against schools, hospitals and protected personnel, and by the large number of deaths and maimings of children attributed to Russian forces and affiliated armed groups.’
Mr Guterres said he is also concerned by the number of human rights violations against children by Ukrainian forces.
According his report to the Security Council, Ukrainian soldiers are responsible for the deaths of 80 children and injuries to 175 others, many occurring in an estimated 212 strikes on schools and hospitals.
Turning back to Russia, he reiterated ‘concerns’ about the Putin regime’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, which has been branded a war crime by the UN.
Upwards of 16,000 youngsters were estimated to have been taken as of March this year after their towns were conquered.
Of those, 10,513 have been located, according to Ukrainian officials, but only around 300 have been returned.
Victims freed from their captors described how soldiers told them their parents had abandoned them, and beat them with iron rods if they voiced support for Ukraine.
Speaking earlier this year, the mother of one liberated boy said her son was refusing to open up about the experience and told her: ‘Mum, I don’t want to tell you about it, you wouldn’t sleep at night.’
Other parents have claimed Russian civilians – sometimes their own relatives – are taking part in the kidnappings by allowing kids to be rehomed with them.
Russian social services are reportedly paying out cash and moving people into better-quality homes in exchange for fostering Ukrainian children.
The UN says Russia’s policy has created ‘a framework in which some of the children may end up remaining permanently’.
Globally, the UN verified grave violations against 13,469 children over 2022, including 2,985 who were killed, in 24 countries and one region.
Some of the worst upsurges were found in Myanmar and South Sudan, where violations rose 140% and 135% respectively.
In today’s fast-paced world that highly values self-expression, there is an often overlooked aspect of fashion that deserves attention: lingerie.
For many women, lingerie is seen as something reserved exclusively for special occasions or intimate moments. However, it’s important to challenge this perception and acknowledge the transformative power that lingerie holds.
Here are three compelling reasons why you should consider incorporating lingerie into your wardrobe and embracing it as a form of intimate self-expression:
1) Boosting confidence
Lingerie has a unique ability to enhance your confidence and make you feel empowered. It’s not just about impressing others; it’s about embracing your own beauty and sensuality.
When you wear lingerie that fits you perfectly and complements your body, it can serve as a reminder of your own allure and uniqueness. The confidence that exudes from within when wearing lingerie is incomparable, allowing you to carry yourself with poise and grace.
Also, lingerie is an excellent tool for self-care and self-love. Taking the time to select beautiful lingerie pieces for yourself sends a powerful message: you deserve to feel attractive and desirable, regardless of anyone else’s opinion!
2) Embracing femininity
Lingerie has long been associated with femininity, and wearing it is a celebration of the female form. By wearing lingerie, you’re embracing and expressing your femininity in a way that is intimate and personal. It allows you to tap into your sensual side and revel in the beauty of being a woman.
Whether you opt for delicate lace, bold colours, or sleek satin, lingerie allows you to explore different facets of your femininity. It’s a reminder that being a woman is something to be proud of, and lingerie provides a canvas for you to express your unique style and personality.
3) Igniting romance and self-expression
Lingerie holds a significant role in intimate relationships, serving as a catalyst for passion and desire. By incorporating lingerie into your romantic endeavors, you can reignite the flame and bring excitement back into the bedroom. It adds an element of anticipation and allure, both for yourself and your partner.
Moreover, lingerie can be a form of self-expression within the realm of romance. It allows you to communicate your desires, preferences, and fantasies without uttering a single word.
Selecting different styles and designs tailored to your personal tastes can spark creativity and exploration, enabling you to embrace your sexuality in a way that feels comfortable and authentic.
Lingerie is more than just fabric and lace; it’s an opportunity to embrace your inner confidence, femininity, and sensuality. By incorporating lingerie into your daily life, you can experience a profound shift in how you perceive and present yourself to the world.
The power of lingerie lies not only in its ability to ignite passion but also in its capacity to empower and celebrate your unique self. So, let go of any reservations you may have and explore the world of lingerie. Embrace the elegance, confidence, and self-expression it brings.
Remember, it’s not just about wearing lingerie for others; it’s about embracing it as an essential part of your journey towards self-love and empowerment.
Let lingerie be your personal secret weapon, enhancing your confidence, celebrating your femininity, and igniting your romance. The time to embrace the power of lingerie is now!
Fatigue can be further exacerbated by an inadequate diet, and our food choices have the potential to influence the symptoms we experience.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by severe and persistent fatigue that lacks a specific medical explanation.
Studies have indicated that the food we choose to consume and potential nutrient deficiencies can have a substantial impact on managing fatigue in individuals with CFS.
The best way to get the most energy from your food is to make sure you’re giving yourself the best food possible.
Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy.
You are what you eat. So, if you want to be healthy, you will have to check what you eat and how you eat.
Here are some foods to fight fatigue that may help our bodies get back to feeling energised again:
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vital nutrients that help to keep the metabolism going and improve energy levels. The fresher the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for your health. Also, the energy provided is at a more consistent rate, and this helps the body to cope better with demanding mental and physical work. They are ideal foods that prevent fatigue and depression.
Nuts and seeds
If you are feeling tired between meals, the best snacking options are nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, Chia seeds, flax seeds, and pistachios. All of these make for healthy foods that fight fatigue. They provide essential nutrients, fibre and a boost of energy to the tired body. Chia seeds have earned the reputation of being a ‘runner’s food’ as they help in improving endurance and enhancing physical performance. Most nuts are rich in magnesium, potassium and other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids that are potent antioxidants. These are the perfect fatigue-fighting foods.
Unprocessed foods
Burgers, pasta, French fries, boxed meals, ready-to-eat snacks, and other such items may seem like enticing options when low on energy, but they are bad for health and provide no nutrition to the body. Instead, they cause sharp spikes and dips in sugar levels leading you to feel a burst of energy and then feeling thoroughly washed out. Choose unprocessed food options like whole grains, brown bread sandwiches or a glass of milk, which are better food options that prevent fatigue.
Non-caffeinated beverages
Caffeine is good when taken in moderation, and it has been shown to have some health benefits. Although it provides a short-term boost, it doesn’t actually provide the body with energy.
The first sips may give you a jolt, but if you’re not providing your body with good nutrition and balanced meals and snacks, you’ll eventually feel run down.
If you must have your fix, opt for black coffee or unsweetened tea. Sodas and energy drinks can be full of refined sugar and artificial ingredients that can cause you to crash, and lead to other health issues if overconsuming.
Water
Drinking water is essential for the optimal functioning of the body. Although water doesn’t provide energy in the form of calories, it helps facilitate the energetic processes in the body, which is an energy boost in itself.
Sip on water throughout the day, and try to swap out sodas, coffee, and other drinks for a glass of water. This simple change can make a big difference, and you’ll feel better before you know it.
Ghanaian socialite Van Calebs says fashion shows have lost their focus on promoting Ghanaian customs and are focusing on runway models instead.
According to Van Calebs, who is also a known choreographer, female models who take up fashion on the runway have become the focal point of attention because of their looks, not what they often wear.
Van Calebs, in an interview during a recent fashion show held in Accra, expressed his views on whether fashion had become a lucrative venture for Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
“The focus is no longer on the clothes themselves but rather on the individuals wearing them… and I say this in a negative sense. Wealthy individuals attend these shows and cast their eyes upon the beautiful models strutting down the runway.
“After the event, they request that the organisers provide contact details for some of the ladies, and even some of the male models.
“Subsequently, they arrange meetings and offer money or opportunities in exchange for sexual gains.
“Hence, these affluent individuals also sponsor the fashion shows financially, which serves as their benefit. In reality, most fashion shows do not generate revenue through ticket sales or designer participation fees, leading to a rather dire situation,” he explained.
Van Calebs further highlighted the plights of Ghanaian models who grace the runways, as they are often underpaid, leading to their exploitation.
Despite the numerous setbacks in the fashion industry, Van Calebs says fashion has become a major item in lifestyle and entertainment and continues to thrive, with many young people aspiring to be fashion designers.
Actress Jackie Appiah reveals how she avoids controversies that often surround celebrities.
In a snippet of an upcoming interview on TV3, she shared valuable insights into how she has successfully maintained a controversy-free life by prioritizing personal integrity and staying focused, which has helped preserve her solid brand.
Jackie emphasized the significance of minding her own business as a crucial factor in maintaining her decorum.
She also acknowledged that this can be a challenging task, but she understands the responsibility that comes with her status and the expectations her fans have of her.
“I’m naturally a cool person, always in my corner minding my own business. I love my job, and I’m so passionate about it that I always strive for perfection. I don’t want to make mistakes because I have a lot of people looking up to me,” she explained.
Jackie Appiah further elaborated on how her passion for her craft drives her to avoid making mistakes that could potentially tarnish her reputation. She added that with a large number of people looking up to her, she feels a strong sense of obligation to set a positive example for others.
Additionally, she mentioned that in moments when she feels the urge to lose her composure or finds it challenging to stay positive, she reminds herself to be patient.
Reflecting on her journey and humble beginnings, she sees herself in everyone and treats everyone with equal respect and kindness.
“I always remember where I’m coming from, so I see everyone as me, and I relate to everyone the same way. When I’m not in a good mood, I tell myself, ‘it’s too late, you’re already there so deal with it.’ I always have to relax and exercise patience,” she remarked.
An intriguing question has been posed about the Ghanaian fashion industry and whether it is really as lucrative as the extensive online publicity and glamour it has been associated with have projected it to be.
Ghanaian event organizer, Van Calebs made a statement today describing fashion shows in Ghana as avenues for scouting for ‘sex partners’ and not for the sale nor advertisement of clothing. He was responding to a question on fashion as the next vibrant business for many young Ghanaians in an interview in Accra.
Van Calebs holds a very strong opinion that when it comes to fashion shows, it’s the models with the most sexual appeal that makes it to the runway. He says, fashion show organizers have lost their focus from clothing and are now supplying a more ready and far more paying market.
“Now, it’s no more about the clothes but about the one wearing them… I mean this in a negative way. During the show, rich guys, who are usually the friends of the organizers, attend and look at the beautiful models on the runway. After the show, they ask the organizers for the numbers of some of the ladies; and even some of the male models too.
“Then, they meet up and offer them some money or opportunities in exchange for a sexual relationship with them. So, these rich guys also sponsor the fashion shows with money and so, this is in a way their benefit because, most fashion shows don’t make money through either ticket sales or even designer participation fees; it’s just a pathetic situation”, he explained.
Emphasizing the desperate situation many fashion shows in Ghana are in, Van Calebs added that almost all the very popular fashion shows in Ghana underpay models who are used on their runways.
“In Ghana today, almost all of these fashion shows will use a model for 3 or more days of fashion shows and pay them Ghc400 to Ghc500. And yes, they don’t have cash sponsors and they don’t sell enough tickets, so where does the money come from?”, he said.
Finally, Van Calebs said the Fashion Designers who are the spine of the fashion industry, are also in distress.
“In Ghana, many fashion designers are like social media bloggers. They are seasonal and then they fade out never to be remembered again. Just look at our most celebrated fashion icon, the late Kofi Ansah. His ‘Art Dress’ company and collections are now in some garage instead of a fashion studio or a boutique. Also, Joyce Ababio who was once a vibrant fashion designer is now focused on running her fashion school …
“I guess that one pays far more than her being a fashion designer. I can go on and on because there are many fashion designers on Instagram doing a lot of photoshoots but, how many are selling and have records to show it?”, he said.
Nevertheless, in Ghana, Fashion has become a major item on the lifestyle and entertainment calendar. A good fashion show on a weekend can pull both local and foreign nationals as guests in Accra. Also, the sustenance of many fashion schools and even Universities with ‘Fashion Degree Programmes’ such as ‘Radford University’ and ‘Blue Crest University’, with a growing number of students per year, gives hope the fashion industry in Ghana.
Yvonne Nelson’s book includes sections that describe an incident where Kofi Adjorlolo, a fellow actor, walked off a movie set in protest of her acting style. Yvonne Nelson explains that her subpar performance was due to being assigned an impromptu role without adequate time or resources to prepare for it.
Giving a vivid account of what transpired on set that particular day, Yvonne wrote in her recently published memoir “I am not Yvonne Nelson” she recounted receiving a prompt call from a producer to play the lead role in the movie, Princess Tyra, in which Adjorlolo played the role of the king, her father.
She explained that her unpreparedness for the task became very evident on set, a situation, which led to Adjolorlo’s protest and subsequent call for a replacement.
She added that the movie producer, Frank Rajah Arase, was equally disappointed.
“My breakthrough didn’t take long to come. It came with an urgent call, again, from Abdul Salam. I was in the lecture hall and stepped out to answer the call. He needed me for a movie role. The crew and cast were already on location and I had to come straight away, he said on the phone. When I got there, my costumes were ready. I was dressed like a princess and asked to go on set. The conventional processes of being given a script, mastering it and attending script conferences or rehearsals were all side-stepped. It appeared someone had been given that role but had to be replaced. An improvised cast was expected to take her place, so the lots fell on me. With verbal instruction on who I was and what I was expected to do, I was thrust onto the set, like a fat goat being thrown into a den of ravenous hyenas.
“That was how I felt when the unmasked disapproval of my inclusion was communicated in the most unvarnished of languages. I fumbled on set. I felt uncomfortable in the costume. I had no time to psychologically prepare myself for the role. But here I was acting in a movie that had my character as the title. The movie was Princes And I was Princess Tyra. In that movie, Kofi Adjorlolo was my father, the king. He got so frustrated with my acting that he walked off the set in protest and told Abdul Salam to replace me. The director, Frank Raja Arase, did not have any hope in me either. I felt terrible, lost confidence and became anxious,”Yvonne Nelson stated.
She said, but for popular filmmaker, Abdul Salam Mumuni, who had hopes in her, she would have abandoned the project, which later turned out to be her ‘big break’.
“Princess Tyra had a number of maids. I confided in one of them that that day was going to be the last time they would see me. I had endured enough embarrassment and was not going to show up again. What I said got into the ears of Abdul Salam Mumuni, and he spent a considerable amount of time convincing me not to abandon the project. It appeared he was the only one in the production team who had confidence in my ability to act. Rooting for me sparked wild rumours that he had something to do with me, the only possible reason he wanted me around despite my abysmal performance,” she added.
However, counting her blessings, Yvonne established that years after Kofi Adjorlolo put her through that ordeal, she started producing her own movies and cast him in one of them.
“A few years later, I cast Kofi Adjorlolo in a movie I produced,” she said.
A mother of three who successfully sued her landlord for hazardous mould that made living there “unbearable” for her family says she is eager to “make our house a home” now.
The 36-year-old Sara-Jae Gumbley had to undergo a three-year “living nightmare,” purchasing up to 20 air fresheners each month in an effort to cover up the musty odour.
She remarked that the thick black mould covering the walls and ceiling of the downstairs bathroom made it uninhabitable and “looked like it had suffered a huge fire.”
It meant Sara-Jae and the kids all had to use the upstairs one, with the mum, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, adding: ‘My youngest occasionally had accidents on the stairs. It was terrible.’
Despite repeatedly reporting the dire living conditions to Eastbourne County Council, Sara-Jae said they did little to resolve the situation.
She eventually called upon the help of a firm of lawyers specialising in housing disrepair who fought her battle in court – and won.
Veritas helped secure her £2,500 in damages as well as ensuring the council carried out the £3,000 worth of works to fix the problem.
Sara-Jae said: ‘My little one is delighted that she can now have play dates with her friends. It’s time to make our house a home.’
She said of the issue: ‘I felt helpless and ashamed. The mould took over our lives, and the smell was unbearable.
‘I tried my best to hide it with all the air fresheners but, deep down, I knew it wasn’t a solution. My children’s health was at risk, and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
‘The kids couldn’t have their friends over because I was concerned they might touch something by accident, not to mention my embarrassment of the state the house was in.
‘The downstairs toilet, which we could never use, looked like it had suffered a huge fire. It was just black with mould and always had a puddle on the floor.
‘That meant we had to share the upstairs toilet which, between four people, was challenging. My youngest occasionally had accidents on the stairs. It was terrible.’
She described feeling unable to have any guests over at all – even at Christmas – fearing they might touch something and fall ill.
After years of anguish, the council completed the repairs last month. Sara-Jae hopes to use part of the settlement to take her children, aged five, 11 and 13, to Spain.
In a message of advice to others living through similar harrowing ordeals, she added: ‘Don’t suffer in silence. Take action and get the help you deserve.
‘Reach out to organisations who can guide you through the legal process. Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy home.’
Eastbourne Borough Council said: ‘We are committed to ensuring everyone has a place to call home which is secure, decent and genuinely affordable.
‘We take all issues of damp, mould and disrepair very seriously.
‘Advice has been given to Ms Gumbley on good ventilation in the property. We are pleased that Ms Gumbley is satisfied with the work that’s been carried out.’
Faraz Fazal, a Managing Partner at Veritas Solicitors, said: ‘This case reinforces our resolve to combat substandard living conditions and advocate for tenants’ rights.
‘It serves as a reminder to all landlords that they have a fundamental duty to provide safe and habitable homes.’
Sarkodie and his lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo. In a heartfelt tribute shared on his Instagram stories, Sarkodie expressed his deep sadness over the passing of “Mama Cee,” as he affectionately referred to her.
He revealed that she was one of the few people he felt comfortable opening up to, emphasizing the warm and strong bond they had developed.
Sarkodie reminisced about the special connection he felt with Cynthia from the day they met, highlighting her profound understanding of his life and the trust they shared. He expressed his shock and sorrow, mentioning that it would be incredibly difficult to overcome the multitude of memories they had created together.
Sarkodie and his lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo.
The rapper wished Cynthia had confided in him about her illness, but acknowledged her aversion to others feeling sorry for her. He recognized that she had departed from this world on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience, which he referred to as “a classic Mama C.”
Sarkodie and his lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo.
Sarkodie also shared his concern about not hearing from Cynthia in the past few days, as she would usually be the first to reach out and express worry or playfully tease him. He recounted sending her a WhatsApp message, asking why he hadn’t heard from her.
Hours later, upon noticing the two ticks indicating that she had received the message, he sensed that something was amiss. The devastating news of her passing was then delivered to him.
Sarkodie and his lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo.
Despite the immense grief, Sarkodie recognized Cynthia’s desire for strength in those she cared about. He pledged to do his best to remain strong, not just for himself but also for her. He extended his condolences to Cynthia’s family, friends, and especially her children, urging everyone to find strength during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Sarkodie’s wife, Tracy, took to Twitter to share a poignant photo of Cynthia alongside her husband. In the caption, Tracy simply added a broken heart emoji and a dove, symbolizing the profound sadness and peace they felt in the face of this tragic loss.
Video footage has been captured where Stonebwoy explains why Nigerian music is more successful than Ghana’s.
The artiste was responding to a question he was asked during an interview he granted a few weeks ago to Joy News’ PM Express on how he feels about Nigerians making a massive improvement in their industry, which includes performing at Grammys and other big events.
In his response, Stonebwoy explained that Nigerians are doing so many things, which include investing, and that is what is contributing to their rapid growth in the industry as compared to how Ghana handles issues in its music industry.
He, therefore, advised that Ghanaian musicians who engage in one-way activities should rise to the top by emulating their Nigerian counterparts.
He also urged that musicians in Ghana get to know, understand, and apply the strategies being used by Nigerian artistes, which have seen a sharp rise in their industry.
“We feel the same sentiment, but let us assume for a second that Nigeria does not exist and it is only Ghana. Are we operating well enough to be that big? Now, the answer stems from the fact that they are doing so many things right, which is worth emulating so that we can also continue to be a part of and also chalk some of these great heights that we deserve,” he said.
He also raised concerns about why Ghana has not been able to move forward despite the good music produced by artistes in the country.
He traced it back to the time of Gyedu Blay, Amakye Dede, and Rex Omar, where all the efforts they put into Ghana’s music have rather led to a decline in its growth as compared to how the Nigerians have built on their past glories and are now always shooting for the top.
He, therefore, concluded that there was something wrong with Ghana’s music industry that needs to be fixed if they also want to be seen at the top.
“When I see a Godfather-like Gyedu Blay Ambolley at the age of 76 touring Europe today and playing all these amazing festivals, and I also put an eye to the hip-life era, which is not older than probably Gyedu Blay’s era, then I realized that there’s something really wrong in how we grew down and didn’t grow up.
“Whereas before the Nigerians, when you shoot back to into their eras of the Fela etc, comparing to what is happening now, you realize that they incline; they didn’t decline,” he lamented.
Stonebwoy’s take on this topic has seen some netizens applaud him for sharing such an input.
The following is how some netizens reacted to Stonebwoy’s interview:
“This is deep and it’s a wake-up call to all our industry players and the ministry of Tourism… We’ve got so much to do and the memory of slave trade & pan Africanism gives us the advantage! Let’s wake up!!!.”
“This guy erh hmmm. He’s (sic) inspiring always and he’s actually building a great foundation for the next generation”.
The Supreme Court has granted James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, a seven-day extension to file a review challenging the court’s declaration of his election as unconstitutional.
The application for an extension of time was approved by Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, a single justice of the apex court.
Led by lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata, the legal team representing Mr. Quayson argued that although the court delivered its judgment on May 17, 2023, the full reasoning was not made available until June 5, 2023. Thus, they requested additional time to file the review, graphic.gh.com reports.
On May 17, 2023, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled that the entire process leading to James Gyakye Quayson’s election was in violation of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution. This article prohibits individuals with dual citizenship from contesting as Members of Parliament.
The court concluded that at the time Mr. Quayson filed his nomination forms in October 2020; he had not renounced his Canadian citizenship, rendering him ineligible, as per Article 94(2)(a) of the Constitution. Additionally, the court determined that the Electoral Commission (EC) also violated the same constitutional provision by allowing Mr. Quayson to contest the election.
In its judgment, the court declared Mr. Quayson’s election as Member of Parliament for Assin North, as well as his swearing-in, as unconstitutional, null, void, and of no legal effect. This decision came after a constituent of Assin North, Michael Ankomah-Nimfah, invoked the court’s jurisdiction to interpret and enforce the constitution.
The seven-member panel, chaired by Justice Jones Dotse and comprising Justices Nene Amegatcher, Mariama Owusu, Gertrude Torkornoo, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, and Barbara Ackah-Ayensu, delivered the ruling. The court has stated that the full reasons for its decision will be filed at the court’s registry by June 7, this year.
In Northeast India, severe flooding has affected over 500,000 people as a result of torrential rains that turned local roads into rivers and flooded entire villages.
Floodwaters have affected more than 495,000 people in 22 districts in the state of Assam, according to a statement released on Thursday by the disaster management organisation.
The Beki River, which flows through Assam, overflowed as a result of severe rain that swept through the area, forcing approximately 14,000 people to be relocated to rescue shelters. State authorities report that there has been at least one death.
Video broadcast on local television shows villagers wading neck-deep through the muddy water with their cattle, and homes, shops and cars submerged in the floods.
Assam, a state of more than 31 million people, experiences heavy rain and flooding during India’s unrelenting monsoon season which can last from April to September.
Last year, at least 10 people died after heavy floods and landslides swept across the state.
This year’s flooding comes one week after tropical cyclone Biparjoy hit India’s west coast, ripping trees and toppling electricity poles.
At the same time, parts of northern India are experiencing an unrelenting heat wave as temperatures continue to soar in two of the country’s most populous states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Dozens of people have died across the states, which saw temperatures reach 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) over the weekend.
The high temperatures are expected to persist through next week, prompting health authorities to issue multiple warnings and formulate a plan to mitigate the risks that come from heat-related health issues.
In a heat wave that is expected to last throughout the weekend, Beijing’s temperature on Thursday rose past 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking the previous record for the capital’s hottest day in June.
According to state-run media The Beijing News, Thursday’s high temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) exceeded the previous record of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit), established on June 10, 1961, when China started maintaining thorough data.
Beijing Meteorological Observatory increased the city’s hot weather warning on Friday to “red” — the strongest possible level in the system — which encourages everyone to avoid outdoor labour and to take precautions for children and the elderly.
The northeastern provinces of Hebei and Shandong as well as the city of Tianjin were also under a red warning signal for Friday.
Last summer, China experienced its worst heat wave and drought in decades, causing widespread power shortages and disrupting food and industrial supply chains.
This year, extreme weather has come even earlier – since March, temperatures in dozens of Chinese cities have hit record seasonal highs. Media reports suggest many farmed animals including pigs, rabbits and fish have died due to the scorching conditions.
As the climate crisis intensifies, scientists say that dangerous, record-breaking heat waves are set to become more frequent and more severe.
Graphic shows all the changes in global temperature since 1850
The latest heat wave comes just weeks after temperatures in Shanghai, China’s commercial and financial hub, hit 36.1 degrees Celsius (nearly 97 degrees Fahrenheit) on May 29, the hottest day in May for more than 100 years.
June typically sees highs of 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). However, temperatures in northern and northeastern China are expectedto remain well above average in coming days, according to CNN meteorologists.
Beijing may top 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday and Saturday before dropping to high 30 degree Celsius levels (upper 90s to low 100s degrees Fahrenheit) for much of next week.
Last year, scorching weather and drought in the Chinese province of Sichuan caused reservoirs to dry up, crippling power supply in the part of China that relies heavily on hydropower stations.
The power crunch affected factories, including that of Tesla, with provincial authorities ordering shutdowns to ration electricity supply.
In the midst of rising unhappiness and calls for change from its citizenry, Sierra Leone is preparing for Saturday’s vital presidential elections.
Since the violent civil war that lasted for 21 years in the nation’s past has come to an end, there have been five elections.
Devastating illnesses like the Covid pandemic and Ebola in 2014 have also affected Sierra Leone.
In the general election, Maada Bio, 59, is being challenged by twelve individuals, including Samura Kamara, the leader of the opposition “All People Congress” (APC) party.
Kamara, a former cabinet minister, 72, is facing trial on corruption charges which he denies. The case has been adjourned until after the general election.
The mood in the country is tense as the country prepares for the high-stakes elections.
Earlier in the week, police officers fired rubber bullets and teargas at supporters of the opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), during a protest in the capital Freetown calling for the Chief electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, to step down after allegations of electoral fraud.
The United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Germany, France, and the European Union issued a joint statement urging all parties to remain peaceful.
Sierra Leoneans are concerned about several issues, including economic management, food shortages, healthcare services, infrastructure development, and education.
Many citizens say they are frustrated with high inflation rates and unemployment levels, as well as political violence and corruption.
” …We are not seeing any prospect that the prices are coming down because the dollar inflation is very high. Everything is very high,” said Aminata Fanta Koroma, an APC party member.
While Samura supporter Kadira Rodhe Kamara said: “We are tired with the austerity, we’re tired with the problems, the killings, the brutality, tribalism, nepotism, all kinds of things. You know, no democracy, no freedom of speech. The people are tired.”
President Bio has promised to tackle these problems by feeding the nation and creating half a million jobs for young people if re-elected.
However, Sierra Leoneans remain uncertain about their future as the country remains one of the poorest in the world despite its abundant diamond resources and other minerals.
The illicit trade in these gems, commonly referred to as “blood diamonds” due to their association with conflict financing, exacerbated the civil war.
Sierra Leone has a population of around 8.8 million, but less than half (3.3 million) are registered to vote in this election.
The country has been facing a number of issues, including a soaring cost of living and massive unemployment.
Inflation rates in April were recorded at around 37% according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The outcome of the elections is expected to depend largely on the younger demographic as people under the age of 35 make up around 60% of the voting-age population.
A significant proportion of this group belongs to the post-war generation, who have grown up in a country grappling with poverty, unemployment, and political instability.
However, Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier and author, turned human rights activist told CNN the youth are not hopeful of change.
“The general mood of the country is it’s not hopeful at all because… the security situation has gotten tense in the way that you have more presence of armed police, armed military that are basically patrolling the streets as if going to an election is also going to war.”
Beah added that the two political parties have not “presented any policies or any ideas of what they are going to do and that are credible. There was no presidential debate to talk about policy,” he said.
There have been concerns of unrest in the run-up to the poll, similar to deadly anti-government protests that broke out last August, over the rising cost of living.
Following August’s protests, President Bio ordered a crackdown as he believed the protests were part of an attempt to overthrow his government.
“This was not a protest against the high cost of living occasioned by the ongoing global economic crisis. The chant of the insurrectionists was for a violent overthrow of the democratically elected government,” he said at the time.
To be declared winner, a presidential candidate must secure 55 percent of the total votes. If this is not achieved in the first round of voting, a run-off election will be held between the two candidates with the highest votes — as was the case in the 2018 election.
The Department of Urban Roads under the Ministry of Roads and Highways has drawn harsh criticism for its failure to repair the broken traffic light on the Kanda Highway located after the overpass stretching to Ridge.
The abandoned traffic light has led to unprecedented havoc and chaos at the intersection, leaving commuters and pedestrians at the mercy of unregulated traffic flow.
The gravity of the situation was brought to light by the host of Happy 98.9 FM’s Epa Hoa Daben socio-political talk show, Don Kwabena Prah who expressed his disappointment at such negligence.
Don Prah’s concerns resonated with countless frustrated citizens who have been witnessing the dire consequences of the malfunctioning traffic light day after day.
“Since the traffic light malfunctioned, the intersection has turned into a hotbed of chaos, with vehicles vying for right-of-way and pedestrians navigating the roads with trepidation. The absence of a functioning traffic control system has resulted in frequent traffic jams, near-misses, and an alarming increase in accidents. Commuters are now forced to spend prolonged periods of time stuck in heavy traffic, exacerbating their daily frustrations and impacting productivity,” he bemoaned.
The Kanda Traffic Light, which serves as a crucial link between several major thoroughfares, was installed to regulate traffic flow efficiently. However, its current state has effectively rendered it useless, leaving motorists and pedestrians exposed to potential hazards and increasing the risk of accidents. This critical situation demands immediate attention from the responsible authorities.
The Department of Urban Roads, entrusted with the maintenance and repair of road infrastructure, has come under heavy criticism for its failure to address the malfunctioning traffic light promptly.
Efforts to reach the Ministry of Roads and Highways for comment have been met with silence thus far, fueling public outrage and frustration.
With the chaos persisting at the Kanda intersection, the public’s patience wears thin and their faith in the responsible authorities continues to erode.
Happy FM will continue to monitor this situation closely, providing updates on any developments and holding those responsible accountable for the safety and well-being of the public.
Policy and Planning lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Stephen Takyi has warned that more floods will be recorded during this rainfall periods.
He also made a projection of more deaths to be recorded during the floods as a result of the failure of the authorities at various cities to develop urban strategic plans.
As a planning expert, Stephen Takyi noted that indiscriminate sales of land, especially the wet lands by land overseers have contributed to the floods the country is facing.
The lecturer was contributing to a panel discussing on Otec FM’s morning show ‘Nyansapo’, hosted by Captain Koda, on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
He was reacting to the deaths recorded in Kumasiand Accra during the torrential rain that hit the country on Wednesday, June 21, 2022.
“If you look at how Ghana development process has been planned, flooding during the raining season will account for more deaths, and this will bring residents uprising against the politicians,” he furiously said.
“Lands are sold indiscriminately by city authorities and chiefs without hesitation, wet lands are been sold, lands earmarked for social infrastructures are also sold, making it impossible for free flow of rain water during rainfalls,” he added.
To prevent floods and its related casualties, Stephen Takyi advised residents to resist any attempts by cities’ authorities and chiefs who may attempt to sell flood-prone and reserved areas to save their lives.
A personnel of the Ghana Police Service was on Thursday, June 22, 2023, shot and killed armed robbers at Ablekuma, a suburb of Accra.
The CCTV footage from the scene of the crime showed the moment, the armed men attacked the bullion van the deceased police officer was escorting.
More videos are emerging from the crime scene and one of the videos showed how some brave residents of Ablekuma attempted to save the victim who has been identified as Amoah.
The said video, which was shared by Kofi TV, showed the late Amoah laying in the bullion van motionless.
Most of the residents who were around were just looking at the victim in fear but two men bravely took action to save his life.
The first man can be seen in the video, raising the motionless police officer in the van. He was joined by another man and together they were able to bring him (the victim) out of the van.
They raced to the main street and the other residents helped stopped a black 4-wheel drive. They placed the victim in the car and they raced to a nearby hospital but the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.
MOG Music, a gospel musician, has stated that not all churches in Ghana have recently become solely focused on money and financial matters.
According to the singer, some churches are solely focused on making money, a situation, which has placed such a tag on the innocent ones.
Talking to Amansan Krakye, he said, “If they say the church has now become too money minded I’ll say not all of them maybe some few churches are those doing that.
“It is said that one bad nut can spoil the whole soup so it’s only a few individuals doing it and it’s been generalized to all churches but there are some genuine churches and men of God.
MOG Music who is a member of the Royal House Chapel took the opportunity to eulogize his pastor, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah.
“There are those who are not focused on money but fully doing the work to win souls for Christ and I can vouch for Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah and the mighty work that he’s doing,” he added on Property FM sighted by MyNewsGh.com
He continued “He’s been very supportive in paying people’s school fees, and supporting young ministers like myself so people shouldn’t think all the church is concerned about is money making”.
A security policy expert, Anthony Acquaye, has squarely placed the blame for the gruesome killing of one of its officers at the doorsteps of the high command of the Ghana Police Service.
The deceased officer, identified only as Amoah, was attacked and fired at multiple times while he was in the passenger seat of a bullion van that had gone to a popular fuel station at Dansoman to collect money.
In CCTV footages that have since gone viral, some four men atop two motorbikes, went directly for the policeman in the front seat of the white van, firing at him until he succumbed to death.
But reacting to the incident, which the police have announced is under investigation, Anthony Acquaye said that the top hierarchy of the police service have failed to prioritise the safety of their own men.
“Having noticed the poor-quality bullion van in question in the video footage and the police officer shot without wearing armoured vest and ballistic helmet has triggered me to ask the Ghana Police high command on how well do they ensure their men and women adhere to the right operating standard procedure in such an important operation involving life and money.
“Understanding the police service as an institution on how it stands by its directives and ensures its full implementation in this poor-quality bullion van issue has become very problematic and questionable,” he said in a statement.
Anthony Acquaye, who also works at the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy (CSDPA), further questioned the commitment of the service in ensuring that it provides the best protection for its men in such situations.
He also questioned the police high command on why it continues to allow its men to go on such assignments when it once stated that it would no longer allow such assignments if institutions do not provide them with standard protection.
“Referring to the press statement signed and released by the then Director of Public Affairs, Superintendent of Police, Sheilla Kessie Abayie-Buckman (Mrs), dated 14th June, 2021, with reference number PAD/PRESS/VOL3 178, having it 3rd paragraph read as, ‘The IGP is also reminding the Association of Bankers to provide a fortified armoured vehicles for carting currencies by the close of June 2021 as earlier agreed between them and Police Service, lest the Police withdraws its officers for escort duties.’
“So, the question I’m asking is, if the Police Service High Command are aware of how the security of cash movement and escort officers are critical in the banking business and for that matter have warned the Association of Bankers on the deadly threat the sub-standard vehicles used by most of their banks in transporting of their money pose on personnel life and the money, why then do the Police high command allow them to continue using them?” he added.
Besides, the security policy expert raised concerns on why police personnel on such assignments still do so without bullet proofs.
“Again, why are some police officers on these special duties not given bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets to wear for their personal protection,” he added.
He has therefore called on the police service to prioritise the security of its men, stressing that it should enforce its directive on the use of the armoured bullion vans by the banks or withdraw its officers on such duties entirely.
What we know so far on the bullion van attack that killed a police officer:
Time of the attack
Even though reports of the incident got into the media late afternoon, the incident is said to have happened at around 1:30 pm according to eye witnesses, a claim buttressed by Star Oil statement.
The oil company confirmed thus in a statement: “Star Oil is deeply saddened to announce an armed robbery attack at our Ablekuma Fanmilk station on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at approximately 1:30 PM.
What the attackers took away
From our review of CCTV footage, the robbers made away with two bags, the contents of which remain unknown at this point.
Star Oil further confirmed in their statement that the van had just arrived to collect money when the attack was launched.
“The robbers attacked the van a few minutes after it arrived for cash collection at the station,” their statement of June 22 stressed.
Officer identified by first name only
The slain officer who was retrieved from the van after the robbers had bolted has been declared dead.
Even though the terse police statement on the incident did not fully identify him, Star Oil’s statement provided a single name as Amoah.
Contrary to some social media reports that the police had arrested the robbers, their statement released hours after the incident disclosed that a manhunt was on for the killers.
“The Police are on a manhunt to arrest a gang of four robbers who attacked a bullion van at Ablekuma Fanmilk, a suburb of Accra and shot the Police escort who has unfortunately passed on,” the statement read.
Eyewitnesses in the area told the media about how the operation unfolded stating among others that the sound of repeated gunshots had them scampering and taking cover.
That after the robbers had bolted, most people rushed to the scene where they saw the policeman slumped in the car seat.
“It was there that some of the people carried him into a car and rushed him to the hospital,” one of the eyewitnesses told Metro TV news.
ABLEKUMA BULLION VAN ROBBERY IN FOCUS: BLAME POLICE HIGH COMMAND FOR THEIR INABILITY TO ENFORCE THE RIGHT OPERATING STANDARD PROCEDURE TO SAFEGUARD ITS OFFICERS – Security Analyst
Seriously, it is too sad to have another gallant police officer killed in a sub-standard bullion van robbery attack at Ablekuma-Fanmilk. It on record that, between February 2021 and February 2022, four separate bullion van robbery attacks were recorded across Greater Accra Region. A critical analysis on the video footage intelligence recorded by the closed-circuit television (CCTV) at the filling station showed clearly how the robbers with their two motorbikes ambushed the bullion van, shot the police officer on target whiles the driver run for his life.
Having noticed the poor-quality bullion van in question in the video footage and the police officer shot without wearing armoured vest and ballistic helmet has triggered me to ask the Ghana Police high command on how well do they ensure their men and women adhere to the right operating standard procedure in such an important operation involving life and money.
Understanding the police service as an institution on how it stands by its directives and ensures its full implementation in this poor-quality bullion van issue has become very problematic and questionable.
Referring to the press statement signed and released by the then director of public affairs, superintendent of police, Sheilla Kessie Abayie – Buckman (Mrs) dated 14th June, 2021 with reference number PAD/PRESS/VOL3 178 having it 3rd paragraph read as “The IGP is also reminding the Association of Bankers to provide a fortified armoured vehicles for carting currencies by the close of June 2021 as earlier agreed between them and Police Service, lest the Police withdraws its officers for escort duties”
So, the question I’m asking is, if the Police Service High Command are aware of how the security of cash movement and escort officers are critical in the banking business and for that matter have warned the Association of Bankers on the deadly threat the sub – standard vehicles used by most of their banks in transporting of their money pose on personnel life and the money, why then do the Police high command allow them to continue using them.
Again, why are some police officers on these special duties not given bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets to wear for their personal protection.
It is important to state that, protecting, detecting and deterring are the ultimate security strategies that can safeguard our gallant police personnel in an unaware situation like this, with they are alertness in combating coupled with the presence of the armoured bullion van with its security features such as its tracking device, its bullet resistance glass and siren could have deterred the robbers in the first place or the tracking device could have tracked them by alerting the danger as they continued to follow them with their motorbikes or probably it could have been very difficult for the robbers to open the door of the armoured bullion van and shoot the police officer. It is prudent to establish that, if the police officer was wearing the armoured vest the bullet probably wouldn’t have penetrated into his body.
Ghana Police Service must as a matter of urgent enforce its directive on the use of the armoured bullion van by the banks or withdraw its officers on such duties.
Signed
Anthony Acquaye (MA in Security, KAIPTC) Security Policy Expert Center for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy (CSDPA) 0556783703
MOG Music, a singer and songwriter, has rejected the idea that contemporary gospel musicians are overly focused on winning awards.
During an interview with Amansan Krakye, the multiple award-winner said the quest for awards doesn’t shift his attention from his core mandate, that is, winning souls.
“For me it’s not true that gospel musicians are too much focused on awards but the kind of work that we do if we’re awarded we’ll gladly take it,” he said on Property FM in Cape Coast.
“Because it helps to get more people to know what we’re doing especially those who don’t know about us to get to know the kind of work we’re doing.So that our music will be able to touch their hearts and be able to have a change of mind but that does not move my focus from my core mandate.”
The multiple VGMA award-winner said,
“As to what God has called me to do in music that is my prime focus and anything else that comes to add to that is just a bonus for me,” he concluded.
In the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region, a Circuit Court in Dormaa-Ahenkro has handed down a 15-year sentence of hard labor (IHL) to Stephen Owusu, a 40-year-old unemployed individual, for the crime of defiling a 12-year-old girl.
Owusu pleaded guilty to a charge of defiling a minor.
Detective Chief Inspector (D/C Inspt.) Timothy Ahiaduvor, the prosecutor told the Court presided by Mr Osei Kofi Amoako, Esq. that the complainant, a project officer of Schaefer Child Development Centre, a non-governmental organisation based at Dormaa-Ahenkro, while the victim is vulnerable to the care of the complainant.
He said in the afternoon of Monday, June 12, 2023, when the victim was returning from an errand, the convict met her on the way and sent her to buy a ball of kenkey for him, but the victim returned to inform the convict that there was no kenkey.
D/C Inspt. Ahiaduvor said when the victim wanted to give back the cash of GhC10.00 to buy the kenkey, the convict held her hands, lured her into his room, removed her panties and sexually assaulted her.
The prosecutor said when the convict was satisfied, he asked the victim to go with the GhC10.00 as compensation, adding that later the victim reported the incident to the project officer who brought her to the Police Station and reported the case.
D/C Inspt. Ahiaduvor stated the victim was arrested and during interrogation, he admitted the offence.
Tragedy has struck once again in the Assin North constituency ahead of the by-election as three executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sustained injuries in a motor accident.
The incident comes barely a week after an NDC sympathizer lost her life and several others were injured in a similar accident during an election campaign.
The news was initially shared on Twitter by an NPP activist with the username Gen Buhari.
According to the information provided, the injured executives included Bright Dugan, who serves as the Constituency Youth Organiser for New Edubiase, as well as two polling station executives in the Assin North constituency. The accident reportedly took place in the vicinity of Kushea.
According to him, the injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital on June 22, 2023.
Gen Buhari’s tweet further mentioned that Bernard Antwi Bosiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti regional chairman of the NPP, visited the injured executives in the evening to check on their well-being.
His tweet, accompanied by photos of the accident victims read, “Assin North: This afternoon, 3 NPP members, namely Bright Dugan, the Constituency Youth Organiser for New Edubiase, and 2 polling station executives in the Assin North constituency got involved in a motor accident at Kushea. Chairman Wontumi paid them a visit this evening.”
The Assin North by-election has been scheduled to take place on June 27, 2023, following the expungement of the former member of Parliament James Gyakye Quayson over a dual citizenship case that went as far as the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Lekzy DeComic, a Ghanaian stand-up comedian, has disclosed that he used to share jokes without charge, but now he is being compensated for bringing laughter to people.
Speaking to Amansan Krakye, he remarked “There’s nothing so fulfilling in this world than doing something that you are so passionate about which you don’t get tired of doing
“Like doing something which doesn’t take so much effort for you to do it and this is something I used to do for free when I crack jokes for my friends to laugh,” he added on Cape Coast-based Property FM.
He continued “But now when you stand on stage for about 15 to 20 minutes the amount of money that you’ll be given probably might be more than what someone might earn a month after working in a bank.
The popular skit-maker added he would gladly support any of his kids in the future if they decide to tow the same path.
“If any of my children wants to be a comedian why not I’ll gladly allow them because there’s so much money in being a comedian,” he stated monitored by MyNewsGh.com.
A businessman who allegedly collected GHC200,000 from a farmer under the pretext of enlisting 30 persons into Ghana’s Security services but failed, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
Emmanuel Goodluck Asempa, is alleged to have collected between GHC5,000 and GHC10,000 to enlist the victims through protocol allocations into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Armed Forces, among others.
Asempa allegedly collected the money in the year 2020 and went into hiding. He was only smoked out from his hideout by the Police on June 14, this year.
Charged with defrauding by false pretence, Asempa has pleaded not.
The court presided over by Isaac Addo has remanded Asempa into Police custody, pending further investigations into the matter.
Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong prayed the court to remand the accused persons to enable the Police pursue the accomplices.
When the trial Judge asked the accused person whether he had anything to say in respect of the prayer of the prosecution, accused person said, “I have admitted the fact, but I am only disputing the amount involved. I have told the Police all that I needed to tell the Police.”
The accused person is expected to appear before on July 3, 2023.
Prosecution told the court that the complainant’s name (withheld) was a 54-year-old farmer and a resident of Osu, Accra.
It said the accused person resided in Kumasi.
According to prosecution, about three years ago, the complainant and Asempa met at Afrikiko restaurant, and they became friends.
It said through their conversation, Asempa told the complainant that he operated a travel and tour business and he also assisted people to get employment in security services and other government agencies.
The prosecution said based on that information, the complainant believed what the accused person and she also informed her friends who also showed interest in the enlistment.
It said Asempa told the complainant that he had protocol enlistment into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and other sister security services.
“The suspect, as part of his deceit, told the complainant that for the protocol enlistment, the person would not need to go through the normal process. Immediately they pay their money, they would go for medicals and training.”
The prosecution said the accused person was charged between GHC5,000 and GHS10,000 depending on the security service the person wanted to join.
It said the complainant collected monies from the victims to the tune of GHC200,000 and handed it over to the accused person.
According to the prosecution, some of the money was sent through the accused mobile money account and Fidelity Bank Account at Adum branch.
It said Asempa after collecting the money went into hiding.
The prosecution said, “When the suspect was called on his phone, he would not answer, and even if he picks up the call, he will only insult the complainant.”
It said on March 22, 2023, a report was made to the Police and on June 14, this year, he was arrested at the Alisa Hotel area in Accra.
The prosecution said the accused person in his caution statement admitted the offence and indicated that three of his friends namely, Nana Gyemfi, Naana Emelia, Ama Acheampong Gyeamah, Philip Kofi Owusu Brempong, and Eric Okyereh were the people who allegedly collected that money, but he did not know their homes.
In relation to actress and movie producer Yvonne Nelson’s recently released memoir ‘I am Not Yvonne Nelson,’ Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has emphasized the importance of privacy surrounding certain personal matters. His remarks reflect his perspective on the book, which has garnered significant attention and reviews since its publication earlier this week.
“I still hold the view that certain things ought to remain private no matter how blatant or bold you want to be. That is why there is a word called privacy,” Sam George stated on the AM Show on JoyNews on June 22.
“I will leave the jury out on that,” he replied when asked whether by the content of the book the actress had showed lack of emotional intelligence.
He also posited that the book comes across as a tell-it-all type yet in his opinion it really was a selective tell-it-all.
“Yvonne Nelson’s book is a very bold attempt at a tell-it-all, however, following all the commentary coming up, it appears it is not a tell-it-all, it is a selective tell-it-all.
“There are questions about some of the narrations that have been made, we are beginning to see a lot of pushback on social media, people disputing a lot of things that she is saying and people adding things,” the lawmaker added.
About Yvonne Nelson’s book
“I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” is an explosive and riveting account of a young woman who sets out to discover herself but finds out that she has been living with a false identity.
The drama and the twists and turns of this moving story have all the markings of a spellbinding movie script, except that the protagonist, who is an actor, is contending with a reality that intermittently soaks her pillow with tears.
Uncharacteristic of an autobiography, the author comes to her audience stark naked. The book opens the door widely into the life of the author and exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly sides, not only of her life but also of the make-believe world of celebrities.
The launch was graced by many industry stalwarts, businessmen, and politicians, including John Dumelo, Adjetey Anang, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and Becca. Also present were media personalities, including Manasseh Azure Awuni, Sammy Forson, and GhanaWeb Entertainment Editor Benefo Buabeng popularly known as Abrantepa.
The public is being urged by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to exercise caution and refrain from traversing through floodwaters
NADMO’s warning comes two days after four bodies were recovered from floodwaters in various towns in the Ashanti Region following Wednesday’s downpour.
The Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, Frank Duodu, urged the public not to risk their lives during a downpour.
He admonished the public to take warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency seriously during the rainy season and act accordingly.
“Make sure that when the rains are coming, we follow the warnings of the Meteo Agency and if there is no need to go to places you know are flood-prone areas, don’t go.”
Mr. Duodu also advised the public to take shelter on higher ground whenever it is raining.
“You find high places to lodge when the rains are coming but if it turns out to be what we witnessed on Wednesday, not that the place got flooded, but you decide to go through the flood waters, then I will say there is more that we have to do.”
Four people drowned at Atafoa, Sepaase, and Tafo, all in the Ashanti Region, on Wednesday, June 21st night.
The brother of one of the victims in the Atafoa incident died when he dived into the river to find the deceased on Thursday, June 22nd.
Wednesday’s heavy rainfall has resulted in significant devastation in parts of Ngleshie Amanfro, located in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
Among the affected areas, Peace Town, a suburb, has been completely cut off due to the relentless downpour.
This morning, Joy News reports that residents, including junior high students currently writing their examinations, are dangerously attempting to cross the flooded areas.
In order to sustain their livelihoods, some individuals commuting to work have been compelled to transport other vulnerable residents across the affected areas.
In some instances, women and children are forced to hold hands to prevent drowning while making this perilous commute.
They have called on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to assist them with a boat and other relief items to aid their survival, as more rains have been forecasted to come.
A man has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife.
The entire farming community of Apla in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region has been thrown into a state of shock following Thursday’s suspected murder of a married woman by her husband.
Police at Oterkporlu on the morning of Thursday, June 22, 2023 arrested 50-year-old Seth Ayenor, a farmer for the suspected murder of his 42-year-old wife, Victoria Ayenor, also a farmer.
The couple lived together with their 11-year-old daughter, the younger of two daughters the couple had together.
Detailing the events surrounding the incident to GhanaWeb, Tetteh Joana Korkor, 38, sister of the deceased and resident at Mampong also in the same municipality disclosed that she received a call around 2 am on Thursday from some neighbours of the couple at Apla that her sister had died following a short illness.
Miss Tetteh Joana Korkor furthered that upon reaching the scene later that morning at 9.20 am, however, the state in which she found her sister and a thorough observation of the place by herself and neighbours suggested that the accused murdered his wife, contrary to his assertion that her death was an accident following the collapse of a wall of the room which they occupied.
Seth Ayenor while pleading innocent prior to the arrival of the police reportedly told members of the community that a section of the wall of the room collapsed on his wife in the dead of the night while he sat in the middle of the compound.
He continued that he subsequently raised an alarm, drawing neighbours to the scene.
The neighbours who were not satisfied with the husband’s narrations, tied him up to prevent him from escaping pending the arrival of the police.
“He claims he’s innocent, that he was under a tree in the house when he heard a thud followed by a cry of pain from the deceased who was in the room, only to realize that his wife had died, that’s his account,” narrated Miss Korkor.
But countering his brother-in-law’s claim of innocence however, the visibly shaken sister disclosed: “She was bleeding from her head and the whole place was stained in blood…the hospital authorities [at St. Martin de Porres] said she was struck in the head with a cutlass.”
According to her, the suspect, after committing the heinous crime attempted wiping away all touches of evidence by wiping traces of blood with their bedsheet and some clothing.
These items were subsequently retrieved by the police upon a thorough search of the surrounding areas. Some suspected marijuana was also found wrapped in a shirt belonging to the suspect in the surrounding bush of the house.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Asesewa District Police Command pending further investigations into the case.
Seth is also reported to have given a different account of the circumstances leading to his wife’s death to the police, claiming that his late wife died as a result of a physical confrontation between them following a misunderstanding.
Victoria’s remains have since been deposited at the morgue of the St. Martin’s De Porres Hospital at Agormanya for preservation and autopsy.
The couple have been married for the past fifteen years with two kids besides two other children the woman had before her marriage to Seth.
Miss Tetteh Joana Korkor described her late sister as a kind and loving woman, adding that her death was a great loss to the family. She urged the police to conduct thorough investigations into the incident to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the death of their kinswoman.
The suspected murder of a married woman by her husband on Thursday has sent shockwaves throughout the entire farming community of Apla, situated in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Police at Oterkporlu on the morning of Thursday, June 22, 2023 arrested 50-year-old Seth Ayenor, a farmer for the suspected murder of his 42-year-old wife, Victoria Ayenor, also a farmer.
The couple lived together with their 11-year-old daughter, the younger of two daughters the couple had together.
Detailing the events surrounding the incident to GhanaWeb, Tetteh Joana Korkor, 38, sister of the deceased and resident at Mampong also in the same municipality disclosed that she received a call around 2 am on Thursday from some neighbours of the couple at Apla that her sister had died following a short illness.
Miss Tetteh Joana Korkor furthered that upon reaching the scene later that morning at 9.20 am, however, the state in which she found her sister and a thorough observation of the place by herself and neighbours suggested that the accused murdered his wife, contrary to his assertion that her death was an accident following the collapse of a wall of the room which they occupied.
Seth Ayenor while pleading innocent prior to the arrival of the police reportedly told members of the community that a section of the wall of the room collapsed on his wife in the dead of the night while he sat in the middle of the compound.
He continued that he subsequently raised an alarm, drawing neighbours to the scene.
The neighbours who were not satisfied with the husband’s narrations, tied him up to prevent him from escaping pending the arrival of the police.
“He claims he’s innocent, that he was under a tree in the house when he heard a thud followed by a cry of pain from the deceased who was in the room, only to realize that his wife had died, that’s his account,” narrated Miss Korkor.
But countering his brother-in-law’s claim of innocence however, the visibly shaken sister disclosed: “She was bleeding from her head and the whole place was stained in blood…the hospital authorities [at St. Martin de Porres] said she was struck in the head with a cutlass.”
According to her, the suspect, after committing the heinous crime attempted wiping away all touches of evidence by wiping traces of blood with their bedsheet and some clothing.
These items were subsequently retrieved by the police upon a thorough search of the surrounding areas. Some suspected marijuana was also found wrapped in a shirt belonging to the suspect in the surrounding bush of the house.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Asesewa District Police Command pending further investigations into the case.
Seth is also reported to have given a different account of the circumstances leading to his wife’s death to the police, claiming that his late wife died as a result of a physical confrontation between them following a misunderstanding.
Victoria’s remains have since been deposited at the morgue of the St. Martin’s De Porres Hospital at Agormanya for preservation and autopsy.
The couple have been married for the past fifteen years with two kids besides two other children the woman had before her marriage to Seth.
Miss Tetteh Joana Korkor described her late sister as a kind and loving woman, adding that her death was a great loss to the family. She urged the police to conduct thorough investigations into the incident to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the death of their kinswoman.
Following his dismissal from the Circuit Court in the aftermath of Anas Aremeyaw Anas‘ undercover investigation into the judiciary, a Circuit Court judge has received a favorable judgment overturning his dismissal from the Court of Appeal.
Judge Benjamin Yaw Osei, who was filmed by undercover investigtors at Juabeng, his station at the time, was part of 20 lower court judges dismissed after a Judicial Service process.
Anas’ charge against him was that he had freed an accused person after receiving bribes from them.
His lawyers, however, argued before the three-member Court of Appeal panel that contrary to the allegations made in the video, the accused person had actually been convicted and imprisoned.
The panel presided over by Justice Senyo Dzamefe on Thursday, June 22, thus, reversed an earlier high court judgment against the appellant.
The judgment means he may be reinstated as a judge.
President Akufo-Addo is set to inaugurate the inaugural Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) in Accra. The conference aims to delve into efficient and affordable energy technologies that can contribute to expediting the economic growth of the country.
The event, slated for August 8th to 10th, 2023, is being organised by the Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, will attract captains of industry, policymakers, researchers, and innovators across Africa.
At the media launch in Accra, Mr Herbert Krapa, a Deputy Minister of Energy, said the AETC Conference would offer the opportunity to energy stakeholders to find ways to leverage technology towards accelerating Africa’s economic and industrial growth.
He said about 600 million people on the continent did not have access to electricity, hence it was imperative to explore efficient, affordable and resilient energy technology to meet the electricity needs of the populace.
Mr Krapa said, in Ghana, the Government was diversifying energy sector by including renewable energy and nuclear energy as well as distributing cooked stoves and 350,000 solar bulbs to off-grid communities across the country.
The three-day conference is on the theme: “Africa at the Forefront of Energy Technology and Policy Integration in a Just Energy Transition.”
It aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the field of energy technology within the African continent.
It would also serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the energy sector in Africa.
There would be an exhibition session, keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, investment platforms and technology showcase.
Mr Thomas Manu, Board Chair of the Africa Energy Technology Centre, in an address read on his behalf, said the conference would enable stakeholders to adopt homegrown energy technology and other technologies to address Ghana and Africa’s energy requirements.
He cautioned that adopting any energy technology should not cause loss of jobs and adversely affect the economies of African countries.
Ms Emelia Akumah, the Founder and President of AETC, in her opening remarks, said some renowned energy experts and thought leaders would address a wide range of topics, including oil and gas, renewable energy, clean technologies, energy access, policy frameworks, deal rooms, and the role of innovation in driving Africa’s energy transition.
She said: “We are thrilled to host the AETC Africa Energy Technology Conference in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Ghana”.
She believed that the conference would provide a unique avenue for stakeholders to share knowledge and explore innovative solutions that could propel Africa to the forefront of energy technology and policy integration.
“Our aim is to facilitate a just and equitable energy transition that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and economic growth for the African continent,” she added.
Participants will have the opportunity to network, forge partnerships, and gain valuable insights from leading experts, fostering collaboration and driving the transformation of Africa’s energy landscape.
With Africa poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy, the AETC promises to be a significant milestone in accelerating Africa’s energy transition journey, Akumah stated.
The victim’s attorney said on Wednesday that a former ISIS member had been found guilty of war crimes for holding and mistreating a young Yazidi woman.
According to a release, the German national Nadine K., 37, who was found guilty of “aiding and abetting genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes,” was found guilty by the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz. For her part in the victim’s abuse, she received a sentence of nine years and three months.
According to the victim’s counsel, the victim, referred to as N, was “gifted” to Nadine K.’s husband in 2016, and she was “raped and subjected to forced labor” for three years. Both Nadine K. and her husband were members of ISIS. The abuse took place across different locations in Syria and in Iraq.
The victim’s counsel said that, although Nadine K. knew that N was being “regularly beat and raped,” she did nothing to intervene, hoping to “further ISIS’ ideology” through her treatment of N.
N was also forced to adhere to Islamic practices despite being of the Yazidi faith, her counsel said.
Travelling from Iraq to Germany to testify against Nadine K., N recounted her abuse in court for six days.
In the press statement released by her counsel, N said of the judgment: “The justice that I hope to achieve through this trial not only concerns me personally but also our Yazidi community… I allow myself to speak on behalf of all survivors, stating that as individuals and as a Yazidi community, we can only process what happened to us if we experience justice.”
Sonka Mehner, who represented N in court, said that “the tragic accounts of our client got under the skin of everyone present.”
“I am sure that with her testimony before a German court, she has achieved her goal of bringing the cruel fate of the Yazidi religious community to the attention of the world, in addition to her own, in order to prevent repetition,” she added.
Amal Clooney, another member of N’s counsel, hailed the fact that this is the third conviction of an ISIS member for genocide.
“We have reached these milestones because of the bravery of survivors, like my client, who were raped and enslaved by ISIS but were determined to face their abusers in the dock,” said Clooney. “In this trial, my client stared down the ISIS member who enslaved her for three years. And today, she won.”
Another member of N’s legal team, Natalie von Wistinghausen, said that she had found N’s “courage” to be “truly humbling.”
“She sent a strong message by wearing a Yazidi traditional dress when she attended the hearing today: ISIS hasn’t and never will succeed in destroying the Yazidi culture and identity,” said von Wistinghausen.
In August 2014, ISIS captured thousands of Yazidis when the terror group launched an assault on Sinjar, then home to more than half a million members of this minority group. ISIS fighters split up families, executed the men and declared the women their slaves.
In the years since, there have been international efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Another German woman who joined ISIS was sentenced in October 2021 to 10 years in prison over the death of a five-year-old Yazidi girl.
The Higher Regional Court in Munich found the woman, identified only as Jennifer W., guilty of crimes against humanity for “enslavement resulting in the death of another” as well as being a member of a foreign terrorist group, the court’s spokesperson Florian Gliwitzky told CNN.
Jennifer W. was living in Iraq with her ISIS fighter husband in 2015 when he purchased a Yazidi woman and her five-year-old daughter as slaves.
Spanish authorities and the relief organisation Walking Borders believe that dozens of people drowned after a migrant boat capsized Wednesday near Spain’s Canary Islands.
Two deaths, including a little boy, have been found by authorities, although it is unknown how many people were actually on board.
The founder of Walking Borders, Helena Maleno, told CNN that on Tuesday in the afternoon, her organisation received frantic calls from relatives of migrants on board reporting that the boat was drifting after running out of engine power. The group notified Spanish officials and asked for a rescue effort.
Spain’s Maritime rescue service tweeted Wednesday that two bodies were recovered from the sunken boat that had departed from Morocco. It added that a Moroccan patrol boat had rescued 24 others alive.
Maleno told CNN one of the bodies recovered was a 4-year-old boy, whose body has been taken to Spain. She added that her group believes 37 others on that same boat drowned, based on phone calls with relatives and with people aboard the boat before it sank.
A total of 5,914 migrants have arrived by boat to the Canary Islands this year through June 15, a 31% decline from the same period last year, Spain’s interior ministry recently reported.
Maleno said there has been a noticeable increase in recent weeks of attempted migrant crossings to the Canaries.
On Thursday, Spanish government maritime services rescued 227 other migrants from four boats off Lanzarote and Gran Canary islands on Thursday, which are part of the Canaries archipelago off Morocco’s west coast.
The incident raises further questions about Europe’s response to migration, after an overcrowded fishing trawler – carrying a reported 750 people – capsized off the coast of Greece last week, killing at least 82 people and leaving hundreds more missing.
The Bank of England has increased interest rates for the thirteenth time in a row as Britain’s inflation rate remains persistently high.
The rate was almost nil at the end of 2021, thus the central bank’s announcement today that it has increased it to 5% from 4.5% is startling.
As a result, the rate has risen to its highest level in 15 years once more. The Bank of England boosted interest rates, generally known as the bank rate, by 0.25% last month.
The cost of borrowing money for things like mortgages, loans, and savings accounts increases as interest rates rise.
The statistics agency said April’s figure being glued into place was driven by higher prices for flights, second-hand cars and live gig tickets.
Anaam Raza, of investment platform Saxo, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It was common knowledge that the Bank of England was preparing to raise interest rates today for the 13th time in a row.
‘This will be a large blow to the UK population, particularly mortgage holders.’
Given that interest rates are now even higher, monthly mortgage payments will likely soar. Those applying for mortgages may see offers pulled or rates jacked up.
This only adds financial pain to even more Brits already struggling with soaring food costs, with grocery shops throughout a month thought to be more expensive than energy bills.
According to the ONS, food inflation eased slightly to 18.4% in May, down from 19.1% in the year to April 2023, though this is still close to the 45-year high.
The Bank has been on the attack for the last half a year as Britain faces its worst inflation in four decades, with raising interest rates being its best weapon.
The Bank’s policy-makers hope that, by making borrowing costs higher, people will be more inclined to save rather than spend, so demand for goods go down.
Inflation would, they hope, go down with it so prices won’t climb as fast as they are now.
The BoE is tasked with cooling down inflation to 2% but the figure was in the double digits for months, peaking at 11.1% in October. The government, meanwhile, is hoping to halve inflation by the end of the year.
When setting interest rates, BoE policy-makers closely look at core inflation, which is how fast the prices for goods and services are rising with the exception of food and energy.
Core inflation is a good gauge of how deep inflation has burrowed into the economy as, to economists, it removes the price changes of food and energy.
Experts see these as more volatile – they’re more easily spooked by outside influences like bad harvests, for example, and things that people can’t go without.
Services like cinema tickets or haircuts, though, which core inflation considers, can though. So core inflation rising suggests people are cutting back spending on all but the necessities.
Core inflation in May, the ONS said yesterday, climbed to 7.1% in the year through May, the fastest pace since 1992.
Tommaso Aquilante, associate director of economic research at the business analysts Dun & Bradstreet, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It’s the highest level for over 30 years, leaving the UK with the highest core inflation rate in the G7.’
‘With the [Consumer Price Index] inflation rate remaining sticky at 8.7% yesterday and everyday prices still remaining high,’ Saxon’s Raza added, ‘thousands across the UK will now be stuck between a rock and a hard place when deciding what to do next with their personal finances.’
On the border between Turkey and Bulgaria, pythons that had been the subject of a smuggling operation were discovered wrapped in women’s pantyhose.
On Tuesday, 28 snakes were confiscated by customs officers at the Kapikule border crossing, which is the main location for trade between the EU and Turkey, Syria, and Iran.
Authorities searched a truck owned by a suspect known only as I.K after receiving a tip, according to the Daily Sabah.
The reptiles were found in the trailer section of the truck, concealed inside a cloth bag, and wrapped in stockings.
Police officers in Kapitan Andreevo Check Point, on the borders of Bulgaria with Turkey (Picture: EPA)
Out of the 28 pythons discovered, one was already dead. Both the driver, I.K., and a passenger, F.Ç., were taken into custody.
Bulgarian media reported that the truck had arrived from Germany.
The snakes were subsequently taken under veterinary supervision and handed over to the Edirne Nature Conservation and National Parks Branch Office.
As reported by Russian sources, Ukrainian forces have cut off a crucial path of supply for the enemy.
The Chonhar Bridge, which connects mainland Ukraine to the peninsula Moscow captured in 2014 and is regarded as the “gate to Crimea,” has a big hole in it.
The area of the mainland to the north of the bridge, which is the 120 km or so short cut from Crimea to the southern frontline, is still in Russian control.
Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of occupied Kherson, claimed the strike was ‘ordered by London’ using at least one Storm Shadow missile – but insisted the damage would be repaired quickly.
But Russian military vehicles are being forced to take a longer alternative route in the meantime, he admitted.
The delay could help Ukraine’s counter-offensive, which began earlier this month in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia.
One of its targets is thought to be Melitopol, a major city where the occupiers rely on supplies sent from Crimea.
Mr Saldo said on Telegram: ‘According to a preliminary assessment, British Storm Shadow missiles were used.
’The road surface on the bridges was damaged. There are no human casualties.
‘The Kyiv terrorists want to intimidate Kherson residents and sow panic among the population, but they will not succeed. We know how to repair bridges quickly: vehicle passage will be restored in the very near future.
‘We have an answer to every move by the enemy. A link between the Kherson region and Crimea continues to operate – a reserve route has been temporarily organised for vehicular traffic.
‘There will soon be a very serious answer. It solves nothing for the results of the special operation… Just to do harm’.
Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the incident.
It’s not the first time Russia has admitted to suffering losses inflicted by Storm Shadow missiles, which Britain began supplying to Kyiv in May.
Yevgeniy Balitsky, Moscow’s puppet ruler in Zaporizhzhia, said last week: ‘They certainly give us trouble with their missiles, especially Storm Shadow.’
A top Russian general is believed to have been killed by one of the weapons at the frontline days earlier.
Mr Balitsky continued: ‘We have somehow learned how to shoot down [US-supplied] HIMARS. But the [British-supplied] Shadow ones are even harder. They arrive, and have a bigger radius.
‘So it’s a problem for us. In fact, our air defence is having a hard time with [Storm Shadow].
‘It shoots them down, but there is only a 50% chance of the missiles being shot down.’
Human rights activists cautioned that there are other maritime incidents to which the world should pay attention besides the disappearance of the Titan sub.
They have urged more light to be shed on disasters like the most recent migrant shipwreck in Greece, which resulted in the deaths of 81 individuals.
Additionally, it follows MEPs’ admiration of German marine captain Pia Klemp, who saved more than 1,000 migrants despite facing a 20-year prison sentence.
Judith Sunderland, associate director for Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia division told NBC ‘it’s a horrifying and disgusting contrast’ and added that it’s a ‘dark reflection on humanity’.
She wasn’t alone in raising concerns after Josie Naughton, co-founder and CEO of Choose Love, a U.K.-based NGO supporting refugees around the world also spoke out.
She said: ‘Whilst of course we hope so much that the people on board get brought to safety, it does kind of make you question, what’s the difference in terms of how the media is covering it but also in terms of how, you know, the governments and government infrastructure responds, why is it so different?’
But she highlighted ‘it’s 100 times as many people who are feared to have lost their lives and these people, they were forced to flee their homes, they were looking for safety.’
A number of confirmed victims from one of the worst migrant shipwrecks in the Mediterranean rose to 81 on Monday.
He also announced a ‘high-level inquiry’ into the boat’s sinking, adding: ‘I assure the nation that those found negligent towards their duty will be held to account. Responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry and heads will roll.’
The chair of Pakistan’s Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, also sent his condolences to the bereaved.
He said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray that the detracted souls find eternal peace.
‘This devastating incident underscores the urgent need to address and condemn the abhorrent act of illegal human trafficking.’
The comments come as search teams feared for the lives of a British billionaire and four others heading for the Titanic wreckage.
The five members on board the ship have now used up their final remaining oxygen tanks, after being trapped since Sunday, it was reported.
British billionaire Hamish Harding is among those aboard along with OceanGate’s chief executive and founder, Stockton Rush, and French submersible pilot Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Sulaiman, were also travelling on the sub into the depths of the ocean.
Search efforts have been ramped up today, with at least 10 vessels using sonar detection to try and track down the crew.
A former care worker who claimed to be an ethical vegan and refused to receive the coronavirus vaccine lost her tribunal case.
The Times reports that Tracy Owen was fired from Sunrise, a care facility in northwest England, on November 20, 2021.
By the end of that month, the government had ordered that all Care Quality Commission (CQC) licenced care home personnel in England have received their full dose of the virus vaccine.
Owen, however, objected, according to tribunal records. She claimed that since the shot had been tested on animals, she should be excused from receiving it.
In the lack of any exemption, Owen was let go from her position.
She lodged a complaint against Willow Tower, a company that owns the care home, alleging that the company discriminated against and harassed her for being an ethical vegan.
A 2020 case ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief that is protected by law against discrimination under the Equality Act.
Ethical vegans, like dietary vegans, eat a plant-based diet and steer clear from products derived from or that exploited animals, according to the Vegan Society.
But the philosophy extends beyond diet and includes ensuring no animal cruelty is involved in clothing, entertainment, cosmetics and hobbies, among others.
In court, however, Owen struggled to show this was the case for her, The Times reported, with a judge saying that being a dietary vegan and an ethical vegan are two different things.
The court heard how Owen’s man criticism of having the Covid-19 vaccine was the ‘experimental’ way it was made, rather than it being tested on animals.
Judge Rachel Mellor said the claimant struggled to provide ‘much detail’ about her beliefs.
Asked if she eats honey or ever wore wool, she shrugged, the newspaper said.
‘There was a paucity of evidence upon which I could conclude she genuinely holds a belief in ethical veganism,’ she judge told the hearing in Manchester.
‘I accept she follows a vegan diet, and she avoids using some products that are not vegan. However, I cannot conclude that she genuinely holds a belief in ethical veganism.
‘She gave no examples of ways in which her daily life is structured to adhere to her belief. She gave me no examples of travel, clothing, holidays whether she ate honey or figs, relationships for example.
‘It was only when it was pointed out to her that she said she did not wear leather, but she did not expand on that and shrugged when she was asked about wool.’
The Sunrise care home first mandated staff to have the jab in June 2021 after a patient’s family members raised concerns.
Bosses told Owen that if she didn’t have the vaccine, she would be ‘re-deployed’ in the kitchen and laundry department instead.
By November 12 of that year, when the vaccine mandate came into effect, Owen was handed a pink slip ending her time at the home.
The court chucked out Owen’s unfair dismissal claim, ruling that her veganism did not count as a protected characteristic.
Mellor added: ‘She did not explain how she went about ensuring she was following a vegan diet, how she checked her products, what she did if she was around someone else who did not eat vegan food, for example.
‘If it was a genuinely held belief, I would have expected that to exercise her more than it apparently did in the evidence I have seen.’
Next month, additional rail strikes have been scheduled.
The RMT union has indicated that some 20,000 railway workers will go on strike on 20 July, 22, and 29.
The ongoing national rail issue is one of the reasons for the strikes.
Due to a protracted disagreement over wages, employment, and working conditions, union members have been engaging in industrial action.
“This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry,” RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch stated.
‘My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and Government ministers.
‘Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.
‘The Government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute.
‘Our members have now voted three times to take strike action over the last 12 months – the most recent of which coincided with having the full details of the substandard offer from the rail operators.’
Members of the union have also voted for further strike action over the next six months.
RMT re-balloted members working for 14 train operating companies, and on an average turnout in each company of nearly 70%, over 90% of votes cast backed continuing with strike action.
Aslef train drivers working for Avanti West Coast were due to strike on Sunday, July 2, however, the strike has now been suspended, following talks with management.
On June 3 London’s biggest train stations were left deserted as 12,000 train drivers walked out for 24 hours across 15 train companies, affecting around 40% of trains, according to the Rail Delivery Group.
Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Putin is prepared to authorise a “terrorist attack” on a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that will result in grave civilian casualties.
The president of Ukraine said that his intelligence agents had learned of a plot involving “the release of radiation” from the nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia.
He went on to say that since “radiation knows no national borders and who it hits is determined only by the direction of the wind,” other European nations could be impacted.
The Russians are ‘considering’ whether to launch the attack but have ‘prepared everything’ needed for it, Mr Zelensky added.
His warning, which came in a video statement, follows claims by Ukraine’s spy chief that Russia has laid mines at Zaporizhzhia since occupying it last February.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said the mines were placed beneath the plant’s cooling pond, a large man-made reservoir used to keep machinery at safe temperatures.
The plant’s six reactor cores have been put into ‘cold shutdown’, which means damaging or destroying the pond would be unlikely to cause a disaster on the scale of Chernobyl – when a reactor melted down and exploded.
But a number of other cooling systems critical to safety are still required to stay running, and could lead to severe radiation leakage if knocked out.
The Kremlin dismissed Ukraine’s allegation as ‘another lie’.
Mr Zelensky did not base what evidence the assertion was based on, but added: ‘The world has been warned, so the world can and must act.
‘We share all available information with our partners – everyone in the world. All the evidence. Europe, America, China, Brazil, India, the Arab world, Africa – all countries, absolutely everyone should know this. International organizations. All of them.
‘There should never be any terrorist attacks on nuclear power plants, anywhere. This time it should not be like with Kakhovka: the world has been warned, therefore, the world can and must act.’
It was previously suggested Russia could be planning to simulate a radiation leak at Zaporizhzhia in order to hamper Ukraine’s new counter-offensive.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine claimed it had identified a plan to shell the plant and announce a major radiation leak, which would force an investigation by independent nuclear authorities, during which time all hostilities would be forced to stop.
Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, also known as Bullgod, the artist’s manager, has enquired as to whether Yvonne Nelson told Sarkodie about the memoir prior to its release.
In a myjoyonline.com report, Bullgod stressed the potential negative impact of revealing certain truths that could harm someone’s happiness, especially when it involves prominent individuals in the entertainment industry.
“As human beings, we go through various experiences. If I were to write a book today, there would be many parts that would pique people’s interest. However, would that truly be a fair depiction of my entire existence?
“I can’t claim that what Yvonne went through was easy, but I hope that in the case of Sarkodie, he received a heads-up before the details were made public,” Bulldog said.
While acknowledging that the issue primarily concerns Sarkodie and his wife, Bullgod recognized that Sarkodie has become a national treasure and that he is facing such backlash due to his reputation and other factors that might go against him.
He emphasized the importance of considering the potential consequences of sharing personal truths, as they can have a significant impact on others.
Bullgod expressed his desire for Sarkodie to have been informed beforehand, and if he wasn’t, he found it regrettable.
Reflecting on the incident, he acknowledged that 13 years have passed, but the memory remains deeply ingrained in Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie’s minds.
Bullgod concluded by emphasizing the need to exercise discretion when sharing personal experiences, recognizing that “each day of our lives contributes to the narrative we create.”
“As we live every day, we are writing a book. Some of these things we have to hold back a little,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of exercising caution and sensitivity when sharing personal experiences.
Following a vicious pickaxe attack at Central Middlesex Hospital in London that left two people with stab wounds, a guy has been detained.
The hospital in Acton Lane, northwest London, is said to have a significant police presence, and officers are now on the site.
According to the police, one person was battling for their life when two people with stab wounds were discovered.
‘Non-life threatening’ injuries are claimed to have been sustained by the other victim.
Before the suspect was taken into custody at approximately 1.18 pm today, armed officers sprang into action.
The suspect is also said to have sustained life-threatening injuries, which he is believed to have inflicted himself, police said.
He is also in hospital.
Police said they do not believe the incident is terror-related and they are not looking for anyone else relating to the attack.
Journalist Amie Ferris-Rotman tweeted: ‘I am at Middlesex Central hospital in the dialysis unit and we’re sheltering in safe rooms.
‘Armed policemen are on the scene, being described as a ‘major incident’.’
Mark Thewlis said: ‘My partner is in lockdown situation.’
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers will remain in the hospital as further searches are conducted but at this time they are satisfied that no one else is sought.
‘Police are working to establish the circumstances.
At this time the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
‘The hospital was temporarily locked down but has now re-opened and will be operating services as normal.
‘There is a heightened police presence at the hospital while we investigate.’
At a church service honouring the ‘immeasurable’ contribution of the ‘Windrush pioneers’ to Britain, the King was joined by the young offspring of those immigrants.
The 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s landing was commemorated with the event.
In 1948, it brought Caribbean residents who heeded Britain’s plea for assistance in addressing post-war manpower shortages.
Charles sat amid a group of 300 specially invited attendees, who also included students from several English schools, officials, and representatives of many charities and community initiatives.
Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, told the congregation at the service they had gathered at a time of particular ‘poignancy’ because it was a day of celebration and thanksgiving for the hardworking good citizens she refers to as the ‘Windrush pioneers’.
She told the congregation: ‘They are pioneers who paved the way for generations who came after them, not merely to survive but to thrive.
‘The significant contributions made by them in the United Kingdom to the National Health Service, the transport network, to the arts, sports, religion and life is second to none.’
The King said it is ‘crucially important’ to recognise the ‘immeasurable’ difference the Windrush generation has made to Britain.
His comments were made in the foreword of a book which accompanies a display of portraits that celebrate the Windrush generation in the week marking the anniversary of the crossing.
He added: ‘Those pioneers, who arrived in a land they had learned about from afar, left behind all that was familiar to them.
‘Many served with distinction in the British Armed Forces during the Second World War, just as their fathers and grandfathers had in the First World War.
‘Once in Britain, they worked hard, offering their skills to rebuild a country during peacetime and seeking opportunities to forge a better future for themselves and their families.
‘When they arrived on our shores with little more than what they were able to carry with them, few could hardly have imagined then how they, and those that followed them, would make such a profound and permanent contribution to British life.’
The Prince of Wales said the Windrush generation’s contributions to Britain ‘cannot be overstated’.
In a video posted on social media, William said: ‘They and the generation of Commonwealth citizens who followed in their footsteps, chose this country to start new lives. We know they experienced hardships.
‘But they also experienced joy; and life did indeed change for them and their families.
‘But these voyagers also gave to our nation, helping to rebuild our country and adding to our culture. Their contributions to the Britain we know now cannot be overstated.
‘We are a better people today because the children and the grandchildren of those who came in 1948 have stayed and become part of who we are in 2023. And for that we are forever grateful.’
Amaarae, a musician from Ghana, is the first Ghanaian to have her sensational debut album featured on NPR’s renowned Tiny Desk Concert series.
Released on Thursday on NPR’s YouTube page, the mesmerizing performance featured the talented vocalist delivering a captivating rendition of seven songs.
Five tracks were from her highly acclaimed album ‘Fountain Baby,’ while the remaining two were from her debut project, ‘The Angel You Don’t Know.’
The setlist included enthralling performances of ‘Reckless & Sweet,’ ‘Wasted Eyes,’ ‘Disguise,’ ‘Big Steppa,’ ‘Co-Star,’ ‘HELLZ ANGEL,’ and ‘SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY.’ Amaarae’s seamless delivery and magnetic stage presence showcased her ability to command the audience’s attention with her unique sound and style.
Sidney Madden, the producer for Tiny Desk, expressed admiration for Amaarae’s performance and highlighted the profound influence of West African sounds on the global music scene. Amaarae’s inclusion in NPR Music’s Black Music Month lineup serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of the region’s musical expressions, which have significantly influenced the United States and beyond.
Madden further praised Amaarae’s album ‘Fountain Baby,’ describing it as an overflowing stream of genre-blending euphoria that enchants and surprises listeners with its multifaceted waves.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of global influences, Amaarae effortlessly merges African percussion with baile funk, alté, pop punk, and garage elements, resulting in a triumphantly eclectic album and one of the standout Tiny Desk Concerts of 2023 thus far.
Amaarae’s performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series not only showcases her immense talent as an artiste but also serves as a testament to the growing recognition of African music and its dynamic impact on the global music landscape.
With her unique and boundary-pushing style, Amaarae continues to captivate audiences worldwide and solidify her position as a rising star in the music industry.
Nigerian singer,Iyanya has opened up about his ex-girlfriend and actress Yvonne Nelson
It will be recalled that the Ghanaian actress made headlines after she disclosed that she had a relationship with the musician but that it ended because he cheated on her with Tonto Dikeh.
Following this disclosure by the actress, many have anticipated the singer’s admission of guilt.
Iyanya shared a startling surprise on “The big Friday show” with reality personality, Tacha.
When the host asked him if he missesYvonne Nelson, Iyanya stated that he does.
He said: “Of course! I mean once in awhile you have to reminisce and miss good people, I mean it is what it is.”
Residents of Ewusiejoe in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region are calling for urgent help following the flooding of the entire community after yesterday’s heavy downpour.
Ewusiejoe, which is a farming community near the River Butre on both sides of the Takoradi-Tarkwa highway, occasionally experiences mild flooding whenever there are heavy rains.
However, Wednesday’s rains and the subsequent overflow of the River Butre totally flooded the entire community, rendering many homeless.
Residents had to come out of their homes last night to seek shelter in a few structures on the highlands spared by the floods.
Household items and wares in shops have been destroyed, while some mall containers and structures were washed away.
The Assembly Member for the Ewusiejoe electoral area, Mr. John Odoom, said the level of flooding they have experienced is unprecedented and attributed the situation to galamsey activities in the Mpohor and Benso areas, where the River Butre takes its source.
Some traders said all their wares have been destroyed, while shops and homes are now not accessible as they have to wade through the flood waters to salvage a few items.
Singer Joss Aikins, according to renowned highlife musician Pat Thomas sparked his passion for singing.
Thomas said his music career started at the age of 22.
Speaking on Asaase radio, Pat Thomas said: “There was Broadway Dance Band and there was a singer, Joss Aikins whose voice I mimicked.”
The highlife legend said growing up, he also listened to several musicians who helped to shape his career in music.
“I listened to Ella Fitzgerald, Miriam Makeba and others but I particularly enjoyed Stevie Wonder so much in addition to Joss Aikins”
“Nobody taught me how to play the guitar; I learnt it on my own and then it was improved upon by Uncle Ebo Taylor.”
The legendary highlife musician was born in Agona in Ashanti Region on 14 August 1946.
He started his musical career in the 1960s where he collaborated with Ebo Taylor In 1974, he formed the band “Sweet Beans” and recorded his first album, ‘False Lover’.
Pat Thomas recorded his second album ‘Pat Thomas Introduces Marijata’ with the band Marijata.
During the early stages of her career, Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye recounted how movie producers tried to exploit her curvaceous physique.
The thespian said directors and producers wanted her to play slutty roles in films because of her sexy body but she declined.
She disclosed this in a recent interview with Sun Newspaper.
The comic actress said it was Uduak Isong who first gave her the opportunity to showcase her talent and since then her career has been flourishing.
She said, “Everybody wanted to make use of my body. Everybody wanted me to play the sexy secretary or the girl that snatched someone’s husband, or the one that snatched the other person’s boyfriend.
“But it was Uduak Isong that took a chance on me. She gave me a role different from what I was used to and since then, it has been amazing.
“People started calling me to come and act this comedy role, come and feature in this and that. It has really been very wonderful since then.”
Bimbo Ademoye won Best Actress in Comedy at the 2023 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central and flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has vowed to combat the issue of unemployment in Ghana if elected as the party’s flagbearer and subsequently as the President of the country.
He made these statements during the filing of his nomination at the party’s headquarters on June 21, 2023.
According to him, the menace of unemployment is a longstanding challenge faced by the government and successive governments, and he is determined to reduce the unemployment rate significantly.
“As a member of parliament for the past twenty-three years, I want to admit that the challenge of the government and governments has been unemployment. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to make sure I reduce the unemployment rate in this country. I want everybody to believe in me, those of you watching to believe in me that whatever I say by the grace of God and with good health, I deliver,” he said.
The flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong continued that job creation, especially for the youth of the country is a key problem that needs immediate attention to move the country forward.
“From the experience of the twenty-three years as a politician and as a parliamentarian one key problem as I said I have identified. To move this country forward; we need to make sure that we create job opportunities specifically for the youth,” he added.
Kennedy Agyapong’s nomination filing adds him to the list of six candidates who have filed for the NPP flagbearer position out of the eleven individuals who picked the nomination forms.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, former Minister for Trade and Industries, Alan Kyeremanteng, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku and former Geberal Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyapong are among the candidates who have also submitted their nominations.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) opened nomination on May 26, 2023, with aspirants given up to June 24, 2023, to submit forms.
Former Health Minister, Alex Segbefia; former Controller and Accountant General, Seidu Kotomah and a former Budget Director at the Health Ministry, Patrick Nimo have been ordered by an Accra High Court to appear and testify in the trial of Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Dr Forson’s lawyers urged the court to issue the order after they failed to call a witness at the court’s hearing on June 22, 2013.
“Former controller and accountant general. Seidu Kotomah was to testify. Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure the attendance of the witness in court today to testify.
“Upon realising, we made diligent efforts to get other witnesses to appear in court to testify, specifically, I approached Alexander Kwasi Mould who has already filed a witness statement whether he will be able to attend court today to testify.
“But he indicated his inability to do so and gave reasons including not being in the country. I also got A1 (Dr Forson) to talk to other witnesses. And not a positive response has been received,” Lead Counsel Dr Abdul Basit Bamba stated.
Court of Appeal judge Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe who is hearing the case as an additional High Court Judge then pointed out she had seen a motion for an order to be issued.
Dr Bamba explained it had become a necessary measure to ensure that the court’s planned schedule for the case is not delayed.
He pointed out that he was making the application under Section 58 of Ghana’s Court’s Act, 1993(ACT 459). This provides as follows;
“Section 58-Summoning Witnesses.
In any proceedings, and at any stage of the proceedings, a court either on its own motion or on the application of any party, may summon any person to attend to give evidence, or to produce any document in his possession or excerpts from it subject to any enactment or rule of law.”
This request was for the appearance of Alex Segbefia, Patrick Nimo and Seidu Kotomah.
Justice Botwe granted the request, pointing out that should the named individuals fail to show up, she will issue a warrant for their arrest.
“I have actually issued a warrant of arrest for a certain COP who failed to show up on the day he was to show up. I am more than happy to issue a witness summons. If they don’t show up, then I issue a warrant of arrest”. She stated.
The names of two other persons, Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper and Former advisor at the Ministry of Health Dr Sam Mensah came up but the request for such an order was withdrawn.
Mr Terkper Joynews understands has committed to testifying via a video link while Dr Mensah is out of the jurisdiction.
The minority leader has so far been unable to directly call a witness to the stand.
The first witness who testified from his defence list was equally ordered to show up to testify. This was an Official of Stanbic Bank Henry Myles Mills.
Dr Forson and two others are standing trial for causing financial loss to the state in the procurement of ambulances for the country.
