If you desire to have twins, some factors may increase the possibility e.g. age, height, and family history. However, your diet may also play a huge role in making it possible.
According to studies, certain foods have been known to increase the chances of conceiving twins if eaten regularly.
Here are five of them:
1. Foods rich in folic acid
Folic acid also known as folate is a soluble vitamin that has many functions in the body. It is a supplement recommended for pregnant women as it promotes fetal growth and reduces the risk of birth defects in newborns.
Foods that contain folic acid include avocado, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, legumes, asparagus, liver, pasta and breakfast cereals.
Some studies have found some connection between folic acid and increased chances of conceiving twins.
It is believed that 40% of women who take extra folic acid while trying to get pregnant may have a slightly higher chance of giving birth to twins. It is however advised to consult your doctor for the recommended dosage.
2. Maca Root
Over the years, Maca root also known as Peruvian Ginseng has proven to be beneficial in boosting fertility. This fertility treatment which also helps balance and regulate women’s hormones is said to increase chances of getting pregnant with twins. It can be consumed by adding the dried or powdered form to your smoothie, tea or yoghurt.
3. Yam
Yams are a rich source of progesterone and phytoestrogens which may lead to hyper ovulation thus increasing your chances of multiple births. Hyper ovulation occurs when women release more than one egg during ovulation.
It is no surprise that Igbo-Ora, a town located in Oyo State, Nigeria has an unusually large number of twin births earning it the nickname “Twin Capital of the World”.
Studies show that the high amount of yam in their diet was a reasonable cause of twin or multiple births contributing to a twin birth rate four times higher than the entire global average.
4. Dairy products
A study in 2006 showed that women who regularly consume dairy products e.g milk, yoghurt, butter are five times more likely to have twins.
This may be as a result of Insulin Growth Factor (IGF), a growth protein that is present in cow milk and can also be gotten from other animal products.
When a woman consumes a larger quantity of dairy products, she is prone to release more than one egg during ovulation and this increases her chances of conceiving non-identical twins.
5. Cassava
Cassava like yam is also known for increasing fertility. It also helps increase the chances of getting pregnant twins due to its hyperovulation properties.
According to experts, natural hormones in cassava may trick the brain into thinking there is insufficient estrogen, causing the brain to naturally release more of a hormone called gonadotropin, which increases the ovulation rate.
Cassava can be consumed in the form of garri, tapioca, lafun etc.
In an unexpected turn of events, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana found himself in the midst of controversy as he displayed an uncharacteristic rage during a public ceremony on Friday, June 9, 2023.
The incident, captured by the media, happened during a ceremony held in commemoration of the Green Ghana Day.
On Friday, June 9, 2023, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was captured flying into a rage at a public ceremony.
The president, during a ceremony at the Green Ghana Day event held at the University of Ghana, was captured reacting furiously and instructing the Greater Accra Regional Minister to take some action.
However, a graphic.com.gh report has revealed the actual reason behind the incident.
According to the report by Graphic’s presidential correspondent, Donald Dapatem, the president’s fury was ignited by a decision by the Chief and elders of Mempeasem, who were present at the event, to refuse to stand for the national anthem.
Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw and his elders, contrary to protocol, refused to stand to the tune of the national anthem by the Ghana Armed Forces Band immediately after the arrival of the president.
This was after the MC for the event, Kafui Dey, had announced that the gathering stands for the anthem.
Inaudible for the most part of his rage, President Akufo-Addo is heard telling the regional minister to “go and tell him…, stand up…”
Henry Quartey, who, on the orders of the president, walked out of the frame in the video, is said to have approached Nii Torgbor and his entourage and held a brief discussion.
The aftermath of the discussion, according to the report, was followed by the brisk participation of the chief and his elders in all the events at the ceremony, including standing upright for a subsequent national anthem, which was played to mark the end of the event.
It is, however, not known what prompted the initial refusal of the chief and his elders to stand for the national anthem.
Green Ghana Day was introduced in 2021 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of an aggressive national afforestation/reforestation program to restore the lost forest cover of Ghana and to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.
Annually, the event has seen millions of trees planted across the country.
The 2023 edition was marked under the theme “Mobilizing for a Greener Future” and targeted the planting of some 10 million trees.
A Ghanaian based in Columbia, Maryland, Eric Nana Kofi Ampong Coker, has pleaded guilty to illegally exporting firearms to Ghana from the United States of America.
According to the United State Attorney’s Office of the District of Maryland, Ampong Coker, on Thursday, June 8, 2023, confessed to exporting firearms to Ghana without the required license or written approval to export the weapons.
The district attorney’s office indicated that Ampong Coker, since 2017, has purchased at least 81 firearms from three separate Maryland Federal Firearms Licensees (“FFLs”)
It added that in 2019 the accused person received a Regulated Firearms Collector status through the Maryland State Police, which waived the restriction on the number of firearms he could purchase during a 30-day period.
“In May 2021, federal agents surveilled Ampong Coker as he retrieved firearms purchased from one of the FFLs and was then observed in a variety of locations, including a business that packaged and shipped items from the Port of Baltimore. A shipping vehicle was subsequently seen departing that location on May 27, 2021. On May 29, 2021, Ampong Coker was searched as he was departing the United States from Detroit, Michigan, bound for Ghana. Among other items seized in his luggage were foam cutouts used for packaging and securing firearms in gun cases.
“In early June 2021, HSI and CBP agents identified a shipping container scheduled to depart the Port of Baltimore for Tema, Ghana, on June 14, 2021. Included in the listed contents of the container was a 2018 Toyota Corolla registered to Ampong Coker.
“…On June 8, 2021, HSI, ATF, CBP and other agents searched the contents of the shipping container. Within the trunk of the 2018 Toyota Corolla, which had the Defendant’s name on cardboard on top of the vehicle, the agents found a grey suitcase. Secreted in the lining of the suitcase, the agents found five 9mm handguns previously purchased by Ampong Coker,” parts of a release issued by the state attorney’s office read.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron indicated that Ampong Coker faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for illegally exporting firearms when he faces the court on September 6, 2023.
A Ghanaian woman residing in the United Kingdom has fallen victim to online scammers, losing a substantial sum of £10,000. She is now calling on the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, the UK-based Ghanaian lady whose name remains undisclosed, came forward to educate the public about her devastating encounter with online scammers, resulting in her loss.
The victim emphasized the rising prevalence of money-related fraud and urged individuals to exercise caution when engaging in online financial activities.
Recounting her ordeal, the victim lamented that she lost £10,000 to some of these scammers and highlighted the risks associated with such scams. She warned viewers about scammers who masquerade as job recruiters, offering lucrative online opportunities.
“See I can count up to a sum of £10k, I’m not even talking about Ghana cedis, which I have lost this year due to a scam and I haven’t received anything in return.
“So, usually these people will reach out to you through Instagram, telegram or any of the social media to ask if you want a job. That should even tell you something because no recruiter is coming to you these days through telegram and Instagram.”
She added “They will tell you they are registered and everything they are doing is legal, it’s a lie. Because even though I registered a company about a week ago when you type the name of the company you will see that it is registered. So, every company that is claimed to have been registered should be found on the web.
“These people are not on the web. So, immediately you hear the name of their company, check the web and see because it will not be there and so you have to beware of these companies. I don’t want you to fall for these scams.
“The first group is like a foreign group, they call themselves Amazon and this is different from Jeff Bezos’ Amazon, these groups also call themselves Amazon but their link has some ebay online. They will tell you that you can support merchant goods and so, they will tell you to come and boost merchant goods.”
She continued “What they will do is to be asking you for money and they don’t want to scare you so they will not ask for the total amount upfront…they will do it in such a way that you don’t feel it they are draining you.
“They will ask for £40, or £20 and they will lure you arguing that, you won’t pay anything else again.
“They will make you feel like you are really close to getting to what they promised you and you will keep paying until they ask for a certain amount of money that you wouldn’t have.
“And clearly you wouldn’t so you will like to sign out, it is only there that you will realize that, what did I get myself into,” she narrated.
The video, originally posted by Twitter user @jeffwellz, quickly gained a reaction as concerned netizens shared the woman’s cautionary tale. She specifically highlighted the scam that involved financial deception and shed light on the tactics employed by fraudsters to exploit innocent victims.
Reflecting on her personal experience, the victim passionately expressed her desire for others to avoid falling victim to scammers. She emphasized that although various types of scams exist, such as identity theft, she specifically focused on the ones that manipulate individuals financially.
She explained “So, I really wish above all things that you will never be a victim to scammers. And I know there are different kinds of scams, like identity theft and all that but I am talking about the one that involves money.”
Kumawood actor, Okomfo Kolege, has opened up about his estranged relationship with his father, which stems from his father’s absence during his early years.
According to the comic actor, his father left him and his three siblings with their mother at a young age, which made life challenging for them as they grew up.
“My mother was a trader who frequently traveled to Abidjan and other places, and as a result, we had to live with other people, including our relatives and my mother’s friends,” he told Deloris Frimpong Manso during his appearance on Sunday, June 11, 2023, edition of the Delay Show.
“My father is still alive, but you know, when difficulties arise, men tend to run away and leave the burden on the woman. I have three siblings from my father’s side, and he abandoned us with our mother,” he stated.
Although he maintains communication with his father, Kolege revealed that his relationship with him is incomplete. He explained that his father has high expectations of him as a son, but he is unable to fulfill them due to his mother’s stance on his absentee father.
“When he calls, he tends to claim that it was not his fault, and I respond by telling him that I am also a man, so if he has anything to say, he should sort it out with my mother. She carries a lot of pain, and she has threatened to disown me if I even attempt to reach out to him, but I hope things will be resolved,” he revealed.
During his interview with Delay, Kolege also shared details about the tragic passing of his wife, who died in November 2022 during childbirth.
Recalling the incident, Kolege described the loss of his wife and baby as the most difficult event in his entire life.
One person has been found dead in Atewa Forest at Abuakwa South Municipality in the Eastern region after an alleged violent clash between two illegal mining groups.
According to sources, there were exchanges of gunshots leading to the death of one and others are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
The illegal miners fled after the deadly clash leaving the dead body in the bush.
It was reported that, the police moved into the the forest to retrieve the body, which has been deposited at the Kibi government Hospital morgue.
Flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has dismissed allegations of being anti-Ewe.
Speaking to delegates of the New Patriotic Party in the Hohoe Constituency on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong revealed that he has a strong connection with the people of the Volta Region and the Ewe tribe, contrary to claims that he is anti-Ewe.
“I want to tell you, amidst the propaganda that Kennedy Agyapong doesn’t like Ewes, that if you don’t know, let me inform you today. My wife is from Adidome, and I am glad the minister is here. In fact, before I speak, clap for me. Do you know why I am asking you to clap for me? I’ve given you four beautiful, intelligent girls, and they have all attended the best universities in the world,” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central was recalling incidents surrounding his arrest and charge of treason in 2012, after being alleged to have made comments inciting violence against Ewes.
However, Kennedy Agyapong flatly denied the claims of being anti-Ewe on Sunday night.
“Where on earth would I say that they should go and kill Ewes when my wife, who is a Voltarian, has given me [four children]? I have 22 kids, and they all believe and accept that the Ewe girls are smarter than all of them. My son is here, and he can attest to that. Last year in May, the youngest girl swept all the awards in her school. She was given a scholarship plus an allowance to attend Yale University. While she was delivering her speech, a white lady sitting next to her mother told her that with this girl, she would have to excuse her for wanting to have one child with her husband,” he stated.
The Volta Region, predominantly populated by people of the Ewe tribe, remains the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
Ghanaian music sensation Mzbel, has ignited a social media frenzy with her recent announcement of her pregnancy.
After weeks of teasing her social media followers with glimpses of a wedding ring on her finger, MzBel shared full pictures of herself sporting a baby bump on Sunday, June 11, 2023.
“An adventure is about to begin,” she captioned the pictures, which featured her in five different poses.
The post by the mother of one has ignited a wave of excitement among her followers and well-wishers, resulting in an outpouring of reactions and congratulatory messages from all directions.
“Congratulations! Now we can shout it out,” commented Grace On Point on the photo.
“Wow, this is beautiful, my dear MzBel. I’m just so happy for you,” another follower, Rose K. Hairstyles, also commented on MzBel’s post.
Flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has alleged that former National Democratic Congress Deputy General Secretary, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, masterminded the treason charge leveled against him in 2012.
Addressing delegates of the NPP in the Hohoe Constituency on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong claimed that the former Director of Communications at the presidency orchestrated a campaign portraying him as anti-Ewe, leading to his arrest and subsequent charge of treason.
“I was charged with treason. Koku Anyidoho incited the media against me, saying, ‘Kennedy Agyapong says they should go and kill Ewes.’ By five PM, the police had surrounded Oman FM. I reported myself the next day. I was there when Koku Anyidoho called from Prof. Mills’ office for them to charge me with treason, and they did because I was defending NPP,” alleged the flagbearer hopeful.
Kennedy Agyapong faced charges of attempted treason, genocide, and terrorism in 2012 after allegedly making tribal comments on Oman FM, a private radio station owned by him. However, the charges were later dropped, and he was charged with lesser offenses of conduct conducive to the breach of peace and causing fear and alarm.
In April 2013, a circuit court acquitted and discharged Kennedy Agyapong of all charges.
During his address to the delegates on Sunday night, the flagbearer hopeful dismissed allegations of being anti-Ewe.
“I want to tell you, amidst the ongoing propaganda that Kennedy Agyapong doesn’t like Ewes, that if you don’t know, let me inform you today. My wife is from Adidome, and I am glad the minister is here. In fact, before I speak, clap for me. Do you know why I am asking you to clap for me? I’ve given you four beautiful, intelligent girls, and they have all attended the best universities in the world,” he stated.
The Volta Region, predominantly populated by people of the Ewe tribe, remains the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
A word of caution has been issued to the public, emphasizing the significant hazards associated with keeping cylinders indoors by the National Petroleum Authority.
In case of leakage, the naked eye cannot see gas, hence the need to keep cylinders outside to avert fire outbreak.
A member of the NPA Governing Board and Chairman of the Consumer Services sub-committee, Kwami Sefa Kayi, who made the call at an LPG awareness and sensitization lecture at the Takoradi Technical University, noted that some people did not want to keep their cylinders outside because of the fear that they would be stolen.
“If you have cylinders in any enclosed place, go and bring them out. Don’t complain that it will be stolen”, he urged.
Mr. Sefa Kayi, who is a veteran broadcaster, gave the assurance that the NPA would do everything to ensure the price of PLG remains competitive and “soft on consumers.”
The lecture organized by the Corporate Affairs and Gas Directorates of the Authority was on the theme:”Safe Use of LPG Protects Lives and Property.”
The sensitization exercise on the safe use of LPG and the general operations of NPA involved one-on-one engagements with traders and lectures in educational institutions in the Western and Central regions.
Other institutions visited included the Sekondi Nursing and Midwifery Training College and the Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College.
Answering a question on NPA’s complaint procedure, the Consumer Services Manager, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, urged the public to immediately report fuel stations suspected of cheating to the Authority.
She said when complaints are made within 48 hours of purchase of fuel, prompt investigations are conducted to establish the facts before the product is sold out. “Consumers should report within 48 hours. If we delay, we may risk the loss of evidence. Consumers should report and then we can act immediately,” she said.
However, Mrs. Budu Nyarko said consumers could still report after 48 hours of the purchase of the fuel.
“We will still investigate but that product you bought might have been sold out. So what the NPA does is to keep the station under surveillance, meaning the Authority’s inspectors will be visiting there unannounced for sometime.
“The NPA will always protect the interest of stakeholders, consumers and petroleum service providers”, she stressed and announced the customer lines.
In his presentation, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Mr. David Essuman, cautioned the public against placing stones and heavy materials on valves to supposedly prevent leakage. He said the heavy materials could not stop the leakage, and indicated that the best thing was for the people to replace the faulty valves.
Welcoming the lecturers and students on behalf of the NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Communications Manager of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, noted that Europeans and Americans depended solely on gas for their domestic activities but they hardly recorded fires.
Therefore, he said, if gas users in Ghana observed the safety tips, they could reduce gas-related fire outbreaks.
Medeama SC have been crowned winners of the Ghana Premier League 2022/23 season after beating Tamale City on the final day of the season.
The yellow and mauves defeated their opponents 3-0 to emerge as champions of the Ghana Premier League for the first time in the history of the club.
Medeama SC came into the match as league leaders with 57 points, with Bechem United FC occupying the second position with 54 points.
The Tarkwa-based side only needed three points and delivered that in style on the final day of the season.
Medeama scored the opening goal in under 10 minutes when Kwadwo Amaoko struck the ball beautifully.
Jonathan Sowah put the icing on the cake for Medeama with a brace in the second half, securing the title for his team.
Medeama, the champions of the Ghana Premier League, overtook Aduana Stars to become league leaders with three games remaining in the season.
Medeama faced a tough challenge as they dropped points, allowing Bechem United to close the gap to three points in second place.
However, Aduana Stars’ 1-0 victory over Bechem United confirmed Medeama as the champions of the Ghana Premier League 2022/23 season before the final whistle
Ghanaian Dancehall artist Samini has revealed that he has returned to prioritizing his music career following the completion of his degree program at GIMPA.
He said he had to put music on a break to focus on his academics; a vow he once made to his parents.
Samini made this known in a post shared via social media.
He said “4 years ago I decided to challenge myself to a promise I made to my own damn self after high school. That I would one day go back and do university education just to complete the journey if not for anything to make mama proud since she was my biggest fan and played a major role in how I got to convince family to allow me to chose music over books.
“Today I’m proud to tell all my loved ones and well-wishers that I’m Officially done with my exams for my PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM at GIMPA BUSINESS SCHOOL and am awaiting Graduation….. Morale . YOU CAN DO IT NO MATTER HOW LATE. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. Back to the music. Lol. Dem no ready for what’s cooking smh.”
In the four years of studying Project Management, Samini became the Student Representative Council’s President (SRC) President of GIMPA where he led the student body of the esteemed University.
In the sex assault lawsuit won by advice writer E Jean Carroll, the former president Donald Trump is requesting a fresh trial.
On Thursday, Trump’s attorneys requested a new trial based on Carroll’s huge $5 million award. Carroll accused Trump of raping and defaming her in a department shop changing room.
Trump’s attorneys said in a declaration with a federal court in Manhattan that a grand jury’s $2 million award for determining that he sexually assaulted Carroll was ‘excessive’ because they did not determine that he had raped her.
‘Such abuse could have included groping of the Plaintiff’s breasts through clothing or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape,’ wrote Trump’s lawyer Joseph Tacopina to Judge Lewis Kaplan.
The conduct did not result in any diagnosed mental damage to Carroll, they argued.
Trump’s lawyers also said that the $2.7million the jury awarded for Carrol’s defamation claim was ‘based upon pure speculation’.
‘New York courts have consistently held that compensatory damage awards of $100,000 or less for defamation claims are appropriate,’ wrote Tacopina, adding that defamation damages should not exceed $368,000.
‘Trump now argues that, even if he did those things, Ms Carroll doesn’t deserve the $5million in damages that the jury awarded,’ said Kaplan.
‘But Trump’s arguments are frivolous – the jury carefully considered the evidence that Ms Carroll presented, and Trump did not put on a single witness of his own. This time, Trump will not be able to escape the consequences of his actions.’
The day after the jury’s verdict, Trump ripped Carroll in a CNN town hall. He called her a ‘wack job’ and accused her of making up a story about ‘playing hanky panky’ in a Bergdorf Goodman fitting room.
After Trump’s remarks, Carroll amended her first defamation lawsuit against him to seek $10million more in damages.
Trump’s lawyers in the Thursday filing also accused Carroll of ‘double recovery’ with her second suit, which was successful.
Joran van der Sloot, the person accused of extorting the family of an American student who vanished in 2005, entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations.
One of the last people spotted with Natalee Holloway, an American high school graduate who vanished while travelling to Aruba more than 18 years ago, was the Dutch national.
In connection with a conspiracy to steal money from Holloway’s devastated family, Van der Sloot, 35, was charged with wire fraud and extortion at the federal courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama.
The brief hearing only lasted about three minutes. Van der Sloot was emotionless, and only responded ‘yes, sir’ when the judge asked if he understood the charges against him.
Five years after her disappearance, van der Sloot contacted Holloway’s family and offered to lead them to her body in exchange for $250,000.
An investigator working with the family and the FBI paid van der Sloot an upfront fee of $25,000, and the Dutch citizen revealed that Holloway was buried in the foundation of a house that was under construction at the time of her death.
He also said that she died after falling and hitting her head on a rock.
However, Holloway’s body was never found in the house’s foundation. Van der Sloot later admitted to fabricating parts of the story.
Van der Sloot was extradited from Peru yesterday, where he is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for the murder of another woman, Stephany Flores, exactly five year’s after Holloway’s disappearance.
On Thursday, van der Sloot transported from a maximum-security prison in the Andes Mountains to a detention center in Lima.
There he was handed off to FBI agents, who flew with him to Birmingham, Alabama.
Holloway’s parents, Dave and Beth Holloway, were both present for the arraignment. Both declined to take questions from reporters.
‘For 18 years, I have lived with the unbearable pain of Natalee’s loss,’ Beth Holloway said in a statement on Thursday. ‘Each day has been filled with unanswered questions and a longing for justice that has eluded us at every turn. But today, I am hopeful that some small semblance of justice may finally be realized.’
According to Assistant Chief Justin Mills of the Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department, the elevated walkway that fell on Thursday about 12.30 pm struck the Bayou City Fellowship group as they were touring Stahlman Park in Surfside, Texas.
A spokeswoman for Brazoria County reported that five teenagers were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Ten other patients were driven to hospitals in their own automobiles, while six more were transported in ambulances to local hospitals.
None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to the spokesperson.
It was not immediately known what caused the boardwalk to collapse. The incident is under investigation.
A video from Air 11 showed the walkway was partially collapsed, with other portions still standing. The boardwalk appeared to be constructed of wood and led to a building. Yellow caution tape was wrapped around the structure.
Seven helicopters responded and three landed at a nearby park.
Bayou City Fellowship stated that part of the deck collapsed as the students took a group picture.
‘While this is a traumatic event, we are blessed to report that none of the injuries are life-threatening,’ stated the fellowship, according to KHOU 11.
‘We are thankful for the outpour of concern from our community and ask that the city and surrounding areas keep all that are affected physically and emotionally in prayer.’
The fellowship added that the names of the teens and specifics on their injuries would not be released for privacy reasons. Some of the hospitalizations were precautionary.
A total of 78 students visited Surfside from Cypress, Spring Branch and Tomball, for the annual church camp trip.
Surfside Beach is a small Gulf Coast town about 65 miles south of Houston and has a populationof less than 1,000 people.
In regards to court documents, the lady accused of shooting her neighbour during a fight involving her kids acknowledged previously calling the children racial epithets.
Thursday marked Susan Lorincz’s first court appearance since her Tuesday arrest. Ajike “AJ” Owens, a neighbour and mother of four children, was killed, and she was charged with manslaughter.
According to recently made public court records, Owens’ children, who range in age from three to twelve, and Lorincz, 58, have a long history of being “not friendly.”
Lorincz and Owens live across the street from one another in Ocala, Florida. Their homes are divided by a large field, where neighborhood children congregate to play.
The field is public property, but neighbors told investigators Lorincz acted like the yard belonged to her.
At one point in the past, Lorincz put up ‘no trespassing’ signs on the open field. In one previous report to the police, she claimed one of Owens’ children took down the sign and threw it at her.
According to the arrest affidavit, two of Owens’ children were playing basketball with other neighborhood friends in the street near Lorincz’s apartment on the night of their mother’s death.
One of the children realized they left an iPad on the ground, which they saw Lorincz had picked up. When they asked the woman to give the tablet back, she instead ‘approached him with an umbrella and started swinging it at him.’
Lorincz then threw a roller skate at the 10-year-old, which has since been collected for evidence by sheriff’s deputies.
According to the family’s attorney Ben Crump, Lorincz also threw the iPad at the boys, cracking the tablet’s screen.
The two boys then ran to get help from their mother. ‘Shortly after, the victim approached Lorincz’s door and banged on the door, yelling for Lorincz to throw something at her if she wanted to throw something,’ the affidavit states.
Lorincz shot Owens through her front door around 9.04pm, with a gun she said she purchased after previous interactions with the kids. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9.36pm.
The shooter told responding officers that Owens ‘banged on the door so hard everything started shaking,’ and thought to herself ‘Oh my god, she’s really going to kill me this time.’
Sheriff’s deputies then spent the next few days interviewing neighbors, both parents and children, trying to understand what happened and the history of Lorincz’s interactions with the family.
According to one parent, Lorincz was known to yell racial slurs, including the n-word, at children who played in the large field in front of her apartment.
Another parent told investigators ‘Lorincz is always yelling at the children who play in the area and calls in false reports on them.’
The same father also told investigators: ‘Lorincz is known to harass the children by video recording them with her phone as they play in the open field between the apartment buildings and that Lorincz believes the area belongs to her.’
One of the neighborhood kids playing with Owens’ children that night said they witnessed Lorincz give the children the middle finger and yell ‘Get away from my house, you black slave.’
Investigators eventually interviewed Lorincz a second time, asking her about inconsistencies in her story and attempting to get footage from a Blink doorbell camera installed on her doorway.
When detectives asked Lorincz about the allegations that she yelled racial slurs at the kids that night, she ‘admitted to having used the n-word toward children out of anger in the past and also to calling children other derogatory terms.’
After the interview, Lorincz was placed under arrest. At this point, she stopped cooperating with investigators – refusing to stand up, then telling deputies to ‘kill me.’
She was briefly hospitalized after her arrest when she nearly collapsed while being escorted to a patrol car.
Donald Trump, a former president, announced that he has been indicted in a review into how he handled confidential data. This is his second indictment in around two months.
On Thursday night, Trump announced the information in a vehement post on his Truth Social website.
In his letter, Trump said, “The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, allegedly over the Boxes Hoax.”
Trump said he had been summoned to appear at the federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday at 3pm.
Trump: ‘I am an innocent man’
‘I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States, who received far more votes than any sitting President in the History of our Country, and is currently leading, by far, all Candidates, both Democrat and Republican, in Polls of the 2024 Presidential Election,’ Trump wrote in another post.
‘I AM AN INNOCENT MAN!’
It comes after Trump on March 30 became the first former president to be indicted, in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into his role in a hush payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records on April 4.
Shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday, Trump sent out a fundraising email with the indictment news and asked his supporters to ‘make a contribution to peacefully stand’ with him.
‘We are watching our Republic DIE before our very eyes,’ stated the email.
‘The Biden-appointed Special Counsel has INDICTED me in yet another witch hunt regarding documents that I had the RIGHT to declassify as President of the United States.
‘This witch hunt began when the FBI RAIDED my home and then staged it to look like a made-for-TV crime scene with police sirens and flashing red and blue lights.’
The investigation, overseen by special counsel Jack Smith, centers on boxes of records that the FBI seized from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home on August 8. They included 184 documents that were marked as classified. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly called Smith’s probe a witch hunt.
On Thursday, a federal grand jury reportedly met in Florida in Smith’s probe.
The indictment is under seal, a source told NBC News.
A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment.
Trump shared a four-minute-long video on Truth Social in which he asserted he is innocent and slammed the Biden administration.
‘They can’t stop, because it’s election interference at the highest level,’ said Trump. ‘There’s never been anything like what’s happened. I’m an innocent man. I’m an innocent person.’
In another post, he wrote that ‘this is indeed a DARK DAY for the United States of America’.
Trump’s new indictment comes six days after the Justice Department said it would not file charges against his former vice president Mike Pence for classified documents found in his Indiana home. Pence filed to run for president on Monday.
Despite growing legal troubles, Trump remains the clear frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination.
Based on rumours, Donald Trump might spend up to 100 years in prison.
The former US President said that he was accused of mishandling confidential materials at his Florida resort and that he had been indicted.
The charge, which would lead to a federal investigation and provide possibly the most dangerous of legal threats to the former president, was not immediately publicly confirmed by the Justice Department.
Mr Trump said he is due in court in Miami on Tuesday afternoon.
The 76-year-old has already been indicted in New York and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that could lead to criminal charges.
The indictment arises from a months-long investigation by special counsel Jack Smith into whether he broke the law by holding onto hundreds of documents marked classified at his Palm Beach property Mar-a-Lago and whether he took steps to obstruct the government’s efforts to recover the records.
According to ABC News, which cited sources, Mr Trump could be looking at 100 years in prison if convicted on the seven charges in the classified documents case.
The charges he faces include willful retention of national defence information, which alone carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
An extra 20 years could come from a conspiracy to obstruct justice, while another two decades could be added for withholding a document or record.
The charges of corruptly concealing a document or record and concealing a document in a federal investigation also could lead to 20 year sentences.
Finally, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations both carry the weight of five years as maximum penalty.
Prosecutors have said the former president took roughly 300 classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, including around 100 which were seized by the FBI in August during a search of the home that underscored the gravity of the Justice Department’s investigation.
Mr Trump and his team have long seen the special counsel investigation as far more perilous than the New York matter – both politically and legally.
It remains unclear what the immediate and long-term political consequences will be for the former President.
His first indictment spurred millions of dollars in contributions from angry supporters and did not damage Mr Trump in the polls as the 2024 presidential race ramps up.
He revealed the news of his indictment in a fiery post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday evening.
‘The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax,’ wrote Mr Trump.
‘I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States, who received far more votes than any sitting President in the History of our Country, and is currently leading, by far, all Candidates, both Democrat and Republican, in Polls of the 2024 Presidential Election,’ Trump wrote in another post.
‘I AM AN INNOCENT MAN!’
It comes after Trump on March 30 became the first former president to be indicted, in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into his role in a hush payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records on April 4.
Rumours that Kyiv’s long-awaited counterattack is ready to begin are being fed by the heavy fighting that is taking place today in southeast Ukraine.
In the heaviest fight since Kyiv started its campaign to liberate captured regions, Ukrainian artillery “came in waves,” according to Russian sources operating in southern Zaporizhia.
Russians were told to depart the nearby occupied city of Berdyansk after hearing blasts and a major fire starting at a nearby facility.
‘At the moment, active combat is ongoing in the region between Orekhovo and Tokmak,’ Vladimir Rogov, an official with Russian occupation authorities, said, referring to a locality known in southern Ukraine as Orikhiv.
Alexander Sladkov, a correspondent for Russian media, also wrote of ‘intense fighting’ in the area on Telegram.
It comes as Ukraine sent Western tanks into battle for the first time in a major assault on the southern front that marked the launch of its long-awaited counter-offensive.
US officials confirmed the engagements in the Zaporizhzhia region yesterday appeared to be the start of a main thrust.
The heavy fighting resulted in losses on both sides, with US officials noting the Russians had put up ‘stiff resistance’.
Last night, the Ukrainian government offered scant details about the long awaited counter-offensive.
But Deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar confirmed fighting was taking place in southern Ukraine: ‘Battles continue for Velyka Novosilka in the Novopavlovsk direction,’ she said.
‘In the Orikhiv area, the enemy is already on the defensive.’
However, Maliar also downplayed the scale of the fighting in the south, and said the east was Ukraine’s real target.
‘The situation is tense in all areas of the front line. The east is the epicentre,’ she wrote on Telegram.
‘The enemy continues to concentrate its main efforts on the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Maryinka directions’, she added, referring to eastern cities where fighting has been raging for months.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also hailed what he described as ‘results’ in heavy fighting in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.
‘There is very heavy fighting in Donetsk region,’ President Zelensky said in his daily video message, following a visit to the areas affected by the breach of the Nova Kakhovka power dam.
‘But there are results and I am grateful to those who achieved these results. Well done in Bakhmut. Step by step.’
However, some Russian sources are sceptical of Kyiv’s claims that the main thrust of the counterattack has begun in earnest.
Pro-Kremlin blogger Zapiski Veterana (Notes of a Veteran) said: ‘I think we can already talk about the beginning of Ukraine’s long-announced offensive.
‘There hasn’t been such movement on the front for a long time. The Ukrainians came in waves.’
The angle of the attacks suggested Ukraine’s objective priority was to piece through Russia’s defences to reach the cities of Tokmak, Melitopol and Berdyansk on the Black Sea coast and cut off the Crimean peninsula.
Veterana added: ‘All their [Ukrainian] forces are being thrown forward. The enemy has managed to seize several heights but they did not manage a deep breakthrough.’
A third advance around the heavily bombarded settlement of Bakhmut also took place yesterday, with Ukrainian sources saying its troops had gained a mile of ground around the city.
Unverified photos from last night appeared to show a German-made Leopard tank which had been destroyed by the Russians.
Russian reports also claim a column of tanks was destroyed at Novopokrovka in Zaporizhia, although these claims are also unconfirmed.
On a visit to Kherson today Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the international response to the incident, in particular the United Nations which is responsible for providing flood relief.
The Ukrainian president praised rescue workers for their exhaustive efforts and said today’s priority was to ‘protect lives’.
He said to them: ‘You are going through this difficult ordeal now. We will help you and rebuild everything which needs to be restored. I thank you and wish you good health.’
Before being devoured by a shark in Egypt, a man screamed “Papa, save me” in front of his grieving father and startled spectators.
The tiger shark killed 23-year-old Russian citizen Vladimir Popov by mauling him to death off the coast of the Hurghada vacation town in the Red Sea.
Online videos of the attack show Mr. Popov writhing around in the water while being repeatedly mauled by a shark. Then he is pulled under.
Then, according to a witness, the animal played with Mr. Popov’s body for two hours.
The shark was eventually caught, and footage shows it being brought into shore on a boat, before being beaten to death.
Mr Popov’s devastated dad Yury, who saw the attack, told local media his son yelled ‘papa, save me’ as he was attacked.
Yury added: ‘We went to the beach to relax. My son was attacked by a shark. It all happened in seconds.
‘What kind of help can you give? This meat grinder happened in 20 seconds, he was just dragged under the water…’
He said the beach was safe and described the killing as an ‘absolutely ridiculous coincidence’.
Yury added: ‘There are ships and yachts around. It’s never happened there. They usually attack on wild beaches. It is just some kind of evil fate.’
The Russian Consulate in Hurghada confirmed Popov was Russian but said he was a permanent resident of Egypt. It’s believed he’s been living in Egypt for a number of months.
Other beachgoers were seen frantically running out of the water when the attack happened.
An eyewitness said: ‘Children swim [in the area where theshark attacked] very often – there were children’s slides.
‘All this happened not far from a descent into the sea, next to the ladder, used by everyone who went into the water. At one point, the shark appeared, and immediately bit this man.
‘Rescuers saw this and began to start the boat. He tried to swim away from the shark, but he couldn’t.
‘It immediately saw through him, his legs surfaced quickly. And it dragged the body for two hours. It constantly dragged him under the water.’
Another source said there was a woman in the water not far from the man who was screaming.
They said: ‘The rescuers dragged her onto the boat, after which they rescued two more girls.
‘They were all taken away by doctors or the police, because they were in [a state of] shock, hysterical.’
The 46 mile (74km) stretch of coastline was closed off and is not expected to reopen until Sunday.
The ministry said the shark is being looked at in a laboratory to try and establish why it attacked, and if it was responsible for other maulings.
Although it’s not common for sharks to attack in the coastal regions of the Red Sea, an Austrian and a Romanian tourist were killed within days of each other last year.
Tourists, including many from Europe, flock to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts each year, with divers being drawn to the coral reefs and colourful sea life.
But numbers have been hit by years of political instability, the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Tiger sharks are one of the larger shark species that can grow to over five metres. The live in mostly tropical and temperate waters and are among the most cited by the International Shark Attack File for unprovoked attacks on humans.
Last month an American tourist lost her foot in a shark attack while snorkelling in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Some 32 young Ghanaians have been selected by the United States (US) Embassy in Ghana for the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF).
The group includes 18 women and 14 men selected among nearly 3,000 competitive applications from across the country.
A statement issued by the Embassy and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the Fellows would travel later in June 2023, for intensive professional development and leadership training in Washington, D.C. and in various cities across the United States.
It said the group comprised professionals from a diverse range of fields and regions, focused on issues such as climate change, combatting gender-based violence and child labour, treatment of non-communicable Diseases and mental health and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The statement said the 2023 group also included a Ghanaian youth leader as part of the African Union’s cohort.
It said when they returned, they would join the nearly 3,000-strong U.S. exchange alumni network in Ghana.
The network actively engages with U.S. and Ghanaian leaders to develop community-based solutions to public policy challenges, including in health, education, human rights, women’s empowerment, and other critical areas.
Madam Virginia E. Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, said: “The Mandela Washington Fellowship supports the next generation of Ghanaian leaders in civil society, public service, business, and public health. Since 2014, nearly 300 young Ghanaians have benefited from this opportunity and returned to Ghana inspired to lead in their respective fields. We cannot wait to follow their success in the coming years.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), providing nearly 700 young African leaders with leadership development and training in the United States each year.
Over 5,000 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Fellowship since 2014.
Executive Secretary of the Public Servants Housing Loans Scheme, Dr Richard Asante Yeboah, has been sued by a chief who is also a businessman over nonpayment of a loan of GHS 350,000 he contracted from him.
According to the plaintiff’s amended statement of claim, Dr Richard Asante Yeboah approached the Chief on January 7, 2022, requesting an amount of GHS 400,000.
He promised to repay the loan within a short period of time. The chief advanced the requested amount to the defendant but alleges that he has shown no commitment to repay the money.
Despite months of pressure and repeated demands for repayment, the defendant has provided varying excuses for the delay in payment, with his reasons and stories changing each time. In October 2022, the defendant made a partial payment of GHS 50,000 to the chief.
The plaintiff is seeking a court order to compel the Executive Secretary of the Public Servants Housing Loans Scheme to repay the outstanding amount of GHS 350,000 with interest at the prevailing commercial borrowing rate from January 2022 until the final date of repayment.
Additionally, the plaintiff is demanding damages, costs of the suit, including legal fees, and any other orders deemed fit by the court.
The Minority in Parliament has revealed the intentions of the National Democratic Congress to conduct another SIM re-registration exercise should it win the 2024 elections.
The parliamentary caucus of the NDC has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the current government’s re-registration exercise, citing flaws in the sole document used for the process, the Ghana card.
According to Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, the claim that the current government’s stance on the re-registration exercise is aimed at combating crime is false.
Speaking during a media briefing in Parliament on June 8, 2023, he argued that the Ghana card, which serves as the primary identification document for the re-registration, is fundamentally flawed. As a result, the NDC has the intention to undertake a proper re-registration of SIM cards in the future, eliminating the need for subscribers to queue at telecom offices.
“It is not true that they are using this to fight crime because the Ghana Card fundamentally is flawed. That is why we have served notice that the next NDC government will do a proper re-registration of SIM cards, which will not involve you having to go and queue in telecom offices,” citinewsroom.com quoted him as saying.
The current SIM re-registration exercise, which commenced on October 1, 2021, has led to the deactivation of approximately 9 million unregistered SIM cards by telecommunications firms in Ghana. The directive for the exercise came from the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry of Communications, with the aim of enhancing regulatory compliance and combating potential security threats.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has provided an update on the status of the SIM re-registration exercise. She announced that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are collaborating with the Bank of Ghana to facilitate the retrieval of funds for individuals who had their money locked in mobile money accounts due to deactivated SIM cards.
Vladimir Putin claims that after preparations are finished in a few weeks, the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus will start “immediately.”
During a meeting with his Belarusian colleague Alexander Lukashenko today in Sochi, the Russian President confirmed the information.
Putin replied, “So everything is going as planned, everything is stable,” according to a Kremlin readout.
After the facilities are ready on July 7–8, Russia will begin deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, he continued.
The two men had previously agreed the plan to deploy Russian land-based short-range nuclear missiles on the territory of Moscow’s close ally, where they will remain under Russian command.
Since invading Ukraine last year, Putin has repeatedly warned Russia would be ready to use nuclear weapons if needed to defend its ‘territorial integrity’.
Ukraine said Belarus had been ‘taken hostage’ by the Kremlin, when the agreement was first announced back in March,
Today, Russia reported heavy fighting along the front in southern Ukraine, where bloggers described the first sightings of German and U.S. armour, signalling that Ukraine’s long-anticipated counterattack was under way.
Reuters reports that the push is ultimately expected to involve thousands of Ukrainian troops trained and equipped by the West.
Russia, which has had months to prepare its defensive lines, says it has withstood attacks since the start of the week. Kyiv meanwhile, has so far said its main effort has yet to begin.
Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said reports of German-made Leopard tanks and U.S. Bradley armoured vehicles seen near Tokmak south of Orikhiv, if confirmed, would provide the first evidence that Ukraine’s new brigades of Western-armed troops had joined the battle.
In all, Kyiv has 12 brigades totalling 50,000-60,000 troops ready to unleash in the counteroffensive. Nine of the brigades have been armed and trained by the West.
‘They’ve got a choice of how many they commit initially and how many they keep in reserve in case the battlefield dynamics change,’ Mr Barry added.
Ukraine generally prevents journalists from reporting on its side of front lines during offensive operations, emphasising the need to keep its plans secret.
In Russia’s latest report from the battlefield, the army claimed to have destroyed 21 Ukrainian armoured vehicles in the past 24 hours.
In Kyiv’s few comments on the fighting, it has reported gains of territory in the east around the city of Bakhmut, which Russian forces captured last month after nearly a year of the deadliest ground combat in Europe since World War Two.
In his nightly video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked Ukrainian troops and repeated earlier claims of success in Bakhmut, but gave no further account.
‘We see every detail. But it’s not time to talk about it today,’ he said.
In the latest Russian air strikes, Ukraine said it had shot down four of six missiles overnight.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), convened a meeting with the party’s sitting Members of Parliament who were unsuccessful in their re-election bids during the parliamentary primary held on May 13, 2023.
The gathering was attended by key figures within the NDC, including Fifi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the party, the leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Julius Debrah, a former Chief of Staff, and Prof. Joshua Alabi, the Convener of the John Mahama 2024 Primary Campaign.
Also present were the 17 sitting MPs who lost their re-election bid and will not be contesting on the party’s ticket in the upcoming 2024 general election.
Among them were notable individuals such as Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, the MP for Sagnarigu, Mrs. Della Sowah, the MP for Kpando, Edward Bawa, the MP for Bongo, and Wisdom Gidisu, the MP for Krachi East.
Additional MPs in attendance included Angela Alorwu-Tay of Afadzato South, Kobena Mensah Woyome of South Tongu, Alex Adomako of Sekyere Afram Plains, Abeiku Crentsil of Ekumfi, and Albert Alasoka of Garu,Dr. Kwabena Donkor of Pru East.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide support, boost morale, and foster a sense of solidarity among the defeated MPs.
John Mahama’s presence aimed to convey his appreciation for their dedication and service to the party while reassuring them of their continued importance within the NDC’s ranks.
By acknowledging their contributions and offering encouragement, the meeting underscored the NDC’s commitment to maintaining a strong and united front as they prepare for 2024 elections.
The alleged murder of a 60-year-old woman has sent ripples of shock and fear among residents as the deceased was found without some parts of her body.
According to reports, the incident occurred between Apesokubi and Kaboso in the Biakoye district of the Oti region.
The woman is alleged to have left her home on Saturday to attend a funeral in Apesokubi but was not seen by her neighbours for two days.
She was later discovered with her tongue, breasts, and a private portion removed in a pit latrine near her compound.
Residents referred to her as Daa Yaa.
The police, together with a medical team from Worawora Hospital, arrived in the village and advised that she be buried due to the body’s decomposition.
An investigation is underway, and no suspects have been apprehended.
Residents are in shock and dread as a result of the occurrence.
They have subsequently requested that the Police investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A shadow minister for Labour has stated that he will “cooperate fully” with Labour’s probe into a “allegation” made against him.
It comes amid rumours that the party has suspended shadow foreign office minister Bambos Charalambous following a complaint regarding his behaviour.
The Labour Party needs to look into an allegation, the Enfield Southgate MP acknowledged in a tweet.
“Letting the process run its course is right and proper.” I shall contribute my entire efforts and full cooperation.
‘It is not appropriate to say anything further at this time.’
The Guardian reported that the Enfield Southgate MP has been administratively suspended by the party, a move that means he will have the whip removed in Westminster while a probe is carried out.
At around one in the morning on Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the Blundell’s School campus in Tiverton, Devon, in response to complaints of a violent assault.
According to the police, three people—including two students—were assaulted and suffered “multiple serious injuries.”
A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and remains in police custody.
Superintendent Antony Hart, local policing commander said: ‘This is a very traumatic incident for those involved and the wider school community and we will continue to work closely with the school, providing support to those involved.
‘At this time it is understood that all parties involved are linked to the school. I am keen to reassure the community that there is no wider risk, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.
‘Throughout the day we will continue with searches and enquiries in the vicinity of the school while we are in the early stage of our investigation.’
Following a new research, astronauts’ brains are affected by spaceflights lasting six months or longer, and crew members may need to wait at least three years before going back into space.
The brain scans of 30 astronauts were compared to scans performed after they had returned to Earth in order to determine how their brains had changed throughout their two-week, six-month, and one-year space missions. The scans showed that in the brains of astronauts who spent at least six months on voyages to the International Space Station, the ventricles, or chambers within the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, dramatically grew.
The findings have implications for future longer-term missions as NASA and its international partners aim to establish a sustained human presence on the moon with the Artemis program, with the eventual goal of sending humans to deep-space destinations such as Mars.A study detailing the findings was published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.
Cerebrospinal fluid provides the brain with protection and nourishment while removing waste. But when astronauts go to space, fluids within the body shift toward the head and push the brain higher against the skull, causing expansion of the ventricles.
“We found that the more time people spent in space, the larger their ventricles became,” said lead study author Rachael Seidler, a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida, in a statement. “Many astronauts travel to space more than one time, and our study shows it takes about three years between flights for the ventricles to fully recover.”
Eight of the astronauts in the study went on two-week missions, while 18 ventured on six-month missions. Four astronauts had missions that lasted for about a year. During the analysis, the researchers determined that the degree to which the ventricles enlarged varied depending on how long the astronauts were in space.
“The biggest jump comes when you go from two weeks to six months in space,” said Seidler, who is also a member of UF Health’s Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases.
There was no further increase between six months and one year, meaning that ventricular enlargement seems to taper off after six months, which surprised the researchers, Seidler said. “This is good news for future Mars travelers who may end up spending (approximately) two years in microgravity.”
And the impact was minimal for astronauts on two-week jaunts to space — a positive finding for the commercial space industry as short-duration space tourism flights increase in popularity.
“People who spend just a couple of weeks show little to no change in these structures,” Seidler said. “This is good news for those going on short space junkets.”
For 11 of the astronauts, all of whom had more than three years to recover in between missions, the researchers noted an increase in ventricular volume after each of their most recent missions. Seven of the astronauts with a shorter period of recovery between missions showed little ventricular enlargement after their most recent flight.
While this finding sounds positive, it suggests that the brains of experienced astronauts have ventricles that remain enlarged ahead of their next mission and “have less available room or compliance for ventricular expansion with spaceflight,” the authors wrote in the study.
The scientists don’t know how long it takes ventricles to recover fully after spaceflight, but their analysis showed that astronauts experienced a 55% to 64% recovery toward their preflight levels about six to seven months after a six-month mission to the space station.
Based on the research results, the team concluded that astronauts need at least three years between missions to allow their ventricles to recover fully.
The findings could be used as NASA and other space agencies plan future missions, but Seidler said more research is needed. She is beginning to work on a new project that will look at the long-term health and recovery up to five years after spaceflights lasting six months.
“We don’t yet know for sure what the long-term consequences of this is on the health and behavioral health of space travelers, so allowing the brain time to recover seems like a good idea,” she said.
“The findings may suggest that three years are needed for recovery. However, astronauts have very specialized skill sets and training and there may be rationale to include them on additional missions before this time.”
Following a vicious stabbing attack on Thursday in Annecy, France, which sent the Alpine town into a frenzy, four kids were admitted to the hospital.
According to Annecy mayor François Astorg, two adults were also hurt in the incident, at least one of whom required surgery. According to Astorg, the injured were treated at hospitals in Geneva and Grenoble, and some of the kids had stable conditions after leaving the operating room.
Witnesses recounted the perpetrator walking into a playground and going after the kids.
“He jumped (in the playground), started shouting and then went towards the strollers, repeatedly hitting the little ones with a knife,” one eyewitness told CNN affiliate BFMTV.
“Mothers were crying, everybody was running,” another eyewitness told Reuters.
All of the children injured are under the age of 3 years old,Annecy prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said in a press conference Thursday. One child is a Dutch national, according to Bonnet-Mathis, and another is a British national, per UK authorities.
A Syrian asylum-seeker has been detained on suspicion of carrying out the attack, Bonnet-Mathis also said. The suspect was not under the influence of alcohol or other substances at the time of the attack, and there was no apparent terrorist motive.
French media and BFMTV reported that the man was 31 year old, citing police sources. The suspect had legally applied for asylum late last year and on his application described himself to be a “Christian from Syria,” BFMTV also said. He had lived in Sweden for 10 years and applied for asylum status in France, but his request was rejected.
French President Emmanuel Macron said “the nation is in shock,” following the attack.
“Absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are between life and death. The nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them, their families and the emergency services,” Macron tweeted
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the attack was “a truly cowardly act.”
“My thoughts are with all of those affected by the shocking attack in Annecy this morning,” he tweeted. “The UK and France have always stood together against acts of violence, and we do so again today.”
Health Minister François Braun tweeted that his thoughts were with the victims of the knife attack. “All my thoughts go immediately to the people injured by an individual armed with a knife in Annecy, and to their loved ones,” Braun tweeted.
“I salute the rapid mobilization of the emergency services to take care of the victims, and notably the Urgent Medical Aid Service (SAMU).”
Lawmakers in the French National Assembly observed a minute’s silence for those injured in the attack.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne will travel to Annecy with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on Thursday, according to the interior ministry.
The Judicial Service has taken a swift by dismissing Sebastian Agbo, the former Registrar of the Lands Division of the High Court in Tema. Agbo’s dismissal comes in light of his involvement in a fraudulent scheme where he allegedly prepared over 30 court orders through deceptive means.
The dismissal, which occurred on May 18, 2023, serves as a stern message against such misconduct within the judiciary.
A notice of dismissal issued on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, the Judicial Secretary, strongly advised the public against engaging with Mr. Agbo in any official capacity as a staff member of the Judicial Service.
“The General Public and Staff of the Judicial Service are hereby informed that Mr. Sebastian Agbo, formerly of the Land Court, Tema, was dismissed from the Judicial Service of Ghana on 18th May 2023 for fraudulently preparing thirty (30) Court orders, a major offense under Section 37(a) of the Conditions of Service for Senior and Junior Employees of the Judicial Service. In view of the ongoing, Mr. Sebastian Agbo no longer represents the Judicial Service. All persons who deal with him, therefore, do so at their own peril. Please be advised accordingly,” the statement reads.
The dismissal comes after the Supreme Court referred Mr. Agbo to the Chief Justice for investigations in a case related to the estate of a deceased pastor.
Prior to the referral, the Judicial Service had already placed Mr. Agbo on interdiction due to suspicious activities during his tenure as the Registrar of the Tema High Court.
In addition to Mr. Agbo’s dismissal, the Supreme Court has also referred Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, the former Tema High Court judge who presided over the estate case in 2022 and currently serves as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, for investigations.
The verdict, which was reported by graphic.com.gh, served as Justice Jones Dotse’s valedictory ruling (basically his last case) as he officially retired from the Bench on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
According to the report, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Jones Dotse, issued a unanimous judgement on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, stating that the case’s precedents were damaging to the judiciary’s reputation.
The court by referral, pressed on the CJ to investigate Justice Emmanuel Ankamah of the Court of Appeal, who presided over the case at a High Court in Tema, in 2022, as well as the High Court’s former registrar, Sabastian Agbo.
“In our collective wisdom, we deem it appropriate to refer this case to the Chief Justice to cause further investigations into the conduct of the learned trial judge and Sebastian Agbo, then Registrar of the High Court, Tema under whose tenure the sordid affairs happened.
“This should cover all officers who played any role in this shameful specie of conduct,” the report said.
Justice Dotse, delivering the judgment, ruled that Justice Ankamah violated the principles of natural justice by not providing the caveators with an opportunity to be heard before dismissing the caveat.
Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama has eulogised him for his passion to seeing women and young people grow to help build the country.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari says Mr Mahama’s passion for humanity is desirable.
In a Facebook post on Friday, June 9, to chronicle how the former president discovered her, Madam Mogtari asked young people to avail themselves for mentorship.
According to her, that is key to achieving success in the future for whatever endeavour they set out to achieve in life.
“Dear young people, President Mahama discovered me a Young Activist and Lawyer and groomed me for the job! Today let me indicate that beyond the close relationship, the working relationship and of course the campaigns that have been prosecuted over the years, HE John Mahama is a passionate advocate for Women and young people and is certainly the Man to help us build the Ghana we want!“
Former President John Mahama is seeking to be re-elected as president of the country in the 2024 presidential elections.
He won flagbearer primaries to lead the National Democratic Congress into the 2024 presidential election, polling an overwhelming 297,603 votes representing 98.9% of the total valid votes cast at the end of the NDC primaries on Saturday, May 13.
His only contender, the former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu, polled a paltry 3,181 representing 1.1%.
The other contender in the flagbearership race, former Finance Minister in the Mills regime, Kwabena Duffour, pulled out of the race a day before the polls.
This is the fourth time John Mahama will be leading the NDC into an election.
A book of condolence has been opened for celebrated Ghanaian writer, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre in Accra.
Scores of Ghanaians, including stakeholders in the literary, publishing and performing arts industries have been trooping to the Centre to commiserate with the family of the renowned writer.
The family of the prolific playwright, author and poet says there would be a formal reception to receive mourners and sympathisers from June 7 to June 9, from 10:00am to 3:00 pm each day.
Among those who signed the book of condolence on the first day include Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, a member of the advisory board of Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, Former of the Chairman National Media Commission, Madam Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mr Kwaw Ansah, a film maker, and Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, a diplomat.
Also present were officials of the Ghana Writers Association, the Institute for Democratic Governance, National Theatre of Ghana, Afram Publications Ghana Limited, and Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana, as well as old students of Wesley Girl’s Senior High School, including the 1958 year group mates of Prof Ama At Aidoo and Pan Africanists from the Diaspora.
The atmosphere at the centre was solemn as family members and sympathisers wore black attires to signify their grief.
Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah, President of the Ghana Association of Publishers, who also signed the book, described the late Professor as a one-stop knowledge centre to the literary industry.
He explained that Prof Ama Ata Aidoo’s contribution to the industry, country and humanity was significant and would remain relevant for a very long time to come.
Madam Kinna Likimani, daughter of late Professor, expressed appreciation for the love and support shown her family since the passing of her mother.
She said, the calibre of people who thronged the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre to express their condolences was a reflection her professional life.
“We are amazed at the outpouring of love towards her legacy and appreciation of her works. It has been comforting to know people have been calling and writing about her, and it is the least we can ask of them,” she added.
In the Mediterranean Sea last year, an international team of scientists conducting an underwater archaeological mission found three historical shipwrecks.
The mission also obtained high-resolution photos of three Roman wrecks that were first found by archaeologist Anna Marguerite McCann and oceanographer Robert Ballard between the 1980s and 2000s. During a UNESCO press conference on Thursday in Paris, researchers’ findings were revealed.
Twenty researchers from Algeria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia embarked on a 14-day cruise on the French research vessel Alfred Merlin in August and September.
Using remotely operated underwater vehicles, called ROVs, the researchers explored the Skerki Bank of Tunisia and Italy’s Sicilian Channel.
The team used the research vessel’s underwater mapping and imaging equipment to catalog shipwrecks, dating from ancient times to the 20th century, with sonar.
The ROVs dived to depths inaccessible to humans to collect images and video of the wrecks and their artifacts. One ROV, named Arthur, was able to reach depths of 2,296 to 2,952 feet (700 to 900 meters).
Located along a heavily traveled route in the Mediterranean, the Skerki Bank in the Strait of Sicily is one of the most treacherous maritime areas. Its shallow waters feature an intensely rocky seabed, some of which is less than 3.2 feet (1 meter) beneath the water’s surface.
The Skerki Bank’s perilous features have caused shipwrecks for more than 3,000 years, sinking ancient trading vessels as well as ships during World War II. The area is of interest to researchers because the route has served as a point of contact between multiple cultures traversing the Mediterranean.
An ROV named Hilarion descended through the most dangerous zone of the Skerki Bank called Keith Reef to conduct the first detailed study of the ocean floor. Resting along the bottom of the Tunisian continental shelf were three ships, all previously unknown to researchers.
Two of the shipwrecks were likely from the end of the 19th century or beginning of the 20th century, including a “large motorized metal wreck” with no traces of cargo. In that wreck, researchers noted that the davits, which would have been used to lower lifeboats, were facing outward, which means any crew may have been able to leave the ship. The second ship was likely a wooden fishing boat.
A third shipwreck was likely a merchant vessel that sailed between the first century BC and the second century. The ROV spotted artifacts that appeared to be amphoras, or tall, two-handled jars with narrow necks used by Greeks and Romans, possibly to store wine.
The team hopes that looking through archives could reveal the individual names of the ships that sank since none of them was easily identifiable.
Meanwhile, exploration along the Italian continental shelf revisited three Roman shipwrecks dating between the first century BC and the first century, including two merchant vessels and one cargo ship. All three littered artifacts across the seafloor, including amphoras, ceramics, building materials, jugs, pots and lamps.
The items were likely part of trade between cultures that crisscrossed the Mediterranean thousands of years ago.
“We are going to write a new page in the history of trade,” said Barbara Davidde, underwater archaeologist and director for the national superintendency for underwater cultural heritage in Italy. “Thanks to the analysis of the cargo, we can study the relationships between the countries in the Mediterranean and the sea trade that connected different parts of the Mediterranean.”
The shipwrecks and their artifacts surprisingly remained largely undisturbed since being discovered between 1988 and 2000.
The wrecks were initially outside territorial waters, meaning that their artifacts were easy targets for looting. Now, the areas around the wrecks will be protected under UNESCO’s 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The designation will allow for more precise mapping of shipwrecks and defining protection zones.
“We recognize the huge potential and the importance of underwater cultural heritage,” said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
“UNESCO has actively committed itself to supporting underwater archaeological missions of this type right across the globe. As you know, the Mediterranean with its very rich history, and its countless shipwrecks and archaeological sites offer a unique and fascinating stage for such expeditions. And I hope that there will be many more in the future that will bring us together.”
Even though attention has been on the fallout from the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam since the beginning of the week, it is obvious that Ukrainian forces have increased activity along the frontline southeast of the city of Zaporizhzhia.
However, it is still too early to have a clear sense of what is happening and the degree to which Ukraine has put its foot down and is making a significant forward drive.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted on Thursday by the Russian Ministry of Defence Telegram channel as claiming that Ukraine’s 47th Mechanised Brigade had made four attempts to cross Russian borders with up to 1,500 troops and 150 armoured vehicles.
The attacks had been repelled, Shoigu said, adding that Ukrainian forces had suffered significant losses of both soldiers and arms. The Defense Ministry in Moscow released a drone video purportedly showing a series of strikes on Ukrainian tanks during the same clash.
By contrast, on Friday morning, Semyon Pegov – among the most widely read of a group of Russian journalists and propagandists covering the war, often grouped together as Russia’s “military bloggers” – reported that Ukraine’s armed forces had made gains south of Orikhiv towards the town of Tokmak in Russian-held territory. The situation facing Russian forces was very serious, he said.
Attention has focused on this part of the frontline for months, so stepped-up Ukrainian activity there is no surprise. Breaking Russia’s land-bridge to Crimea, by rolling back Russian forces to the Sea of Azov, is clearly a central military objective for Ukraine. Tokmak lies on the road to Melitopol, one of three large cities under Russian control (the others are Berdiansk and Mariupol) that lie on or very close to the coast.
Ukrainian officials have said very little about how things are going. In his address Thursday evening, President Volodymyr Zelensky described “very tough battles.”
He added: “There is a result, and I am grateful to everyone who ensure the result!” though it is quite possible he was referring to fighting around Bakhmut, which lies along a very different part of the frontline, and where Ukrainian forces have made limited gains recently.
Another Russian military blogger writing on Telegram, Alexander Kots, has sought to frame Ukraine’s moves in the Zaporizhzhia region since the start of the week as a “Blitzkrieg” attempt that has failed.
Vladimir Rogov, a local Russian-installed leader, while also reporting Ukraine suffering “heavy losses” in “fierce fighting,” also urged caution. “The enemy has not yet engaged its main reserves in our direction. Everything is just beginning,” he wrote on Telegram.
CNN cannot independently verify claims made by Russian officials or those of well-sourced Russian military bloggers. But a local Ukrainian commander leading troops along the same front line rejected the suggestion Ukraine had begun its big attempt to recapture territory. Instead, the commander characterized the pushes as “reconnaissance in force” – operations designed to probe the enemy’s defenses for weak spots and to test its combat readiness.
Egyptian authorities have prohibited swimming near a beach at an Egyptian Red Sea resort following a fatal shark attack that claimed the life of a Russian person on Thursday, according to Egyptian and Russian officials.
The tragedy happened in Hurghada, a well-known tourist destination on Egypt’s eastern coast.
According to Russian Consul-General Viktor Voropayev, a Russian citizen who was born in 1999 “died as a result of a shark attack.”
Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, ordered a committee to investigate the incident, according to a statement released by Egypt’s Environment Ministry.
She also directed local authorities to implement the “highest levels of safety for those who go to the beaches of the Red Sea, and to take all possible measures to avoid a recurrence of the shark attack incident again,” the statement said.
According to the statement, a specialized team was able to capture the “Tiger shark” that caused the incident “to examine it to find out the possible reasons for its attack and to indicate whether it is the same fish that caused previous accidents.”
The Environment Ministry issued a two-day ban on swimming starting Friday, including snorkeling and all other water sports activities in the area between Gouna to the north of Hurghada and Soma Bay to its south.
Over the past years, several similar incidents have happened in the Egyptian Red Sea.
In 2022, two women were killed in shark attacks in Egypt’s Red Sea, south of the city of Hurghada, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Environment.
In 2020, a Ukrainian boy lost an arm, and an Egyptian tour guide lost a leg in a shark attack. In 2018, a shark killed a Czech tourist off a Red Sea beach,” according to the state-run Al-Ahram Online newspaper.
The South China Sea will host the first-ever combined military exercise of the ASEAN group of Southeast Asian nations, its chair Indonesia announced on Thursday. These multilateral security drills come at a time when regional volatility and unpredictability are on the rise.
The drill will take place in the North Natuna Sea, the southernmost part of the South China Sea. The decision was made during a conference of military leaders of the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia.
Admiral Yudo Margono, the head of the military in Indonesia, told the state-run news outlet Antara that the drill will take place in September and would not involve any instruction in combat operations. Margono stated that the aim was to strengthen “ASEAN centrality.”
ASEAN’s unity has for years been tested by a rivalry between the United States and China that is being played out in the South China Sea. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia have competing claims with Beijing, which asserts sovereignty over vast stretches of ocean that include parts of Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Indonesian military spokesperson Julius Widjojono said the exercise was related to the “high risk of disaster in Asia, especially Southeast Asia.”
A conduit for about $3.5 trillion of annual ship-borne trade, the South China Sea has seen constant tension of late as China presses its claims with a huge deployment of coast guard and fishing boats as far as 1,500 km (932 miles) off its coastline.
China claims sovereignty via an expansive “nine-dash line” based on its historic maps, which an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled had no legal basis.
ASEAN has been pushing for a long-awaited maritime code of conduct with China to be completed and several of its members have had run-ins with Beijing in recent months.
Vietnam criticized China’s deployment of a research vessel near several gas blocs in its EEZ, while Beijing was accused of sending suspected maritime militia into waters where navies of India and ASEAN countries held an exercise.
The Philippines chided China’s coast guard for “dangerous manoeuvres” and “aggressive tactics” and plans to hold joint patrols with the United States, on top of an inaugural trilateral coast guard exercise they held with Japan this week.
China maintains its coast guard is performing regular operations in what is Chinese sovereign territory.
As stated by specialists, the smoke from the hundreds of wildfires blazing in Canada has already blanketed sections of the US and put some 75 million people under air quality advisories. It has also reportedly spread as far as Norway.
Smoke plumes that originated in Canada have recently travelled as far as Greenland, Iceland, and Norway.
Using extremely sensitive instruments, researchers at the Climate and Environmental Research Institute in Norway (NILU) have been able to identify the increase in smoke and then use forecast modelling to identify its source. Are you indeed Victor Shevchenko, or are you accepting this award on behalf of someone person? asked Zelensky.
People in Norway may be able to smell and even notice the smoke as a light haze but, unlike parts of the US that have seen hazardous pollution, they should experience no health impacts, said Nikolaos Evangeliou, a senior scientist at NILU. “The fires traveling from such long distances arrive very diluted,” he told CNN.
Over the coming days, the plume is expected to spread across swaths of Europe but it’s unlikely people will be able to smell or notice the smoke, Evangeliou said.
It’s not unusual for wildfire smoke to travel long distances. “Smoke from wildfires such as those in Canada is injected at high altitudes thus staying in the atmosphere longer and able to travel over far distances,” he said.
In 2020, smoke from California’s record-breaking wildfires was detected in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located deep inside the Arctic Circle.
The smoke brings negative climate impacts. Wildfire smoke moving over the Arctic deposits soot on the snow and ice, darkening the white surface, which allows it to absorb more heat. This, in turn, accelerates Arctic warming.
The Arctic is already warming around four times faster than the rest of the world, which has global consequences, including influencing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and floods.
The levels of soot arriving from the Canadian wildfires are not expected to have a direct impact on Arctic melting because they are too dilute, Evangeliou said. But the concern is that if fires in the high latitudes increase, which they have done over the past few decades and are projected to do further, then more soot will deposit, he added.
As the climate crisis intensifies, wildfire seasons are expected to increase in severity, especially as droughts and heat become more common and more severe.
Nigerian singer Davido has confidently claimed that he and the acclaimed award-winning artist Wizkid were the pioneers who made history with Afrobeat music.
He further stated that both he and Wizkid were the ones who paved the way for the Afrobeat sound to gain international recognition.
Wizkid and David are part of the wildest Afrobeats artistes from Nigeria, and one can conclude that they are among the musicians who have brought some traction to the Nigerian music industry.
Davido began his music career in 2012 with the release of “Omo Baba Olowo” and since then has been serving the world with back-to-back hit songs.
Wizkid, on the other hand, came into the limelight after his collaboration with Drake on the song ‘One Dance’, which made him the first Afrobeats singer to be featured in the Guinness World Records.
In an interview with Brut Afrique, Davido made the assertion that he and Wizkid were the artistes who gave the Afrobeats genre a facelift.
He said, “I was one of the first—me and Wizkid—to blow it up, and it feels good. You know what I am saying”.
Davido was also glad to see the likes of Asake, Fireboy, and Burna Boy, whom he referred to as the ‘new cats’ doing well with the Afrobeat sound, which he believes will continue to project the genre to a higher height.
“It feels good to also see the new cats coming up, you know what I am saying, like Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy, who else; Mayorkun, Asake, you know, a lot of new cats coming in, killing it. So yeah, I think the future of Afrobeats is in good hands”, he said.
His comment has sparked reactions from some netizens, and these are some of their comments:
“Burnaboy did not blow up BIG until 2018. He’s been signing way before that. He had great tracks. He was not even top 6 in Nigeria. Tems & Rema blew up 2019. They’ve been singing way before that. Wiskid & Davido blew up over a decade”.
“Davido and Wizkid brought the current fire in Afrobeat way back but many of Burna Boy fans or many of young Kids now were properly in Nursery or primary school then! That’s why they got provoked by Davido’s recent honest interview!!
“Wizkid and I were the first young artistes to blow up and it feels good seeing new cats like Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy, Mayorkun and Asake kllling it now”
At a special event in Kyiv earlier this year, Viktor Shevchenko was brought up to get his medal from President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader appeared surprised by Shevchenko’s presence.
Even though it made Shevchenko stand out from the other two dozen men there, it wasn’t the neck gaiter he had pulled up to conceal his lips and nose. His darker skin tone, dark brown eyes, and jet-black hair stood out instead.
Are you indeed Viktor Shevchenko, or are you accepting this award on someone else’s behalf? Zelenksy enquired.
Shevchenko muttered his answer through the face scarf, but his voice was muffled, and the president failed to catch his reply.
Shevchenko tried again a bit louder.
This time, Zelensky understood.
He was the right soldier, but Viktor Shevchenko was not his real name.
Shevchenko laughed as he recalled the episode over lunch at a Crimean Tatar restaurant in Kyiv, and said the president was apologetic as soon as the penny dropped.
“He could see I was Tatar, that I wasn’t Slavic. I told him my parents are still in Crimea and he immediately understood,” he told us over a meal of traditional lamb chebureki, or fried turnovers seasoned with pepper, and dumplings.
He chose the name Shevchenko carefully, he said, to sound as un-Tatar as possible.
His parents, still living in the Russian-occupied peninsula, could expect to receive a knock on the door in the middle of the night if he had given his real name. Even a different, Tatar-sounding, name could have caused trouble if another family had been harassed through mistaken identity.
The history of the Crimean Tatars has taught them to tread carefully. Periods of persecution and exodus, mainly at Russian hands, have characterized the Muslim ethnic minority’s story from at least as far back as 1783, when Russian Empress Catherine the Great annexed Crimea after wresting it from the Ottoman empire. Many Tatars fled.
On May 18, 1944, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin ordered their community’s mass expulsion following the Red Army’s recapture of Crimea from Hitler’s Wehrmacht. The Crimean Tatars were accused of collaborating with the Nazis and were taken off in cattle trucks to the Ural Mountains and to Uzbekistan, thousands of kilometers away.
The lucky ones were tipped off by friends, and had a few hours to grab their Qurans and a few other belongings; the rest were caught by surprise and bundled out of their homes in the middle of the night.
In all, historians and official Ukrainian figures put the number deported at more than 200,000, of whom roughly 40% are believed to have died – either during the forced journey east or within the first year of exile – mostly through disease, hunger or thirst.
It was only during the final years of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and then into the 1990s as Ukraine achieved independence that Crimean Tatars, Shevchenko’s parents among them, were allowed to return. Within two decades, official census figures show, their number had reached almost a quarter of a million – about 10% of the territory’s population.
In light of this history of persecution, the sight of Vladimir Putin’s “little green men” arriving in Crimea in the February and March of 2014 meant Shevchenko – by then a young man in his 20s – was in no doubt over what to expect.
“I’ve read a lot of history books, so I knew what was happening. And I knew nothing good would come of it.”
The Tatars, he recalled, along with others on the peninsula opposed to Russia’s invasion, formed territorial defense groups, but without access to arms they were powerless. Russia swiftly announced the formal annexation of Crimea, an act declared illegal in a vote by the United Nations General Assembly.
Shevchenko left and went to Kyiv, where he had friends.
It is not known exactly how many like him fled Crimea in the aftermath of Russia’s takeover, though census figures suggest it could be upwards of 10,000 since 2014. A Human Rights Watch report in 2017 accused Russian authorities there of having “intensified persecution of Crimean Tatars… with the apparent goal of completely silencing dissent,” while the European Union in February 2022 said the Crimean Tatars continued to be “unacceptably persecuted, pressured and have their rights gravely violated.”
Like many, Shevchenko found work in IT. Occasionally, he would make trips back home, most recently during the Covid pandemic, when both of his parents were sick.
And then came February 24, 2022, a date quickly seared into the Ukrainian consciousness – the day when Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country began.
Shevchenko, along with three Tatar friends also in Kyiv, signed up to fight the very next day.
“I had fled Russia once,” he said. “I didn’t want to flee a second time.”
If Ukraine fell, he reasoned, then fleeing to Poland or the Baltic countries wouldn’t provide much safety if Russia turned its attention there next. “Fleeing again sounded absurd to me.”
After initially seeing military service near Kyiv, Shevchenko and his friends were soon sent out east, where the fiercest fighting was taking place. One of the friends with whom he had enlisted was killed near Bilohorivka while serving as a combat medic. Shrapnel ripped off both his legs and one of his arms, Shevchenko explained, almost matter of fact.
“Life is very short,” he said when asked what the last year had taught him.
“It is ridiculous wasting time on small things that don’t matter. I was raised to be shy and timid towards other people. I see now how stupid it is to hold back on making new friends and acquaintances.”
When we met, Shevchenko was waiting to be rotated back to the front line, quite possibly as part of Ukraine’s anticipated counteroffensive. As on other deployments, he would be sure to take with him his history books and his Quran.
He does not regard himself as a particularly observant Muslim, but it is nonetheless a key part of his identity as a Crimean Tatar, something he likes to discuss on his Twitter page. Under the name комбатант (Combatant), he solicits questions from his 15,000 followers on Tatar traditions and their history and relations with neighbors, and answers them with audio recordings. The idea was borne in response to the tedium of trench life.
“You see the same people day in, day out, you can go a bit crazy,” he explained.
There is a lot of ignorance about Crimean Tatars, he said, much of it stemming from Russian- and Soviet-era propaganda, but what is encouraging to him is that people are keen to find out more.
Zelensky, himself part of a minority as a Jewish Ukrainian, has also shown a willingness to reach out to the Tatars. The medal ceremony at which Victor received his award for military service to Ukraine was part of an Iftar – the meal with which Muslims break their daily fast during Ramadan.
The event was hosted by the president, who said it would be part of a new annual tradition which would see the president’s office hosting such a gathering each year.
Such an initiative would be a further signal of changing relationships, because even though most Tatars are unequivocal about how they regard Russia, their attitude towards Ukraine and Ukrainian identity has also been marked by a certain ambivalence.
According to Shevchenko, Crimean Tatars are grateful Ukraine allowed them to return in the 1990s. He said the two peoples have a tradition of living alongside one another and fighting alongside one another. But at the same time, Kyiv’s Berkut – the thuggish riot police disbanded in the wake of the 2013-2014 Euromaidan revolution – were frequently violent towards the Crimean Tatars, especially during rallies held to mark the annual day of mourning on May 18.
Ukraine’s politicians, too, were too often guilty of making empty pledges, Shevchenko said, promising greater freedoms for Crimean Tatars that never materialized. Indeed, it was only in 2015, a year after Ukraine lost control of Crimea to Moscow, that Kyiv granted the Tatars the status of indigenous people.
“God has a very poor sense of humor towards the Crimean Tatars,” he observed wryly, just as delicious pakhlava (pastries layered with nuts and sweetened with honey) and strong coffee arrived at our table, the last of the meal’s offerings.
Regaining Crimea through military means, or just removing it from Russian control in any peace negotiations, will not be easy, but Shevchenko is certain he will return some day to a peninsula that is free and Ukrainian. His soldier’s sense of cause is unshakeable.
“The best job in the world is the one I have now,” he said. “I have never felt so needed, and the sense I am in the right place, as I do now.”
Richard, popularly known as King Promise’s lookalike, has opened up on reasons he was picked up by the police as earlier captured in the news.
On Monday, June 5, reports of his arrest went viral on the internet, with many questioning and exploring possible reasons for the development.
But narrating what led to the development, Richard, who has now been freed, claimed the arrest was caused by his old friend to whom he owed an amount of GH¢800.
He stated that about two or three years ago, he spoilt that particular friend’s mobile device worth GH¢8000 and had since promised to replace it, but he couldn’t.
However, upon noticing that he had gained some level of fame and money, his friend decided to now call for his arrest, in a bid to retrieve the money.
“I spoilt my friend’s phone sometime back and now because I’m famous and he thinks I have made money so he sent the police after me. It’s been 2 to 3 years ago. He has been asking me for the money for a while now. I haven’t been picking his calls because I have been busy. The phone costs GH¢800,” he said in an interview with Angel FM.
Asked who recorded the video of his arrest that went viral, he said, “We were all live on TikTok when the incident happened. My other look-alike friends were recording the incident.”
He also refuted reports that the entire development was staged.
Court of Appeal Judge Emmanuel Ankamah is to be investigated by the Chief Justice regarding how he handled a case involving the estate of a deceased pastor while he was a High Court Judge at Tema.
A five-member Supreme Court Panel, with Justice Victor Jones Dotse presiding, called for the investigation insisting the conduct of the Judge and a Registrar Sebastian Agbo has the potential to affect the image of the Judiciary.
“In our collective wisdom, we deem it appropriate to refer this case to the Chief Justice to cause further investigations into the conduct of the learned trial judge and Sebastian Agbo, then Registrar of the High Court, Tema under whose tenure the sordid affairs happened,” Justice Dotse stated in his valedictory Judgment.
Following the death of one Rev Emmanuel Dorgbadzi, a dispute arose as to who should administer the estate. The matter ended up at the Tema High Court presided over at the time by Justice Ankamah.
Documents (caveat) were filed to prevent proposed administrators of the estate from getting permission to administer it.
Justice Ankamah is said to have struck out this process even though it was not listed for hearing and failed to give the parties in whose favour they were issued a hearing.
Justice Dotse ruled that the court breached the rules of natural justice as the evidence on the record showed that the case was heard on the blind side of the caveators, with the presiding judge striking out the said caveat for want of prosecution and granting the letters of administration to the interested parties.
According to Justice Dotse, the irregular manner in which the case was handled pointed to the fact that the presiding judge “appeared to be biased against the applicants”.
He also wondered why Justice Ankamah struck out the caveat when the issues raised in the caveat were of utmost importance as it raised questions of capacity of the parties who filed the letters of administration.
“It is therefore clear that the affidavit filed by the applicants herein that had raised serious issues of fact and law as regards priorities of grant of the letters of administration. That being the case, the learned trial judge should have been circumspect in casually dismissing this caveat,’ the court held.
Aside from setting aside the decision by the Tema High Court, the Supreme Court also prohibited Justice Ankamah and the Registrar of the High Court from ever dealing with the case. Justice Dotse further expressed concern about how properties belonging to the deceased were valued.
A hospital at Obuasi was valued at GH¢60,000, a school at Obuasi at GH¢35,000 and the house of the deceased at Tema valued at GH¢30,000. The Judicial Secretary has meanwhile announced in statement that the Registrar of the Tema Land Court Sebastian Agbo has been dismissed for fraudulently preparing 30 court orders.
The case was heard by Justices Victor Jones Dotse, Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi.
Renowned music producer Kaywa, widely recognized in the showbiz industry, has provided an explanation for the departure of his signee Mr. Drew.
About a year ago, there were rumours about the singer’s departure from his then-present record label, but an interview with Doreen Avio on Hitz FM denied that he hadn’t left and labeled such false information as gossip.
But a few months later, after 2023 began, the ‘Shuperu’ hitmaker announced in an interview on TV3 that he was no longer a signee of Highly Spiritual Music, stating that his reason for leaving was because he needed a change in his career.
He said, “Everyone wants growth; you can’t stay in one place for a long while. It is more about moving ahead”.
Kaywa, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Highly Spiritual Music and doubles as a music producer, has broken his silence as to why Mr. Drew left.
A post shared by Hitz 103.9 FM on their Twitter page mentioned Kaywa’s explanation of why Mr. Drew left.
According to him, the five-year deal agreement that took place between the label and the singer was due. In addition, the label had planned to work with Mr. Drew in the future, but he [Mr. Drew] had already made up his mind not to be part of the company’s future plans with him.
He further stated that the artiste told them he wanted a change, so they had no option but to respect his decision.
“Mr. Drew exhausted his five-year deal with Highly Spiritual. But we thought we still had the strength to still work with him, but he said he wanted to look in a different direction, so we allowed him to go,” Kaywa said.
Check out the tweet below:
Mr Drew exhausted his five-year deal with Highly Spiritual. But we thought we still had the strength to still work with him but he said he wanted to look a different direction so we allowed him to go. – Kaywa #DaybreakHitz
Parliament of Ghana in collaboration with the Forestry Commission would, today, Friday, 9 June 2023, at 10:00am hold a short exercise within the precinct of Parliament to commemorate the 2023 Green Ghana Day.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin will lead Members of Parliament and the Parliamentary Service Staff to plant about 300 tree seedlings at Parliament House, the official residence of the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, Leader’s village, Clerk-to -Parliament among others.
Considering the importance of this national exercise, the Speaker will suspend sitting today to enable Members of Parliament join their various constituencies to plant trees in the towns, communities and villages in their constituencies, a statement signed by David Sebastian Damoah, Director, Media Relation said.
The Speaker, Members of Parliament and the entire staff of the Parliamentary Service will participate fully in the national exercise.
This year’s edition of the Green Ghana Day exercise is being marked on the theme: “Our Forests, Our Health” with a target to plant at least 10 million tree seedlings across the country.
The nationwide exercise is part of an aggressive afforestation and reforestation agenda to restore degraded forest landscapes and to contribute to global efforts to fight climate change.
Parliament says it sees the preservation and protection of the forest as a collective responsibility of a nation.
In view of this, Parliament is calling on state agencies, institutions, faith-based organisations, and members of the general public to demonstrate their patriotism by actively participating in the tree-planting exercise.
The King of the Ashanti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reportedly destooled the chief of Ejisu Kwaso, Nana Nketia Boampon.
According to multiple reports, the destoolment of Nana Nketia was ordered by Otumfuo during a sitting of the Asanteman Traditional Council tribunal on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
The appearance of Kwasohene at the tribunal is said to be on the back of an alleged payment of GHC120,000.00 made to him by one Mr Gyimah, a royal at Kwaso who had shown interest in a vacant Dikro Stool at Kwaso.
The amount is said to have been the initial payment of GHC300,000.00 agreed upon between Nana Boampon and the said Mr Gyimah for the vacant stool.
Called before the Asantehene, the Kwasohene is said to have committed the inexcusable act of perjury by earlier disavowing the allegation and later admitting to taking the said amount following intense interrogation.
He is also alleged to have engaged in the multiple sale of lands.
His removal as chief of Kwaso was immediately ordered by the Asantehene.
The destoolment of Kwasohene comes a few days after the Asantehene ordered the destoolment of the chief of Antoa, Nana Owusu Agyeman I.
According to multiple palace sources, the Asantehene ruled against the 96-year-old and ordered his destoolment as the chief of Antoa during a judicial hearing on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Manhyia Palace.
Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman, who had held the position of Antoahene for over two decades, is reported to have violated customary procedures by appointing his nephew to take over his reign while he is still alive.
After being confronted by his kinsmen and elders who suggested that he should have sought the permission of the King before taking such action, he allegedly denigrated the Asantehene.
Following Otumfuo’s ruling on Monday evening, official rites for the destoolment of Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman were immediately set into motion in the town of Antoa.
The chief is also alleged to have been charged with various improper acts, including the alleged multiple sale of lands.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 flagbearer-hopeful, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, popularly known as “Alan Cash” has outlined his vision for a government that prioritises the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
He says if elected as flagbearer and subsequently President of the Republic, he will adopt what he describes as “the People’s Government”.
According to the former Trade and Industries Minister, his type of administration will see to the involvement of all and sundry for a successful tenure.
Speaking at the official launch of the Alan Cash Donation Platform to facilitate his bid to lead the party to general elections in Accra, the flagbearer-hopeful Alan Kyeremanten indicated he is particular about partnering with people who believe in his dream for power capture in 2024.
Mr. Alan Kyerematen noted that people’s contributions, whether in cash or kind, towards his campaign will not be taken for granted but will rather be utilized efficiently.
He maintained he was not going to use state resources to run his campaign, which others must emulate.
Mr. Kyerematen stressed that since he was ready to contest as flagbearer for the NPP, he, first of all, deserted his position to look for money and even support from his supporters to campaign.
The High Court in Accra has ordered the Nsawam Prison Authorities to produce Pius Ayoma, a private Security man charged with attempted murder and robbery who was rearrested after escaping from police custody.
Ayoma, on the night of March 2, escaped from lawful custody after appearing at the High Court and was remanded into Nsawam Prison Custody.
Upon his re-arrest he was arraigned at the Circuit Court in Accra presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah for Conspiracy to escape from lawful custody and Causing unlawful damage.
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, when he was expected to appear before the High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, Ayoma who is in Prison custody was absent.
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court has therefore directed the Prisons Authority to produce the accused person.
The case has been adjourned to June 19, 2023.
Brief facts
Per the brief facts of the case, the complainants are a couple who reside together off Spintex road.
The accused, Pius Anundoabil Ayoma also lived off the Spintex Road Accra and was a security man with a private Security Company.
The facts indicate that he was assigned by the private security firm to work at the residence of the couple as a security guard till he was relieved of that post upon a complaint made by the couple to his (the accused person’s) supervisor for petty stealing at their residence.
It states that on January 21, 2020, at about 7:30pm, the accused who was no longer working at the residence of the couple, armed with a gun and a knife surfaced at the premises of the complainants wearing a mask and attacked the security man on duty.
The facts state that the accused tied his legs and arms with a necktie and a rope, after which he hits him several times with the butt of the gun.
Access to house
The facts state that he then gained access to the main house with a duplicate key which he already had and he entered the bedroom of the couple, now unmasked where he chanced upon one complainant (the wife) who was home alone.
“He forcefully broke into their bathroom where she was freshening up to go to church and injured himself in the process resulting in blood stains on the bathroom floor.
“He ordered her to transfer some money from her phone to a mobile number which investigations later revealed was registered in his name,” the brief facts state.
“He then took her to the room where he had tied their security guard and threatened to hit her with the gun just as he was hitting the security guard if she did not give him more money.”
Momo transfer
The facts indicate that she pleaded with him not to hit her because she was pregnant and did not want to lose her baby.
“He forcibly made her transfer about two thousand Ghana Cedis to the said phone number and even assaulted her.
“He asked her for more money which she said she did not have so he told her he would wait for her husband to return since he was aware they were well to do.”
“He then tied her up in the bathroom, ransacked the rooms and collected various items belonging to the couple.
“He took away two iPhones, one Dell Laptop computer, one DSTV decoder, one Subwoofer, one 32 inches Samsung Television, one 55-inch Philip flat Screen Television, two travelling bags and assorted clothes.”
Uber request
The facts indicate that he then ordered her to use her phone to order an Uber to come to the house.
The accused, upon arrival of the Uber driver, conveyed all the items with his (the Uber driver) assistance into the vehicle.
“The accused did not leave but lay in wait for the other complainant (who is the husband) to return from work. At about 10:30 pm, he returned home and entered the house.
“It was only upon entering the house that he realised his house was under attack. He saw his wife tied on the toilet seat and in his attempt to set her free, he was attacked by the accused who was hiding behind the bathroom door,” the facts State.
Gunshot
The facts indicate that he (the accused) tried hitting him with his gun but the complainant hit the gun with his hand and run outside while shouting for help.
“The accused actually chased the complainant outside and fired the gun at him but missed him and he managed to escape unhurt.
“The accused, (who had earlier on come out unmasked to pack the stolen items into the Uber) jumped into the Uber vehicle but now masked and ordered the driver at gunpoint to drive out of the house, towards Spintex road,” it states.
It states that on their way, “the accused removed the mask and ordered the Uber driver to get a taxi for him.
“The driver obliged and stopped a taxi and he transferred the booty into the taxi and ordered the driver to drive towards Kasapreko direction.”
Police station
It states that the Police were informed and the accused was traced to Kasapreko junction where he was spotted in the taxi with the stolen items.
The police signaled the driver to stop and he did and the accused came out and pointed a gun at the police.
“The police also pointed a gun at him but upon realising that the gun of the Police was not functioning he (the accused) managed to escape from the vehicle leaving behind the taxi together with the booty.
“The taxi was sent to the Manet Police Station where a complaint was lodged.
“The complainants identified him to the Police as the one who robbed them. They also identified the stolen items in the taxi as theirs.”
It states that investigations later revealed that the accused was hiding at Fumbisi in the Upper East Region where he was arrested.
In the process of arresting him, the accused resisted, with the assistance of his mother and other members of his family by firing at one of the arresting officers, injuring him in the process.
Today, on Friday, June 9, 2023, the third edition of Green Ghana Day is being observed.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission have, thus, called on all Ghanaians and residents in the country to come out in their numbers and support the national tree-planting exercise.
The Green Ghana Day was first launched by the government in 2021, under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, as part of an aggressive afforestation and reforestation agenda to restore the lost forest cover of the country.
The maiden edition targeted planting five million trees, but over seven million trees were planted.
Last year, over twenty-six million trees were planted, exceeding the target of twenty million.
A total of 10 million seedlings are expected to be planted across the country today, while nurturing the over 30 million that were planted in 2021 and 2022.
Seedlings are available for free at the offices of the Forestry Commission
