TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Russia’s war economy has gained time, but cannot endure – Faisal Islam

    Russia’s war economy has gained time, but cannot endure – Faisal Islam

    It was March of 2022. The Russian money (rouble) lost a lot of its value, and the big companies Gazprom and Sberbank lost almost all of their worth in London. Lines started to form at the ATM machines in Moscow. The rich people’s expensive boats, sports teams, big houses and even their credit cards were taken away.

    Russia’s economy went into a big downturn.

    This happened right after the West tried really hard to control Russia’s money because they invaded Ukraine.

    At the center of the situation was taking control of Russia’s official money from other countries, including freezing the central bank’s $300 billion in reserves.

    Western governments did not say “economic war”, but it seemed like they were fighting with the Kremlin over money. It was better than if the nuclear states had fought directly.

    A lot has changed in the economy in the past two years.

    This week, President Putin said in a long interview that Russia has the fastest growing economy in Europe, and he seemed very happy about it.

    Last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the Russian economy is doing well and they expect it to grow by 2. 6% this year, which is higher than they previously thought.

    According to the IMF, the Russian economy grew faster than the economies of the G7 countries last year, and it is expected to do the same again in 2024.

    These are more than just numbers. Russia has been using its economy to strengthen its military presence in Ukraine, especially by building defense lines in the east and south of the country. This has led to a deadlock in the conflict and the expectation that it will continue for a long time.

    Western leaders say that this model cannot continue for much longer. But how long can it last.

    Russia changed its economy to focus on supporting the war. The Russian government is spending more money than ever before since the Soviet Union broke up.

    The amount of money being spent on the military and security is now as high as it was during the late Soviet era, up to 40% of the budget. Other government services for people have been reduced to pay for making tanks, missiles, and defenses in Ukraine.

    Furthermore, even though Western countries have put limits on Russian oil and gas, the money from selling these resources has still been coming into the government’s bank account.

    The tankers are now going to India and China. They are getting paid more in Chinese yuan than in US dollars.

    Russian oil production is still at 9. 5 million barrels every day, which is not much lower than before the war. The country has avoided sanctions by purchasing and using a large number of tankers that are not officially registered.

    The government’s finance department said that in January, they collected more taxes from oil and gas than they did in January 2022. This was just before the war started.

    The money coming into Russia from selling oil, gas, and diamonds has also helped to make the value of the rouble less strained.

    Western leaders strongly believe that this cannot continue, but they understand how it is affecting things.

    One important person said in secret that Putin will have a better year in 2024 than we thought. He did a better job of organizing his business than we expected.

    Russia showed something.

    However, this way of economic growth has made Moscow rely a lot on money from selling oil, on China, and on spending money on wars instead of making useful things.

    As the need for oil and gas goes up and other countries in the Arabian Gulf start producing more, Russia will have to face challenges.

    The GDP goes up when tanks and shells are made and used in eastern Ukraine, but this doesn’t help the country’s economy.

    In the meantime, Russia has lost some of its smartest people to other countries.

    The West’s plan is not to attack Russia’s economy directly, but to play a game of cat and mouse to limit their access to technology, increase their expenses, reduce their income, and make the conflict difficult for them in the long run.

    One official from the US said they would prefer if Russia used its money to buy oil tankers instead of tanks. In the oil market, the goal of policy is not to stop India, for instance, from purchasing Russian oil but to reduce the money going to Russia’s military from that trade.

    However, this strength and deadlock may continue for the rest of the year. It fits with the plan in the Kremlin to wait for a new US president and less money from the West for Ukraine’s defense.

    That’s why people are now focusing on the important role of the billions of dollars in Russian money that is frozen.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last month that if the world has $300 billion, they should use it to fund Ukraine’s rebuilding. He wants to use the frozen funds for this purpose.

    The Chancellor of the UK, Jeremy Hunt, and the Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, support the decision.

    Lord Cameron said: “We have stopped these assets from being used. ” The question is, will we use them.

    He said that using some of this money now is like getting an early payment for Russia’s debt for invading Ukraine. This money could be used to help Ukraine and also save money for Western taxpayers.

    The G7 wants its banking experts to study and explain the details. Central bankers are nervous. A top money expert warned me that there could be dangers in using the dollar as a weapon. Normally, central banks are protected from these kinds of actions by government authority.

    A plan is being made to use the money made from investments to raise a lot of money for Ukraine.

    But it is a delicate balance. If Russia’s money is taken like this, what will other countries think about keeping their money safe in Western banks. This could worry countries in the Gulf, Central Asia, or Africa.

    These relationships are really important for global money flow, moving a lot of money around to pay for energy worldwide. Putin wanted to say that China is becoming a choice for countries that are not part of the West.

    The Russians also said they will go to court if anything is taken from them, and they will take assets from Western companies in Russian banks in return.

    Understanding the fight for control of Russia’s economy is really important for knowing what’s going on in this conflict and the global economy.

    Russia’s economy during war is not able to last a long time, but it has given the country more time. The Western countries are going to increase their efforts, because Russia has shown unexpected strength.

    The way money is growing will have big effects, not just in Russia and Ukraine, but in other places too.

  • Apostle Opoku Onyinah hinting at political role with Facebook post?

    Apostle Opoku Onyinah hinting at political role with Facebook post?

    Speculation is mounting within political circles following a Facebook post by former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Opoku Onyinah, which subtly hints at his potential involvement in Ghanaian politics.

    In his Facebook message, Apostle Onyinah shared insights from his script on “Words of Wisdom,” emphasizing the importance of utilizing one’s talents and not allowing them to go to waste. He underscored the responsibility of individuals to speak up, work diligently, and contribute positively to society, cautioning against the unintended empowerment of destructive forces through silence.

    While not directly addressing the rumors surrounding his potential political role, Apostle Onyinah’s message resonates as a call to action for the silent majority to assert their influence for the betterment of society. He urged individuals not to be overshadowed by a vocal minority and emphasized the collective responsibility to actively participate in shaping the trajectory of communities, the nation, and the world.

    The timing of Apostle Onyinah’s message has fueled speculation that he may be among the personalities being considered as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. With Dr. Bawumia expected to announce his running mate imminently, Apostle Onyinah’s message serves as a timely reminder of the need for individuals to fulfill their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.

  • Unknown ship oil leak damages Trinidad and Tobago

    Unknown ship oil leak damages Trinidad and Tobago

    Trinidad and Tobago is thinking about saying there’s a big problem over a spill of oil from a ship that crashed and turned over this week.

    At least 15 kilometers (9 miles) of the south-western coast of Tobago has been affected, including some of the island’s beautiful beaches.

    Around 1,000 people who are not being paid by the government have come to help clean up the spill.

    Divers are trying to find and stop the leak from the ship that was left by its crew.

    Farley Augustine, the top official of Tobago island, said on Saturday that the government might call the accident a Level 3 disaster, which is the most serious.

    “He said that it looks like we are going that way,” according to AFP news agency.

    The spill is at Level 2, which means the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management thinks the country can handle it.

    A national emergency is declared when local resources are “too much” and help is needed from other countries.

    The ship named The Gulfstream turned over last Wednesday near the Cove Eco-Industrial Estate.

    No emergency calls were made.

    The event happened a few days before Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival, which is an important way for the country to make money.

  • President Katalin Novak of Hungary steps down over scandal involving child abuse pardons

    President Katalin Novak of Hungary steps down over scandal involving child abuse pardons

    The leader of Hungary quit on TV because he pardoned a man who lied about a child abuse case.

    Last week, it came out that President Novak pardoned a man who was in prison for making children take back their claims of sexual abuse against a director of a government-run children’s home.

    Protests in Hungary were getting bigger and asking for her to leave her position.

    Ms Novak said sorry and admitted she made a “mistake” in giving the pardon.

    Judit Varga, who used to be in charge of making the pardon official, has quit her new job leading the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party, Fidesz.

    The resignations happened because 25 people who were pardoned by Ms. Novak last year had their names revealed by Hungarian media last week. This caused a lot of disagreement.

    The list of people in prison included the deputy boss of a kids’ home near Budapest. He was sent to jail for three years because he made kids take back their reports of being hurt by the boss of the home.

    The director was sent to jail for eight years because he hurt children at the government facility.

    The people and political parties in Hungary wanted Ms Novak to quit, and she surprised everyone by deciding to resign.

    Ms Novak is well-liked in Fidesz and one of the few female politicians in a country where men usually have more power. She is a very important friend of Hungarian Mr Orban and used to work as his family minister before.

    In 2022, she was the first woman to become the Hungarian president, but the role is mostly for ceremonies.

    The situation has caused a big political problem for Hungary’s government that has been in power for a long time.

    In particular, it made Fidesz feel really bad because they focus on traditional family values in their social policy.

    Ms Novak said on TV that she pardoned the man because she believes he did not take advantage of the vulnerable children he was watching.

    She said sorry to the people who may have felt like she didn’t support them.

    Ms Novak said she made a mistake and that the forgiveness and lack of reasoning made people doubt the zero tolerance for paedophilia.

    Along with Ms. Novak, another important woman in Fidesz has also quit because of the same issue.

    Judit Varga, who was the minister of justice, also signed the decision to pardon.

    The two most important women in politics have quit, which is a big problem for Mr Orban and his party. Ms Varga was supposed to lead the Fidesz list in the European elections in June.

  • Kofi Bentil publicly ‘cries’ over threats on business after Bawumia endorsement 

    Vice President of IMANi Kofi Bentil has revealed that aside from receiving backlash for endorsing the Vice President, he has also received a series of threats.

    He said his life and businesses have come under threats following his endorsement of 2024 NPP flagbearer Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    While he noted that the development is unfortunate, he said he is unperturbed about the situation and will continue to support Dr Bawumia regardless.

    He made the disclosure on Saturday, February 10, on the Joy News channel.

    “I have had a very interesting week and I was forced to put it on my Facebook page.

    “People were meeting on attacking me and there were efforts afoot. You hear a lot of these things and I am not saying this is NDC, but there are all kinds of surrogates and people who feel upset about it.

    “I don’t have a problem with debate and discourse no matter how vigorous. I block a lot of people on Facebook but I do that only when you insult me. But if you want to debate me, fine…people are planning to attack me with people saying when NDC comes into office, they will collapse my business.”

    The private legal practitioner said he is aware there is a serious price to pay for coming out to endorse the Vice President.

    Every man deserves a fair hearing

    In a Facebook post, Mr Bentil called on Ghanaians to grant Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. 

    Mr Bentil believes that Dr Bawumia, who has never been president, deserves the opportunity to showcase his capabilities.

    Drawing a parallel with former President John Mahama, Bentil emphasised the importance of fairness in evaluating both candidates.

    The policy analyst was taken to the gutters by several persons, especially those in the NDC camp calling him out as a conflicted person.

    People like the NDC National Communication Officer Sammy Gyamfi said “For your information, Ghanaians gave Bawumia ample hearing in 2016 when he held countless lectures and fora to propound lofty but deceptive economic rhetoric.”

    “Need I remind you, that at a time when Bawumia as chairman of the Economic Management Team, has supervised the total destruction of the economy, what is required of him, is ACTION and not lectures? This is trite and you of all people should know that.”

    But Mr Bentil said he is unperturbed.

    He clarified that he was only presenting what he believed were facts about Dr Mahamudu Bawumia before his address to Ghanaians.

    According to him, the facts he presented about Dr. Bawumia are verifiable.

    Mr Bentil emphasised the importance of putting out facts and stated that convincing people is a different matter.

    His comments come in response to a statement he made about Dr Bawumia ahead of his address to the nation on Wednesday, February 7, endorsing him as the best Vice President ever and highlighting his non-corrupt nature and effectiveness in delivering crucial transformations.

    Despite disagreements from some individuals, Mr. Bentil clarified “I just hoped to put out what I believed are facts” about the Vice President.

    He further explained that he is endorsing the NPP flagbearer because he is a better option than John Mahama who is a former President and flagbearer of the NDC.

  • DR Congo violence: Goma shakes as M23 rebels move forward

    DR Congo violence: Goma shakes as M23 rebels move forward

    Emile Bolingo doesn’t know how much longer he and others in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, can keep going.

    This big city with around two million people has been unable to get food from the nearby farms for a few days.

    This is the newest fight in a series of fights that has caused many people to leave their homes in the country. Almost seven million people have been forced to leave their homes because of several conflicts.

    The M23 rebels, who are Tutsi, are stopping food and other goods from reaching Goma by blocking the main roads from the north and west.

    “We are worried about not having enough food if the Congolese army doesn’t open the main roads soon. ” Mr Bolingo said that people are very scared and can feel the panic here.

    Goma’s population has increased a lot because people are running away from the fighters who are moving closer.

    Sake, a town 25km (15 miles) northwest of Goma, was attacked on Wednesday.

    “I got hurt in my pelvis from pieces of a bomb,” Mundeke Kandundao said to the BBC from his hospital bed in Goma where he had an operation.

    The 25-year-old driver said the rebels shot a shell from a hill above the town on Wednesday.

    “I was behind a building with many other people when it blew up,” he said.

    “We are afraid because the war keeps going on and doesn’t seem to have a point. ” We are waiting to see if it’s over so we can go home.

    Laurent Cresci from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said to the BBC from the state-run Bethsaida Hospital in Goma that there were a lot of patients coming in on Wednesday. He said, “There were a lot of people injured. ” Before, there were 80 patients in our ward, but now there are 130 patients and it’s very difficult to take care of them all.

    Many people feel like they have seen this tragedy before and it makes them very sad.

    “How much longer do we have to live like this. We keep running away all the time,” Pascal Bashali said to the BBC when he got to Goma. People are walking, riding on motorcycles, and traveling in small buses to come to the place.

    Aline Ombeni was very upset when she arrived in the city. She said that they had run away with nothing and needed help with food, clothes, and a place to stay.

    As the fighting gets closer, it reminds me of 2012 when the rebels took over the city by the lake for 10 days but left after other countries made them.

    The M23 started in 2012 to protect the Tutsi people in eastern DR Congo from being mistreated. The United Nations experts have said that the group has support from Rwanda, which is also ruled by Tutsis. Rwanda has always said this is not true.

    “We all know that the war is happening because of money. ” Rwanda is still. For the last 25 years, the Congo has been robbed of its minerals. The Congo wants the UK to help stop Rwanda from taking its minerals.

    People are worried that the M23, a very organized and strong rebel group, might take control of Goma.

    Recently, President Félix Tshisekedi, who was elected again, said last year that the people of Congo should trust him and that the city of Goma will always be safe. He said the same thing again, in the city, while campaigning for the election in December.

    Goma is an important place for business because it is close to big mining towns that provide valuable metals like gold, tin, and coltan. The town has good roads and airports, and a big UN peacekeeping base. Because of this, many companies, international groups, and diplomatic offices have moved here.

    Therefore, Goma is an important place to capture, but the M23 says they don’t want to take it and they are only defending, not attacking.

    Onesphore Sematumba, who studies DR Congo at the International Crisis Group, said that the M23 could capture Goma using their strong military, but it would cause them a lot of trouble.

    The rebels might be showing what they can do and remembering what happened when they took over Goma in 2012 and got in trouble with other countries.

    After leaving, it lost many battles to the Congolese army with help from other countries, and had to leave the country. M23 fighters decided to join the army again with the promise that Tutsis would be kept safe.

    However, in 2021, the group started fighting again because they felt that the promises had not been kept.

    It came out of the forests on the edge of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda and moved closer to Goma, taking over a lot of land.

    Truces were agreed, but they didn’t last because the government and the M23 rebel group are blaming each other.

    The M23 group has said many times that they want to talk about peace with Kinshasa.

    “We requested to talk and find a peaceful solution to this problem,” said Lawrence Kanyuka, who speaks for M23, in an interview with the BBC. “Several wars do not solve the main reasons for fighting. ” The Congo government doesn’t want peace, they want to keep fighting and kill more people.

    President Tshisekedi said that discussions are not an option.

    “We want to make it clear that the government will never talk or make a deal with M23. ” M23 is not real. Rwanda is controlling someone and telling them what to say,” a government official told the reporters.

    The East African force left DR Congo last year because the government asked them to. They were there to help keep people safe and secure areas that armed groups had left.

    In December, it left and then the ceasefire ended, and there was more fighting from the M23.

    President Tshisekedi wants the southern African force that just arrived to do better at fighting rebel groups because they have permission to attack them.

    He has also told the big UN group in the country, called Monusco, to go away. It was not liked by many people because it did not stop the fighting during its 25 years in use.

    However, some people are worried that the fighting could become more severe because the president of Congo said he might start a war with Rwanda if the rebels attack again.

    In response to the comments, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said in January that when defending his country, “we will fight with everything we have. ”

    At the same time, Natàlia Torrent from the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said that the increase in fighting in various areas since mid-January is causing a lot of harm to a population that is already in a tough situation.

    “We are in a place where many diseases have already spread before. ” We’ve been working on cholera or measles last year and we are worried. “There will be more outbreaks of diseases coming,” she told the reporters.

    Thinking about the fighting, Goma resident Mr. Bolingo said: “We are the ones who feel the pain. ”

    Mr Bashali ran away from Sake with his wife and nine kids. He said, “People, including men, women, and children are dying in the fighting. It’s sad We hope our country becomes peaceful. “

  • Trump promises to ‘convince’ Russia to strike NATO nations who fail to make bill payments

    Trump promises to ‘convince’ Russia to strike NATO nations who fail to make bill payments

    Donald Trump wants Russia to attack any Nato country that doesn’t pay its bills.

    At a big gathering on Saturday, he said he had told a leader he wouldn’t defend a country that didn’t pay its bills and would let the bad guys do whatever they wanted.

    Nato members promise to protect any country in the group if it is attacked.

    The White House said the comments were terrible and crazy.

    Speaking to a big group at a rally in South Carolina, Mr Trump said he talked about Russia when he met with leaders from Nato countries.

    He remembered that the leader of a “big country” talked about a made-up situation where they were not paying their bills to Nato and got attacked by Moscow.

    Mr Trump said the leader wanted to know if the US would help his country in that situation, which made him give a strong criticism.

    I asked, “Didn’t you pay. Are you late with your payment. ” “No, I won’t defend you. In fact, I would support them doing anything they want. ” You have to give money.

    A spokesperson from the White House said the ex-president was supporting attacks on our closest friends by violent governments, and called the remarks terrible and crazy.

    He said that the statement puts American safety, worldwide stability, and our economy in danger at home.

    Mr Trump, who is expected to be the Republican candidate in the upcoming US presidential election, has always criticized Nato and thinks that the United States is spending too much money on defending 30 other countries.

    Russia started a big attack on Ukraine in 2022, after Mr. Trump stopped being the President. He has complained about the money that the US sends to Ukraine because Ukraine is not a member of NATO.

    The US has given Ukraine more money than any other country. They have given them over $44 billion since 2022, when the invasion happened. These numbers come from the White House in December.

    But Republicans in Congress have stopped any new money from being given since the beginning of the year. They want strict rules to limit people from coming into the US from the southern border, and they said no to the changed bill when it was shown earlier this week.

    Mr Trump was happy that the President Biden’s proposals were rejected and he talked about it at a rally on Saturday. He said that the proposals were very bad.

    The two problems have been separated, so now senators can talk about the aid money separately.

  • Israel-Gaza war: Mortality and Israel’s pursuit of “complete triumph”

    Israel-Gaza war: Mortality and Israel’s pursuit of “complete triumph”

    I would prefer to write this story in the Gaza Strip instead of Jerusalem. I have been covering wars for many years, starting from El Salvador in 1989, and I believe that there is nothing better than reporting from the front lines.

    I’m sorry, but in this awful war, reporters from other countries can’t do that. Israel and Egypt, who control Gaza’s borders, do not want us to report freely from there. Israel lets some people visit its army, but they have to be closely watched. I went on a trip in November, but it was only once.

    Because we are unable to enter, we depend on Palestinian journalists who are unable to leave. I really look up to them for being brave and dedicated to telling the truth in their reporting.

    Thankfully, in today’s world, it is not possible to completely stop a war. That’s because regular people can use their phone to take videos, and then easily put them on the internet with just a few clicks. We can also speak to them, if the communication is still working. Israel and Hamas post their own videos. We need to make sure and double check everything, especially since it’s now easier to use artificial intelligence.

    Considering all the rules, this is what the war looks like in February from Jerusalem.


    Humanitarian crisis

    Right after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, Yoav Gallant, who is in charge of keeping Israel safe, said that they are going to block off Gaza completely. This means no electricity, no food, no water, and no gas – everything is shut down.

    “We are battling people who act like animals,” he said, “and we are responding in a similar way. ”

    Under pressure from Joe Biden, the US President, Israel is now letting a small amount of food, water, and medicine to go into Gaza. However, it still limits the amount of aid going into Gaza and the movement of aid convoys within the area.

    Israel says that what comes in is enough. International groups that help people in other countries say that not only are innocent people in Gaza being killed and hurt, but they are also not getting enough food and medical care. The Geneva Convention says that it’s a war crime to punish innocent people for something that others did.

    Since October 7th, the Americans have been asking Israel to follow the rules of war in Gaza. They want Israel to stop killing a lot of innocent Palestinian people. American officials, including President Biden, keep saying strong criticisms because they think Israel is not listening to them.

    This week, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Israel’s actions in the war. He said that even though Hamas is attacking Israel in a violent way, this does not mean that Palestinians should be treated violently in return.

    “He said that Israelis were treated very badly on October 7th,” he said at a press conference in Tel Aviv. The hostages have been treated very badly every day since. But we can’t treat others badly.

    “Most people in Gaza didn’t have anything to do with the attacks on October 7,” Mr. The families in Gaza need aid from Israel to survive, just like our families. They are parents and children who want to make enough money to live well, send their kids to school, and have a regular life. That’s who they are. This is what they are like. “They want that. ”

    However, the US has decided not to set any requirements for its large military and diplomatic aid to Israel. It keeps giving weapons to Israel, even though it doesn’t like how they are using them.

    Philippe Lazzarini, who leads the UN’s work in Gaza, said the war will have bad effects on young people in Gaza when I talked to him this week.

    “He said he is very worried. ” “They are all very hurt by this terrible war that has never happened before. ” They are living in really bad conditions. If the war stops tomorrow, our most important job is to make sure these children can go to school again. If we don’t, they might become angry and hateful in the future.

    Israel does not care about Mr. Lazzarini’s comments It accused UNRWA of helping Hamas. Mr Lazzarini has been working hard to protect the agency after Israel gave the Americans some information saying that about 12 UNRWA workers were involved in the attacks on October 7th.

    UNRWA fired the men who were accused and is trying to make the 16 main countries that give money feel better about giving money again. Mr Lazzarini is very concerned about the accusations and wants to find and remove any Hamas supporters. However, Israel has not given him the file they sent to the US. Israel thinks UNRWA is very bad. The problem with the agency is definitely making it harder to help people.

    It’s really hard for the UN and other aid groups to reach Northern Gaza. Local people are saying that there is not enough food and many kids are not healthy. This could lead to long-term health problems for the kids who make it through.

    We have got more news from southern Gaza, where almost two million people are trying to survive. About 14 million people live in Rafah, close to the border with Egypt. Many people live in tents made of plastic, near dirty water.

    Unlike reporters, people who help in the relief effort can come and go from Gaza. I talked to many UN officials who have a lot of experience in areas affected by war. Everyone said it’s the worst they’ve ever seen. Someone said to me, “I have never seen anything like this before. It’s very big and impressive. ”

    Someone else said that Gaza was the scariest and toughest place they had ever been to.

    Israel is not going to be influenced by what Mr. It has accused UNRWA of helping Hamas. Mr Lazzarini has been working hard to keep the agency open after Israel gave a report to the Americans about some UNRWA staff being involved in the 7 October attacks.

    UNRWA fired the men who were accused and is trying to make the 16 big donor countries feel better because they stopped giving money. Lazzarini is very concerned about the allegations and wants to find any Hamas supporters. However, Israel has not given him the information it sent to the US. Israel thinks that UNRWA is very bad inside. The problems with the agency are definitely making it harder for the aid operation to happen.

    It’s really hard for the UN and other aid groups to reach Northern Gaza. People living in the ruined area have said that many of them don’t have enough food and the children are very undernourished. This could cause long-term health problems for the children who manage to survive.

    In southern Gaza, nearly two million people are struggling to stay alive and we are receiving more information from there. Around 14 million people live in Rafah, close to the border with Egypt. Many people live in tents made of plastic next to places where sewage collects.

    Unlike reporters, people who work for charities involved in the aid effort can enter and leave Gaza. I talked to many experienced UN officials who have worked in areas where there was fighting for many years. Everyone has said that it is the worst they have ever seen. Someone said to me, “I have never seen something this big, extensive, and deep before. ”

    Another person said that Gaza was the scariest and hardest place he had ever been. This wasn’t just because of the bombing from Israel, but also because there was no law and order. He said that there are a lot of guns and angry men with clubs in Gaza. The UN was moving aid convoys early in the morning to prevent them from being robbed.

    The fighting in Gaza.

    People in Rafah are getting really scared about Israeli soldiers coming into their town. A person from BBC Arabic talked to Jabr al-Burdini who was digging up dead kids from a destroyed house in Rafah. He is middle-aged.

    “If Israel did attacks here, many people would die. ” The children are really scared and the grown-ups are too. Watch the kids. They are unable to sleep.

    MrLazzarini said that if Israel attacks Rafah, it would make things even worse in Gaza.

    He said that about 100,000 people, which is 5% of the population, had been killed, injured, or gone missing in the last four months, probably dead under the rubble.

    “And now most of the people are living outside in Rafah. ” If you start a military operation in this area, it will only make the tragedy worse. And we must absolutely avoid this.

    Air attacks are currently killing many people in Rafah. Even though America is asking for the attacks to stop, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the army to keep attacking the town, but only after they have a plan to move Palestinian civilians out of Rafah. Because people in Gaza feel unsafe everywhere, they are not comforted. Maybe Mr Netanyahu is trying to make Mr Biden feel less upset.

    Another group of people who might be interested is the International Court of Justice in The Hague. They have said that there is a possibility that Israel is committing the serious crime of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

    Israel has set a very difficult goal to achieve and it might be impossible to reach it, even after many months. It wants to get rid of Hamas, make Israel safe again, and release the people that Hamas captured on October 7th. A lot of Israeli families and their supporters don’t believe the prime minister’s argument that only using force will free the hostages held in Gaza. They want a peace agreement because they’re worried that if the war goes on for longer, they might never see their loved ones again.

    Israel has caused a lot of harm to Hamas, but it has not completely stopped them from fighting. A high-rank intelligence official said that Israel has killed one-third of Hamas fighters and destroyed one-third of their secret tunnels.

    MrNetanyahu wants to eliminate Hamas leaders, starting with Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to have organized and directed the attacks on October 7th. Until now, people think Mr. Sinwar and his closest followers are still alive. They might be living in tunnels protected by Israeli hostages.
    The fighting in the Middle East.

    In four months, the effects of the war in Gaza have traveled throughout the Middle East. Iran has a group of friends that it calls the “axis of resistance,” and they are involved in a big fight.

    After three American soldiers were killed in Jordan by a group supported by Iran, the US began a series of air attacks in Syria and Iraq. The UK has also bombed the Houthis in Yemen who are attacking ships in the Red Sea. Some people in the US and Israel want the US military to attack Iran with bombs.

    The Houthis and Iran’s friends say they are supporting the Palestinians in Gaza. Iran’s strongest friend is Hezbollah in Lebanon. The fighting at the border between Israel and the country is getting worse every day. Israel is feeling more and more pressure to send soldiers into southern Lebanon.

    The people from America are working to make a way for peace in the Middle East. Secretary of State Blinken thinks Saudi Arabia and Israel should be friends if Israel lets the Palestinians have their own country. Prime Minister Netanyahu says that the Palestinians will not become an independent nation. He says Israel will keep fighting until they win completely.

    This fighting is continuing and there’s no sign of it stopping soon. The more time goes by, the more difficult it will be to manage the results of what is happening in Gaza.

  • Final list of NDC running mate; Mahama set to make big announcement

    Final list of NDC running mate; Mahama set to make big announcement

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is set to announce his running mate for the upcoming presidential elections.

    This is according to sources from the camp of the former president.

    The former President is expected to make the announcement next week after his ongoing building Ghana Tour. 

    According to reports, there is uncertainty and mounting pressure within the party as a decision on who will be the best candidate for the position is yet to be made.

    Amidst the uncertainty, three names have popped up.

    The names of potential candidates have been reportedly narrowed to three regions by the party, Central, Eastern and Ashanti with Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, Julius Debrah ans Kwame Awuah-Darko representing the three regions respectively.

    Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang was the running mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama in the December 2020 general election but they failed to win the elections. She has been criticized for adding nothing to the ticket and losing her home region of central region. 

    Respected NDC elders such Obed Asamoah have called for her to be changed if the NDC wants to win the next election. 

    Her supporters on the hand say she is learning and given the chance again will make amends this year. 

    Julius Debrah, former chief of staff during the erstwhile John Mahama administration (January 2013 – January 2017, is the next potential candidate of choice for the NDC ticket. He hails from the Eastern Region.

    He is a close friend of John Mahama and has been lobbying associates to push him although he publicly denies being interested. Debrah is considered competent and effective in governance and administration with the top qualities needed in a running mate. 

    The astute businessman has wide influence in the country runs deep and has the ability to appeal to wide spectrum of voters across the country to support John Mahama’s win. 

    From the Ashanti Region, Kwame Awuah-Darko name has come up very strongly for the second time since 2020. 

    In 2020, he was said to be part of a final shortlist of names under consideration for the running mate role but Mahama chose Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang. 

    He is a businessman and a banker, 3rd son of the late Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem I, the Nkosuohene of Asante Juaben traditional area in the Ashanti Region. 

    Kwame Awuah-Darko is a former BOST and TOR Managing Director under the erstwhile John Mahama government and is credited with its transformation.

    Like Julius Debrah, he is said to be a visionary thinker who comes from a family of rich businessmen with a history of bankrolling the NDC.

    Aside competence, his ties to the Manhyia palace as an Ashanti royal may be an advantage for the NDC to exploit.

    As NPP has indicated its intentions to pick and Ashanti Running Mate, NDC’s choice of An Ashanti with links to the Eastern Region may provide a fighting chance to balance out the votes. 

    It is a widely-held view within the rank and file of the NDC that the choice of professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman as running mate to John Dramani Mahama in 2020, failed to deliver victory for the NDC in the Central Region and the nation at large.

    To this end, many a faithful of the NDC believe that repeating her as the party’s running mate will add very little to the party’s ticket and may not yield any political benefits to the fortune of the NDC in the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    In recent time, the argument for a running mate to John Mahama to be chosen from the Eastern Region, has dominated the political discourse in the NDC. Some NDC party faithful point out that the Eastern Region has a multi-ethnic mix and only 50% of the region are “Akans” who traditionally vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Others argue that since the current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who hails from the Eastern Region, will no longer be on the ballot paper, it will be strategic for the NDC to choose a running mate from the Eastern Region.

    In the case of Ashanti Region, elements in the NDC believe that it is time to take the fight for power to the stronghold of the NPP by choosing a candidate from the region.

  • Concerns increase as Israel prepares Rafah offensive

    Concerns increase as Israel prepares Rafah offensive

    Israel is getting more and more warnings from other countries about its upcoming attack in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that is full of Palestinian refugees.

    UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that more than half of the people in Gaza are seeking shelter in the area. Dutch FM Hanke Bruins Slot said that there might be many innocent people who are hurt.

    Saudi Arabia said that there will be a big problem if Rafah is attacked.

    Hamas leaders in Gaza said that there could be a very large number of people hurt or killed.

    Israel started its military actions in the Gaza Strip because over 1,200 people were killed in southern Israel by Hamas gunmen on 7 October.

    More than 27,900 people have died and at least 67,000 people have been hurt in Gaza, according to the health ministry run by Hamas.

    Many people from Gaza have had to leave their homes and end up in Rafah at least once.

    On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the military to get ready to move people out of the city before attacking Hamas.

    “We can’t reach our war goal if we don’t get rid of Hamas. Also, leaving four Hamas groups in Rafah won’t help. ” The people in charge said that there is a lot of fighting in Rafah and civilians need to leave the area.

    The prime minister said no to Hamas’s latest offer for a ceasefire.

    The US told Israel that attacking Rafah in Gaza would be very bad, and the EU and the UN are also worried about it.

    Charity organizations say that it is not possible to rescue or remove all the people from the city that is near the border of Egypt.

    Jamie McGoldrick, a person from the UN, recently went to Gaza to see how things are. He said to the BBC that if Israeli soldiers attack, the people in Rafah don’t have anywhere to go.

    “The places that were said to be safe are not safe anymore. ” “If these people have to go somewhere else, where can they go. We are really scared that our situation will only get worse,” he said.

    Around 15 million Palestinians are in Rafah to hide from the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in other parts of Gaza. Most of them are living in temporary shelter.

    Your device might not be able to show this picture.

    In a message on social media, Mr Cameron said he was really worried about the possibility of a military attack in Rafah.

    “We need to stop fighting right away to help the people in need and to rescue the hostages. Then we can work on having a lasting ceasefire. ”

    Meanwhile, Bruins Slot said the situation in Rafah is very concerning.

    “Many people in Gaza have left and gone to the south. ” It’s difficult to imagine that big military actions in a crowded area wouldn’t cause a lot of civilian deaths and a worse humanitarian crisis. “This is not fair,” she said.

    On Saturday, the Saudi foreign ministry said not to attack Rafah in Gaza. Many people had to leave because of the violence from Israel.

    The ministry asked for a stop in fighting right away.

    The news cannot check a lot of the things that are said about the fighting in the war.

  • Former Sports Minister died of a heart attack – Family reveals

    Former Sports Minister died of a heart attack – Family reveals

    Family spokesperson for the late former Sports Minister, Dr Ahmed Mustapha, has shed light on the circumstances leading to his untimely demise. According to Dr Abdulai Alhassan, Dr Ahmed Mustapha traveled to India for a routine medical check-up but was unexpectedly advised to undergo surgery after complaining of lower back pain.

    In an interview with GhanaWeb during a visit by some members of the minority caucus, Dr Alhassan disclosed, “Dr Mustapha Ahmed decided to travel to India for a medical review, and he experienced back pain.

    He consulted his doctor, which led to the recommendation for surgery. The operation was successful; however, unfortunately, ten minutes later, he suffered a relapse, resulting in a heart attack. The news came as a shock to us because we least expected this outcome.”

    Dr. Ahmed Mustapha, who passed away at the age of 63, had a distinguished career in public service. He served as Ghana’s Sports Minister in 2015, holding the position for eight months amidst controversies surrounding the budget for the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Prior to his tenure as Sports Minister, Dr. Ahmed Mustapha represented the Ayawaso East Constituency as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2013 under the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Additional information from The Herald indicates that Dr. Ahmed Mustapha was a retired military officer and a dentist who served at the 37 Military Hospital. Additionally, he established and operated a dental clinic in Maamobi, Accra.

    Dr. Ahmed Mustapha is survived by his wife and three children. His sudden passing has left a void in the political and healthcare communities, with many mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and compassionate healthcare professional.

  • Isaac Adongo to deliver lecture responding to Bawumia’s vision speech on Val’s day

    Isaac Adongo to deliver lecture responding to Bawumia’s vision speech on Val’s day

    Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and Ranking Member for the Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, is set to deliver a lecture on Valentine’s Day at a forum organized by the Coalition For Restoration (CFR).

    The lecture comes as a response to the recent public address by Vice President and New Patriotic Party Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, where he outlined his vision for Ghana ahead of the 2024 General Elections, titled “Ghana’s Next Chapter”.

    In Dr. Bawumia’s speech, he pledged to eliminate several taxes, including the E-levy, Emissions levy, and VAT on Electricity, while also committing to reducing the number of ministers to only 50.

    However, the CFR, in a statement, criticized Dr. Bawumia’s address, calling it “riddled with errors, obvious inaccuracies, deliberate lies, deceptive, and misleading presentations”. In response, they have invited Isaac Adongo to use their platform to address what they perceive as distortions.

    “I want to correct him and set the records straight once and for all. Ghanaians cannot be scammed again. The receipt cannot continue to the detriment of students,” Mr Adongo remarked, according to the statement.

    The lecture, scheduled for February 14, 2024, will take place at the Chartered Institute of Bankers, East Legon in Accra, under the theme “Ghana’s Next Chapter: The Height of Clueless Leadership, Next Installment of Bold Lies, Hardship, and Aggravated Economic Mismanagement.”

  • Endorsement of Bawumia reflects my personal view, not IMANI’s position – Kofi Bentil Clarifies

    Endorsement of Bawumia reflects my personal view, not IMANI’s position – Kofi Bentil Clarifies

    Vice President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has clarified that his endorsement of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election does not represent the position of the organization.

    In a recent statement, Bentil urged Ghanaians to consider giving Dr Bawumia a chance as president, emphasizing his belief that Bawumia is a stronger candidate compared to outgoing President John Dramani Mahama. Bentil highlighted that Bawumia, as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), should not be judged for the shortcomings of the current administration.

    “We gave President Mahama a chance to be president; the least we can do is give Dr. Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. He is not president and has never been president! I have no doubt he will be better!” Bentil asserted in a provocative statement.

    However, some members of the public raised concerns that Bentil’s endorsement might reflect IMANI Africa’s official stance, given his prominent position within the organization, which is known for its neutrality.

    In response to these concerns, Bentil clarified during an interview on the News File show that his endorsement was personal and not representative of IMANI Africa’s position. He emphasized that IMANI typically issues statements or publications to express its views, and until such an official communication is made, his endorsement should be viewed as an individual opinion.

    “You see, IMANI has not issued a statement telling you that this is what we’ve done. That is what we do when we have something to say at IMANI, we issue statements, we have a website, we do publications, we have presentations,” Bentil explained.

    He further added, “We don’t have a problem speaking to and owning up to the things we say, regardless of how controversial or difficult they are. This is not IMANI, this is me, and I have the permission of my brothers in IMANI and the IMANI Board.”

    Bentil’s clarification underscores the distinction between personal opinions and official stances taken by organizations, ensuring transparency and clarity in the public discourse surrounding political endorsements.

  • Suspected armed robber fatally shot; body dumped in Kasoa

    Suspected armed robber fatally shot; body dumped in Kasoa

    A suspected armed robber identified as Baba Mohammed was found dead with multiple bullet wounds in the Kasoa High Tension area of the Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region. 

    The incident occurred on Thursday, February 8, 2025, at dawn.

    According to reports gathered by Kasapa News, the deceased’s body was discovered dumped by an unidentified taxi cab. 

    Residents of the area, upon waking up, were shocked to find the lifeless body, prompting speculation that Baba Mohammed may have been involved in armed robbery activities and was shot during an attempted robbery.

    Following the discovery, police officers from the Kasoa Divisional Police Command swiftly responded and rushed the victim to the Kasoa Polyclinic for medical attention. 

    However, Baba Mohammed was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility.

    The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. 

    The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary pending further inquiries by law enforcement.

    The incident has stirred concerns among residents of Kasoa, highlighting the prevalence of crime in the area and the need for heightened security measures. 

    As investigations continue, the community awaits answers regarding the events leading to the untimely demise of Baba Mohammed.

  • Edudzi Tamakloe accuses Bawumia of betraying Akufo-Addo for presidential ambitions

    Edudzi Tamakloe accuses Bawumia of betraying Akufo-Addo for presidential ambitions

    A member of the Legal Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has leveled serious accusations against Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, alleging that the latter is betraying President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his own presidential ambitions.

    Tamakloe’s comments come in the wake of Dr. Bawumia’s widely publicized lecture titled ‘Bold Solutions’ for the future, which Tamakloe interprets as a plot to undermine and discredit the current government led by President Akufo-Addo.

    In an interview on NEAT FM’s morning show, ‘Ghana Montie’, Tamakloe expressed astonishment at Dr. Bawumia’s apparent departure from his role within the government. He questioned the vice president’s sudden posture, especially given his significant role as the chair of the Economic Management Team, which is responsible for shaping government policies and their implementation.

    “Why is he today telling us otherwise?” Tamakloe queried, highlighting Dr. Bawumia’s self-description as the vice president of Ghana on his website, coupled with his position as the head of the Economic Management Team.

    Tamakloe went on to describe Dr. Bawumia’s assertions in his ‘Bold Solutions’ speech as a “coup d’état” against President Akufo-Addo, indicating a perceived betrayal by the vice president.

    These accusations by Tamakloe underscore the growing tensions within the political landscape of Ghana, particularly within the ruling party, as the country approaches the next presidential election.

    It remains to be seen how Dr. Bawumia and the government will respond to these allegations, as they continue to navigate the complexities of governance and political dynamics leading up to the upcoming elections.

  • Potential reshuffle signals Akufo-Addo yielding to NPP pressure – Haruna Iddrisu

    Potential reshuffle signals Akufo-Addo yielding to NPP pressure – Haruna Iddrisu

    Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has voiced his opinion regarding the possibility of an impending ministerial reshuffle in the Ghanaian government, suggesting that such a move by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would likely stem from pressure within his political party rather than his personal inclination.

    Iddrisu noted that despite Akufo-Addo‘s previous assertions that he does not favor ministerial reshuffles, the prospect of such a reorganization suggests a yielding to internal party pressure.

    “If Akufo-Addo ever reshuffles, then he is yielding to pressure from his party because he himself has always said that he doesn’t believe in reshuffling,” the legislator remarked.

    Highlighting the importance of periodic reshuffles in government, Iddrisu emphasized that such changes are customary worldwide as they infuse new perspectives and prevent complacency among ministers.

    “Reshuffling is needed in every government and has been a common practice across the globe because it adds new blood and prevents the ministers from being complacent,” he stated.

    Iddrisu’s remarks come amid speculation surrounding the potential reshuffling of ministerial positions within the Ghanaian government, with observers suggesting that internal dynamics within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) may be driving such considerations.

    President Akufo-Addo has previously emphasized his stance against frequent reshuffles, opting for continuity in his ministerial appointments. However, recent developments hint at the possibility of changes within the government’s cabinet.

    The discussion around a potential reshuffle has sparked debates within political circles, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on the matter.

    As the country awaits official announcements regarding any ministerial changes, the debate over the necessity and implications of such reshuffles continues to unfold.

  • Minister urges caution on Ofankor-Nsawam road following fatal accident

    Minister urges caution on Ofankor-Nsawam road following fatal accident

    Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has called upon drivers who traverse the Ofankor-Nsawam road to exercise patience and caution following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of more than seven individuals on Monday, February 5, 2024.

    Addressing the media after inspecting ongoing road works on Friday, Mr Amoako-Atta expressed deep sorrow over the recent accident, describing it as “needless” and preventable. He emphasized that the accident occurred on a straight and well-constructed section of the road, suggesting that it could have been avoided if drivers had exercised caution and reduced speed.

    “I’m saddened by the accident that happened on Monday, about a week ago, on this stretch of the road that led to the loss of I think seven or more lives,” he remarked.

    The Minister urged motorists to prioritize safety and exercise caution to prevent further loss of life and property. He emphasized the importance of valuing one’s life and that of others while on the road.

    The Ofankor-Nsawam section of National Route Six (N6) serves as a critical transportation artery for various communities in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, and Sarpeiman. Additionally, it facilitates trade between Ghana and neighboring landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

    Rehabilitation work on the 33.4km stretch, which forms part of the Accra-Kumasi road network, commenced in 2022 and is expected to be completed by July 2024. The project, funded by the Government at a cost of GH¢342.48, is being undertaken by Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a local construction firm.

    Accompanied by engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), including Deputy Minister of Roads Mr Stephen Jalulah and Chief Director of the Ministry Mr Abass Awolu, Mr Amoako-Atta reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring safety at all construction sites to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    During the inspection, Mr Kwabena Bempong, Chief Resident Engineer for the Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project, highlighted several safety measures implemented by the contractor, including regular watering of the road to reduce dust and enhance visibility. He also called on the Road Safety Authority to assist in towing broken-down vehicles that impede traffic flow.

    The Minister assured affected families of the Government’s support and pledged to complete the project on schedule to alleviate the challenges faced by motorists and residents in the area.

    The Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project, currently a two-lane dual carriageway road, will be expanded to three lanes upon completion, along with service roads, an interchange, two overpasses, and one underpass.

    Mr Bempong reported that project progress is currently at 50 percent, with substantial completion expected by the end of the year.

    In addition to the inspection, the Minister also toured other road projects in the Greater Accra Region, including the Flowerpot Flyover and the upcoming Adentan-Dodowa Road Project.

  • TEWU calls off nationwide strike 

    TEWU calls off nationwide strike 

    Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of TUC (TEWU of TUC (GH)) has announced the suspension of its nationwide strike action, which commenced on January 22, 2024.

    The decision to suspend the strike comes following productive discussions with the employer, as detailed in a press release dated February 9 and signed by the General Secretary, Mark Korankye.

    The union cited a favorable outcome of negotiations with the government on key issues as the reason for the suspension. These included the release of arrears for Tier-2 pensions to fund managers and the withdrawal of a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) regarding the payment of overtime allowance to members.

    In the press release, TEWU emphasized that the decision to suspend the strike was made in collaboration with the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), following successful negotiations.

    TEWU called on all its members to resume work immediately and assured them that leadership would continue engaging with the government to ensure that penalties accrued due to delayed payments to fund managers were resolved promptly. The union also pledged to negotiate on all other pending issues to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion.

    The release highlighted TEWU’s appreciation for its members’ commitment to maintaining a conducive atmosphere at various public universities for quality teaching and learning. It further urged government agencies to address concerns raised by labor groups in the education sector proactively to prevent disruptions to students’ education.

    The suspension of the nationwide strike signals a positive step towards resolving grievances within the education sector and ensuring the smooth functioning of academic activities in public universities across Ghana.

  • Ghanaians are wide awake – Sammy Gyamfi replies Bawumia over Feb 7 address

    Ghanaians are wide awake – Sammy Gyamfi replies Bawumia over Feb 7 address

    National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has launched scathing criticisms against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of disseminating falsehoods to the Ghanaian public. 

    Mr Gyamfi refuted Dr Bawumia’s assertion that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government effectively resolved the issue of erratic power supply, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ emphasizing that the problem was tackled during the Mahama administration.

    He contended that Dr Bawumia’s track record of misleading the public, as observed in previous election campaigns, would not succeed in the upcoming 2024 elections. He expressed confidence that Ghanaians are discerning and would not be swayed by what he termed as Dr. Bawumia’s “lies.”

    “Ghanaians are wide awake, the days when Bawumia could get away with his lectures as we saw in opposition which were full of lies, are gone. He got away with it in 2016 and in 2020, but they will not be third time lucky in 2024. The whole propaganda that he was the economic Messiah, and he had the magic wand has been exposed. The people have no confidence and trust in Bawumia, his people are faced with the challenge of marketing a candidate who is a chronic liar,” Gyamfi asserted during an appearance on the Key Points program on TV3.

    Gyamfi’s remarks come amidst ongoing debates surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s recent address, during which he outlined policy proposals and pledged to abolish the controversial electronic financial transactions tax, known as the e-levy, if elected president.

    However, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, an aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering visionary discourse to drive transformation in Ghana. Khomeini highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s efforts to engage the nation in discussions centered on transformative ideas, noting that such conversations are vital for national progress.

    Speaking on the Key Points program, Khomeini stated, “He has gotten the whole country to engage in discourse bordering on ideas capable of transforming our nations, the conversation should be based on ideas and that is how he has done over the years.”

    The contrasting views expressed by Gyamfi and Khomeini underscore the divergent perspectives prevalent in Ghanaian politics, with each side seeking to shape the narrative ahead of the 2024 elections. As the election season unfolds, the discourse surrounding policy proposals, leadership accountability, and visionary governance is expected to intensify, influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.

  • Man from Nova Scotia detained for allegedly threatening snowplough operator

    Man from Nova Scotia detained for allegedly threatening snowplough operator

    A man from New Glasgow, N. S was arrested for threatening a snowplow driver in Pictou on Tuesday.

    According to a news release from the RCMP, the police went to investigate a threat made against a snowplow driver on Mount William Road around 2:48 p. mThe police arrested the man at his home without any trouble.

    On Wednesday, police looked in a house on Stellarton Road in New Glasgow.

    “The police found and took guns and bullets from the house,” said Constable. Dominic Laflamme from the Nova Scotia RCMP said in the statement.

    Louis Carl Cameron, 66, was accused of making threats and not storing a gun safely. He has to go to court on April 8.

    More update on this story soon.

  • Delta aircraft makes an emergency landing at Montreal airport after smoke spotted

    Delta aircraft makes an emergency landing at Montreal airport after smoke spotted

    A plane from New York had to make a quick landing in Montreal because there was smoke on the plane.

    The Delta captain asked for help from emergency services before landing the plane with 69 people on board, said airport spokesperson Anne-Sophie Hamel. The plane with two engines was moved off the runway for safety reasons and no one got hurt.

    Videos on social media show people walking on the runway with fire trucks around them.

    “In an email, Hamel said that the airport is now working as usual. ”

    The plane left New York’s LaGuardia airport at 3:25 in the afternoon. and arrived in Montreal shortly before 5:40 p. m

    The airline said passengers were taken to the terminal on buses, and the plane will be moved to a gate to be checked.

    “Emergency workers said the plane is okay,” said Delta representative Anthony Black in an email.

    The reason for the accident is being looked into.

  • Bawumia has a herculean task of convincing Ghanains that he is a different person – Prof Agyeman Duah

    Bawumia has a herculean task of convincing Ghanains that he is a different person – Prof Agyeman Duah

    A Governance Expert, Professor Baffuor Agyemang Duah, has underscored the principle that the ultimate responsibility for policy decisions rests with the president, even as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia faces scrutiny for his role in the Akufo-Addo administration’s policies.

    Speaking on the Key Points program on TV3, Professor Agyemang Duah emphasized that while the Vice President can make proposals, the president ultimately makes the final decisions regarding policy implementation.

    He highlighted the challenge faced by Ghanaians in separating Dr. Bawumia from the failures of certain government policies, noting that the Vice President’s vocal advocacy for these policies has led to his association with them.

    “As vice president, I was asked by the president to assist in solving the problems that were inhibiting the economy. My approach was to help formalize the economy through digitalization as stated in our 2016 manifesto,” Dr. Bawumia stated during an address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

    However, Professor Agyemang Duah pointed out that while Dr. Bawumia may have played a prominent role in articulating economic policies, the decision-making authority ultimately lies with the president.

    “The reality is that generally, vice presidents do not make the last call, they provide advice, and the buck simply stops on the desk of the president, which has been the reality of all vice presidents in republican states,” Professor Agyemang Duah stated.

    He acknowledged Dr. Bawumia’s articulate advocacy for government policies but stressed that this does not absolve the president of accountability for the outcomes of those policies.

    The comments from Professor Agyemang Duah come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the extent of Dr. Bawumia’s responsibility for the performance of the Akufo-Addo administration, particularly in economic matters.

    As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, such discussions surrounding accountability and leadership roles are expected to remain at the forefront of political discourse, shaping voter perceptions and decisions.

  • Cricketer “suicided in wake of sexual assault investigation”

    Cricketer “suicided in wake of sexual assault investigation”

    A former cricket player who was arrested for possibly assaulting someone was very sad before he was found dead in South Africa, a hearing found.

    Cricket reporter and former Somerset captain Peter Roebuck, who was 55 years old, passed away in November 2011 in Cape Town while working as a sports commentator.

    Mr Roebuck is accused of attacking a 26-year-old man in a hotel room, as reported in Cheshire Coroner’s Court.

    The investigation found that Mr. Roebuck died by suicide 13 years ago.

    The cricketer played for Somerset for a long time and also led the team. After retiring, he worked as a commentator for BBC Radio’s Test Match Special.

    The writer for the Sydney Morning Herald was staying at the Southern Sun hotel to talk about a game between Australia and South Africa.

    The investigation on Friday found out that Mr. Roebuck is accused of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old man in his room on 7 November. They had planned to discuss whether he could help the student with money for university.

    Someone told the police about a problem on November 12, and the police went to Mr. Roebuck’s hotel to arrest him that same evening.

    Jim Maxwell, a friend of Mr. Roebuck, got a call late at night asking him to go to his room. He works for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

    Mr Maxwell, who was staying on the same floor of the hotel, said he went into the room after a police officer greeted him and saw his friend sitting on the bed.

    “He was really sad,” he said.

    He said that Mr Roebuck told him to call people at his house and to find a lawyer, then the police asked him to leave.

    ‘In charge of himself’

    Arresting officer Det Aubrey McDonald said that Peter Roebuck claimed to be famous in the cricket world and that his arrest will be big news around the world.

    Mr McDonald went out the hotel room to make a phone call and heard his work friend Lt Cecil Jacobs yelling at Mr Roebuck.

    An incident happened and Mr. Roebuck died, according to the investigation.

    Mr McDonald said: “When the incident happened, the person who died seemed very relaxed and in charge of himself. ”

    The court was told that examinations done in South Africa and the UK both found that Mr Roebuck died from multiple injuries.

    The inquest in South Africa found that the person died the same way. The family did not go to the inquest.

    Dr Matthew Lyall, the doctor who examined the body after death, said in his report that there is no evidence to definitely show that someone else caused the injuries. But it’s also possible that someone else was involved, based on the examination.

    At the end of the investigation, Jacqueline Devonish, the senior coroner for Cheshire, thanked the family members who came to court.

    She apologized for the long time it took to make progress on the case, and mentioned that they were waiting for a renewed hearing in South Africa, but it hasn’t happened yet.

  • Two friends from Mansfield halfway through Atlantic charity row

    Two friends from Mansfield halfway through Atlantic charity row

    Two friends are rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and they have already completed more than half of the 3,500-mile journey.

    George Nelson, who is 56, and Russell Davis, who is 55, have decided to raise money for dementia support.

    The “Oar Blimey” team plans to leave Portugal in December and arrive in Sint Maarten in the Caribbean by March.

    The two people saw whales, sharks, and really big waves that made the boat flip over two times.

    ‘Very risky’

    After stopping in Gran Canaria for Christmas to fix a solar panel and battery, two brothers-in-law from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, are now about 1,200 miles away from where they need to be.

    Mr Nelson said: “We have seen the different sides of the Atlantic Ocean and it has been really amazing. ” Physically, we’re really tired. What we’re doing is simply eating, sleeping, rowing, and then doing it all over again.

    “Sometimes it’s really fun and nice, but other times it can be scary and really dangerous. ”

    “If we only get four hours of sleep a day, it’s a good day for us, but we are still a little sleep-deprived. ”

    He said it was very humbling when a minke whale followed their boat.

    “We’ve seen sharks, fish, and sea birds too. ” Nelson said it was really amazing to see all of them in their natural home.

    The couple struggled with strong winds and ended up rowing back to where they started, which made them feel really discouraged.

    They had to divide and limit their food, but they believe they have enough to survive.

    Because their boat is not new, they have had many problems.

    Mr Nelson said that almost everything that could go wrong has gone wrong for us. We had two solar panels and two batteries, but now we only have one. We need to take care of this battery.

    This means they can only talk to their team on land for a short time every day.

    Mr Nelson got hit in the head by a flying fish. It made his glasses fall off.

    He said, “I was very surprised, but I just laughed. ” There is a lot of open ocean here – that’s really unlucky.

    The challenge is to raise money for organizations helping people with dementia, inspired by Mr Nelson’s mother who has dementia. This will support Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir and Help at Hand at Ladybrook Community Centre in Mansfield.

    He said: “We wanted to do something to help our family understand this terrible disease better. ”

    Russ and I are really focused on staying positive and getting on the oars on time, no matter the weather. We are fully dedicated to doing well here.

  • Chairman Wontumi calls for Presidential debate between Mahama and Bawumia

    Chairman Wontumi calls for Presidential debate between Mahama and Bawumia

    Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for a debate between the two Presidential candidates of the NPP and the NDC.

    He wants both Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President, and former President John Dramani Mahama to slug it out at a presidential candidate debate session, where both would articulate their visions and policies to the Ghanaian electorate.

    In a recent interview following Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s lecture titled “Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future,” Chairman Wontumi proudly listed the media houses under his ownership and expressed his eagerness for the political discourse. 

    “I own Wontumi TV in Kumasi. I own Movement TV in Accra. I own Western Diamond in Takoradi,” Chairman Wontumi asserted.

    He emphasized the importance of such debates in allowing candidates to present their achievements and future plans directly to the Ghanaian people.

    “It is not about talking. It is too cheap for people to do propaganda,” Chairman Wontumi remarked.

    Chairman Wontumi extended his invitation for a debate to the running mates of the presidential candidates as well, pledging to host these debates on his media networks. 

    He emphasized the importance of providing a neutral platform for robust discussions to inform voters ahead of the upcoming elections.

    In praising Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Chairman Wontumi described him as a “God-given gift” to Ghana, underscoring his belief in Bawumia’s leadership qualities and contributions to the nation.

  • Rent Act prohibits barter trade or payment in kind for rental fees –  Rent Control department 

    Rent Act prohibits barter trade or payment in kind for rental fees –  Rent Control department 

    The Rent Control Department has reiterated that, according to Section 31 of the Rent Act (Act 220), only cash payment is acceptable for rent, and no other form of trade or payment in kind is permissible.

    The clarification came from Emmanuel Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer of the Rent Control Department, during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM.

    Mr Kporsu emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits any form of barter trade between tenants and landlords, and this provision is specifically outlined in the Rent Law.

    He stated, “The Rent Law is emphatic and states that we cannot use any other thing in place of money to pay your rent. So to extend this explanation, you cannot engage in barter trade with your landlord.”

    Furthermore, Kporsu emphasized that tenants are not allowed to offer any other form of payment, including goods or services, as substitutes for cash rent payments. He specifically highlighted that trading sex for rent payment is illegal and constitutes a violation of the law.

    “It is unlawful. Apart from money, you cannot use anything else to pay your rent. So you cannot pay in kind or use any property as barter but can only pay in cash,” Kporsu reiterated.

    However, Kporsu also advised tenants facing financial difficulties to negotiate payment terms with their landlords rather than resorting to alternative forms of payment. He cited Section 17 of the Rent Act, which allows for negotiation and agreement on payment periods in such situations.

    “If you do not have money, negotiate with your landlord and agree on a period during which you can pay the rent,” he advised. “It is rent, and you can only pay your rent with cash and not in kind, sex, or any other process.”

    The clarification from the Rent Control Department serves to remind both tenants and landlords of their obligations and rights under the Rent Act, ensuring adherence to legal provisions governing rent payment and tenancy agreements.

  • Iraq may be forced into war – Minister

    Iraq may be forced into war – Minister

    “Iraq’s foreign minister, Dr Fuad Hussein, told the media that the attacks by Iranian-backed militias and US forces could lead to conflict in Iraq. ”

    “Right now, Iran and the United States are very tense with each other,” he said.

    I want both groups to stop attacking each other. He said they won’t solve their problem in Iraq. “We spent a lot of money. ”

    In the last week, the price involved US air strikes that killed 17 fighters from Iranian-supported armed groups. Later, a powerful missile hit a militia commander, Abu Bakir Al Saadi, and his jeep exploded in flames on a street where people live in Baghdad. The government here criticized the attack, calling it a clear assassination without concern for civilian lives or international law. They were shocked that this came from an ally.

    The American attacks were because three US soldiers were killed in Jordan. The US military will keep doing what’s needed to keep its people safe.

    As the two groups fight, Iraq is suffering.

    The minister said they need to start talking again about bringing home 2,500 US troops who have been here as advisors since 2014 to stop the Islamic State from coming back. People are saying that they have been in charge for too long, both in the government and in the community.

    Most Iraqis don’t want foreign soldiers in Iraq. We will talk with the Americans who have been invited and work things out. Those who were not invited should go, and we hope they will leave through talking things out.

    The people who were not invited, especially by him, are strong groups from Iran who support them and have been attacking US soldiers here. Many people are part of Iraq’s security forces. Critics say they are working for Iran as soldiers.

    The minister says that the militias are now being faced with challenges, which is different from before when speaking out would lead to threats. This is a new time in Iraq.

    “He said that many political leaders are now starting to talk about this. ” “Many people were too afraid to talk about it. ” This is also a part of what really happens in this country. But now we are discussing it. People tell those guys, “stop it. ”

    He said the militias know that if they keep fighting, they will start a war in our country that is not our fight. He also got the message in Tehran, he says.

    The foreign minister said that Iran has some control here, but he denies that it is telling Baghdad what to do. Dr Renad Mansour, who works at Chatham House in London, says it’s like always trying to make deals.

    “Do they need to listen to Tehran. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t,” he says. “It could change. The Iranians say, “this is the least we will accept, and this is the most we will tolerate. ” They usually come together, but sometimes they move apart. “It’s not so clear-cut. ”

    The influence of Iran is very strong here: in politics, in militias, and in the streets. Among the walls and trees, there are posters of Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian leader who was killed in a US airstrike at Baghdad airport in January 2020. Here and there, in traffic congestion, you can see the face of Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Some of the tuk-tuk taxis driving loudly around Tahrir Square in the afternoon sun have pictures of Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, who leads Hezbollah, a strong military group in Lebanon supported by Iran.

    I asked the minister from another country if he was concerned about how much influence Iran has here. “I’m concerned about the impact of everything around us, not just from Iran. ” We want to remove all these influences. The choice about Iraq needs to be made in Baghdad by the people who live there.

    Right now, the country is stuck between fighting with two of its friends: Iran and the US. Neither of them wants their conflict to get much worse, and it seems like they don’t, but it could still happen.

    Iranian-supported armed groups in this area have promised to increase their attacks on US troops, following the death of the militia leader in Baghdad. “The Islamic Resistance of Iraq said that his killing broke all the rules of fighting. ” “We ask our fellow fighters to join us in resisting and removing the occupation. ”

    The United Nations envoy for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, says the situation is still very unpredictable. “Iraq and the surrounding area are in a very tense and dangerous situation,” she says, “and even a small mistake could lead to a big conflict. “

  • Bawumia doesn’t have to pay for his ‘father’s sins’ – Kofi Bentil launches another appeal for VEEP

    As the political landscape in Ghana heats up ahead of the 2024 elections, Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, who has now become a vocal proponent of the campaign to make Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the country’s president from January 2025, has defended Bawumia against criticisms linked to the shortcomings of the Akufo-Addo administration.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bentil contended that while the Akufo-Addo government, particularly in its second term, faced significant challenges, Dr Bawumia cannot be solely blamed as the ultimate responsibility lies with the president. Bentil asserted that Dr. Bawumia, compared to John Mahama, presents a more credible candidate deserving of support in the upcoming elections.

    “It will be difficult for Bawumia to extricate himself from the sins of the Akufo-Addo government, but I believe he is the best option for Ghana,” Bentil stated. He emphasized the need for a break from the current government’s key members in Dr. Bawumia’s team to demonstrate a commitment to change and accountability.

    Bentil’s remarks come in the wake of Dr. Bawumia’s recent address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he outlined the government’s achievements and unveiled plans to abolish certain taxes.

    Dr. Bawumia touted the government’s success in managing inflation, controlling spending, reducing fiscal deficit, and stabilizing the debt-to-GDP ratio. He also highlighted the resilience of Ghana’s economy amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    “Following COVID-19 and the global slowdown, Ghana’s GDP growth declined to an average of 4.9% between 2017 and 2022. What is remarkable about this performance is that notwithstanding the global economic crisis from COVI-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, economic growth under our government is still stronger on average than under the 2013-2016 era preceding our coming into office,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

    As the debate over Ghana’s economic performance and leadership intensifies, Dr. Bawumia’s address and Bentil’s advocacy underscore the competing narratives shaping the discourse in the run-up to the crucial 2024 elections. With expectations high and stakes even higher, Ghanaians are closely scrutinizing political promises and assessing candidates’ credibility in determining the nation’s future direction.

  • Clement Apaak slams Bawumia over proposal to make National Service optional

    Clement Apaak slams Bawumia over proposal to make National Service optional

    Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Clement Abas Apaak, has voiced strong opposition to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent proposal to make National Service optional, raising doubts about Bawumia’s comprehension of the program’s objectives.

    In a tweet, Apaak questioned whether Dr Bawumia himself had undergone National Service, suggesting that if he had, he would not have made what he termed an “unpatriotic proposal.”

    Apaak expressed skepticism about Dr. Bawumia’s understanding of the purpose and objectives of the National Service program, hinting that the Vice President may not have participated in National Service himself.

    “Did DMB do National Service? I don’t know, do you? If he did National Service, I doubt he would have made the unpatriotic proposal to make it optional,” Apaak tweeted. “What is clear to me is that he doesn’t understand the concept of National Service, and neither does he appreciate the objectives of the National Service Programme. I suspect DMB didn’t do National Service. Prove me wrong.”

    The controversy erupted following Dr. Bawumia’s recent pledge, made during the presentation of his vision as the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, to make National Service voluntary if elected into office. Dr. Bawumia argued that this change would open up job opportunities for the youth, proposing that those who secure employment after completing their education be exempted from National Service.

    Under Dr. Bawumia’s proposed plan, National Service would no longer be mandatory, and students would have the option to decide whether to participate. He asserted that this shift would encourage companies to engage in campus recruitment activities annually.

    Apaak’s comments have ignited a debate on social media, with many users weighing in on the merits and drawbacks of Dr. Bawumia’s proposal. While some have echoed Apaak’s concerns about the potential impact on national unity and the importance of civic duty, others have supported Dr. Bawumia’s argument for increased flexibility and job opportunities for graduates.

    As the discourse continues, the future of the National Service program remains a topic of contention, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments and awaiting further clarifications from both government officials and opposition figures.

  • Baby rescued in Philippines after spending sixty hours beneath rubble

    Baby rescued in Philippines after spending sixty hours beneath rubble

    A three-year-old girl was saved from a landslide in the south of the Philippines after being trapped for sixty hours.

    Rescuers had stopped thinking they would find more people alive, but then they were amazed to rescue the child on Friday. They called it a miracle.

    A big mass of earth and rocks fell down near a village where people mine for gold in the Davao de Oro province in Mindanao on Tuesday.

    Authorities report that 28 people have passed away and around 77 are still unaccounted for.

    Pictures and a video on the Philippine Red Cross Facebook page show rescue workers taking the girl, who is wrapped in a blanket and connected to an oxygen tank, to a hospital in Mawab municipality.

    Edward Macapili, who works for the disaster agency in Davao de Oro province, said it was a miracle. He also said that the searchers thought the people who were missing were most likely not alive.

    He said to AFP: “That makes the rescuers feel hopeful. ” Children are not as strong as adults, but this child still made it through.

    Randy Loy, who is in charge of handling disasters in Davao de Oro province, said at a press meeting, “We still want to rescue more people even though it has been four days. ”

    However, he cautioned that they cannot promise to survive after 48 hours.

    The landslide happened on Tuesday night and destroyed houses. It also covered three buses and a type of minibus that were waiting to pick up workers from the gold mine.

    Landslides happen a lot in the Philippines because of the mountains, lots of rain, and cutting down trees for mining and logging.

    Continuous heavy rain in Mindanao has caused landslides and flooding, leading to many people seeking shelter.

    Rescuers had to stop their work when a 5. 9 earthquake happened on Saturday.

    The Philippine Star says that no one has been killed or hurt in the earthquake.

  • Former Forestry Commission official urges President Akufo-Addo to scrap E-Levy

    Former Forestry Commission official urges President Akufo-Addo to scrap E-Levy

    Former Head of the Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to heed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge to abolish certain taxes, including the controversial E-Levy.

    Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on February 9, 2024, Owusu emphasized the importance of scrapping the E-Levy to bolster the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) prospects in the upcoming 2024 elections. He highlighted Dr Bawumia’s commitment to repealing the levy during his administration and urged President Akufo-Addo to support this initiative.

    Owusu stressed that while not all of Dr Bawumia’s decisions may align with those of President Akufo-Addo, the government had an opportunity to demonstrate unity and solidarity by addressing the concerns raised by the Vice President, particularly regarding the E-Levy.

    “I have heard people talking about him denying his government. All of us are not the same on this earth; definitely, if he becomes a leader, not all his dealings will be exactly like Akufo-Addo. But I feel this government has the opportunity to help Bawumia,” Owusu asserted.

    He further emphasized the government’s capacity to fulfill Dr. Bawumia’s promise by taking decisive action to remove or cancel the E-Levy. Owusu urged swift action, suggesting that scrapping the levy would demonstrate the party’s commitment to continuity in government and resonate positively with voters.

    “If there are things that he has complained about, then why doesn’t the government take them out or cancel them? Bawumia has talked about the E-Levy, so if the party wants continuity in government, why can’t they scrap it? I believe they can scrap it, and they should do it now,” Owusu urged.

  • Pakistani army demands unity as both former prime ministers proclaim triumph

    Pakistani army demands unity as both former prime ministers proclaim triumph

    Pakistan’s strong army leader has asked the country to stop fighting and being divided as two former prime ministers claimed they won the election, which was unexpected.

    Most of the votes are counted, and candidates not affiliated with any political party, but connected to the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have won the majority of the seats.

    Nawaz Sharif, a former prime minister who is believed to have the army’s support, has asked others to join him in forming a coalition.

    Authorities have also dismissed criticism from Western countries about how the election was conducted.

    General Asim Munir asked everyone to be mature and work together. He said that a country with 250 million people should not have politics that divides people.

    “Gen Munir said that elections are not just about winning or losing, but about deciding what the people want. ”

    Fourteen seats in the National Assembly still need to be decided in Balochistan, a big province with few people. Both Khan and Mr. Sharif claim they have won.

    Mr Khan made a computer-generated video saying he doesn’t agree with his rival and asking his supporters to have a party. He was put in jail for sharing government secrets, being corrupt and having an illegal marriage. His PTI party is not allowed to join the elections.

    About 100 of the winning candidates don’t belong to any political party and almost all of them have the support of the PTI, according to the Free and Fair Election Network.

    Mr Sharif’s PML-N party got 71 seats and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s PPP got 53. The smaller parties and independent candidates won the remaining seats.

    The PML-N party is talking to other groups about working together. No one has won for sure yet.

    Mr Sharif said he doesn’t have enough support to run the government by himself, but thinks he can lead a group of people to help the country during tough times.

    On Friday, the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union all said they were worried about whether the election was fair. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that he had big worries about how fair and open the elections were.

    But Pakistan’s government said this was not even true.

    It said the statements did not consider how complicated the voting process is, or recognize that millions of Pakistanis freely and happily voted.

    There were a few times when people said there was fighting during the election. Mohsin Dawar, a former government official and leader of the National Defense Movement Party, was shot and hurt in Miranshah, North Waziristan. Another party member was killed in the same incident.

    There were reports of a protest in a city called Gwadar in Balochistan province. Some voters said that there were problems with how the votes were being counted.

  • Biden report puts prosecutor under political scrutiny

    Biden report puts prosecutor under political scrutiny

    Special Investigator Robert Hur brought attention to the fact that US President Joe Biden is old and has a bad memory. He had trouble remembering important events in his own life.

    On Friday, the president’s team attacked Mr. Hur’s report, which looked into how Mr. Biden handled classified files for a year. Vice-President Kamala Harris said the special counsel’s motives were clearly political.

    A spokesperson from the White House said the report was not okay and legal experts agreed with that.

    Some ex-federal lawyers told the media that it’s not usual for prosecutors to include very personal information in these types of cases.

    Some people thought it was okay for Mr. Hur, a Republican chosen for the job by Mr. Biden’s attorney general, to talk about the president’s memory and age when explaining why he didn’t prosecute him for keeping classified documents.

    Many said that special counsels have a difficult job investigating important issues and then explaining their findings to the public. This is especially challenging when the president who is running for re-election is involved.

    Mr Hur’s report, which came out on Thursday, says that Mr. Biden, who is 81 years old, knowingly kept secret files after he stopped being vice president in 2017.

    He said it would be hard to prove that Mr. Biden committed the crime because of how old and calm he appears to the jury.

    Mr Hur said that Mr. Biden has trouble remembering certain events. In another instance, he gave a clear example by writing that Mr. Biden doesn’t remember when his son Beau died, even though it was just a few years ago.

    Steven Tyrell, a lawyer who used to be in charge of catching people who commit fraud for the government, said he thinks that Mr. Hur was right to put a lot of information in his report.

    “He said it’s really important for a special counsel to explain why they make a decision to charge someone with a crime. ”

    It’s good that Special Counsel Hur considered the president’s mental state and sharpness when trying to figure out his intent.

    Unfortunately, the specific information was sometimes harmful for a political candidate who is already facing criticism for being old.

    Some experts said to the media that some of these details, especially the mentions of his son’s death, were not really needed.

    “Ty Cobb, who worked for Donald Trump, said that some examples were telling and rightfully included. ”

    “But some of them made me stop and think. ”

    Mr Cobb, along with other lawyers who talked to the media, said that he really respects Mr Hur.

    “But I think it would have been better to just say that the president would have been a supportive defendant instead of going into the memory issues as much as they did,” he said.

    Former US assistant prosecutor Renato Mariotti said that the amount of detail about Mr. Biden’s memory showed “bad decision making”.

    “He Hur] didn’t treat the people he was investigating fairly, and that’s not right,” he said.

    The people who talked to the media think that special counsels know how their report could affect politics, but it shouldn’t change what they find.

    This was especially true for Mr. Hur, who shared the results of this investigation just nine months before the presidential election in November. Biden wants to be president for another four years.

    Seth DuCharme, who worked in the justice department during the Trump administration, said it was a very difficult job.

    “You see it and you might feel frustrated and think, ‘No matter what I do, someone will get upset about it,’ ” he said.

    “It could have important political outcomes. ” “Do I still believe what I said. “

  • NPP, NDC clash over economic records

    NPP, NDC clash over economic records

    Tensions flared on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme as Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a presidential staffer and NPP communicator, and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, an NDC parliamentary candidate, engaged in a fierce debate over the records of former President John Mahama and the current government’s economic policies.

    The confrontation escalated when Dennis Aboagye attempted to defend Vice President Bawumia’s pledge to repeal the controversial E-Levy, despite its implementation during their tenure. Felix Kwakye Ofosu swiftly countered, accusing Aboagye of dishonesty and igniting a verbal altercation marked by insults and verbal jabs.

    Aboagye seized the opportunity to criticize Mahama’s decision to run for office again in the 2024 elections, citing what he perceived as failures during Mahama’s presidency, notably the recurring power outages known as ‘dumsor’ and high inflation rates.

    In response, Felix Kwakye Ofosu staunchly defended Mahama’s achievements, challenging the NPP’s claims of economic success. He refuted Aboagye’s characterization of Mahama’s tenure, asserting that Mahama had chaired the Economic Management Team during his vice presidency under former President Atta Mills.

    Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the NPP’s economic performance paled in comparison to the NDC’s record, highlighting increases in inflation and failure to service debts as evidence of the government’s mismanagement.

    He countered Aboagye’s assertion that Mahama exacerbated the ‘dumsor’ crisis, arguing that Mahama had actually worked to increase power generation capacity, while attributing the current worsening of the situation to the NPP’s failure to address underlying issues.

    Amidst the fiery exchange, Kwakye Ofosu criticized Aboagye’s arguments as “childish and immature,” underscoring the intensity of the debate.

  • Senegal: Tensions over postponement of elections

    Senegal: Tensions over postponement of elections

    There are violent protests in Senegal because the presidential elections were delayed. They have spread all over the country and someone has died.

    A student was killed in a fight with the police on Friday in the city of Saint-Louis, a leader of the opposing group and a source from the nearby hospital confirmed.

    In the main city Dakar, the police used tear gas and loud stun grenades to make people leave.

    MPs decided to delay the February 25 elections until December 15.

    President Macky Sall had decided to stop the elections for an unknown amount of time because there was a disagreement about who could run for president.

    The lawmakers later made Mr. Sall’s time in office 10 months longer.

    Critics say that Senegal’s reputation as a strong democracy in a shaky part of West Africa is at risk because of this decision.

    Opposition leader Khalifa Sall, who is not related to the president, said that the election delay is like a government takeover that goes against the country’s laws.

    Khalifa Sall posted on social media that a student in Saint-Louis had died.

    “He said all democrats are upset by the fighting caused by stopping the election for no good reason. ”

    The hospital and the university confirmed that the student has passed away, but they want to keep their identities a secret. This information came from the AFP news agency.

    The Senegalese officials have not said anything about the problem in public.

    The country had big protests last weekend. On Friday, people in Dakar fought with the police. They threw rocks and burned tires.

    President Sall said he will not run for office again, but some people think he is either trying to stay in power or unfairly influencing the next leader.

    Twenty people were chosen to run for election, but some others were not allowed to because they didn’t meet the rules.

    West Africa’s Ecowas group asked Senegal’s political leaders to quickly follow the constitution and make sure the electoral schedule is back on track.

    Senegal has been seen as a stable democracy in West Africa for a long time. It is the only country in West Africa that has never had a military takeover.

    It has had three times where a new person became the leader without fighting, and it has never put off a vote for president.

  • Election 2024: NDC targets 20 Parliamentary seats in Central Region

    Election 2024: NDC targets 20 Parliamentary seats in Central Region

    Professor Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced ambitious plans for the upcoming 2024 elections, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in 20 out of the 23 Parliamentary seats in the region.

    Speaking at an awards ceremony organized by the Agona West NDC Youth Wing’s Working Committee in Agona Swedru, Prof. Asiedu disclosed that the regional working committee had devised strategies to mobilize members, particularly the youth, across all 23 constituencies to work tirelessly towards achieving this goal.

    The Chairman emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the party, urging the Agona West Parliamentary Candidate, Mrs. Ernetina Dangbe, to foster a united front to enhance the party’s chances of recapturing the seat from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Prof. Asiedu underscored the prevailing economic hardships facing Ghanaians, noting widespread discontent among the populace. He urged party members to harness this discontent and channel it towards securing electoral victory, emphasizing the need for cooperation and mutual understanding among the rank and file.

    Commending the Agona West NDC Youth Organiser, Mr. Freebody Mensah, for his innovative and proactive approach, Prof. Asiedu highlighted the significant changes brought about in the youth wing of the constituency under his leadership.

    In her address, Mrs. Queenstar Pokuaa Sawyer, the Agona East Member of Parliament (MP), lauded the dedication and hard work of the youth wing, which she noted had inspired many others to join the party. She urged the youth to focus their campaign messages on the 24-hour economic policy outlined by the NDC flagbearer, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, and intensify their efforts to ensure a resounding victory in the December elections.

    As the NDC gears up for the electoral contest, the party’s leadership in the Central Region is laying down the groundwork for a vigorous campaign aimed at capturing a significant number of Parliamentary seats and securing victory for its Presidential Candidate. With the stakes high and the political landscape evolving, all eyes will be on the NDC as it strives to translate its strategies into tangible electoral success in the upcoming polls.

  • US Senator Chris Coons discovers German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as his look alike

    US Senator Chris Coons discovers German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as his look alike

    What do a US Senator from Delaware and the Chancellor of Germany have in common. It turns out, they have a lot in common.

    Chris Coons and Olaf Scholz met in Washington DC on Thursday. Chris Coons and Olaf Scholz saw each other in Washington DC on Thursday. Then they took a picture together and posted it online with the same question.

    “Who is who? ” Sen Coons made a joke, which is in German for “Wer ist wer. ”

    At first look, it was tough to tell them apart because they had similar grey hair, were starting to go bald, and had big smiles.

    Mr Scholz is the leader of Germany’s three-party government that started in 2021. He is not known for being funny. The experienced left-wing politician quickly joined in the fun.

    “Chancellor Scholz said he was happy to see someone who looks just like him again. He posted a picture on X, which used to be called Twitter. ”

    They are both around the same age, 60 and 65, and are both about 5ft 7in tall. They both like politics and want to send more military help to Ukraine as soon as possible.

    Mr Scholz came to Washington DC for a planned meeting with President Joe Biden. He wanted to ask for help for Ukraine and talk about the consequences if more aid is not given.

    He talked to Sen Coons and other lawmakers on Thursday to tell them the same thing.

    MrScholz is visiting while Congress is trying to find a way to give more help to Ukraine and Israel. It’s difficult because Republicans are against it.

    The German leader wrote in an article on the Wall Street Journal that people in other countries are watching to see if our disagreements can be used against us.

    We need to show that they are wrong by telling people on both sides of the ocean that if Russia wins, the world will be much more dangerous.

  • Ghanaians to enjoy free electricity under Kyiri Abosom’s administration if elected as President 

    Ghanaians to enjoy free electricity under Kyiri Abosom’s administration if elected as President 

    Ghanaians may find solace if the presidential candidate of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) secures victory in the upcoming election, as he pledges to provide them with free electricity.

    The flag bearer, Christian Kwabena Andrew, widely recognised as Kyiriabosom, unveiled this commitment during an appearance on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio (87.5 FM).

    He outlined that, if elected president, he intends to implement a system where companies and businesses bear the expenses of electricity, while households will enjoy exemption from such costs.

    “If I am elected as the president, Ghanaians will not pay for electricity. This system will require that companies pay for power, but domestic users will not pay for power. That is why, as part of my plans, I want to construct more companies, and after that, I will start the implementation of free electricity.

    This announcement brings a sense of relief to Ghanaians. However, when I hear Mahama promising a 24-hour economy, I feel uneasy because there are no established systems to support business expansion in the country.

    With high youth unemployment rates, such promises seem impractical.

    Nevertheless, I am confident in my victory in the 2024 presidential election.

    My policies and vision are distinctive, aimed at driving economic recovery, tackling youth unemployment, and reducing our reliance on foreign aid.

    “I will encourage Ghanaians not to allow the NDC and the NPP to deceive them. We have tested them, and they have failed. They lack credibility. They are both thieves. They have stolen from us and will continue to steal from us. We have to prevent that,” he said.

  • State funeral to be held for former Irish PM John Bruton

    State funeral to be held for former Irish PM John Bruton

    A big funeral to be held for former Irish prime minister John Bruton on Saturday.

    The 76-year-old Fine Gael politician passed away in the Mater Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday.

    Mr Bruton was the leader of Ireland from 1994 to 1997.

    He played an important role in helping Northern Ireland make peace. He worked with the Prime Minister of the UK at the time, John Major, to create a plan for peace in 1995.

    Mr Bruton’s body was taken to St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church in Dunboyne, County Meath, on Friday.

    The funeral service will be at 11:00 on Saturday and then they will bury him in Rooske Cemetery, Dunboyne.

    Some important people who were at the event were EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and a few government ministers.

    President Michael D Higgins and current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be at Saturday’s event with other important people.

    Mr Varadkar will give a speech at the graveside.

    About 180 members of the Defence Forces will be part of the service, and Mr. Bruton will be buried with special military recognition.

    Mr Bruton was born in Dublin on 18 May 1947. He was elected to the Irish Parliament to represent Meath in 1969.

    As the leader, he led a government made up of three different political parties but lost the 1997 election to another party.

    While he was the leader, he guided a vote that allowed divorce to be legal in Ireland.

    He was in charge of Fine Gael until 2001, and then he worked as the EU ambassador to the United States.

    People from all different political beliefs have shown respect and admiration for the former prime minister.

    Sir John Major said he was very sad to hear about Mr. Bruton’s death He said Mr. Bruton was a strong leader for Ireland and worked hard for peace.

    Leo Varadkar said that Mr. Bruton was someone who gets things done and thinks deeply. He also made a special effort to connect with the unionist community.

    Irish President Michael D Higgins said he was lucky to work with Mr Bruton who he said was a very hardworking leader and a dedicated politician.

    Book of condolence

    Mr. Bruton’s replacement as leader, Bertie Ahern, who was in charge of Ireland when the Good Friday Agreement happened, said that Mr. Bruton’s interest in Northern Ireland was always real.

    Stormont’s top leaders, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, expressed their sympathies to his family and friends.

    A book where people can write their condolences for Mr. Bruton has been opened in Dublin at the Department of the Taoiseach. There is also an online version of the book.

    Flags are being lowered halfway down the pole on all government buildings until after the funeral.

  • Sam George lambasts Dr Bawumia for revisiting old pledges as he dennounces some taxes

    Sam George lambasts Dr Bawumia for revisiting old pledges as he dennounces some taxes

    The political arena reverberated with criticism as Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, took aim at Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of resurrecting old promises in his recent lecture titled “Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future.”

    In a scathing rebuke, Sam George highlighted perceived discrepancies in Bawumia’s claims regarding digitization and unfulfilled pledges. The MP questioned Bawumia’s assertions about the effectiveness of digitization initiatives, pointing to instances such as the alleged persistence of corruption at the passport office despite claims of digitization success. He cited a Daily Graphic report from September 2016 and fact-checks by organizations like Fact-Check Ghana as evidence contradicting Bawumia’s statements.

    Moreover, Sam George criticized Bawumia for repeatedly promising initiatives without tangible outcomes, including the provision of laptops for tertiary students and the issuance of unique Ghana Card numbers for children from birth. He accused Bawumia of recycling promises made on multiple occasions without delivering on them, labeling the Vice President as a “confident trickster” who seeks to deceive Ghanaians with eloquent rhetoric.

    The Ningo-Prampram MP’s remarks come in the wake of Dr. Bawumia’s announcement as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer. Dr. Bawumia declared his intention to abolish several controversial taxes if elected as president, including the E-Levy, Bet Tax, and Emissions Tax. This announcement marks a reversal from Bawumia’s previous stance on the E-Levy, which he had initially opposed before maintaining silence on the issue.

    During his address to the nation, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his opposition to taxes on electronic financial transactions and emphasized the importance of promoting a cashless economy. He outlined plans to introduce a new tax regime aimed at benefiting individuals and businesses, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

    In response to Sam George’s criticism, Dr. Bawumia has yet to issue a formal response. However, the exchange underscores the intensifying political discourse as Ghana approaches the 2024 elections. With both sides seeking to solidify their positions and sway public opinion, debates over policy promises and past performances are likely to remain central themes in the upcoming campaign season.

  • NDC’s Brogya Genfi and NPP’s Jennifer Queen clash over E-levy on live TV

    NDC’s Brogya Genfi and NPP’s Jennifer Queen clash over E-levy on live TV

    The airwaves crackled with tension on the February 8, 2024 episode of UTV’s “Adekye Nsroma” as Ernest Yaw Brogya Genfi of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Jennifer Queen from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) locked horns in a fiery exchange over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent promise to abolish taxes, including the contentious E-Levy.

    The disagreement escalated quickly, with Brogya Genfi launching accusations at the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration, branding it as “wicked” for imposing burdensome taxes on Ghanaians. He suggested that Bawumia’s pledge to eliminate such levies implied an acknowledgment of the government’s failure to address the tax burden effectively.

    However, Jennifer Queen vehemently contested Brogya Genfi’s assertions, accusing him of misrepresenting Bawumia’s statements and refuting claims that the Vice President had labeled President Akufo-Addo as “wicked” for implementing the E-Levy.

    The exchange intensified as Brogya Genfi stood firm on his interpretation, quoting Bawumia’s words from a February 7 lecture where the Vice President purportedly indicated plans to abolish the E-Levy during his administration. Brogya Genfi inferred from the statement that Bawumia indirectly criticized President Akufo-Addo‘s administration for introducing the controversial levy.

    In response, Jennifer Queen dismissed Brogya Genfi’s interpretation as “mischievous” and emphasized that Bawumia never directly accused his boss of being “wicked.” She reiterated Bawumia’s commitment to abolishing the E-Levy during his presidency without attributing blame to the current administration.

    The verbal sparring continued with both sides staunchly defending their positions. Brogya Genfi insisted on his reading of Bawumia’s remarks, highlighting the discrepancy between the Vice President’s promise and the ongoing enforcement of the E-Levy under President Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

    As tensions reached a crescendo, Queen and Genfi traded barbs, with each attempting to assert their narrative over the other. Despite attempts at moderation, the clash persisted until the end of the segment, leaving viewers with a stark portrayal of the political divide surrounding taxation policies in Ghana.

  • Democrats support Biden as age concerns raised by article

    Democrats support Biden as age concerns raised by article

    Democrats are standing up for President Joe Biden after a report about how he handles secret papers made people worried about his age and mental abilities.

    Mr Biden will not be in trouble for keeping secret documents, but the report said he is an old man who means well but has a bad memory.

    Vice-President Kamala Harris criticized the description as unnecessary, wrong, and not suitable.

    She also said the prosecutor was doing it for political reasons.

    Robert Hur, who was chosen by Donald Trump and had worked for two conservative judges, was chosen last year to investigate classified documents for Biden.

    Prosecutor in trouble because of report about Biden.

    US Attorney General Merrick Garland chose him in January when the justice department was getting backlash from Republicans for appointing a special counsel to investigate Donald Trump’s handling of secret files.

    Mr Hur’s report that was made available to the public had a letter from the White House. The letter asked for the comments about the president’s memory to be changed in a way that fits with Mr. Hur’s expertise and job responsibilities.

    Ms Harris, who used to work as a prosecutor, repeated the same criticism at a news conference on Friday.

    She said that the way the president was described in the report was completely inaccurate and was clearly done for political reasons.

    “We should expect the prosecutor to have a strong sense of honesty and fairness when dealing with a case like this. ”

    Democratic friends in Congress also told the media that they thought Mr. Hur’s comments were not part of the investigation.

    Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon said that he thinks it was completely wrong for the special counsel to handle the task the way they did.

    “Too bad it went into the wrong place. ”

    Minnesota’s Tina Smith said that Mr. Hur’s comments were really bad and terrible. She accused him of using his position for political reasons.

    Ever since Mr. Biden started running for president again, people have been worried about how old he is and if he can think clearly.

    He is 81 years old, only a little older than the leading Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, who is 77.

    This report hasn’t eased voters’ worries much. It is claimed that Mr. Biden couldn’t remember when his son Beau died from cancer or when he worked as vice-president when talking to investigators.

    However, Democrats who talked to the media on Friday said they are not worried about the president’s mental abilities.

    Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia said: “No one is being charged as a result of the report. ” Unexpected comments that are different from what one would usually expect in a detailed and meaningful report. Just a bunch of annoying sounds.

    The youngest person in the Senate, Mr. Ossoff, said he has spent a lot of time with the president in the last few months.

    “I think he is smart, focused, very impressive and capable,” he said.

    MrOssoff’s friends agreed, including Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who said the president is “smart and has a lot of experience” at a news conference on Friday.

    The Democrats still believe strongly in the president, he said. “We want to stay with someone who knows what this country needs. ”

    “Caption on the media”

    But some people on the other side said that Mr. Hur’s comments make it seem like Mr. Biden is not capable of being president.

    “Thom Tillis, a Senator from North Carolina, said that he’s starting to worry about the effort of someone who is doing their best. ”

    “I believe that whoever becomes the leader of our country should be fully prepared and capable, no matter their age. ” This is what the moderate Republican said.

    Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, told the media that people are worried about Mr. Biden’s age and it could affect his chances of getting re-elected.

    Experts have found that polls show people aren’t as bothered by Mr. Trump’s age as they are by Mr. Biden’s, even though both men make similar mistakes while campaigning.

    In the past few months, both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have made mistakes when speaking in public, like mixing up the names of world leaders and US politicians.

    But Trump’s loud and aggressive way of speaking and always being on the attack may make people see him as a more lively candidate, said Chris Borick, the director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion.

  • Pakistan election: Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan both assert leadership

    Pakistan election: Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan both assert leadership

    With most of the results now announced, no single political group has the most seats in Pakistan’s general elections.

    Imran Khan, who used to be the Prime Minister and is now in jail, says he has won the election on Thursday. The people who support him have won the most seats in the election.

    But another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, says his party is the biggest and wants others to join him in working together.

    There are rumors that Mr. Sharif’s PML-N party is talking to other groups about teaming up.

    The final results have not been announced yet.

    In a strong video message on X, using AI, Mr Khan said his PTI party won a big victory, even though he said the government has been trying to stop them.

    “I want to say congratulations to all of you for winning the 2024 election. ” The message said, “You have done something very important and never done before. ”

    Mr Khan is in jail after being found guilty of crimes he believes are related to politics.

    The PTI candidates did better than expected. Most experts thought Mr. Sharif, who they believed had support from the military, would win.

    Despite challenges, the election proves that Imran Khan has strong support.

    However, the PTI cannot participate in the election, so Mr Sharif’s PML-N is the biggest official political party.

    The politicians are making deals, so it might take some time before anyone wins for sure.

    On Friday, Mr. Sharif said that he admitted he didn’t have enough support to make a government by himself. But when he talked to his supporters outside his party’s office in Lahore, he asked other candidates to come together with him and work as a group. He also said that he can help the country get through tough times.

    On Friday, Imran Khan’s ex-special assistant Zulifkar Bukhari told BBC Newsnight that he doesn’t think Imran Khan’s political party PTI will make a coalition or form a government with any of the major parties.

    “But, we will work together as a team. ” To be in parliament – not alone, but with a group, in one political party.

    When asked if Mr. Khan might be released, Mr. Bukhari said he is very confident that once they go to the high court and supreme court, Mr. Khan will be released and many of the charges against him will be dropped because of legal and procedural reasons.

    The third largest party seems to be the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto, the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in 2007.

    Burzine Waghmar, who works at SOAS University of London, said that the elections could be very divisive and dangerous for the unstable country.

    As results came in, the UK and US worried about limits on people’s voting rights during the election.

    British Foreign Secretary David Cameron wants Pakistan’s leaders to respect important human rights, like the right to information and following the rules.

    He said he was sorry that not everyone was allowed to run in the elections.

    Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US State Department named Matthew Miller complained about Pakistan’s election process, saying that there were too many rules limiting freedom of speech, association, and peaceful gatherings.

    He said that he is worried about people attacking journalists and limiting access to the internet and phone services, which might interfere with the process.

    Many experts believe that this election in Pakistan is not very trustworthy.

    People in Lahore said they couldn’t use the internet to book taxis to go vote, and they couldn’t plan with their family when to go to the polling stations.

    A person from the interior ministry said the power outages were needed for safety.

    Help from the military in Pakistan is important to be successful in politics, and experts think that Mr. Sharif and his party have their support, even though they had disagreements in the past.

    Maya Tudor, who is a teacher at the University of Oxford, said that Imran Khan’s PTI leading in the election was surprising considering the country’s history.

    Dr Tudor said that if someone else wins the election in Pakistan, it would be very surprising. In the past, the military’s favorite candidate has always won.

    Up to 128 million people signed up to vote, and almost half of them were younger than 35. Over 5,000 people ran for 266 seats in the National Assembly, but only 313 of them were women.

    Pakistan’s ex-ambassador to the USA, Maleeha Lodhi, said Pakistan really needs a stable government to fix the country’s very bad economic crisis.

    However, Ms Lodhi expressed optimism by saying that Pakistan’s high voter turnout indicates a strong belief in the democratic system.

  • Bawumia not assured blanket-cheque in potential gov’t reshuffle – Local Governance expert

    Bawumia not assured blanket-cheque in potential gov’t reshuffle – Local Governance expert

    In the midst of swirling speculations regarding an imminent reshuffle in President Akufo-Addo’s government, local governance expert Dr. Frederick Oduro has suggested that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia may not be granted carte blanche authority in the decision-making process.

    Recent developments have heightened anticipation, with reports indicating that the President is contemplating adjustments within his administration, potentially affecting key ministerial positions. This follows the dismissal of 24 District Chiefs Executives and the subsequent appointment of 26 new Municipal and District Chief Executives within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    President Akufo-Addo, in a letter directed to the Minister of Local Government and Decentralization, cited constitutional and legislative provisions as the basis for the moves, emphasizing adherence to Article 243(3)(b) of the constitution and Section 20(20)(3)(b) of the Local Government Act 2014 (Act 936).

    Dr. Oduro, speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Nana Kwame Ayira, expressed insights into the potential ramifications of the impending reshuffle. He emphasized the complexity of the decision-making process, particularly regarding Vice President Bawumia’s role.

    “If Dr. Bawumia is given the chance to make an input in a reshuffle, a lot more ministers will be sacked,” Dr. Oduro remarked. However, he cautioned against assuming a blanket authorization for the Vice President, suggesting that significant changes might occur only if President Akufo-Addo extends such authority.

    The expert further speculated on the likely targets of any ministerial changes, suggesting that individuals who contested and lost, as well as those who have faced significant public backlash, might be at risk of losing their positions. Additionally, Dr. Oduro highlighted the potential influence of intelligence reports on ministers’ effectiveness in bolstering the NPP’s electoral prospects.

    “Aside from these scenarios, the scope of the reshuffle may not extend beyond these parameters unless the President grants Vice President Bawumia unprecedented discretion in shaping the government’s composition,” Dr. Oduro concluded.

    The discourse surrounding the anticipated reshuffle underscores the intricacies of governance dynamics within the Akufo-Addo administration, with implications for political strategy and public policy. As stakeholders await official announcements, conjecture continues to fuel discussions about the future direction of Ghana’s leadership landscape.

  • Ukraine claims Russian drone strike on Kharkiv killed three children

    Ukraine claims Russian drone strike on Kharkiv killed three children

    At least seven people died after Russian drones attacked the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine.

    Oleh Syniehubov says that a baby and two kids, aged four and seven, were hurt.

    Pictures from the town close to the Russian border show some houses on fire because a petrol station was hit.

    A man got hurt in a drone attack in the southern city of Odesa, Ukraine, by Russia.

    Upset and emotional, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that the Russian attacker is destroying our city.

    “We will succeed in the end. “We are going to win,” he said in a video from where the Russian attack happened.

    He said that 14 houses were burned down.

    The Russian military has not said anything about the strikes that were reported.

    Russian leader Vladimir Putin started a big attack on Ukraine in February 2022.

  • Gazans surviving on animal feed as food supply runs low

    Gazans surviving on animal feed as food supply runs low

    People in the remote part of Gaza say that kids there are not getting enough food because aid trucks are not allowed to come in. Some people are grinding animal feed into flour to survive, but they are running out of grains for that too.

    People have also talked about digging into the ground to get to water pipes for drinking and washing.

    The UN said that a lot of young children in the north are very malnourished, and it’s now higher than the 15% level that is really bad.

    The UN’s group that helps plan aid efforts, Ocha, says that last month, more than half of the aid missions to the north of Gaza were not allowed to go there. They also say that Israeli forces are getting in the way of how and where aid is given.

    It means that around 300,000 people in the northern areas are not getting help and are at risk of not having enough food to eat.

    A person who speaks for the Israeli military agency that helps with aid in Gaza said last month that there is no lack of food in Gaza. Cogat, the agency, keeps saying it doesn’t stop sending help to Gaza.

    The news talked to three people who live in Gaza City and Beit Lahia. They also saw videos and interviews made by local reporters in Jabalia.

    Mahmoud Shalabi, who helps with medical care in Beit Lahia, said that people have been turning animal feed into flour, but even that is about to run out.

    “He said that people can’t find it in the market. ” “You can’t find it right now in the north of Gaza and Gaza City. ”

    He also mentioned that canned food is running out.

    “We only had supplies for six or seven days during the truce in November, and all the help that was allowed into the north of Gaza has been used up. ” People are only eating rice right now.

    The World Food Programme (WFP) said to the media this week that Israeli forces stopped four out of the last five aid convoys going to the north. This caused a two-week gap between deliveries to Gaza City.

    ‘High chance of not having enough food’

    “We need to give a lot of food regularly to avoid a really bad hunger problem in Gaza,” Matt Hollingworth, the head of WFP in the region, said.

    The UN office that helps with emergencies says that more and more aid deliveries are being blocked from getting to northern Gaza. In January, 56% of deliveries were stopped, compared to 14% in the three months before that.

    The Israeli military sometimes asked for reasons why certain amounts of fuel were being sent to health facilities. They also cut down on the aid, like reducing the amount of food being given.

    The news reporters asked the army of Israel for a reply. They told us to ask the army our questions because they couldn’t help us.

    Duha al-Khalidi, a mother of four in Beit Lahia, said two weeks ago that she walked six miles (9. 5km) to her sister’s house in Gaza City because her children were hungry and she couldn’t find any food for them for three days.

    “I don’t have any money, and even if I did, there’s nothing to buy at the town’s main market,” she said. My sister and her family are having a hard time too. She gave me the last bit of pasta she had at home.

    “We think that death is going to happen,” her sister Waad said. “We lost the top floor of our house, but we’re still living here even though we’re scared it might fall down. ” For two weeks, we couldn’t find anything in the market. And if we did see some things for sale, they cost 10 times more than usual.

    A study by the UN says that many people in the northern areas may not have enough food. But it’s hard to know for sure because it’s difficult to go there and check.

    Families in the north are having difficulty finding water they can depend on.

    “A lot of us are drinking water that is not safe to drink. ” “There are no pipes, so we have to dig for water,” said Mahmoud Salah in Beit Lahia.

  • Israel-Gaza war: Netanyahu commands military to organise Rafah evacuations

    Israel-Gaza war: Netanyahu commands military to organise Rafah evacuations

    The leader of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has told the military to get ready to move people out of the southern Gaza city of Rafah before they attack Hamas.

    Around 15 million Palestinians are in Rafah to find safety from fighting with Israel in other parts of Gaza.

    The US told Israel that attacking Rafah would be very bad, and the EU and the UN are also worried.

    Charities say they can’t rescue all the people from the city.

    Mr Netanyahu asked the military and security leaders to come up with a plan to move people away and get rid of the groups of fighters from Hamas.

    “We can’t win the war unless we get rid of Hamas and their four battalions in Rafah. ” Instead, it’s clear that there’s a lot of fighting in Rafah, so regular people need to leave the area.

    Mr Netanyahu said he told soldiers to get ready to go to Rafah and that Israel will win over Hamas soon.

    He said this while saying no to the terms Hamas offered for a ceasefire. Hamas negotiators are leaving Cairo, and talks between them and the BBC are paused.

    Most of the people in Rafah had to leave their homes because of the fighting in other parts of Gaza. Now they are living in tents.

    Rafah is the only place where people can enter or leave Gaza and go to Egypt.

    On Friday, the leader of the European Union, Josep Borrell, said on social media that he is worried about reports of Israel attacking Rafah. This would have very bad effects, making the humanitarian situation even worse and causing more harm to civilians.

    Earlier this week, the UN Secretary General António Guterres said that there could be a big problem with people needing help in the city. His spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said later: “We are very concerned about what is happening to the regular people in Rafah. ” I believe it’s important to protect people, but we also don’t want to see anyone being forced to leave their homes.

    At the same time, the leader of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said people in Rafah are feeling more and more anxious and scared.

    “Philippe Lazzarini said that people don’t know where to go after Rafah,” he told reporters in Jerusalem.

    “A big military operation in this area will just make things even more tragic. ”

    Israeli planes bombed Gaza on Friday and at least 15 people died, including eight in Rafah, according to Hamas-run health officials. Israel didn’t say anything right away.

    Garda al-Kourd, a mother with two children, said she had to move six times because of the war. She thinks Israel will attack, but she hopes for a peace agreement before it happens.

    If they come to Rafah, it will be very bad for us. It will feel like we are waiting to die. “We have no other place to go,” she said to the BBC from a family member’s house in the city where she was living with 20 other people.

    On Thursday, President Joe Biden said that Israel’s actions in Gaza were too much, without mentioning Rafah directly. He said the “over the top” phrase again to talk about how Hamas reacted to a truce plan for Gaza. Hamas was asked to release hostages in exchange for the truce.

    John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said that the Israeli military has a responsibility to protect innocent civilians during their operations in Gaza or anywhere else.

    “He said that military operations at this time would be very bad for those people, and it’s not something that we would approve of. ”

    Israeli officials say that more than 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October.

    Israel started a war and more than 27,900 Palestinians were killed and at least 67,000 were hurt, according to the health ministry run by Hamas.

  • Asantehene recounts Asanteman’s role in Ghana’s Independence struggle 

    Asantehene recounts Asanteman’s role in Ghana’s Independence struggle 

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has shed light on the significant role played by Asanteman in Ghana’s independence struggle during a commemorative durbar dubbed “Kuntunkuni.” 

    The event marked the 150th anniversary of the renowned Sagrenti War, held on February 8, 2024.

    During his address, the Asantehene recounted how Asantes, though initially not involved in the fight for independence, were later invited to join the cause. He emphasized that Ashanti existed as its own nation before becoming part of Ghana.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II elaborated on the historical context, highlighting the involvement of his uncle, Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, who was approached by leaders of the independence movement. They proposed making him a king akin to foreign queens if he joined their cause.

    “Ashanti was its own nation, we moved and found ourselves in Ghana. Also, before Ghana came, Ashanti was already a nation,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II explained, speaking in Twi. “During the fight for independence, we (Asantes) were not part. It is there that they came to say that ‘Nana, come and join us to become a unitary state. So that when we succeed, we will make you (Osei Agyemang Prempeh II) like the foreign queen, and we will be the prime minister.”

    The Asantehene emphasized the importance of remembering Ghana’s history, stating, “We all know the history of Ghana but it looks as if we have forgotten them.”

  • Swiss Ambassador advocates collaborative efforts for Gender Equality at Women of Valour 2024 launch

    Swiss Ambassador advocates collaborative efforts for Gender Equality at Women of Valour 2024 launch

    Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, has underscored the imperative of collective action in advancing gender equality within Ghana. 

    Addressing attendees at the launch of Women of Valour 2024, Ambassador Giger lauded the dedication, courage, and resilience exhibited by Ghanaian women and girls.

    In her remarks, Ambassador Giger emphasized the necessity for concerted and intentional efforts to address gender disparities, stressing that such disparities impede Ghana‘s progress towards achieving greater gender equality. She urged women to unite, form alliances, and actively pursue gender equality initiatives.

    Reflecting on successful strategies from other nations, Ambassador Giger highlighted the pivotal role of grassroots movements led by women. She expressed admiration for platforms like Women of Valour, which provide a space for women to inspire each other, share experiences, and collaborate on meaningful projects.

    Ambassador Giger commended Women of Valour for its impactful work in empowering women and nurturing future leaders. The initiative, spearheaded by television personality Nana Aba Anamoah, aims to showcase success stories, offer mentorship, and empower women to reach their full potential.

    The upcoming second edition of Women of Valour promises to feature prominent speakers, including award-winning movie director Shirley Frimpong-Manso, iconic Nigerian actress Rita Dominic, and renowned South African TV presenter Bonang Matheba. Additional speakers will include Sika Goka, CEO of SG Etiquette Consulting, and Obuobia Darko-Opoku, founder of Ignite Youth Empowerment Initiative.

    The event is scheduled to take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) auditorium on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM. With a diverse lineup of speakers and a focus on empowerment and collaboration, the Women of Valour initiative aims to inspire positive change and foster greater gender equality in Ghana.

  • 50-year-old in court for allegedly defiling 9-year-old 

    50-year-old in court for allegedly defiling 9-year-old 

    A fifty-year-old security guard has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old.

    Winfred Nyefene is alleged to have offered the victim GHC2 after his last sexual encounter with the nine-year-old. 

    During the hearing, Nyefene was charged with defilement of which he pleaded not guilty.

    Susana Eduful, the relieving judge, admitted Nyefene to bail in the sum of GHC100,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a family member and the other a public servant earning at least GHC2,000.

    The court has adjourned the matter to March 13, 2024.

    The court further advised Nyefene to seek the services of a lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission.

    The prosecution argued that the complainant is the mother of the victim, a class four pupil.

    It said the parties in the case are co-tenants residing at Abeka, Accra.

    On January 8, 2024, at about 1800 hours, a witness in the case saw the victim coming from Nyefene’s room.

    The prosecution stated that a witness who had previously observed the victim leave the room became “highly suspicious” and alerted another relative, who then informed the complainant.

    It said the complainant examined the victim, who disclosed that Nyefene had sexual intercourse with her on several occasions, the most recent being January 8, 2024.

    According to the prosecutor, the victim mentioned the most recent incident, in which Nyefene offered her GHc2.00 for having sex with her in his room.

    On January 9, 2024, the Tesano DOVVSU received a report on the matter and issued a medical form for the victim to be examined and treated.

    In the victim’s statement to the police, she indicated that Nyefene had had sex with her on five separate occasions.

    The prosecution said Nyefene was arrested but denied the offence in his caution statement.