TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Russia cannot meet India’s demands for armaments due to Ukraine war – Indian Air Force

    Russia cannot meet India’s demands for armaments due to Ukraine war – Indian Air Force

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) said that Russia is unable to fulfil its obligations to deliver weaponry to India as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, putting significant strain on New Delhi’s relationship with its top defence supplier as Moscow tries to increase weapon manufacturing.

    A “big delivery” from Moscow “is not going to take place,” an IAF spokesperson told a committee of Indian lawmakers.

    The statement, which was made public in a report by India’s lower house of parliament on Tuesday, is the first official denial by Indian authorities following a flurry of rumours and media reports that suggested Russian capacity was lacking.

    “They have given us in writing that they are not able to deliver it,” the representative said, according to the report.

    CNN has contacted the Russian Embassy in New Delhi but did not receive a response at the time of publishing.

    The report did not mention the specifics of the delivery.

    The biggest ongoing delivery is the S-400 Triumf air defense system units India bought in 2018 for $5.4 billion. Three of these systems have been delivered and two more are awaited, Reuters reported.

    IAF also depends on Russia for spares for its Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets, the mainstay of the service branch, according to Reuters.

    Russia is the world’s second-largest arms exporter, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

    Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a large-scale effort to build up capacity to produce more weapons for the war in a move he said was “urgently needed.”

    Putin’s order also followed repeated complaints by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin that his mercenaries were not receiving sufficient munitions in their prolonged battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut.

    New Delhi has strong ties with Moscow dating back to the Cold War, and remains heavily dependent on the Kremlin for its military equipment – a vital link given the ongoing tensions along India’s shared Himalayan border with an increasingly assertive China.

    The admission by the IAF is “very serious,” according to Harsh V. Pant, vice president of studies and foreign policy at the New Delhi-based think thank Observer Research Foundation.

    “I think it underscores the problems that (India) has been bedeviling this relationship for quite some time,” he added. “And the Ukraine crisis has accelerated the trend that India, for a very long time, has been trying to diversify, and was concerned about its over dependence on Russia.”

    A SIPRI report published this month said Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, despite a drop in defense imports from 62% to 45% between 2017 and 2022.

    Experts have suggested the drop could be because India is looking to diversify its imports and push more home-grown equipment.

    Last September, a US State Department official said Washington was in “deep” talks with India over its reliance on Russian arms and energy.

    Russia “is no longer a reliable weapons supplier” and Indian representatives are “coming to understand that there could be real benefits for them (in finding other markets),” the official told reporters in New York.

    Since the start of the war in Ukraine, India, the world’s largest democracy, has carefully navigated a middle path.

    New Delhi has refused to condemn Moscow’s brutal assault in various United Nations resolutions. And rather than cutting economic ties with the Kremlin, India has undermined Western sanctions by increasing its purchases of Russian oil, coal and fertilizer.

    India has also maintained close ties to the West – particularly the United States – as it works to thwart China’s rise.

    As Putin continues his aggression, driving food and fuel prices to soar, experts have suggested Moscow’s actions in Ukraine could be testing New Delhi’s patience.

    And the Indian Air Force going public about Russia’s arms delivery failure could be a sign of that strain, said Pant, from the Observer Research Foundation.

    “I think the relationship (between India and Russia) has been under stress for a long time,” he said. “It’s now becoming clear that the present trajectory of this relationship is becoming increasingly unsustainable (because of) what is happening in Ukraine.”

    Additional reporting by Reuters.

  • Teenage girl detained after an elderly is run over and murdered

    Teenage girl detained after an elderly is run over and murdered

    After a car struck and killed an elderly outside a Thai restaurant, a teenage girl was detained.

    The Nissan Paxo struck the man, who was in his 70s, as he crossed a street in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

    He could not be saved, according to the police, and was pronounced dead at the spot.

    Minor injuries were also sustained by a 19-year-old woman in the Friday night collision outside the Thai Orchid restaurant.

    Thames Valley Police confirmed she has since been released on bail.

    Sergeant Edward Crofts of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘We are conducting an investigation following this incident in which a man has sadly lost his life.

    ‘My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

    ‘Our enquiries are ongoing and one person has been arrested and bailed.

    ‘We are appealing for witnesses and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area at the time of the incident and may have dash-cam footage of the incident or the moments leading up to the collision.

  • Growing crops on Mars may be made possible – Astronauts

    Growing crops on Mars may be made possible – Astronauts

    Humans began making preparations to send people to Mars even before we landed on the moon, and in recent years, the dream has appeared to be becoming closer to reality.
    Elon Musk’s SpaceX hopes to reach Mars even sooner than NASA, which wants to send astronauts there in the 2030s.

    As Matt Damon would have you believe in the movie “The Martian,” you can’t just grow potatoes in Mars’ soil, making it a challenge to keep astronauts alive once they arrive.

    With an atmosphere 100 times thinner than Earth’s, only half the amount of sunlight, no known accessible fresh water, and average temperatures of -81 degrees Fahrenheit, Mars is the most challenging environment in which humans have ever planned to produce food.

    A startup called Interstellar Lab believes it may have the solution. The Paris and Los Angeles-based company has designed a controlled-environment capsule system that could one day allow crops to be grown in space.

    “Interstellar Lab is the pursuit of a child’s dream in the context of the climate crisis on Earth,” says CEO Barbara Belvisi. “At the youngest age, I dreamt of becoming a multi-planet species and to live under domes on other planets, surrounded by plants.”

    Belvisi spent a year with engineers at NASA AMES Space Portal before launching Interstellar Lab in 2018. Its Nutritional Closed-Loop Eco-Unit System, or “NUCLEUS,” is a modular structure composed of nine cube capsules designed to provide a nutritious diet for four astronauts for the duration of a two-year mission. Belvisi says it is capable of producing fresh microgreens, vegetables, mushrooms, and even edible insects.

    “The initial focus was to build a regenerative food production system to advance sustainable farming on Earth,” says Belvisi. “But I asked, ‘what if the technology we will need to live in space could help us live more sustainably on Earth?’ That’s how the concept of advanced controlled-environment modules for Earth and space was born.”

    In 2021, the design was among the winners of Phase 1 of NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, and in January this year, NASA announced NUCLEUS among the 11 Phase 2 finalists.

    NUCLEUS is moving now to a lab in Cape Canaveral, Florida, to participate in the challenge’s final phase, with the winners announced in April.

    Inside the NUCLEUS capsule cubes, plants are grown in vertical crop systems, the method many scientists consider to be the best option for Martian agriculture.

    Vertical farming is a method of growing crops without soil in a controlled environment, delivering nutrient-rich water straight to a plant’s roots. It can use significantly less water and fertilizer than traditional outdoor agriculture, and by continuously recirculating water, it creates very little waste.

    A large-scale example of this method in use can be found at the Emirates Crop One facility in Dubai, the world’s biggest vertical farm. According to Crop One, its Dubai farm covers 330,000 square feet of vertical growing space and produces 1 million kilograms (more than 2 million pounds) of crops every year, including kale, spinach, and arugula.

    Read: Astronauts have a taco taste test using first chile peppers grown in space

    Deane Falcone, Crop One’s chief scientific officer, says that the principles can be applied to essentially any harsh environment.

    “One of the fundamental advantages of this indoor growing is that we can put it in Dubai, we could put it in the extreme cold – basically anywhere,” explains Falcone. And other than water and artificial light, “it’s independent of resources.”

    According to Falcone, if a vertical farm were to be used on Mars, water could be extracted from ice sheets below the planet’s surface, while light could be supplied either by a system of mirrors to magnify the natural sunlight or using lamps powered by solar and wind energy.

    Falcone considers vertical farming in a fully sealed and controlled environment to be “the only option for agriculture on Mars,” although some scientists are researching growing plants directly in the Martian soil. With vertical farming, “you control the daylight hours, you have a lot of influence over what the plant will do,” he says. “You can encourage flowering simply by changing the timing of the lighting.”

    Falcone points out that in the absence of gravity, such as during the expected nine-month journey to Mars, the most common form of vertical farming, hydroponics (growing in water), wouldn’t work. “All of Earth’s large-scale farms rely on gravity,” he explains. “We’re growing in a tray of water that’s flowing, (and) that water is held in the tray by gravity.”

    It’s a problem encountered aboard the International Space Station, where crops are already grown using artificial lights. Seeds are planted in a nutrient-rich substrate inside sealed chambers that are scattered with fertilizer pellets. To counter the lack of gravity, astronauts must painstakingly administer water to the roots of individual plants – a system that wouldn’t be feasible at the scale required to feed a whole crew.

    Falcone suggests an alternative method, known as aeroponics, which would deliver water to contained roots using a mist.

    Once on the surface of Mars, and under the influence of Martian gravity, a hydroponic vertical farm system could be used, housed in an environment like Interstellar Lab’s NUCLEUS.

    But Falcone predicts a much larger space will be required. “The system has to be something that you can rely on day after day to provide food,” he says. “It could also be tailored to deliver breathable air as oxygen is created by the plants growing there. You’d have to have a pretty large-scale system to enable continuous output of food and additional products such as oxygen.”

    The foods that could be grown in these systems and served up to Martian settlers are imagined in “Dinner on Mars: The Technologies That Will Feed the Red Planet and Transform Agriculture on Earth,” a book by Lenore Newman, director of Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley, and Evan Fraser, director of Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, both in Canada.

    “The key to sustaining life on Mars is an extremely intensive, closed loop, efficient food system,” says Newman.

    Read: Space-grown lettuce is safe to eat, says study

    Fraser says that by using LED light and a nuclear reactor for energy, “pretty much anything is possible in a Martian environment.”

    “On Mars, you have to close the loop. You have to pay close attention to anything you’re losing from or putting into the system,” says Fraser. “It’s a nice thought exercise to remind us what we could do on Earth if we really doubled down.”

    Fraser believes this kind of technology could help us use resources more efficiently on Earth, and reduce carbon emissions.

    “The vertical farming industry have done a remarkable job of reducing labor, water, and costs such as land costs. They are achieving a huge amount of productivity per square acre, per hour of worker and per liter of water use,” says Fraser.

    When asked whether they thought that vertical farming was a good option for sustaining life of Mars, both Newman and Fraser answer in unison: “It’s the only option.”

  • New tornado warning announced in Georgia hours after 26 lives were claimed

    New tornado warning announced in Georgia hours after 26 lives were claimed

    Only a few hours after a tornado killed 26 people in Mississippi, a tornado warning has been issued for Georgia.

    This morning, the National Weather Service issued warnings for a number of Georgia counties.

    President Biden issued a massive disaster designation for Mississippi earlier today so that residents could seek safety.

    This indicates that those who have been most negatively impacted will receive greater funding.

    The US ramped up recovery efforts today after huge wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour flattened buildings.

    Search and recovery crews today resumed the daunting task of digging through the debris of flattened homes and commercial buildings.

    Further warnings were issued including those for high winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.

    They were issued in eastern Louisiana, south-central Mississippi, and south-central Alabama.

    Following Biden’s declaration, funding can be used for recovery efforts in Mississippi’s Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey counties, including temporary housing, home repairs, loans covering uninsured property losses, and other individual and business programs, the White House said in a statement.

    The tornado flattened entire blocks, obliterated houses, ripped a steeple off a church, and toppled a municipal water tower.

    The warnings put out this morning come after a tornado was observed near the city of Milledgeville, in central Georgia’s Baldwin County.

    A warning was also issued in Hancock County and a wider tornado watch remains in place for large sections of Georgia and Alabama.

    A ‘tornado watch’ means that tornadoes are possible in the area. Residents should be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued, the weather service said.

  • Rahul Gandhi loses standing as a legislator in India over defamation case

    Rahul Gandhi loses standing as a legislator in India over defamation case

    A day after receiving a two-year prison sentence for defamation, the former leader of India’s largest opposition party was found ineligible to serve as a lawmaker in a decision that his supporters claim is politically motivated.

    Rahul Gandhi “stands disqualified from the membership,” according to a statement from India’s lower house, the Lok Sabha, which cited his most recent conviction.

    It is the second blow for the opposition Congress party in India in as many days, and it may be the end of one of the few individuals with the star power and name recognition necessary to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    On Thursday, Gandhi was found guilty of defamation by a court in western state of Gujarat for a speech he made in 2019, in which he referred to thieves as having the same surname as Modi.

    The 52-year-old politician was granted bail, according to his Congress party, which decried his conviction, accusing Modi of using the courts to silence his critics.

    “Everyone knows that Rahul Gandhi… is raising his voice against the dictator. He’s showing the courage to call out what is wrong,” the party said in a statement on Thursday.

    The convictionopened up an opportunity for his opponents, particularly within Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    Under Indian law, a member of parliament can be disqualified for offenses such as “promoting enmity between two groups, bribery and undue influence or personation at an election.”

    If a lawmaker is convicted for any other offense and sentenced to a period of two years or more, they can also be disqualified.

    “He (Gandhi) stands convicted and as per law conviction leads to automatic disqualification. The Congress knows this,” BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya told CNN affiliate News18.

    Following his disqualification Gandhi will be unable to contest future elections unless his sentence is either stayed or he is acquitted.

    “We will fight this battle both legally and politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced,” senior Congress politician Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

    Indian parties from across the political spectrum have condemned Gandhi’s disqualification as an MP.

    Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal state and chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress, tweeted, “In PM Modi’s New India, opposition leaders have become the prime target of BJP! While BJP leaders with criminal antecedents are inducted into the cabinet, Opposition leaders are disqualified for their speeches. Today, we have witnessed a new low for our constitutional democracy.”

    MP Derek O’Brien, also of the All India Trinamool Congress, posted a video on Twitter, saying, “The BJP is desperate to silence the voice of the opposition… We know they will go to all kinds of lows but this is the low of the low… BJP, shame on you.”

    Manoj Jha, an MP with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal party, wrote on Twitter that democracy had been “declared dead.”

    “How bizarre and obnoxious. Shamelessness has got a new address. Yet don’t say democracy is dead in India. Parties in opposition must see that it is not about ‘elections’ alone but the fight must be to resuscitate democracy…” Jha wrote in a separate tweet.

    Shashi Tharoor, an MP from Gandhi’s party, expressed his shock on Twitter, saying: “I’m stunned by this action and by its rapidity, within 24 hours of the court verdict and while an appeal was known to be in process. This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy.”

    Gandhi stood against Modi to contest the country’s top seat in the 2019 general election but he lost heavily.

    He subsequently stepped down as Congress’ president but remains an influential figure within the party.

    He is the son of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

    His grandmother Indira was India’s first female leader, and his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was the country’s founding Prime Minister.

    His grandmother was assassinated while in office, and his father was killed by a bomb blast while he was campaigning in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

  • Netanyahu involvement in the judicial reforms is illigal – Israel’s attorney general

    Netanyahu involvement in the judicial reforms is illigal – Israel’s attorney general

    Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara wrote to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, accusing him of breaking the law when he declared on Thursday that he would participate personally in his government’s efforts to alter the nation’s judicial system.

    “Yesterday night you publicly indicated that you intend to disregard the Supreme Court’s decision and act in opposition to the advice of the government’s legal counsel,” she wrote.
    She said that assertion was “illegal and tainted by a conflict of interest.”

    The move raises the stakes even further in a national controversy that has sent tens of thousands of demonstrators onto Israel’s streets, caused military reservists to refuse to train, and prompted criticism from business and financial leaders, former military and intelligence commanders, and international allies including US President Joe Biden.

    It comes after the Netanyahu government pushed through a law on Thursday effectively stripping the courts of the power to declare a prime minister unfit for office.

    Hours later, Netanyahu said in a speech to the nation that he would get personally involved in the controversial package of measures to overhaul the country’s judicial system. Until then, the campaign had been publicly led by Netanyahu allies including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Simcha Rothman, the chair of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.

    “Until today my hands were tied. No more. I enter the event, for the sake of the people and the country, I will do everything in my power to reach a solution and calm the spirits in the nation,” Netanyahu said in his speech Thursday night.

    Baharav-Miara’s letter referred to a court-mandated conflict of interest agreement that Netanyahu accepted in order to allow him to form a government despite being on trial for multiple allegations of corruption.

    “As a Prime Minister indicted with crimes, you must refrain from actions that arouse a reasonable fear of a conflict of interest between your personal interests in the criminal proceedings and your role as Prime Minister,” she wrote to him.

    A source close to Netanyahu, who was in London meeting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday, denied he had broken the law or violated his conflict of interest agreement.

    “The Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday has no bearing on his personal affairs,” the source said.

    The dispute is likely to end up in the high court.

  • Jay-Z reaches a net worth milestone of $2.5 billion

    Jay-Z reaches a net worth milestone of $2.5 billion

     African-American billionaire and rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, has seen his net worth significantly increase as a result of a recent revaluation of his assets, which include investments in technology and spirits companies.

    His fortune has now surpassed $2.5 billion, placing him on an equal footing with “The Queen of Talk,” Oprah Winfrey, who is also worth $2.5 billion.

    According to Forbes, Jay-Z, who ranks as the first hip-hop billionaire, experienced a staggering $1.2 billion surge in his net worth, from $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion. This solidified his position as one of the world’s wealthiest Black billionaires.

    Just shy of a month since he sold a 50-percent stake in the high-end cognac label, D’Usse, to Bacardi Limited – one of the world’s largest privately owned spirit companies – Jay-Z has seen a significant boost in his net worth.

    The deal, which was valued at $750 million, contributed to the recent surge in wealth.

    The sale of the stake resulted in Jay-Z becoming a minority shareholder in the cognac brand. However, the transaction was not without controversy, as the rapper engaged in a contentious legal battle with Bacardi, expressing concerns over the lack of financial transparency and insisting that the company open up its books and other records.

    Although the details of the transaction have not been disclosed, sources have confirmed that the value of the stake sold by Jay-Z may exceed $750 million.

    This is due to the fact that Jay-Z had previously valued D’Usse at $3 billion, which would suggest that his 50 percent stake would be worth $1.5 billion.

    In 2019, Jay-Z became hip-hop’s first billionaire due to his diverse range of investments, which included stakes in technology companies, art collections, expansive real estate holdings, and liquor brands such as D’Usse.

    In February 2021, Jay-Z’s fortune experienced a boost of $300 million after Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) purchased a 50-percent stake in his champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, also known as the “Ace of Spades.”

    In the same year, Square, a U.S. mobile payments company, acquired a majority stake in his music streaming platform, Tidal, resulting in Jay-Z receiving $297 million in cash and stock.

    Presently valued at $2.5 billion, Jay-Z’s net worth consists of various investments, including a stake in Roc Nation, a well-known entertainment company, as well as equity positions in Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Usse cognac. He also owns a fine art collection.

  • Hero of “Hotel Rwanda” released after 25-year terrorism sentence

    Hero of “Hotel Rwanda” released after 25-year terrorism sentence

    Paul Rusesabagina, who served as the basis for the Hollywood blockbuster “Hotel Rwanda,” was freed from prison in Rwanda on Friday after President Paul Kagame shortened his sentence.

    Rusesabagina, a US lawful permanent resident, was relocated to the residence of the Qatari ambassador in Kigali, top US administration officials informed reporters on Friday.

    According to one official, “he will be spending a limited amount of time hosted by the Qataris,” probably a few days, before continuing on to Doha and ultimately the United States.

    Rusesabagina, an outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame, is best known for saving hundreds of Rwandans during the country’s genocide by sheltering them in the hotel he managed.

    He was arrested by Rwandan authorities while he was traveling internationally in 2020 in what his family has claimed was a kidnapping.

    Rusesabagina was found guilty on terrorism-related charges in September 2021 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The commutation of his sentence comes after he asked Kagame for a pardon in an October 2022 letter.

    “Commutation of sentence does not extinguish the underlying conviction,” said government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo on Friday.

    Rusesabagina, who is a dual Rwandan and Belgian citizen, was slated to be released along with 19 other people that had been convicted alongside him, Makolo told CNN.

    “Rwanda notes the constructive role of the US government in creating conditions for dialogue on this issue, as well as the facilitation provided by the State of Qatar,” she added.

    In a statement Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Rusesabagina’s release.

    “It is a relief to know that Paul is rejoining his family, and the US Government is grateful to the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible. We also thank the Government of Qatar for their valuable assistance that will enable Paul’s return to the United States,” Blinken said.

    A spokesperson for his family said they “are pleased to hear the news about Paul’s release.”

    “The family is hopeful to reunite with him soon,” the spokesperson told CNN earlier Friday.

    At his trial in 2021, Rusesabagina was found guilty of being part of a terror group called MRCD-FLN. Two 2018 attacks in which nine people died were a particular focus, according to a government statement.

    However the Clooney Foundation for Justice described the verdict as a “show trial,” and claimed that Rusesabagina’s conviction lacked sufficient guarantees of fairness “required by international and African standards.”

    He was designated as wrongfully detained by the US government.

    One of the senior US officials said “there was no particular concession made by us as a government here” that led to Rusesabagina’s release.

    Rather, there was “a sequence of steps that were worked out involving the Rwandan government, US government and of course Paul himself,” the official said.

    “It took months to reach that sequence in a manner agreeable to all those involved,” they said.

    Multiple US officials said that Blinken’s trip to Rwanda “played a key role” in eventually resolving Rusesabagina’s case.

    In his engagements with Kagame he “discussed Paul’s case at length,” a US official said, and “they spoke a great deal about the road map to Paul’s eventual release.”

    “The State Department through SPEHA (the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs), and other members of the interagency have been working to keep it on track since the Secretary’s visit,” that US official said.

    The first senior official also said that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan “took a personal hand in trying to craft a way forward on this issue.”

    “In particular, he began quiet diplomacy with a close advisor to the President,” both by phone and in person, the official said.

    “Through these discussions, the parameters of a mutually acceptable arrangement emerged that the Rwandans would move towards Paul’s release and in parallel, the US government would indicate how much we welcome the developments, as we continue to do,” the official said.

    Both the first senior official and a congressional aide familiar with the case said that Rusesabagina’s detention had become an “irritant” in the US-Rwandan relationship, and congressional interlocutors tried to make it clear to Rwandan officials both in Washington, DC and Kigali that such an “irritant” would not go away until it was resolved.

    The Rwandan government wanted the US to acknowledge that there was a legal process that occurred and that process resulted in Rusesabagina being convicted, the aide said.

    The resolution got closer once conversations shifted away from a discussion of guilt or innocence and more toward trying to solve the issue – a strategy illustrated by a letter written by Rusesabagina to Kagame in October 2022 to request a pardon, which the congressional aide said was “carefully discussed.”

    In that letter – released by the Ministry of Justice Friday – Rusesabagina said he wished to express “regret for any connection (his) work with the MRCD may have had to violent actions taken by the FLN.”

    “As a former head of MRCD, I regret not taking more care to ensure that the MRCD coalition fully adhered to the principles of non-violence in which I fully and deeply believe, and have always ascribed,” Rusesabagina wrote.

    “If I am granted a pardon and released, I understand fully that I will spend the remainder of my days in the United States in quiet reflection,” he continued. “I can assure you through this letter that I hold no personal or political ambitions otherwise. I will leave questions regarding Rwandan politics behind me.”

    The publication of this letter expressing contrition, and the fact that Rwanda commuted his sentence, rather than pardoning him, allowed the Rwandan government to stand by their assertion of Rusesabagina’s guilt.

    “They continue to make clear that he’s a convicted terrorist,” the aide said.

    The aide also said there was immense congressional pressure on both the Rwandan government and the Biden administration on the matter, which was a complex one. Rusesabagina is a legal permanent resident of the US but not a citizen, and he did not get designated as wrongfully detained until within the last year.

    A second US senior administration official said that “there was some constructive participation by members and congressional staff to encourage both parties to use the existing clemency process as part of Rwandan law to help resolve the tensions between Paul and the government of Rwanda.”

    American lawmakers who were invested in the case on Friday welcomed the news about Rusesabagina’s commuted sentence and expected release.

    “Paul Rusesabagina is a hero, and his unjust detention was a stain on Rwanda’s progress toward a peaceful and stable future. Together with his family, friends, and supporters around the world, I am overjoyed to hear the news of his impending release and look forward to his safe return,” Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro said in a statement.

    “I commend US and Rwandan officials for working together on Mr. Rusesabagina’s release and addressing the issues surrounding his case, including those related to justice and political violence,” Republican Sen. Jim Risch said. “I look forward to seeing Mr. Rusesabagina return to his family, and encourage the U.S. and Rwandan governments to continue working to advance our bilateral relationship.”

    This aide downplayed Qatar’s role in securing the commutation, saying that there may have been conversations between Rwandan and Qatari officials but alleged they had “no impact” on the case.

  • Amerado has plans to venture into politics

    Amerado has plans to venture into politics

    Amerado currently pursuing a Political Science degree at the University of Ghana, intends to enter politics after completing his undergraduate studies.

    In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, the musician mentioned that he envisions himself as a statesman in the not-too-distant future.

    Amerado shared, “I don’t mind going into politics in the near future. If I feel it is right for me, why not? I believe music business works hand in hand with politics because, in both ventures, we are always working to convince people to become our core followers. Once I realise politics won’t hurt my music career, I will go into it.”

    Amerado also intends to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration, a “branch” of Political Science, to enhance his knowledge and expertise in his music business.

    “There are instances where contracts come in and my knowledge about that is very low, and I believe that will go a long way to help,” he explained.

    While balancing his music career and academic pursuits can be challenging, Amerado is determined to succeed.

    He stated, “It’s very tough, I must admit. There are times I go to lectures, and there is so much tension because it seems all eyeballs are on me. It is a totally new environment, but I just have to get used to it. It’s however been good so far. It is very hard, but with God on my side, I will try.”

    The award-winning artiste mentioned that he sees life as demanding and embraces opportunities to try out new endeavours to avoid being idle.

    “I just want to be doing something all the time so that in the future, I won’t have to rely on just one venture. It is challenging, but I am coping,” he added.

  • The proposed AKER US$1.6 billion deal must be investigated- Minority

    The proposed AKER US$1.6 billion deal must be investigated- Minority

    The Minority in Parliament have raised a concern regarding the decision by AGM, a sister company of Norway-based AKER Energy, to pull out of the US$1.6billion transaction with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

    According to the Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the circumstances leading to the initial proposal and government’s approval of the deal must be investigated.

    He indicated in an engagement with the media that the Minority feels vindicated because they stood against the transaction when the GNPC brought the proposal before Parliament for approval.

    He said Ghana would have lost so much money if the transaction had gone through, against their position that the deal, which the GNPC was expected to pay Aker US$1.65billion to acquire a 37 percent stake in the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) and 70 percent interest in SDWT, was not valuable.

    “They came to say that they want to buy the AKER block for US$1.65billion. We spoke forcefully, and we said that blocks they want to sell to Ghana for US$1billion was valueless and was risky, and that we need to have proper valuation of that asset and to make sure that we have mitigated all the risks. We insisted that we can’t buy it at that price.

    “Now, it turns out that a year or two years later, AKER now goes back to say that that block that they wanted to basically dupe Ghana by selling to us for US$1.65billion, they no longer want it and that they have relinquished it. That really vindicates the NDC minority,” he said.

    He added: “Can you imagine if we had indeed bought and exchanged money? If we did, then it means that today, we are talking about US$1billion plus that we have paid for an asset that has no value. That is why we believe that whole circumstances leading to AKER’s proposal to sell that block must be investigated”.

    In September 2021, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh was reported to have reiterated government support for the decision by Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to acquire a 70 percent stake in the South Deep Water Tano (SDWT/CTP) and another 37 percent stake in the Deep Water Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP).

    The move, according to him, will not only be about the shares but “more experience in the exploration agenda of GNPC, adding: “The government is going to support you 100 percent”.

    A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the extractive sector had also raised red flags about the deal in terms of valuation, saying the US$1.6billion deal could threaten Ghana’s economy.

    The CSOs, in a statement in reaction to a memo presented to Parliament by the energy minister and approved by Cabinet requesting an approval of US$1.65billion blank cheque for the government to finalise negotiations with AKER Energy, stressed that the memo was a significant eye-opener for well-meaning Ghanaians to closely monitor the relationship between AKER and the state.

    According to the said memo, US$1.3billion is for acquiring Aker’s interest and US$350million is for the development cost of Pecan phase 1 to first oil.

    “GNPC has failed to examine the issues in the transaction properly. The decision to support GNPC to become an operator is not a new conversation. Ten years ago, the country decided to support GNPC to become an operator by allocating a portion of oil revenue. So far, about US$1billion has been given to the corporation, but it has failed to drill one well.

    “The country needs a clear pathway for supporting the national oil company, rather than using billions of dollars of the public’s money in risky bets that might instead go to support Ghana’s health, education and economic development. Otherwise, the guise of the energy transition will only be a smokescreen to waste more resources and line the pockets of foreign companies and people who may be short-changing the country deliberately.

    “We, therefore, request Parliament to institute a full-scale investigation into the transaction to verify the actual cost incurred by Aker so far on the blocks, clarify the inconsistencies in the presentations by GNPC, and allow for open consultation and hearing to provide opportunities for independent expert opinions. We also urge the media to provide adequate space and time for a thorough examination of the issue in the country’s supreme interest,” the statement noted.

  • Twitter to do away legacy verified blue ticks on April Fool’s Day

    Twitter to do away legacy verified blue ticks on April Fool’s Day

    It’s taking place. Finally, Twitter is removing the coveted blue ticks from users who obtained them before they could be purchased for £8 a month.

    The social media firm declared on Thursday that it would begin “winding down” its heritage verified programme and removing legacy verified checkmarks on April 1. The announcement was made on its official Twitter Verified account.

    The news is not unexpected because Elon Musk announced one of the first changes after he paid $44 billion to acquire the business last year: replacing free blue ticks with paid ones.

    In November, Musk unveiled a new paid Twitter Blue subscription that would come with a verified blue check mark.

    Shortly after Twitter Blue was launched, Musk said that the company was removing the legacy verification checkmarks as far too many ‘corrupt’ ones existed.

    The timing is a little suspicious as the removal of blue ticks is due to happen on April Fools Day, making people wonder if it could be an elaborate prank orchestrated by Musk.

    Metro.co.co reached out to Twitter and promptly received a poop emoji in response.

    Still, this is the man who allegedly wanted to sell Tesla stock at a price of $420 after discovering the number’s ‘significance in marijuana culture’.

    Even in his Twitter takeover, he bid to pay $54.20 per share to buy the company.

    The announcement follows a global rollout of Twitter Blue that comes with a blue ‘verified’ checkmark, 4,000-character tweets, higher-ranked replies and the ability to edit tweets.

    Organizations could also apply to Twitter for grey checkmarks to denote government officials and organizations. Businesses can also apply for gold checkmarks.

    Would you pay for a blue tick on Twitter?

    • No, it’s meaningless now0%
    • Don’t care, I don’t use Twitter0%

    Sign up for our News Updates newsletter for the latest news, exclusives and more from Metro sent straight to your inbox

    To get this, applicants will have to submit a government ID or a valid email address, and have to describe their positions and functions.

    Musk first hinted at the $8 price back in October, in response to author Stephen King, whose verified account has 6.9 million followers.

    ‘$20 a month to keep my blue check?’ tweeted King on Monday and included an expletive. ‘They should pay me. If that gets instituted, I’m gone like Enron’. King said it ‘ain’t the money, it’s the principle of the thing’.

    Musk early Tuesday replied: ‘[W]e need to pay the bills somehow! Twitter cannot rely entirely on advertisers. How about $8?’

  • How can approval of MPs be considered as treachery? – Koku Anyidoho asks NDC

    Former General Secretary of the NDC, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has hit back at leaders of the party who have accused some NDC MPs of treachery following the outcome of the secret ballot which led to the approval of six new ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo.

    He contends that the MPs did no wrong but rather showed that they cannot be controlled by the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. 

    In a series of tweets shared on Friday, Anyidoho added that the presence of Asiedu Nketiah was what annoyed the MPs the most and made them vote in favour of the government. 

    “How can the approval of Ministers be considered as treachery? Were we not excited when some NPP MPs helped us win the speakership? Was that also treachery from the NPP? Why do some people think they have more sense than others? 

    “So, is it Koku Anyidoho who influenced the voting pattern in Parliament today – such that the presence of Asiedu-Nketiah in the Chamber rather infuriated the MPs? Why do some people think that we are all stupid and will follow commands that don’t make sense?

    “You Asiedu-Nketiah, you are still shamelessly serving on the Parliamentary Services Board and collecting ur fat allowances, and you think you can intimidate MPs who won Seats without ur input?” parts of his tweets read. 

    Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices: 

    Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees as well as the nominees of the supreme court of President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior, and a tense voting process. 

    Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, there were three absent.

    Some Members of Parliament (MPs) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not adhere to the decision of the party to vote against the approval of the nominees. 

    Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry and Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) as the Minister of Food and Agriculture. 

    Other nominees who were approved include Stephen Asamoah Boateng, as Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State (Ministry of Finance), and Osei Bonsu Amoah, Ministry of Local Government. 

    Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, was also approved as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.

    The Supreme Court nominees who were approved include George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court. 

  • Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) outdoor National Framework for Climate Services

    Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) outdoor National Framework for Climate Services

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has outdoored a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) that seeks to harmonise climate services in the country to provide a clearer guide to decision-making regarding climate-sensitive sectors.   

    With the framework in place, the activities of stakeholders including energy, health, agriculture and water resources would be coordinated to ensure that people are able to live with, and withstand the impact of the climate crisis. 

    It also proposes action plans, identifies needed for implementation, and financial implementation guidelines for resources mobilization to sustain its operationalisation. 

    Mr George Amoo, Board Chairman of GMet, launched the framework at an event to commemorate this year’s World Meteorological Day, which seeks to create awareness on the need to know more about climate change. 

    The occasion funded by Feed the Future Ghana Policy LINK was used to also outdoor the Ghana Meteorological Society to build a huge network that would support the work of the Agency. 

    The celebration was on the theme: “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations.”  

    Mr Amoo explained that the World Meteorological Organisation in its quest to help curb the risk of climate change had established the Global Framework for climate services (GFCS) and to promote the value chain linking climate knowledge to action.  

    The Board Chairman said the framework would enhance capacity of stakeholders in observation and monitoring of climate systems. 

    Mr Eric Nortey, a Director at the Ministry of Communication, speaking at the ceremony said the development by GMet had been significant in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development.  

    “The increase in extreme weather-related events as a result of global warming and climate change, has had a significant impact on lives and properties,”  he noted.  

    According to him, the launch of the National Framework was critical to consolidating and harmonizing climate services in Ghana to provide a clearer guide to decision-making regarding climate-sensitive sectors.  

    He noted that the establishment of the Meteorological society would go a long way to provide a resource pool for the country. 

    “I urge the public to pay particular attention to the forecasts of the Ghana Meteorological Agency. The quality and accuracy of service delivered by the Agency have improved tremendously.”  

    Mr Eric Asuman, Acting Director General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency also noted that climate services were very critical in the lives of citizens, helping to save lives and properties.  

    According to him, the implementation of the National Framework was a mandate from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) to help provide climate information services that would address the needs of citizens and other institutions.  

    Also, part of the event was the launch of the National Framework for Climate Services and Meteorological Society of Ghana.  

    A five-member committee, led by Professor Benjamin Lamptey was selected to spearhead the Meteorological Society of Ghana to make sure it runs successfully.  

  • Government pay outstanding coupons

    Government pay outstanding coupons

    Government made an additional payment for outstanding coupons on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

    According to a statement by the Finance Ministry on March 24, it explained that noted that “the payments of cover coupons on both the 2-year note that matured on February 20, 2023, and the 20-year note due on February 20, 2023.”

    “Following the Press Release issued by the Ministry of Finance dated Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the government is pleased to announce that additional coupon payments have been made on Thursday, March 23, 2023,” parts of the release said.

    It also noted that payments on the principal of the 2-year note maturing on February 23, 2023; as well as payments on subsequent maturities, will be communicated in due course.

    The delay of the payments caused some uneasiness among bondholders but the ministry assured that the necessary steps towards the restoration of macro-economic stability.

    “The Ministry of Finance once again takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their patience and cooperation, as the government continues to work towards the restoration of macro-economic stability,” the statement added.

  • Man uses an online-purchased enlargement cream, which results in bleached manhood

    Man uses an online-purchased enlargement cream, which results in bleached manhood

    Popular doctor and Twitter influencer, Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko doctor, relayed the incident on the microblogging platform.

    He claimed the man purchased the penis enlargement cream from an Instagram vendor and applied it to his male member as directed, resulting in a bleached dick.

    Aproko Doctor went on to warn men against purchasing such creams because they are fake and will only cause them harm.

    He tweeted on Wednesday afternoon, March 22,

    “Someone bought a penis enlargement cream from an Instagram vendor and ended up bleaching his organ.

    You people don’t use to hear word. Now black body, white peepee

    Just so you know… Penis enlargement creams are a scam. You’re harming yourself instead and losing money.”

  • Uche criticises Omotola for her viral bedroom photo with her husband

    Uche criticises Omotola for her viral bedroom photo with her husband

    Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu has criticized his senior colleague Omotola Jalade Ekeinde for posting a bedroom photo of herself and her husband Captain Matthew Ekeinde on social media.

    The mother of four posted a shirtless photo of her husband and herself in bed, while the husband visibly had a tattoo of the actress’ nickname, “Omosexy,” on his arm as they marked their 27th wedding anniversary.

    She captioned the post: “Happy birthday, my Forever HoneyBoy. And happy anniversary to us. Twenty-seven years and we are only just about to get into phase 2. Last kiddo, now 21, no more PG.”

    Reacting to the post, Uche called out the pair for the bedroom photo and questioned whether they must celebrate their wedding anniversary while undressed.

    He wrote: “What exactly is going on? Must you people remove dress to celebrate wedding anniversary for God’s sake? Let us show spiritual wisdom. This is so unnecessary. Anyway, happy wedding anniversary.”

  • WhatsApp to compete Zoom with its new eight-person video call capability

    WhatsApp to compete Zoom with its new eight-person video call capability

    With a dedicated Windows client, WhatsApp is stepping outside of its role as a simple messaging software to take on the industry leader in video conferencing, Zoom.

    Mark Zuckerberg unveiled on Thursday a brand-new Windows desktop client for WhatsApp that enables users to organise group calls on their PCs.

    User-hosted audio and video calls can now have up to 32 participants each.
    Despite the fact that this is well below Zoom’s 100-person capability, WhatsApp has vowed to gradually raise these caps.

    Group video calls have already been on WhatsApp’s mobile app for a while now. This update is part of a renewed effort by Meta to improve WhatsApp’s desktop clients

    Will you be using Whatsapp video calls on your computer?

      Sign up for our News Updates newsletter for the latest news, exclusives and more from Metro sent straight to your inbox

      ‘The new Windows desktop app loads faster and is built with an interface familiar to WhatsApp and Windows users,’ said WhatsApp in a statement.

      The Meta-owned messaging service has also introduced a new WhatsApp beta experience for Android tablets and a new, faster app for Mac desktops that is currently in the early stages of beta.

      Last month, Whatsapp launched ‘the number one feature’ requested by users with ‘Status Reactions’. It also announced updates to its iOS app, letting users multitask on video calls.

    • My wife paid for my master’s degree- Abeiku Santana

      My wife paid for my master’s degree- Abeiku Santana

      Media Personality, Abeiku Santana praises his wife for being a strong support system and inspiration for his decision to go for higher studies.

      Abeiku Santana graduates today with a Masters Degree in Marketing Strategy from the University of Ghana Business School.

      Abeiku in a way to appreciate his wife recounts how she personally bought and filled his registration form for him prior to his enrollment for the program.

      After his enrollment, Mrs Aggrey paid her husband’s school fees in full and constantly reminded him to wake up and study.

      The award-winning media mogul thanked God for blessing him with a wonderful and beautiful partner. A partner who always advises him to strive for excellence.

      Mrs Genevieve Benyiwah Aggrey also seized the opportunity to congratulate her husband for making the family proud.

      The couple sealed the beautiful moment with a lovely kiss.

    • At least One in 40 individuals in England has Covid-19 – Data report

      At least One in 40 individuals in England has Covid-19 – Data report

      The number of Covid-19 infections in England has reached its greatest level since the year’s beginning, with about one in 40 people currently sick.

      The final time that regular estimates of the rate of coronavirus infection will be made in England was just announced by health officials.

      The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today that the virus probably infected around 1,500,000 people in the week ending March 13.

      This is up from 1,300,000 million the previous week, making it the highest total for the country since the week to January 3, when it stood at 2,200,000.

      The ONS said infections have increased among younger and older ages groups especially, among those aged two to school Year 11 and those aged 50 and over.

      The North West saw the highest recorded Covid-19 prevalence in the country, with an estimated 4.14% of people infected, or one in 25.

      Figures for the rest of the UK are largely uncertain due to a small sample, though there are some signs there is an upswing in the virus in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

      Around 136,200 people in Scotland were likely to have Covid-19 on any given day in the week of March 13, or around one in 40.

      This compared with 105,100, or one in 50, the previous week.

      For Wales, around one in 40 people have become infected with coronavirus, or 74,500 people, compared to 68,200.

      Not enough samples were returned in Northern Ireland to get a grasp of the Covid-19 situation there.

      This will be the final snapshot of England captured by the ONS’s long-running infection survey.

      Moving forward, monitoring of the virus that has sickened 24,400,000 and killed more than 208,000 will be announced after a review into what’s more ‘cost-effective’, the UK Health Security Agency said.

      ONS head of health surveillance dissemination Michelle Bowen said: ‘This week’s data show infections are rising in England; however, the trend is uncertain across the rest of the UK.

      ‘In England, positivity increased in children and those aged 50 and over.

      ‘The North West, East Midlands and South East of England all saw infections increase, though the trend is uncertain in all other regions.’

      The infection survey has been running for the last three years since the coronavirus first began upending the lives of countless Brits.

      By tracking known cases, deaths, hospitalisations and positive tests, the ONS survey has been vital in showing how the virus has spread over time.

      It also helped supply information needed to decipher new wily variants as well as antibody counts and long Covid.

      Tracking the virus nowadays has been tricky, to say the least, given that not everyone tests for the virus or still reports it back to health authorities.

      But the ONS survey collects tests from households regardless of whether they knew they had coronavirus or if they reported results to the NHS.

      Winding down the survey comes amid a sharp surge in hospital admissions in England for the third week in a row.

      The number is now 10.6% per 100,000 people in the seven days to March 19 – again, the highest since the beginning of the year.

      The gap in official data will now mean hospital admissions and death registrations will be the only two leading indicators for where and how the virus is spreading.

      Sir David Spiegelhalter, emeritus professor of statistics at Cambridge University and chairman of the advisory board for the survey, said the survey has been ‘world-leading’.

      ‘It is expensive, and this has led to it being paused, but the participant group is not being disbanded and a survey should be able to ramp up when necessary,’ he said.

      ‘Meanwhile, there are important lessons to be learned for future emergencies, both by us and every other country.

      ‘The survey has been the envy of the world and is a jewel in the crown of UK science.’

    • Man reveals what he experienced when he ‘died’

      Man reveals what he experienced when he ‘died’

      According to a recent dead man, after you pass away, there is “no light to go towards,” but you do visit a “spirit realm” to watch your body disintegrate.

      But do not worry; according to Kevin Hill, his own ‘death’ and rebirth’ experience was rather calm.

      While receiving treatment for alciphylaxis, a serious, unusual condition in which calcium accumulates in small blood vessels of the adipose and skin tissues, the 55-year-old man’s heart stopped in the hospital.

      Kevin, a writer from Derby, said: ‘I wasn’t looking down at my body, but I was separate from my body.

      ‘It was like I was in the spirit realm – I was conscious of what was going on but I had so much peace.

      Kevin, 55, was diagnosed with calciphylaxis (Picture: Kevin Hill/SWNS)

      ‘I knew I was bleeding. I knew it was serious. The staff kept coming in and out to stop the bleeding.’

      Kevin says his dead skin, which was caused by blistering, started eating away at his live skin, leaving him in constant and excruciating pain.

      Against all the odds, he made a full recovery and was called ‘the miracle man’ by doctors.

      Kevin described watching the medics trying to save him from the sidelines.

      He said: ‘I knew I had died. I was separate from my body.

      ‘Then I just went to sleep and I woke up, alive and the bleeding had stopped.

      ‘I knew it wasn’t my time to die. The situation has made me refocus my priorities.

      ‘When I came out of the hospital my family atmosphere changed dramatically.

      ‘I have become more resilient. I know I can bounce back.’

      In the summer of 2021, Kevin’s legs started to swell up because they were retaining excess water.

      He went to the doctors multiple times but he ‘was dismissed’. He finally got an appointment at the coronary care unit in Derby and got sent to Derby Royal Hospital within hours.

      Kevin said: ‘This began my year-long stint in hospital. They gave me medicine to get rid of the water retention. After it all went, they told me I had lost 65kg of water weight.’

      The water retention was caused by Kevin’s heart valve having two parts instead of three.

      Kevin had a heart valve operation in January 2022.

      He said: ‘After my operation I caught calciphylaxis. This is a rare condition that only one in five people are diagnosed with.

      After making a full recovery, Kevin is now back at home with his wife Camille Hill, 52.

      He said: ‘I am in the final stages of recovery. In my right leg, I still have some pain but it is not near the level it used to be – I would cry for hours.

      ‘My pain level used to be 100 out of 10 and now it had dropped to a four. Everyone said I should be dead.’

    • 2 separate accidents claim the lives of 9 in E/R

      2 separate accidents claim the lives of 9 in E/R

      Nine persons have died in two separate gory accidents in the Eastern region.

      Six other persons – three males and two females – suffered severe injuries and are receiving treatment at the Akuse Government Hospital.

      9 die in two separate accidents in the Eastern region

      Meanwhile, the deceased had been deposited at the same hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

      The accident happened on Saturday in front of King David’s College on the Kpong-Tema highway.

      9 die in two separate accidents in the Eastern region

      A Hyundai mini bus with registration number GB 4644-20 from Juapong to Tema collided head-on with an articulated truck with registration number GT 6473-21 killing six instantly.

      9 die in two separate accidents in the Eastern region

      Two other persons – the driver of the Hyundai bus and a female passenger- who were in critical condition also died later at the hospital.

      The articulated truck was said to be carrying pavement blocks from Tema heading towards Akosombo.

      The Hyundai driver, according to eye witness attempted to swerve a stationary bus with Registration number GW 6464-22 parked for almost two weeks but crashed into the truck from the opposite direction of the road.

      9 die in two separate accidents in the Eastern region

      Officers from the Akuse police command, the Ghana National Fire Service and the ambulance service played a critical role in the rescue operation.

      In a related development, a 60- year-old woman died at Nyamebekyere after she was crushed by a speeding vehicle driven by an ECG Engineer.

      Credit: Myjoyonline.com

    • Becca reportedly gives birth to a baby Boy

      Becca reportedly gives birth to a baby Boy

      Singer Becca has reportedly welcomed a second child in her marriage.

      According to the report, Becca has welcomed a bouncy baby boy!

      Becca gave birth to a baby girl, he first child, in February 2019.

      Becca is married to Nigerian music executive Dr Tobi Sani Daniels.

      The couple have apparently been lucky in the baby department.

      Blogger, Naya TV made the revelation on Instagram.

    • Teenager sentenced to life in prison for stabbing a classmate 114 times

      Teenager sentenced to life in prison for stabbing a classmate 114 times

      A boy from Florida has been given a life sentence for stabbing his classmate to death 114 times.

      About two years after he was accused of the horrific murder of his classmate and neighbour, Aiden Fucci, 16, was sentenced at the St. Johns County Courthouse in St. Augustine, Florida.

      Judge Lee R. Brown delivered his sentence and stated, “It was performed in a cold, planned, and intentional manner – without any pretence of moral or legal justification.”
      And it was abominable, horrifying, and cruel.

      On Mother’s Day in 2021, the family of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey reported her missing from her home in North Florida.

      Aiden Fucci
      Aiden Fucci is seen in a booking photo after his arrest on May 10, 2021 (Picture: St Johns County Sheriff’s Office)

      After a daylong search, Bailey’s body was found abandoned by another neighbor walking in the nearby woods around 6.00pm.

      Her death was ruled a homicide by sharp force trauma. Bailey sustained 114 stab wounds, including 49 defensive wounds to her hands, arms, and head.

      Investigators eventually identified Bailey’s neighbor Aiden Fucci, then 14, as the lone suspect in the gruesome case.

      Surveillance footage showed the two teenagers walking down a residential street together around 2.00am on the morning of her disappearance. Less than 2 hours later, Fucci was seen running back alone, carrying his shoes.

      Fucci was arrested the next day and pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. His charge was eventually upgraded to first-degree murder due to the severity of the crime.

      Earlier this year, Fucci changed his plea to guilty. ‘I just want to say I plead guilty and I’m sorry for the Bailey family and my family,’ the defendant told the judge at a hearing on February 6.

      Before the sentencing, family members were given an opportunity to speak.

      During her victim impact statement, Bailey’s sister Alexis Bailey filled a jar with 114 stones. ‘One for each of the 114 stab wounds that my sister had to endure,’ Alexis said.

      ‘Please do not for one second think that he could be rehabilitated at any point,’ the victim’s mother Stacy Bailey said. ‘He is beyond saving.’

      Only one person spoke on Fucci’s behalf – his grandmother, Deborah Spiwak. ‘Please don’t take him out of our lives forever,’ she implored the judge. ‘I know there is some good in Aiden.’

      Fucci’s mother, Crystal Smith, declined to appear for his sentencing. Later this month, Smith is facing her own trial after being charged with tampering with evidence.

      Investigators believe Smith tried to wash blood off of her son’s jeans after killing Bailey. Both her son’s pants and her sink contained traces of blood, her arrest warrant states.

      Judge Brown called the case ‘the most difficult and shocking case that this county, St Johns County, has dealt with.’

      The judge came to his decision due to the senseless nature of the crime.

      ‘There was no reason. There was no purpose. It was done for no other reason than to satisfy this defendant’s internal desire to feel what it was like to kill someone,’ Brown said.

      He continued: ‘Tristyn Bailey was conscious, she was aware, and she was doing everything she could to fend off this attack,’ he said. ‘She suffered a painful, horrifying death from someone that she trusted.’

      ‘There is only one appropriate sentence in this case,’ the judge said before confining Fucci to life in a Florida state prison.

      Due to his age, Fucci is not eligible for the death penalty in Florida. He will be eligible for review of his sentence in 25 years.

    • Five children found after being lost while touring the NYC sewers

      Five children found after being lost while touring the NYC sewers

      Five kids who climbed into an uncovered storm drain on Staten Island have been rescued from the New York City sewers.

      The five boys, who are all 11 or 12 years old, were located on Tuesday evening by FDNY firemen, rescue workers, and dispatchers working together.

      John Hodgens, the department chief for the FDNY, described the risky rescue as “a very successful operation” and applauded the professionalism of the firefighters.

      ‘We didn’t know exactly where they were, and it took awhile to figure out how to find them,’ Hodgens said.

      The storm drain the children entered (right) and the manhole they were eventually pulled out of (left)
      The storm drain the children entered (right) and the manhole they were eventually pulled out of (left) (Picture: FDNY)

      The chief continued: ‘They crawled in there, and they were in there crawling for at least 15 minutes before they became disoriented. Hodgens estimated that the kids had traveled at least 1300 feet through the sewers.

      ‘It’s amazing that the cell phone worked in the tunnel, and that was a key component of us finding them,’ Hodgens said. They were able to give us good information.’

      According to the chief, dispatchers worked with the children for about 30 minutes before they could pinpoint their exact location.

      ‘At 18.02 (6.02pm) I received a phone call about some kids in tunnel,’ Emergency Dispatcher Marlind Haxhialiu recalled at a press conference after the incident. ‘Having been raised in the area, I knew exactly where they were. We tried to calm them down as much as we could.’

      Five children rescued after getting lost exploring NYC sewers (Picture: FDNY)
      FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens addresses the media after the successful rescue on Staten Island (Picture: FDNY)

      Days later, the FDNY released an audio recording of the children’s’ 911 call with Haxhialiu.

      ‘What’s the address on Staten Island?’ Haxhialiu asks the children.

      ‘We don’t know,’ one child responds.

      ‘You don’t know?’

      ‘We’re like… we’re stuck in the sewers.’

      Meanwhile, Lt John Drew of FDNY Rescue 5 lead the search for the kids underground.

      ‘Confirming where the children were was a little difficult,’ Drew said. ‘We got to the mouth of tunnel, and their jackets and school bags were at the opening.’

      After checking the atmosphere in the tunnels, Drew sent two firefighters into the sewer using a safety rope and wearing confined-space masks.

      The storm drain’s opening only had a 40-inch diameter, and the tunnels inside later reduced to 30 inches wide.

      Firefighter John Loennecker, of FDNY Ladder 79 in Staten Island, helped direct the rescue efforts above ground. The firefighter said his crew went manhole-to-manhole searching for signs of the missing kids.

      ‘As we got closer to Clove Road, we could hear their voices a little bit,’ Loennecker said. ‘We couldn’t make out what they were saying, but we knew they were in there.’

      While the two teams were searching, Haxhialiu instructed the children to start yelling for help as the teams got closer. ‘I want all you guys to scream,’ the dispatcher said. ‘Call for help guys, they hear you.’

      ‘We meet at the hole, I went down, and I saw them about 40 feet down in the tube,’ Loennecker said. After the firefighters found the children, they were able to lift them out of a manhole using a ladder.

      The children were then immediately brought to Richmond University Medical Center for medical evaluation. The children were uninjured, but one firefighter was treated for a minor injury.

    • Franklin Cudjoe kicks against proposal for state to fund political parties

      Franklin Cudjoe kicks against proposal for state to fund political parties

      Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has kicked against proposals for the state to fund political parties.

      He is completely opposed to the idea of the state bearing some of the cost incurred by political parties during elections.

      This comes on the heels of former President John Dramani Mahama’s suggestion that the state finances campaigns of viable political parties in order to prevent financiers from determining electoral outcomes.

      “I totally oppose any attempt by the state to fund political parties. Even if we were to consider the idea, it would be predicated on performance. But that’s even the second order of things. The first order of things is a no no no. Political parties pride themselves as mass mobilisers of people and in this country, I’m sure NDC and NPP can boast of about half the number of people that go to the polls.”

      ”It is not in the place of citizens to contribute towards a party but its members. If the party while in power had contributed to the growth and development to the extent that the individuals had built for themselves sufficient bulwarks against poverty there would have been no qualms at all about people being asked to contribute.”

      Mr. Franklin Cudjoe indicated that he truly understands and supports John Mahama on his call for political campaign reforms, he however has reservations.

      “In fact, the only part I support is the crowd-funding as it will eliminate situations where political parties owe big wigs who fund them.”

      Mr. Mahama during a public lecture on March 22, at UPSA auditorium in Accra said viable political parties play a strong role in promoting democracy in the country hence the need for the state to incur some of their expenditure in future.

      He admitted that the state is now broke and therefore financing political campaigns going into the 2024 general elections is not an option.

      He recommended that public funding of political parties be scaled up in the future supervised by an independent and credible institution to ensure fairness in the sharing formula.

    • Shatta Wale gives Dr Likee a car

      Shatta Wale gives Dr Likee a car

      Ghanaian Dancehall King, Shatta Wale has gifted actor and content creator, Dr Likee a brand new car.

      Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale has shown his appreciation to Dr Likee for supporting his Shaxi business.

      He gave the actor a brand new Hyundai Elantra for his efforts in promoting Shaxi.

      Elated Dr Likee in the company of some of his colleague actors accepted the gift with gratitude.

      The presentation was done by Entertainment Pundit, Sammy Flex on behalf of Shatta Wale.

      As part of the package, Wale will take care of a year’s maintenance cost of the car.

      Dr Likee has on several occasions promoted Shatta Wale’s Shaxi business with his skits.

      Grateful Shatta Wale recognizing Dr Likee’s efforts in promoting Shaxi promised to surprise him with a gift.

      He sure has delivered as promised on Friday, 24th March 2023.

      Shaxi is a ride-hailing company owned by Shatta Wale. It’s objective is to provide affordable but comfortable means of transportation and in turn serves as an employment avenue for the youth in Ghana.

    • Asylum seekers to be taken from hotels to ferries and military bases – Rishi Sunak

      Asylum seekers to be taken from hotels to ferries and military bases – Rishi Sunak

      As per government plans, Rishi Sunak will transfer asylum seekers from hotels to military bases and abandoned boats.

      The suggestions, which may be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, have not been disputed by government officials, according to a report published by The Telegraph yesterday.

      Sunak might claim that employing hotels to house asylum seekers is beginning to come to an end as early as next week.

      According to The Telegraph, those looking for safety in the UK will instead be housed in “good but primitive” accommodations on former military sites.

      The newspaper noted that two military bases being considered include RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, and MDP Wethersfield in Braintree, Essex.

      People already in hotel accommodations and those arriving by small boat across the perilous English Channel will be placed there.

      An old army camp at Weybourne, Norfolk. This is all that remains of a once-large encampment.
      Old army camps may be turned into makeshift accommodations for asylum seekers, some of whom have fled from persecution and war (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

      The alleged plans come after a Lincolnshire councillor suggested 1,500 asylum seekers could be housed at RAF Scampton in housing including cabins on the runway.

      More than 40 historians including Tom Holland wrote an open letter criticising the plan, joining a chorus of locals and politicians opposing the plan.

      The historians wrote: ‘To erase Scampton’s heritage, rather than preserve, protect and enhance it further, would be a scandalous desecration of immeasurable recklessness.’

      Ministers are also considering placing people in ferries, though it’s understood previous plans to use holiday camps and student halls may be unlikely now.

      A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being placed on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.

      ‘We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options.’

      The Migrants’ Rights Network tweeted today: ‘Yet another appalling and inhumane measure by the Home Office.

      ‘Placing people who are seeking safety in military accommodation and disused ferries will mean MORE misery, trauma and further isolation from the communities who want to support and welcome them.’

      Hotels housing asylum seekers have been the site of fire, vandalism and violence in recent months, with far-right anti-immigration groups targeting the buildings.

      The use of hotel accommodations for people seeking asylum almost trebled in 2021, leaving tens of thousands languishing with very limited resources.

      Some families have spent months or even a year in temporary accommodation, according to a report by the campaign group Refugee Council.

      The number of families – which include 25,000 children – made to live in single hotel rooms has increased by nearly a third, the report added.

      Refugee Council note how these lengthy stays take a toll on asylum seekers, ‘with depression and even suicidal ideation amongst many, including children, being rife,’ it said.

      ‘They are often living in an environment which is not safe, due both to an increase in far-right activity and harassment targeted at people living in asylum hotels, as well as risks of people being trafficked from hotels,’ Refugee Council added.

      Asylum seekers have described being placed in far-flung accommodations, their allowances barely covering bus passes, phone and internet bills and clothing.

      Others have said they face leaking windows, broken heaters and inedible food.

      One asylum seeker, who has spent five months living in temporary housing as he awaits a response to his claim, said he lives on just £8 a week

      ‘I don’t understand why they put me in the middle of nowhere,’ Zarith told Metro.co.uk of the Home Office, adding that he has to walk for two hours to get to his nearest pharmacy.

      ‘It’s as if they’re trying to crush me. My soul is destroyed. I need civilisation.’

    • Cedi rises as oil prices reduce 

      Cedi rises as oil prices reduce 

      The Cedi gained against the dollar, climbing to 12.25 from 12.41 at last week’s close as FX demand eased amid a decline in oil prices.

      Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said that talks are continuing with China about restructuring its debt following a successful domestic debt exchange programme.

      China is Ghana’s biggest bilateral lender, with about $1.7bn in loans outstanding. Ghana needs to reach a deal with all its creditors to unlock a $3bn bailout from the IMF. We expect the Cedi to continue trading around current levels in the short term, absent further progress in the restructuring talks.

      The Naira depreciated against the dollar, sliding to 741 from 731 at last week’s close as FX demand increased and the central bank allowed old 500- and 1000-Naira notes to recirculate. Nigeria’s annual inflation edged higher in February, with prices rising 21.91% compared to 21.82% a month earlier. That prompted the central bank to raise interest rates by 50bps to 18%. The cash scarcity in recent weeks forced Nigerians to turn to e-payment channels, where transactions in February jumped 121.6% compared to a year earlier. We expect the Naira to continue weakening against the dollar in the near term as FX demand gathers steam.

      Rand edges towards 17 handle amid Fed pause signal

      The Rand strengthened against the dollar, trading at 18.15 from 18.40 at last week’s close, after the US Federal Reserve signaled a pause in interest rate hikes to allow the banking system to recover.

      South Africa had its first full day in 141 days without a rotational power cut this week. An opposition-led march caused little disruption after the government deployed the army to avoid a repeat of the unrest that erupted in July 2021 protests. We expect the Rand to continue edging towards the 18 level, potentially trading with a 17 handle if recent positive international momentum is maintained.

      Egypt Pound weakens as imports drive dollar shortage

      The Pound declined against the dollar, trading at 30.89 from 30.48 at last week’s close. Egypt agreed to a new framework with the World Bank this week that will enable access to as much as $7bn in financing between now and 2027 to support economic reforms, including privatisation, job growth, and the development of sustainable projects.

      The Suez Canal Authority reported a 40% increase in first-quarter revenue compared with the same period a year ago due to increased transit rates and shipping traffic, providing much-needed FX inflows. Overall, we expect the Pound to continue weakening in the short-to-medium term as the economy remains largely reliant on imports and faces a net dollar shortage.

      Kenyan Shilling hits new low after 5% decline this year

      The Shilling slumped to a fresh low against the dollar, trading at 130.80/131.00 from 127.10/127.30 at last week’s close due to sustained FX demand from energy importers and manufacturers. The Shilling has lost more than 5% of its value against the dollar since the start of this year.

      Kenya held its first meeting with the UK as part of a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2021. The agreement saves Kenyan businesses KES1.5bn a year in duties on popular exports such as cut flowers and green beans. We expect the Shilling to continue weakening towards month-end as importers close transactions, with support from central bank FX reserves dwindling at $6.56bn, sufficient for only 3.66 months of import cover.

      Ugandan Shilling under pressure from imports

      The Shilling weakened against the dollar, trading at 3763 from 3733 at last week’s close, adding to losses of more than 4% over the past year. Imports have been rising, with Uganda fulfilling less than 30% of domestic demand for oilseeds for cooking, despite efforts to increase the production of palm oil, including the Kalangala project. Dollar demand for imports will continue to weigh on the Shilling in the near term.

      Inflows steady Tanzania Shilling amid Marburg virus outbreak

      The Shilling advanced from a four-year low against the dollar, strengthening to 2338 from a close last week at 2341, the weakest level since March 2019. Tanzania confirmed its first deaths from the deadly and highly virulent Marburg virus. Public health authorities are working with the World Health Organization to limit the spread of the virus, which has so far claimed five lives in the country.

      Investment into Tanzania has grown to $8.64bn from $3.16bn over the past two years, according to the Tanzania Investment Centre. That investor confidence should help support the Shilling from any dramatic declines as markets react to the Marburg outbreak. While we expect the currency will slip back to the 2341 level, it is unlikely to weaken beyond 2343.

      West African banks urged to ensure capital cushions

      The West African central bank warned commercial banks in the region to be prudent about dividend distributions for the 2022 financial year, given the recent weakness in the global banking system. It encouraged banks to ensure mandatory regulatory capital levels that have been in place since the start of the year. The call to scale back dividends is likely to impact the share prices of listed banks.

      Bank of Central African States FX reserves jump

      The Bank of Central African States said the region’s FX reserves reached XAF7bn at the end of last year, up from XAF4.6bn at the end of 2021. The reserves, sufficient for 4½ months of import cover, increased due to regulations that force oil and mining companies to retrocede 35% of FX earned to the central bank.

      With the rate expected to gradually increase to 75%, this should help to sustain higher reserve levels in coming years.

    • Kids growing up without parent is my greatest worry – Amir Khan

      Kids growing up without parent is my greatest worry – Amir Khan

      After the gunpoint robbery of his £70,000 watch, Amir Khan worried that his kids would grow up “without their dad.”

      On April 18, 2017, the 36-year-old former world boxing champion and his wife Faryal Makhdoom, 31, were being followed as they left the Sahara Grill restaurant in Leyton, east London.

      A court heard gunman Dante Campbell, 20, forced Khan to hand over his bespoke, rose gold, diamond-encrusted Franck Muller watch – a gift to him following a boxing match that was worth between £60,000 to £70,000.

      Khan, a silver medallist at the 2004 Olympics, previously told the court the robber pointed a gun in his face and said: ‘Take off the watch.’

      The Bolton-born boxer, who retired last year with a record of 34 wins from 40 fights, has now opened up about the ordeal.

      ‘In that moment, you think the worst … that the kids could be growing up without their dad, that Faryal would be raising them on her own,’ he told the Sun.

      ‘Your life flashes before your eyes. I leant my head to the right because I thought, if he is going to shoot me, he can shoot the side of my head. I don’t want to see the bullet coming.’

      Latest London news

      Khan, who has been confirmed for the upcoming I’m A Celebrity in South Africa, added: ‘It was the first time I’ve ever seen a gun in my life. I could see down the barrel.

      ‘I remember looking back seeing where my wife was. She ran back on the road and screamed “help!”

      Khan admitted that people told him he should have used his fighting skills against them.

      But he said: ‘Are they stupid? I’ve got a family. It’s only a watch. My life means more to me.’

      Campbell, of Hornsey, and getaway driver Ahmed Bana, 25, of Tottenham, both in north London, admitted conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of an imitation firearm during a trial.

      They will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

      Ismail Mohamed, 24, of Edmonton, and Nurul Amin, 25, of Harringay, both in north London, were unanimously acquitted by a jury of conspiracy to rob Mr Khan.

      Prosecutors had claimed Mohamed and Amin acted as ‘spotters’, dining in the restaurant to keep track of Khan’s movements and relay them by phone to Bana.

    • Guys below 30yrs have nothing to offer me – Vicky Zugah

      Guys below 30yrs have nothing to offer me – Vicky Zugah

      Ghanaian actress Vicky Zugah has urged any man under the age of 30 not to bother her with love proposals because they have nothing to give her.

      Zugah posted a video on Instagram a few hours ago warning young men to avoid her.

      She claims she has a plethora of them in her DMs pleading for her hand in marriage! Zugah is said to be the hottest cake in town

      Zugah stated that she is approaching 40, and her younger brother is in his early 30s, therefore people younger than that should never date her.

      As a reminder, Victoria Zukah better known as Vicky Zukah is a Ghanaian female actress and celebrity who hails from the Volta Region of Ghana.

    • ASBO violators to clean up their messes while wearing jumpsuits

      ASBO violators to clean up their messes while wearing jumpsuits

      The government plans to stop anti-social behaviour “once and for all” by making offenders clean up their offences within 48 hours of the offence while wearing hi-viz jackets and jumpsuits.

      According to Rishi Sunak, his new strategy—which is expected to be unveiled on Monday—aims to dispense “instant justice” and make sure that communities can clearly observe attempts to remove vandalism and graffiti.

      According to Downing Street, additional penalties might include picking up trash, washing police vehicles, or performing unpaid work in stores.

      Officials said the UK Government’s anti-social action plan was about establishing a ‘zero-tolerance approach where offenders know they will face the full consequences of their actions’.

      Speaking ahead of the plan’s publication, the Prime Minister said: ‘For too long, people have put up with the scourge of anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

      ‘These are not minor crimes. They disrupt people’s daily lives, hold businesses back and erode the sense of safety and community that brings people together.

      ‘That’s why I’m bringing forward a new plan to crack down on this behaviour once and for all – so that everyone can feel proud of where they live.’

      Mr Sunak will announce an approach known as immediate justice to be piloted in 10 areas before a rollout across England and Wales next year.

      The plan is set to include new funding for police and crime commissioners (PCCs) to ensure those responsible for offences that blight communities are punished as soon as possible.

      The Prime Minister has set the target of having offenders who are slapped with community orders starting reparation work within 48 hours of being handed the punishment.

      Mr Sunak dedicated a portion of his new year speech, setting out his five pledges ahead of the next election, on his ambitions to tackle anti-social behaviour.

      He said that low-level offences made ‘life miserable for so many’ and argued the destructive form of behaviour could ‘be a gateway to more extreme crimes’.

      According to officials, Mr Sunak’s plan will see offenders having to wear jumpsuits or hi-vis jackets and work under supervision as part of efforts to give the public confidence that justice is being done.

      Where possible, low-level criminals will be tasked with cleaning up the mess they created.

      If their anti-social activity has already been removed or repaired, they will instead be assigned projects to assist their community in other ways.

      Ministers have pledged that victims and affected communities will get a say in deciding what type of punishment or consequences offenders should face, alongside input from local PCCs.

      The immediate justice pilots come in addition to an expansion of the so-called community payback scheme for more serious criminals.

      Currently, offenders are sentenced by courts to do unpaid work that directly benefits their local communities, such as cleaning up public places and removing graffiti.

      Under Mr Sunak’s pilot idea, teams of offenders will be rapidly deployed to clean up more urgent incidents of anti-social behaviour, with the Probation Service delivering the work alongside selected councils.

      According to Government figures, last year saw 1,500 offenders spend almost 10,000 hours on 300 community clean-up projects, with plans to double that this year.

      Steve Reed, Labour’s shadow justice secretary, said cuts to neighbourhood policing had allowed offenders to ‘get away without punishment’.

      He said: ‘Under 13 years of Conservative government, community sentences have plummeted by two-thirds.

      ‘And now they have finally realised how angry local people are, so once again following where Labour has led by trying to copy our plan on tough community payback.

      ‘It is embarrassing that all the Conservatives can come up with is a pilot in 10 areas – covering only a quarter of police forces. They are out of ideas and out of time.’

      In a plan revealed last month, Labour announced proposals to put 13,000 more neighbourhood police on Britain’s streets and introduce ‘clean-up squads’ for fly-tippers if it wins power at the next election.

      The party also said it wanted to establish community and victim payback boards to oversee strengthened community sentences.

    • Alleged coup plotter, Dr Mac-Palm, reportedly dead

      Alleged coup plotter, Dr Mac-Palm, reportedly dead

      Alleged coup plotter, Dr Mac-Palm, who was standing trial for treason has reportedly died.

      Dr Frederick Mac-Palm, is one of the nine persons standing treason trial. 

      According to MyJoyOnline.com sources, he died in the late hours of Saturday, March 25, after he collapsed in the house. 

      His family will in due course issue a statement about the development, MyJoyOnline.com sources added.

      About the trial

      Dr Fred Mac-Palm, the owner of the Citadel Clinic has been facing trial since 2029. 

      He together with Donya Kafui, alias Ezor, a blacksmith from Alavanyo, and Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu, were arrested for allegedly plotting to destabilise the country. 

      The three were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, namely, manufacturing of arms and ammunition, and the possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition without lawful authority.

      The accused persons are said to be part of a group known as Take Action Ghana (TAG).

      The group, according to the prosecution, planned to organise a series of demonstrations and also to overthrow the government.

      The other accused persons are Col. Samuel Kodzo Gameli, W.O.2 Esther Doku, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Lance Corporal Albert Baba Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akapewon, Bright Alan Debrah and Corporal Seidu Abubakar.

      Meanwhile, in a related development, the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, on Tuesday, March 21, sentenced five Western Togoland secessionists to a total of 25 years in prison.

      The five were arrested by the police in September 2020 after they blocked the Aveyime road from Accra with sand and attacked the Aveyime and Mepe Police stations in the Volta Region. 

      The High Court convicted the five accused persons on March 17, after finding them guilty of offences contrary to the Prohibited Organisations Act 1976 (Supreme Military Council Decree/SMCD20).

      The first two of the four charges under SMCD20 proffered against the accused were:

      Attending meetings of a prohibited organization contrary to Section 2(1)(b) of SMCD20, and Making contributions to the funds of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(g) of SMCD 20.

      The third and fourth charges were participating in the campaign of a prohibited organization, contrary to Section 2(1)(d) of SMCD20, and being a member of a prohibited organization, contrary to Section 2(1)(i) of SMCD20.

    • The profile for Prince Archie on the Royal website disappears

      The profile for Prince Archie on the Royal website disappears

      As Prince Archie‘s official profile vanished from the Royal website, admirers of the royal family were left perplexed.

      Yesterday, when individuals attempted to see the profile of 3-year-old Archie, a “404 error notice” was shown; however, the page has already been fixed.

      Once Lilibet, Archie’s younger sister, was baptised covertly a few weeks ago, the page was modified to reflect Archie’s new titles.

      All the other pages on the website are still fully functioning, including those for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

      Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pages also remain intact, while their daughter Lilibet does not have a dedicated web page.

      Archie’s page includes some details about him, including his birthday and tweets from the King and Queen Consort welcoming him on his arrival.

      There were also pictures of a baby Archie meeting his great-grandmother the late Queen Elizabeth II in his mother’s arms.

      However none of this was visible for several hours, with the page instead reading: ‘The requested page could not be found.’

      The official titles of Archie and Lilibet were used for the first time at her christening earlier this month, with them both previously being called Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.

      They had been initially eligible for HRH titles as great-grandchildren of the monarch however the late Queen changed the rules.

      Sources suggested Meghan and Harry were frustrated that the palace failed to immediately recognise Archie and Lilibet’s titles after the Queen’s death.

      The Prince and Princess of Wales, and their three children, had their titles swiftly changed when Charles acceded to the throne in September.

      But Archie and Lili’s were not changed until around 24 hours after the baptism announcement earlier this month.

      It is understood that despite the Sussexes’ repeated attacks on the institution of the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, there has been correspondence on the issue between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and royal aides.

    • Delay moves into paint business aside sardine and media production

      Delay moves into paint business aside sardine and media production

      Deloris Frimpong Manso aka Delay, has started a new venture – Delay Paint.

      Delay revealed the big news after sharing a photo of a meeting she had with a big-time global paint executive.

      According to her, she met the global chairman of ISONEM Paint in Abidjan to hold discussions on plans to venture into that business.

      Delay is one of the most serial businesswomen in Ghana, successfully running multiple businesses in different industries and seemingly never thinking of stopping.

      Her sardines are already famous all over the country and she also has a media production company that produces ‘The Delay Show’ but also other shows such as the Afia Schwarzenegger show and others.

      Recently, she even worked on a documentary for Showmax.

      Delay isn’t stopping anytime soon in her quest to build her business empire.

      Meanwhile, others are only good for ranting and insulting others online!

    • 5,000 prisoners accused of fighting in Ukraine, pardoned – Head of Wagner Group

      5,000 prisoners accused of fighting in Ukraine, pardoned – Head of Wagner Group

      Following the completion of their contracts to fight for the Wagner Group, more than 5,000 former criminals in Russia received pardons, according to the group’s commander.

      For the bloody fight in Ukraine, the private military organisation, which is closely associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, recruited hundreds of prisoners.

      Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Wagner, declared today that thousands of inmates have “finished their contracts” after untold numbers had perished.

      ‘At the present time, more than 5,000 people have been released on pardon after completing their contracts with Wagner,’ Prigozhin said on Telegram, per Reuters.

      Analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, said Monday it expected Wagner to lose half of its prisoners in the coming weeks as their six-month contracts expire.

      The American research group said thousands of prisoners were recruited in the Autumn of last year on the promise of freedom six months down the line.

      Citing the UK Ministry of Defence, the report said: ‘The UK MoD forecasted that the exodus of convict forces would worsen Wagner personnel shortages as the Kremlin has also blocked Wagner from recruiting additional prisoners.’

      British intelligence has placed the number of fighters Wagner commands at 50,000 – around 10,000 professional soldiers and 40,000 former inmates.

      Prigozhin, himself a former inmate after serving nine years in Soviet times, said only 0.31% of its pardoned prisoners went on to commit another crime.

      As Russia struggled during the early days of the war to recruit men, Wagner came to fill in the gaps by drawing troops out of prison cells.

      Before the war, it was thought the group had only 5,000 fighters who were mostly veteran former soldiers often from Russia’s elite regiments and special forces.

      Prigozhin, after spending years in secrecy, stepped on the public scene in the summer and contrasted his fighters with the failing Russian Army.

      Wagner has since become the central fighting force for the city of Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine, to end one of the war’s deadliest and longest battles.

      Wagner defectors and rights advocates have claimed the recruits are given just two weeks of training before being thrown into the battlefield.

      One analyst said Wagner sends prisoners in ‘human waves’ assaults to draw out the fire and gratingly push the front line closer to the enemy at the expense of their lives.

      The group has suffered 80% losses as a result, the defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke told Sky News last month.

      Prigozhin has for months been in a public stand-off with the Russian Defence Ministry as Putin has gradually distanced himself from the Wagner group and banned Wagner from recruiting any more prisoners.

      ‘Prigozhin has developed a brand consistently mocking the Russian MoD for its disregard for the troops’ wellbeing,’ the Institute for the Study of War added, ‘and is unlikely to anger a convict force by retaining them on the frontlines past the expiration of their contracts.’

    • Kamala Harris arrives in Ghana today 

      Kamala Harris arrives in Ghana today 

      Vice President of the United States of America Kamala Harris, is expected to arrive at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, this morning.

      She will be spending three days in Ghana, and two nights in Tanzania before stopping over for another night in Zambia, as her country deepens relations with Africa.

      The visit by Harris, who is travelling with her husband, Doug Emhoff, will focus on economic development, climate change, and food security.

      The highlight of her trip to Ghana will be the delivery of a speech at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 28.

      Harris will also visit a recording studio, meet with female entrepreneurs in Accra and visit the Cape Coast Castle, Central Region, Ghana, where enslaved Africans were once loaded onto ships for America.

    • Andy Burnham fined nearly £2,000 for over speeding

      Andy Burnham fined nearly £2,000 for over speeding

      Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, was ticketed for speeding on a motorway and given a nearly £2,000 fine.

      Last July, while heading in the direction of Liverpool, the 53-year-old was driving at 78 mph on a part of the M62 where the speed limit had been lowered to 40 mph.

      Although Mr. Burnham acknowledged he was “driving too fast,” he said he was unaware that the smart motorway’s speed limit had changed.

      He admitted a single speeding offence to Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on March 14.

      He told the Manchester Evening News: ‘On the night in question, I was travelling home on the M62 westbound in normal motorway conditions intending to come off at junction 10 for the M6.

      ‘When I got close to the junction, it became clear that it had recently been closed and I had to re-route quickly back onto the main motorway.

      ‘I was not aware of any variable speed limit in place on the smart motorway system at the time and only found out about it when the letter arrived in the post.

      ‘If I had been aware, I would not have been travelling at that speed. That said, I acknowledge that, at 78mph, I was going too fast and accept the court’s decision.’

      Mr Burnham was fined £1,353 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £541 and £90 in court costs.

      The total bill was £1,984. The mayor’s licence was also endorsed with six penalty points.

    • Judge yet to rule on the sugar daddy, side chic court case

      Judge yet to rule on the sugar daddy, side chic court case

      The case in which a woman has sued the chief finance officer of a bank for allegedly breaching an agreement to take care of her came up once more at the High Court in Accra with tangential issues hanging in the way of the substantive matter.

      At the court’s first hearing, the presiding judge, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, had ordered the parties in the case to file their written submissions to enable the court to delve into the substantive matter.

      However, when the case was called yesterday, lawyers for the man sued by Deborah Seyram Adablah had filed an application seeking leave to file a supplementary affidavit in support of their written submission.

      Counsel for Ernest Kwasi Nimako, a Chief Finance Officer of the bank where the young woman did her national service and has made sexual harassment claims against in her suit, notified the court about the application.

      However, counsel for the plaintiff, Mohammed Attah, told the court that his client had also filed an application seeking to oppose the application filed by Nimako.

      Counsel argued on grounds that lawyers for Nimako failed to state precisely the paragraphs of his affidavit they wanted to respond to. 
      He added that Nimako’s lawyers ought to have filed the supplementary affidavit as of right because that was the practice.

    • Nitrous oxide to be set outlawed in the battle against laughing gas

      Nitrous oxide to be set outlawed in the battle against laughing gas

      Michael Gove has announced that the government would outlaw nitrous oxide.

      The laughing gas canisters are frequently used by young people in the UK.

      The statement was made this morning on the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme by the Levelling Up secretary.

      The action is a part of a series of steps taken to combat anti-social behaviour.

      People convicted of anti-social behaviour will be ordered to repair the damage they have caused within two days of being told their punishment, under new plans.

      He said: ‘Antisocial behaviour can ruin lives.

      ‘I think anyone who has the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little silver canisters, which are examples of people not only spoiling public spaces but taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological effect and one that contributes to antisocial behaviour overall.’

      Police officers carry canisters of nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, confiscated from revellers planning to use it as a drug, during the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 29, 2022. - London's Notting Hill carnival celebrates Caribbean culture, at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Susannah Ireland / AFP) (Photo by SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) hippy crack
      Police are going to impose stricter rules on the drug (Picture: Getty)

      In the United Kingdom, nitrous oxide is the second most prevalent drug among young adults aged 16 to 24 years, after cannabis, according to the European Union drugs monitoring agency EMCDDA. 

      A ban on the sale and possession of the substance will be announced as part of the Government’s Department of Levelling Up’s new strategy to target anti-social behaviour on the country’s streets. 

      Other crimes that are expected to be targeted by police are public drug-use, graffiti on public property and fly-tipping. 

      It is also expected that Home Secretary Suella Braverman will review drug laws to include the prosecution of anyone found with nitrous oxide in public. 

      Smaller nitrous oxide canisters – which are legitimately used in the catering industry – have been widely used for recreational drug-taking for at least a decade.

      The small, silver cartridges contain four litres of the colourless gas, but the larger types – which cost just £25 – can hold between 322 litres and 5,500 litres.

      One in 11 people aged 16 to 24 said they had taken laughing gas in 2019-20, according to the Crime Survey of England and Wales. 

      Mr Gove said he is unsure of what category the drug will fall under.

      He added: ‘We can’t have a situation, we mustn’t have a situation where our drugs, our public spaces become drug taking arenas and that is why we need to do crackdown on new manifestations of drug taking.’

      Sophy Ridge asked: ‘Are you really going to give people a criminal record for a 30-second high from laughing gas?’

      Mr Gove initially avoided the question and replied: ‘We need to deal with the scourge [of nitrous oxide].’

      ‘It’s absolutely right we uphold the law in this case,’ he added.

      When asked again if the plans were hypocritical, given some MPs have been known to take drugs, including himself, he said: ‘No… because I’ve learned.’

      He continued: ‘I’ve learned it’s a mistake, it’s worse than a mistake to regard drug taking as somehow acceptable.’

      Mr Gove accepted that ministers had been advised not to ban laughing gas but said the UK Government had taken a different view.

      He said that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs had recommended not legally restricting its sale.

      He told Sky News: ‘It is the case that we need to be clear that there are types of activity, particular types of activity that cause distress to others in public which are unacceptable.

      ‘Of course it is absolutely right that we uphold the law in this case.

      ‘Yes, the advisory committee offered their advice but ultimately it is ministers who are responsible.

      ‘And we believe collectively that it is absolutely vital that we deal with this scourge and in the same way.’

      Mr Gove said ministers also wanted to bring in ‘extended drug testing of people who are responsible for criminal and anti-social activity’, adding: ‘We need to deal with it.’

      Shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said Labour ‘want to see’ laughing gas banned.

      She told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: ‘I think we want to see it banned as well because I think it does cause a huge amount of littering, of disruption and of anti-social behaviour challenges as well.’

      Last year a woman from east London was left paralysed after bingeing on laughing gas for three days at a time.

      What is nitrous oxide (NOS)?

      Nitrous oxide is a gas legally used in medicine and catering.

      It is often sold in smaller silver cannisters for catering and events and this is usually how users get hold of it.

      The most common way to do NOS as a drug is to transfer the gas into a balloon and inhale the balloon.

      Some people inhale the NOS straight from the cannister but this is extremely dangerous.

      The desired effect is to feel giggly, relaxed, euphoric and distort reality. It can also make people feel anxious, paranoid and dizzy. The effects only last for about two minutes.

      The gas works by temporarily preventing oxygen from reaching the blood.

      As of 2016, nitrous oxide is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act and is illegal to supply for its psychoactive effect.

      At present there’s no penalty for being in possession of the drug, unless you’re in prison.

      Supply and production can get you up to seven years behind bars, an unlimited fine or both.

      Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.

      If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.

    • Ken Agyapong reveals how many pick-ups he donated to support NPPs 2016 campaign

      Ken Agyapong reveals how many pick-ups he donated to support NPPs 2016 campaign

      New Pariotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has disclosed how many pick-ups he donated the party during the 2016 election period.

      He said he donated 240 pick-ups to support the party’s bid.

      He also serially spoke about financial contributions he has made to the party since its inception.

      He has also provided funding for recent events including over 2.75 million Ghana cedis towards the April 2022 constituency elections (10,000 cedis to each constituency). 

      Later in December, he again donated 9,000 bags of rice and other items to the party as his widow’s mite towards Christmas. 

      He has opened up on a logistical donation in 2016 when the party was gearing up for elections. 

      “Just this 2016, I bought 240 used pick-ups for NPP campaigns. Today, you are in power and you are telling Ghanaians not to buy used (cars)… what is the purchasing power of every Ghanaian in the country. How many people can afford new cars?” he asked during a public function. 

      The crux of his concern with used cars being the decision of government to ban the importation of such vehicles. 

      Ken Agyapong insists that the decision by the government is totally wrong and was not well thought off. 

      “You cannot bring a year to five-year-old cars because VW is going to produce brand new cars in Ghana, because Nissan is going to produce brand new cars in Ghana. 

      “The direct tax (we are losing) through customs is more than anything in the country. Look at the number of people who are going to lose their jobs. How many jobs are these companies going to create? We didn’t sit down to analyse all these things, we just come out with policies, don’t bring used cars,” he said. 

      Agyapong is currently Member of Parliament for Assin Central, a seat he is set t relinquish at the expiration of his current term. 

      He is considered a frontrunner in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential flagbearership race along with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen. 

    • If the need arises, we’ll reduce transport fares – GPRTU

      If the need arises, we’ll reduce transport fares – GPRTU

      The Ghana Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reiterated that the reduction in fuel pieces does not necessarily warrant a reduction in transport fares.

      The GPRTU maintained that the issues that constitute increments in transport fares go beyond just fuel.

      Abass Imoro, the Public Relations Officer for the GPRTU indicated that a lot of factors constitute an increase in transport fares.

      He explained that although fuel prices have been reduced, it may not lead to transport fares reduction.

      He said sometimes, the union do not just increases fares even when fuel prices have gone up astronomically.

      He was responding to a question about whether the GPRTU was willing to lower fares in light of the drop in fuel prices that the government attributed to the gold-for-oil policy.

      “Ghanaians should be patient; if it becomes necessary for us to reduce transportation fares, we will consider it. What we must realise is that fuel is not the only factor considered when calculating transportation costs. Not every step that fuels prices decrease or increase results in lower transportation fares.

      “There are additional considerations: insurance is expensive, lorry parking tickets have increased, and DVLA services are also expensive. All of these factors are taken into account before we reduce fares

      “So be patient, and when it is necessary, we will do it. Ghanaians were taken aback by the percentage by which we recently reduced transportation fares. It was done because it was necessary, and we did it. So everyone should be patient because if it becomes necessary, we will do it so that everyone benefits”, he stated.

    • Drone flying at 20,000ft UK military base under goes critical investigations

      Drone flying at 20,000ft UK military base under goes critical investigations

      After sightings of drones over or close to UK military locations last year, a number of events led to inquiries, according to recently made public records.

      One of the incidents noted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was a pilot who reported a UAV at 20,000 feet.

      Another incident included what is thought to have been a quadcopter drone that was reported to have “hovered over barracks.”

      The UAVs were also recorded as coming within close proximity of military facilities, according to the information released by the MoD’s Directorate of Security & Resilience.  

      One was sighted over the roof of a building while another landed on an ‘upper roofed area’. 

      In total, there were 21 incidents between January 2022 and February this year, the response to a request by Metro.co.uk under the Freedom of Information Act shows.

      On one occasion a security team was recorded as having located the operator. The incident report reads: ‘Report of drone flying. 

      ‘Officers conducted area search, operator located. Spoken to by officers, who viewed footage from drone, operator voluntarily deleted all footage.’

      Only one of the other reports, where a drone was being used at a pre-planned event, shows any sign of the operators having been located.

      Two other incidents concerned an object described as a ‘drone/microlight glider’ which was seen by ‘multiple witnesses’ in one case.  

      Another report in the list of incidents states: ‘A drone (believed to be a quadcopter) hovered over barracks.’ 

      Area searches were carried out in seven cases but no evidence of UAV activity was found. 

      The log in another of the incidents states: ‘Report from pilot of drone at 20,000 feet. Nothing seen from the ground, area search carried out for operator, no trace.’ 

      A military facility’s own systems detected a UAV in one case. The log reads: ‘Drone system activated, showing drone. Officers attended, no trace.’

      The information has been released at a time of heightened international concern about aerial spying by foreign powers.

      A Chinese balloon was shot down by the US off the coast of South Carolina last month, with the Pentagon saying the craft had been used to spy on ‘strategic sites’. Europe is among at least five continents targeted by Beijing with the high-altitude balloons over the past few years, according to White House and Pentagon sources. 

      The ability to weaponise drones, as evidenced on the battlefield in Ukraine, and to co-ordinate and interlink the UAVs in ‘swarms’, has emerged as another aerial threat to critical infrastructure.  

      A swarm was reported on an unspecified date at a nuclear licensed in the UK between January 2014 and July 2020, according to the Office for National Regulation. No other details were released.

      A group of up to six drones was reported to armed police ‘over and around’ Capenhurst nuclear site in Cheshire in July 2019, according to another disclosure from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

      Such incidents are cloaked in secrecy by the various agencies involved on national security grounds and it is not known if the two reports are linked.

      Drones, along with any type of unmanned aircraft, are banned under the Air Navigation Order from flying in the airspace of nuclear installations. The Civil Aviation Authority says that ‘flying may be restricted’ around other sites including military ranges, royal palaces and government buildings.

      The new reports come at a time of heightened tensions between the West and China and Russia, which have each been linked to concerted physical and cyber spying operations in the UK. 

      Peter Burt, of Drone Wars UK, said: ‘These incidents highlight the potential that drones have to disrupt security arrangements. 

      ‘Although most of the cases were probably the result of careless use by irresponsible owners, there is certainly a risk that some of them were more malicious in their intent.  

      ‘It’s notable that in many of the cases the authorities were unable to trace the drone or its operator, which highlights the difficulties in countering the use of drones for illegal purposes. Drones are easily available and can be bought by anyone to use for criminal purposes.’

      Drone reports between January 22 and February 23

      • Drone hovering over camp
      • Drone over roof of building
      • Drone on upper level roofed area
      • Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) heard but not seen
      • Drone/microlight glider sighted by multiple witnesses
      • Drone/microlight glider spotted
      • A drone (believed to be a quadcopter) hovered over
        barracks
      • Unauthorised drone flight
      • Report of drone sighting
      • Unmanned aerial system flying
      • Filming with drone
      • Drone sighting
      • Report of possible drone sighting. Search carried out, nothing found.
      • Report of drone, search carried out, officers found out it was a pre-planned event.
      • Report of drone flying, area search carried out, nothing found
      • Drone reported to be flying, officers carried out area search, no trace.
      • Report of drone flying. Area search carried out, no trace.
        Drone system activated, showing drone. Officers attended, no trace.
      • Report of drone flying, Officers conducted area search, operator located. Spoken to by officers, who viewed footage from drone, operator voluntarily deleted all footage.
      • Report from pilot of drone at 20,000 feet. Nothing seen from the ground, area search carried out for operator, no trace.
      • Report of drone flying, area search carried out by officer, no trace.

      (Source: Ministry of Defence)

      Mr Burt, who has studied UAV use and is part of the Nukewatch monitoring network, highlighted the weaponisation of drones, including as ‘kamikaze’ systems used to deadly effect in the Middle East and Ukraine.  

      ‘Drones bought off-the-shelf have been adapted to deliver weapons by a number of non-state groups during conflicts in the Middle East, and in the Ukraine war,’ he said. ‘We have seen how even the simplest drones can be used for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering. 

      ‘The government is planning to deregulate UK airspace to allow greater commercial use of drones, meaning that drones will become far more intrusive into our everyday lives. These incidents give an indication of the difficulties that we can expect to arise in future in tracking down and tackling problems caused by rogue operators.’

      The UK government is undertaking work to enhance the national response to the threats posed by increasingly sophisticated and widely used aerial systems at home and abroad. 

      This includes through the Defence and Security Accelerator, a project to find innovative ways to mitigate hostile use of the systems and the RAF’s Project Synergia, which has delivered counter-drone technology. 

      A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: ‘We have robust security measures in place at all defence sites to respond to such incidents. 

      ‘While we cannot comment on specific security arrangements or procedures, we continue to invest in a range of measures to tackle future threats, including counter-drone technology.’ 

    • Numerous protestors showed up to demonstrate agaist the far-right rally

      Numerous protestors showed up to demonstrate agaist the far-right rally

      Following a large turnout to protest a far-right rally in the Welsh town of Llantwit Major, two people have been taken into custody.

      The council’s intentions to resettle Ukrainian migrants at an abandoned school are opposed by about 20 members of the Patriotic Alternative organisation, which was created by a former BNP official.

      Locals, however, fiercely opposed the group and showed their support for refugees by demonstrating in large numbers in opposition to the group’s message.

      Patriotic Alternative supporters gathered with banners proclaiming ‘Wales is not a migrant camp!’ and ‘Britain is full’.

      Two arrested after far-right protest met with hundreds of counter-protesters holding Welsh cakes Today Llantwit Major showed that we are united in welcoming refugees here. Pretty darn proud of my little town. The fascists went home.
      Hundreds turned out to voice pro-refugee statements after the far-right opposed plans to house Ukrainian refugees in an old school (Picture: Nick Jeffery/@gbjeffen)

      But they were vastly outnumbered by the local townsfolk, who brandished signs which read:‘Llantwit Major together for peace, love, kindness and compassion’ and ‘Llantwit Major refugees welcome fascists not!’

      Resident Aled Roberts toldthe BBC: ‘We as a nation welcome people. To see a protest like this against housing Ukrainians here. It’s repugnant to me as a Welshman.

      ‘I’ve heard that people have been trying to influence youngsters and people and that’s unacceptable. They have a right to protest as do we.

      ‘It looks like there’s a lot more of us than them. I just hope the protest remains peaceful.’

      Another local, Rob Curtis, told WalesOnline that opposing refugees in the UK was ‘wrong.’

      ‘These groups have called themselves different names over the years. But they are still a fascist organisation if they are preaching hatred and division.’

      Rob is a Green Party member and said he doesn’t believe the fascist group’s claims that they are concerned about housing and refugees.

      ‘I have campaigned for better housing, health services and education for years. These groups are never there. They say it’s about housing but it is racism.’

      Hellana Hatfield, a human rights activist who runs an NGO for asylum seekers, told the publication: ‘We are here to deliver the message that refugees are welcome here in Wales and that fascists are not welcome. They have caused trouble elsewhere. Wherever they go, we will go.

      ‘The problem is getting worse with them stirring up hatred and division. At the end of the day we all come into this world naked and alone, and we leave naked and alone. It doesn’t matter what country you are from, what religion or sex you are. We are all people. If we can unite together, that is the best thing we can do.’

      Most of the Patriotic Alternative supporters refused to be interviewed by the media, but told reporters at the scene they were ‘not Nazi’s.’

      Police officers stood between the two groups until the crowd dispersed just before 1:30pm.

      Although the protest was ‘mostly peaceful’, there were reports of skirmishes between police officers and a number of pro-refugee protesters.

      Police later confirmed that a 20-year-old man from Swansea had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and a 23-year-old woman from the Gwynedd area was arrested on suspicion of assault.

      They did not reveal which side the detainees had been affiliated with.

      South Wales Police’s Insp Mark Henderson said: ‘Officers have been present in Llantwit Major today to facilitate peaceful protest and minimise disruption to the wider community.

      ‘The protest was mostly peaceful, however two protesters were arrested.

      ‘There are no other reported injuries and the protesters eventually dispersed without any further incident.’

      On Friday night the local church held a vigil to show their support for the refugees.

      Fr Edwin Counsell told ITV, ‘Llantwit Major is a generous and welcoming community. This vigil places prayer and togetherness at the centre of our life, and my prayer is that we will invite God’s blessing and peace to our town.’

      Plans to accommodate Ukrainian refugees include 90 accommodation units, which the local authority says would ‘provide high-quality, short-term housing for those in need, such as refugees from the war in Ukraine.’

      ‘With the war in Ukraine likely to continue for some time, these families now need more suitable accommodation. That is what the temporary homes in Llantwit Major will provide’, the council added.

    • ‘Shatta Wale is a beast when dealing with music’ – Bullgod

      ‘Shatta Wale is a beast when dealing with music’ – Bullgod

      Artist manger and creative director, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod has defined Shatta Wale as a monster when it comes to music.

      Bullgod, who was the former manager of the Dancehall artiste and having worked with him for a long time acknowledged Shatta Wale’s hardwork and how he takes music career seriously.

      Bullgod, in an interview with Kafui Dey on the Breakfast show on GTV also emphasized that the multiple award-winning artiste hardly sleep adding he [Shatta Wale] is mostly recording in the studio.

      “He is hardworking I love that about him. Shatta Wale is too hardworking and he does not sleep, too hardworking. He is on the mic all the time, he is singing, he is producing,” he noted.

      The artiste manager was quizzed by the host about the number of songs Shatta Wale produced a day and according to Bullgod, the Ghanaian musician can produce close to 10 songs a day.

      He explained, “What do you mean, he can produce 5, 6, 10, songs. He is a monster. I’m yet to see any artiste [like him]. I have worked with artistes…I mean Iwan was like that; Iwan was producing his own stuffs as well but Shatta is a beast.”

    • Management reacts to reports of TTH being the worst in the Northern region

      Management reacts to reports of TTH being the worst in the Northern region

      The Management of Tamale Teaching Hospital has taken note of a media reportage, which claimed the TTH has been ranked “the worst performing hospital in Northern Region”. We ordinarily would ignore such reportage as unworthy of attention, given that it betrays the reporter’s lack of understanding of both the context and content of the subject matter.

      For the avoidance of doubts, there is absolutely no basis for comparison between the TTH and facilities under the Northern Regional Health Directorate given that we operate at different levels. Management also takes particular note of the obvious diversion by the reporter from the real subject matter of the day, i.e. the annual performance reviews of the Northern Regional Health Directorate.

      In doing so, the reporter disingenuously deprives patients/clients, and staffs of the Ghana Health Service in the region the opportunity of uplifting themselves of the challenges, strides made and prospects for the future. The Tamale Teaching Hospital is one of the five teaching hospitals in the country with the tripartite mandate of providing quality tertiary healthcare, conducting research and medical training.

      The teaching hospitals are each autonomous agencies under the Ministry of Health in match the same way as the Ghana Health Service. The point of convergence between us as a teaching hospital and the Ghana Health Service is as
      far as to the level of collaboration. It is therefore out of place to have a situation in which the Northern Regional Health Directorate could rank its health facilities and include the TTH.

      The Northern Regional Health Directorate represents a sub-governance structure under the Ghana Health Service, but the teaching hospital is a one-stop governance structure with the governing board at its apex. The coincidence that the TTH is in the Northern Region, where the regional health directorate also exist should not to be confused to mean that the TTH is among the list of
      facilities under the Northern Regional Health Directorate.

      We shudder to think or believe that this is a once more poorly rehearsed attempt to undermine a collective and enviable effort of the TTH in our quest to attain our vision as a hospital, which is; to become the center of excellence, medical training and research.

      We dismiss the reportage as untruth and unhelpful and call on all our clients, partners and stakeholders to do same. We believe in and cherish the confidence you have reposed in us and assured you that we are not jolted in the least by the poorly fabricated reportage. We are focused on delivery on our mandate as a teaching hospital.

      We remain proud of our evolution, our strides and are equally excited about our prospects going into the future as we continue to grapple with known challenges.
      We have no idea why the report was published, and we have no faith in the source of the alleged rating exercise. However, given the unexpected public interest in this issue, we believe it is appropriate to educate both the public and the media at the same time.

    • Methodist Church Ghana honours Prof Ato Essuman

      Methodist Church Ghana honours Prof Ato Essuman

      A three-term Member of the Council of State, Prof Ato Essuman, has been honoured by the Methodist Church of Ghana.

      The hounour was in recognition of his enormous contributions to the state as well as the Methodist church.

      The Lay Movement Council of the Methodist Church Ghana held the 13th S.H. Amissah Memorial Lecture on Saturday, 25th March 2023, at the Mount Olivet Methodist Church in Dansoman, Accra.

      The event was organized to honour Hon. Prof. Ato Essuman, a three-term Member of the Council of State, and the 2nd Lay President of the Methodist Church Ghana, for his significant contributions to the church and the nation at large.

      Hon. Prof. Essuman, who is also the Chairman of WAEC, used the opportunity to call for unity and cooperation among the laity and clergy of the church.

      The guest speaker for the event was The Very Rev. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, the President of Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu delivered a highly informative lecture on the topic,

      “The Earth is the Lord’s: Ecological Stewardship, Human Destiny and Development in Ghana.”

      His presentation highlighted the need for sustainable practices and responsible use of natural resources because, as Christians, we are stewards of the earth and the things created by God.

      The event was well-attended by distinguished guests such as The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, the Administrative Bishop, the Lay President, Members of the Council of State, the President of the National House of Chiefs, and other Bishops and Clergy of the Methodist Church Ghana.

      Hon. Prof. Essuman was accompanied by his family, including his wife, Prof. Sally Essuman, his son, Kow Abaka Essuman, and his daughters-in-law, Lady-Ann Essuman and Michelle Essuman.

      In his vote of thanks, Kow Abaka Essuman reminded attendees of a memorable quote from the lecture, “We are, because creation is and therefore, because creation is, we are.”

      This quote captured the essence of the lecture and served as a call to action for all attendees to take care of the environment and to work together towards a sustainable future.

      Paa Sir S.H. Amissah, the 1st Vice President of the Methodist Church Ghana Conference, was remembered during the lecture, and the event was a fitting tribute to his legacy.

      The Lay Movement Council of the Methodist Church Ghana should be commended for organizing such a successful and impactful event.

    • Putin discloses a proposal to plant nuclear weapons in Belarus

      Putin discloses a proposal to plant nuclear weapons in Belarus

      President Vladimir Putin was quoted on Saturday by the Tass news agency as saying that Russia has reached an agreement with Belarus, which is next door, to place tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil.

      Putin stated that such a move wouldn’t contravene nuclear nonproliferation agreements and added that the US has nuclear weapons deployed on the soil of European partners.

      The stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders Poland, has long been a concern for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to Putin.

      ‘We agreed with Lukashenko that we would place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus without violating the nonproliferation regime,’ Tass quoted Putin as saying.

      FILE PHOTO: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia February 17, 2023. Sputnik/Vladimir Astapkovich/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo
      Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko is one of Putin’s closest allies (Picture: Reuters)

      Russia will have completed the construction of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by July 1, Putin said, adding that Russia would not actually be transferring control of the arms to Minsk.

      Russia has already stationed 10 aircraft in Belarus capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, he said.

      The move comes as the US imposed fresh sanctions on Belarus this week as punishment for its continued support of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

      The newly imposed sanctions targeted seven Belarusian elections officials, two state-owned automotive manufacturers and President Alexander Lukashenko’s private Boening 737 aircraft.

      The seven officials are part of Belarus’ Central Election Commission, which was originally sanctioned in December 2020 after being widely accused of rigging the presidential election in Lukashenko’s favour and cracking down on dissent.

      Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the U.S. ‘will continue to impose costs on the regime and those who support it for their repression of the people of Belarus” and for the Belarusian government’s support for Russia’s war.

      The State Department also imposed visa restrictions on 14 additional people involved in “policies to threaten and intimidate the Belarusian people.’

      Last month, leaked documents revealed a top secret plan by the Kremlin to annex Belarus and absorb it into Russia by 2030.

    • Top Tories duped into requesting £10,000 to work for an fake Korean company

      Top Tories duped into requesting £10,000 to work for an fake Korean company

      An impending inquiry reveals that two prominent Tory MPs unknowingly requested to be paid £10,000 per day to work for a fictitious corporation.

      In February, Kwasi Kwarteng, the former chancellor whose mini-budget wrecked the economy, also accepted to work for the fictitious company for “£10,000 a day.”

      Meanwhile, Matt Hancock requested £1,500 per hour to serve as a consultant for a fictitious South Korean business that Led by Donkeys established the following month.

      Amid a cost-of-living crisis, 10.4% inflation and sky-high food, fuel, rent and more costs, the campaign group claimed to be interviewing the two for lucrative roles on an international advisory board on top of their £84,100 MP salary.

      According to a trailer released by the group today of its investigation, Kwarteng attended a preliminary meeting at his parliamentary office saying he did not need a ‘king’s ransom’ to be hired.

      ‘I would say, as an MP, I don’t need to… earn a king’s ransom, but I’m looking, I wouldn’t do anything less than, for about $10,000,’ he said, before clarifying it is in pounds.

      The interviewer tells Kwarteng the company is looking ‘into 8,000 to 12,000 pounds a day’ for six board meetings.

      ‘How many days a month is that?’ Kwarteng replied, saying: ‘We’re not a million miles off.’

      They were interviewed over Zoom by a woman claiming to be the senior executive of Hanseong Consulting in Seoul, South Korea, which was hoping to ‘expand into the UK and Europe’.

      Kwarteng told her: ‘Particularly if I’m going to Korea, I would expect to be compensated for that.’

      ‘Yes definitely,’ the mock interviewer replied. ‘We will arrange all of the compensations.’

      ‘I’m £10,000 a day and I’d invoice it each day, I wouldn’t expect a regular retainer,’ he added, ‘but we could do it that way as well.’

      Hancock similarly charged an eye-watering £1,500 per hour – which is more than double what an average Brit earns in a week.

      When asked for his daily rate, the former health secretary said: ‘I do, yes. It’s 10,000 sterling.’

      He was previously paid £320,000 to take part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, for which he lost the whip.

      Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady also had an online meeting with the fake firm from his parliamentary office.

      ‘I don’t know about a daily rate, I suppose seeing your approach and the kind of expectations you have, I was thinking something like £60,000?,’ he said.

      ‘As an annual rate. If you think that’s far too cheap, let me know,’ he said with a smile.

      According to The Guardian, Led By Donkeys approached 20 MPs from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.

      Five agreed to be interviewed, but one disconnected the call early after growing suspicious.

      MPs are free to take second jobs if they are not ministers – they must publicly declare any additional income they make.

      Tory lawmakers have made a thumping £15,200,000 from their second jobs since the last general election. Jobs can include consultancy or being a lawyer.

      They’re free to make meetings such as the one arranged by Led By Donkeys, and the three senior MPs all referred to their obligation to their constituents.

      A spokesperson for Hancock said: ‘This failed attempt at entrapment in fact shows Matt acted within the letter and the spirit of the rules, making it crystal clear form the outset that his parliamentary and constituency duties are his primary responsibility for now.

      ‘Matt is leaving Parliament at the next election, so it is entirely to be expected that he should have exploratory conversations in the meantime.’

      Sir Brady said that, having decided to leave the House of Commons, he has received a ‘number of approaches regarding future opportunities’.

      He confirmed he had the meeting with the bogus company, adding: ‘I made it clear that any arrangement would have to be completely transparent and that whilst a Member of Parliament, I would only act within the terms of the Code of Conduct.

      ‘I also made it clear that whilst I could be flexible in attending international meetings in person, this would be subject to some important votes or commitments in Westminster.’

    • This is a ‘massive stab in the back’ – NDC ‘cries’ over approval of 6 new ministerial nominations

      Ghana’s biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appears to be bleeding over what it describes as “betrayal” of some NDC Members of Parliament.

      The party was taken aback on Friday, March 24, 2023, after the six newly appointed Ministers and Deputy-Minister designates were approved by Parliament through a secret ballot.

      Contrary to the NDCs expectations, all six garnered majority votes although the Minority Caucus had a full house and the Majority Caucus was short of two members who were not present to cast their votes.

      What breaks the party’s heart is the fact that the NDC group in Parliament prior to the vote had announced a principled position not to approve any new ministers until President Akufo-Addo has taken steps to significantly reduce the size of his government.

      However, it appears the announcement did not sink in with some members as they refused to toe the party line.

      Reacting to the development, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey expressed his utmost disappointment.

      “The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken notice of the outcome of a vote on new Ministerial nominees on the floor of Parliament, yesterday, 24th March, 2023. Ghanaians would recall that the party issued a directive to the Minority Caucus in Parliament to reject the new Ministerial nominees a few weeks ago. This was in alignment with the pervasive view of Ghanaians that this moment of economic crisis and financial haircuts, calls for the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to show by example that it is willing to reduce its expenditure by downsizing its government among other things.

      “We note however, that some Members of Parliament on the side of the NDC Minority for reasons known to themselves, elected to place their parochial interest ahead of the interest of Ghanaians,” the statement said.

      Mr Kwetey further noted that: “The party, on behalf of all Ghanaians, condemns this conduct in no uncertain terms, as it not only betrays the expressed will of the party, but the desire of the Ghanaian people and constitutes a massive stab in the back of the good people of Ghana. The party wishes to reaffirm its principled position for President Akufo-Addo to downsize his bloated government and reset his priorities to reflect the difficult times Ghanaians find themselves in.”

      Additionally, he commended the leadership of the Minority caucus in Parliament and Members of Parliament who stayed true to the expectations of the party and the Ghanaian people.

      “We will stop at nothing to identify them and publicly laud them in due course. Their loyalty and patriotism will not be forgotten. It must be noted that, the National Democratic Congress as a body corporate, has multiple structures, represented by elected and appointed officers who are expected to act in the supreme interest of suffering Ghanaians, particularly the over six (6) million supporters of the party. The party as a corporate entity therefore bears no liability for the deviant action of the few self-seeking Members of Parliament who betrayed the collective cause of the party and the nation.

      “Undoubtedly, our country currently faces the biggest economic meltdown in living memory. It is therefore unpardonable for any person, not to talk of a Member of Parliament who believes in the ideals of the NDC, to lend support to the ongoing recklessness by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government,” he said.

      “The NDC shall continue to hold the government accountable for the socio-economic quandary that our country finds itself and present our superior alternatives to Ghanaians in our bid to rescue the soul of our nation. We are not oblivious of the fact that, the road to rescue will at a point become rough, howbeit such obstacles only strengthen our resolve to achieve the rescue mission. We shall leave no stone unturned in our quest to bring our dear nation out of our present economic doldrums,” he added.

    • Execution by firing squad could resume in US over scarcity of lethal injection drugs

      Execution by firing squad could resume in US over scarcity of lethal injection drugs

      Due to the present lack of components for lethal injection, firing squad executions may return to the US.

      The use of their goods in fatal injections has been prohibited by numerous pharmaceutical corporations.

      States that still use the death penalty are now without the medications required to carry out these sentences.

      Currently, several states are considering utilising a firing squad to execute prisoners who have been found guilty of murder.

      This week, Idaho lawmakers approved a bill that authorises the use of fire squads to execute people who are sentenced to death row. This includes Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

      Utah is the only state to have actually used a firing squad in the last 50 years, when Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed at Utah State Prison on June 18, 2010.

      The man, who killed an attorney during a courthouse escape attempt, sat in a chair surrounded by sandbags while five prison staffers fired from 25 feet away. Gardner was pronounced dead two minutes later.

      Some believe firing squads are actually more humane than the lethal injection, with Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor that is is ‘near instant and may also be comparatively painless’.

      She wrote in a 2017 dissent that lethal drugs can mask intense pain by paralysing inmates while they are still sentient.

      ‘What cruel irony that the method that appears most humane may turn out to be our most cruel experiment yet,’ she said.

      But others are opposed to firing squads for their bloodiness and violence, with anesthesiologist Joseph Antognini arguing that being shot can be ‘severely painful, especially related to shattering of bone and damage to the spinal cord’.

      There has also been lots of controversy around using the lethal injection, leading Arizona to pause the death penalty.

      The state’s first Democratic governor since 2009, Katie Hobbs, ordered a review into death penalty protocols in January.

      This was after Arizona was accused of taking too long to insert the IV into a prisoner’s body.

      The Arizona Republic newspaper requested to witness last year’s three executions but each of these were rejected.

      Ms Hobbs said she believes ‘it’s time to address the fact that this is a system that needs better oversight on numerous fronts’.

      New Democratic attorney general, Kris Mayes, said recent executions had amounted to ‘torture’, saying a ‘thorough review of Arizona’s protocols and processes governing capital punishment is needed’.