Author: Chris Kodo

Check out Rihanna’s third look at the Oscars

Two outfits weren’t enough for Rihanna at the Oscars. After stepping out in a sheer black and leather Alaïa dress on the red carpet and wearing an embellished black Maison Margiela bra with print pants on stage during her performance, Rihanna switched into a third show-stopping number: a lime green bustier and skirt from Bottega Veneta with a shearling stole set and gloves. Fans shared a look of the ensemble in the audience, as Rihanna joined her boyfriend A$AP Rocky to watch the rest of the show after her performance.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, on their website.

Rihanna had stuck to black earlier in the night. Now that the Oscars have wrapped, there’s a good chance she could debut a fourth outfit if she chooses to go to an after-party.

Here was her red carpet look:

And her performance look:

Rocky, of course, was in a white suit next to her during the ceremony. He received some fan attention for his enthusiastic standing ovation for Rihanna after her performance.

Rihanna is expecting the couple’s second child. In a recent interview with British Vogue, she spoke glowingly about Rocky’s relationship with their firstborn, their son whose name they haven’t shared publicly yet. “I’m just sitting on the sidelines when they’re together. I’m literally the girl trying to get into the boys club, waiting for my turn,” she said. “He is obsessed with his father. And I’m like: ‘Didn’t I give birth to you? What is going on?’ Their connection is undeniable. The second Rocky makes eye contact with him he is on fire. The whole thing they say about sons and moms, it’s a myth. Sons and fathers is crazy. I realized that the validation that you really need as a boy is from your father.”

March 13, 2023
Chinese space rocket fragments land in Texas

Last week, a four-ton chunk of Chinese space debris fell uncontrollably to Earth.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because it has occurred more than once in the past.

According to US Space Command, on March 8 the remains of a Chinese rocket that had in June carried three military espionage satellites disintegrated above Texas.

Over 17,000 mph (2,735 kph), fragments of the Long March rocket sliced through the atmosphere before breaking apart.

The fallen debris was a piece of space junk in low earth orbit before it conducted “an uncontrolled descent,” according to satellite tracking data.

The debris came from a 135-foot-long Chang Zheng 2D rocket, capable of carrying about 8,000 pounds of cargo into low earth orbit, according to information from the China National Space Administration.

On June 23, the rocket called Y-64, took off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in central China and successfully deployed three spy satellites into orbit.

The spy satellites were targeted over the South China Sea, astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told USNI News.

Like most satellites after dropping off their payload, the second stage becomes space junk which can slowly circle the planet for years before plunging to Earth.

Thankfully the debris field was over the least populated counties in Texas.

Scientists have called for a binding treaty to protect Earth’s orbit from space debris (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

While US officials are still determining if any debris has hit the ground, Chinese officials have not acknowledged the incident at the time of writing.

Last November, a massive, 21-tonne piece of Chinese space junk made an uncontrolled free fall to Earth.

Nasa accused Beijing last year of ‘failing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris’ after parts of a Chinese rocket landed in the Indian Ocean.

The country’s first space station, Tiangong-1, crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 2016 after Beijing confirmed it lost control. An 18-ton rocket fell uncontrolled in May 2020.

The space debris incident follows the US shooting down a Chinese ‘spy balloon’ over the Atlantic Ocean after it crossed over sensitive military sites.

March 13, 2023
Family wants explanations for the inexplicable death of a young soldier in the barracks

The family of a 19-year-old soldier who died mysteriously at his barracks says they are heartbroken and are having a hard time finding closure.

At 9 p.m. on February 25, Ebrima Nyabally, who joined the military at age 17 like his father did, was discovered dead in his room at the installation in Tidworth.

Malang Nyabally claimed that although his oldest son had been placed on a unit risk registry the day before, he had ‘never been unhappy’ while serving.

According to Mr. Nyabally, who described Ebrima as a shy, giving, and nice young guy who had his entire life ahead of him, the family has been kept in the dark about the incident and is not permitted to view the young man’s body.

Ebrima was described as a ‘generous’ boy who ‘loved life’ (Picture: BPM Media)

He added: ‘I am so angry about everything. I wanted to see his body. I wanted to see the place where he did it. We want answers.

‘What hurts us most is that we cannot see his face. We do not know what we are going to find.

‘I was so proud of him. He was the one who would have carried on my legacy.

The family say they are ‘struggling to get closure’ over Ebrima’s tragic death.

‘I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks.’

An inquest is underway for Ebrima, who moved with his family from Gambia to the UK when he was 6 years old.

Mr Nyabally was told of his son’s death while working a night shift, adding: ‘I struggled to drive home that night. It is difficult to put into words how I felt.’

The veteran said delivering the news to Ebrima’s three siblings was ‘the worst thing that I had to do’.

He continued: ‘On the last day they spent together, Ebrima bought him a takeaway. They loved him very much.

‘He was very generous. He used to send us £100 every month. He was very caring. He had a very strong faith as well.

‘He has never been unhappy in the army. Ebrima loved life.’

March 13, 2023
A greater number of women in power will make decisions that affect them – Eni

Nigerian fashion content creator and brand ambassador for American footwear company Crocs Inc, Eni Adeoluwa, has asserted that more women should be given the chance to be in positions of power to ensure that the change they require is given to them.

He believes women are the best people on earth because they are so kind, nice, and pleasant to be around.

Speaking to Princess AJ on Y107.9FM’s Party Pressure show, he said, “They bring out all the good vibes in the world. You will always be happy in the midst of women, and they make you feel so good. They are also big on energy, and if they like you, they’ll tell you; if they don’t, they’ll let you know, and they give out compliments when due”.

As someone who is constantly advocating for women’s empowerment, I believe that the time has come to get women into places of power because it matters.

“I’m very happy that Africa is doing some good with awareness creation. I’m also a big believer in equality, because if you’re going to make decisions that affect women, why shouldn’t they be there to contribute? If women are not in power, certain issues that pertain to them barely come up because those in power are not affected by them and they’re not going to remember or try to discuss them; every decision will rather go against them,” he stated.

He emphasized that this is why he is very big on women’s empowerment, and even on International Women’s Day, he did a whole video for women.

“It’s something I always do because it’s so important to me.” “I’m really grateful to have women in the world that I live in,” he highlighted.

March 13, 2023
Should NPP fail to choose Bawumia as flagbearer, I will campaign for Mahama- Coach Opeele

Ghanaian football manager, Isaac “Opeele” Boateng has declared his support for Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia in the ruling party’s upcoming presidential primaries.

He stated that he will ditch the party for NDC if they vote against the vice president in the yet-to-be-scheduled primaries.

In a tweet on Sunday, March 12, the former Kumasi Asante Kotoko sporting club coach asserted that he will support former President John Mahama if his favorite, Bawumia, is not made the NPP’s flagbearer.

“If these NPP bigwigs seek their interest to run Dr Bawumia down..Then mind you, if Dr Bawumia doesn’t win the NPP primaries.

“My tweets will 100% campaign for H.E. John Mahama in 2024. I have interest in JM gov’t too. What will go to corner should go to throw for us all,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, some party stalwarts like Mr. Francis Addai Nimo, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and others are preparing to lead the NPP to break the 8 in the 2024 general elections.

March 13, 2023
Suspects in Ashaiman murder case denied bail

Six suspects involved in the murder of Trooper Imoro Sherrif who were arraigned earlier today, have been denied bail by the Ashaiman Circuit Court.

Prosecutor, Supt. Sylvester Asare told the court presided over by Simon Gaga that granting the accused persons bail will impede investigations.

The Ghana Police Service, on Sunday night, detailed events leading to the killing of young trooper Imoro Sherrif on March 4, and what investigations have yielded so far, including the arrest of six suspects who are to be put before court on Monday. Read the police account in full.

The Police after a week of sustained intelligence-led operations, have arrested six persons at different dates and various locations within Ashiaman and its environs for their suspected involvement in the murder of Imoro Sherrif, a soldier.

On March 4, Police received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashiaman Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.

A team of Police officers proceeded to the said location and confirmed the incident.

Police immediately commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim. The officers cordoned off the scene and called in the specialist Police Crime Scene team to process the scene for forensic analysis.

The Crime Scene Team retrieved a number of items, including a knife with blood stains on it and a backpack. In the backpack, Police found a Samsung tablet, an Apple laptop, a military uniform with the name tag “Imoro”, eight other items of clothing, as well as a Ghana card and a Health Insurance card bearing the name Imoro Sherrif.

Judging from the contents of the backpack, the police suspected the victim could be a soldier, and in line with Police standard operating procedure for handling institution-based victims, the Military was accordingly notified of the incident and some military personnel came to identify the deceased to Police as Imoro Sheriff, a soldier.

The body of the deceased was thereafter conveyed to a hospital for preservation and autopsy.

As part of the investigation, an intelligence-led operation was immediately launched within Ashiaman and other strategic locations of interest to follow up on all relevant leads on the case.

On the same day, consistent with Ghanaian tradition and as part of the investigation process, a team of police officers after identifying the residence of the parents of the deceased, visited them, commiserated with them and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.

During the visit, the parents informed the Police that the deceased was stationed at Sunyani but had come to Accra on a course.

Investigations further revealed that on March 3, the deceased had visited a female friend at Ashaiman Newtown at about 10:30 pm and left the place in the middle of the night at about 01:30 am, on March 4.

After almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on March 9, the police arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman.

Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on March 10.

Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and March 12, respectively.

Further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on 4th March 2023 attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashiaman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack.

The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.

A postmortem examination was performed on the deceased’s body on March 8, after which the pathologist gave the verbal cause of death as exsanguination and laceration of major vessels of the left arm consistent with the stabbed injury.

Investigations also revealed that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick sold the phone which they had robbed from the deceased to suspect Ibrahim Abdul Rakib who later sold it to suspect Safianu Musah.

Suspect Safianu Musah is being evasive as to the whereabouts of the phone and claims to have sold it to suspect Yussif Mohammed and later to suspect Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim.

Both suspects have been arrested and are assisting in the investigation to recover the phone.

March 13, 2023
Junior doctors begin a three-day walkout before a massive week of strikes

After it was discovered that junior physicians might make more money selling coffee than saving lives, they will start a three-day strike today.

In the longest junior doctor protest history, members of the British Medical Association (BMA) in England will erect picket lines outside hospitals across the nation.

Junior doctors could make more money “serving coffee than saving patients,” according to a BMA advertisement.

On Budget Day (Wednesday), members of numerous unions will go on strike in what will be the largest single day of industrial action in years.

Workers taking action include civil servants, teachers, university staff, London Underground drivers, and BBC journalists.

Rallies and demonstrations will be held across the country, including a big protest in Westminster.

Public sector unions have criticised the Government over its handling of the pay disputes, which have been escalating for months.

It has come after months of strike action across the UK (Picture: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Progress has been made in Wales and Scotland after negotiations with ministers, but unions say the Westminster Government is taking a completely different approach.

The BMA said newly qualified medics earn £14.09 an hour, less than a barista in a coffee shop, adding that junior doctors in England will have suffered a 26% real-terms cut to their pay since 2008/09.

An advertising campaign launched by the trade union says: ‘Pret a Manger has announced it will pay up to £14.10 per hour.

A junior doctor makes just £14.09. Thanks to this Government you can make more serving coffee than saving patients. This week junior doctors will take strike action so they are paid what they are worth.’

Junior doctors will go on strike from today (Picture: PA)

Dr Becky Bates, a first-year junior doctor in the Midlands, said: ‘I thought by being a doctor I would be able to achieve financial independence, but instead I am still completely dependent on others.

‘With tuition fee loans, credit cards and personal loans, I’ve left medical school with over £100,000 debt, and now my wages are not even enough to allow me to fix my car when something goes wrong.

‘I come from a single-parent family. I don’t come from money, yet at 28 I am relying on my mother taking out credit card debt so I can meet these expenses. It’s humiliating for me and it’s not fair on her.

‘As a junior doctor, I can be responsible for more than 400 patients overnight – assessing them, prescribing medication, having really difficult conversations with families about end-of-life care, and I am the first port of call should something go terribly wrong. Yet our skills and responsibilities are completely devalued.

‘My situation is far from unique, and this is why me and the overwhelming majority of my colleagues have been forced to take to the picket line this week.’

Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs, said: ‘Is £14.09 an hour really all junior doctors are worth? These are people who can be providing life-saving care, having trained intensively at medical school, and racking up around £100,000 worth of debt in the process.

‘We are fully supportive of any worker getting an inflation-matching pay rise, and it is worth thinking on the fact that the Government has cut junior doctors’ pay by so much that they could earn more serving coffee.

‘Is it any surprise that junior doctors are looking for jobs abroad or in other fields when the Government is telling them they are worth more than a quarter less than they were in 2008?

‘Losing such valuable clinicians to other countries and professions when waiting lists are at record highs means patients will suffer even more than they are already.

‘This is why doctors are going on strike. We are fighting to restore our pay. We are fighting to restore our value. We are fighting to restore our workforce to make the NHS an effective healthcare system again.’

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said he was ‘incredibly disappointed’ unions wouldn’t enter pay talks (Picture: PA)

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: ‘It is incredibly disappointing the British Medical Association (BMA) has declined my offer to enter formal pay negotiations on the condition strikes are paused.

‘I hugely value the hard work of junior doctors and urge unions to come to the negotiating table and cancel strikes which risk patient safety and impact efforts to tackle the backlog. I want to find a fair settlement which recognises the crucial role of junior doctors and the wider economic pressures facing the UK.

‘I’ve been having constructive and meaningful talks with unions representing nurses, ambulance workers and other non-medical staff, which have agreed to pause strike action, and negotiations will continue this week.

‘We have been working closely with NHS England on contingency plans to help protect patient safety during strikes, prioritising emergency, urgent and critical care – but there will inevitably be some disruption for patients.’

NHS leaders have said they are very worried that the walkout by junior doctors will take disruption caused by recent strikes to the next level, posing a risk to patient safety and setting back work to bear down on care backlogs.

March 13, 2023
Stepmother ‘cooks’ 8-year-old stepson’s buttocks with hot water

In Abokobi in the Greater Accra Region, 8-year-old Ehornam Mattson has suffered the worst treatment of his life at the hands of his father and stepmother, Mrs. Lencia Akompi, aka Maa Yaa.

The little child, according to reports gathered by this portal, was forced to sit in hot water by his stepmother.

Ehornam had been complaining of itching inside his buttocks, and in an attempt to treat it, Maa Yaa reportedly took him through the “inhumane” treatment, leaving him badly injured to the extent he cannot sit nor bend.

Ehornam Mattson who cannot sit nor bend down can only lay down flat on his belly before he can eat; his real mother, identified as Florence, told Modernghana’s Isaac Donkor Distinguished in an interview.

Miss Florence, the former wife of Mr. Frederick Mattson, said hardship forced her to allow her two children; all boys, to live with their father and the “wicked” stepmother.

“Due to financial constraints, my former husband, with whom I had three children—a girl and two boys—requested that I bring the boys to stay with him and his wife so he can take care of them.

“I never wanted to agree because I knew the current wife was a wicked woman, but I had no choice because I didn’t have money at the time, so I agreed for them to live with them, where he enrolled them in school around December 2022,” she narrated.

Even after inflicting pain on the boy, they (the father and the stepmother) initially wanted to keep it a secret from Florence, Ehornam’s mother, but according to her, something kept prompting her to see her children and after several efforts, she was finally given the address to their school.

“They never wanted me to come closer to the children or even speak to them on the phone. After giving them pressure, the father then showed me the school he enrolled them at, Oyibi, in Accra,” she said.

https://twitter.com/Bloga_Disti/status/1635298087219658755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1635298087219658755%7Ctwgr%5Ecae4bf40b739070cae7fc451cc7502312e7c41bf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.modernghana.com%2Fnews%2F1217792%2Fabokobi-stepmother-cooks-8-year-old-stepson-butto.html

“Upon reaching there, I asked for them, and I saw that my second son, who is 8 years old, couldn’t walk well, so I asked what happened to him, and he told me that he was feeling some itches in his buttocks and notified his stepmother. The stepmother boiled water to be very hot and forced him to sit in it, where his buttocks got burnt and were severely injured,” she added in a teary voice.

Sarcastically, she said after confronting the father and the stepmother, they both said the child had fully recovered, even when he was still suffering from the burns and couldn’t sit or bend.

After being denied access by the school’s management to take the children away, Miss Florence said, “I headed to their house after finding out where they were staying, but to them, the wound has been healed, and the boy who can’t still sit or bend is okay.”

“I have taken them home and have been treating him with some Gentian Violet and Vaseline,” she stressed, adding that her husband only visited once to give them the vaseline.

When asked if she had reported it to the police, she said, “Yes, I have reported it to the DOVVSU (Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit), and they told me to bring a medical report from the hospital where he was treated first, which is Ridge Hospital, but they are demanding GHS 500 from me.”

“I couldn’t pay it, so now I can no longer find justice because I am poor,” she cried out, calling on Ghanaians to help her get justice for the treatment meted out to her son.

The issue, according to Miss Florence, happened about two months ago, but the wound is still fresh.

March 13, 2023
The 24th VGMA Unsung nominees date announced

The last 10 years have seen the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards give relatively unknown artistes the rare opportunity to share the same stage with the biggest names in the music scene and afford them the avenue to showcase their art and craft to the world.

The opportunity has become a springboard for many artistes to step into stardom, whether winning the ultimate prize or not. MzVee, Kuami Eugene, Kelvynboy, Adomaa, Eno Barony, Epixode, Strongman, Gyakie, Kofi Jamar, Mr Drew, Dope Nation, Cina Soul and many more; these names have become synonymous with music in Ghana, speaking to the level of impact associated with this all-important initiative. And come Wednesday, the 15th of March, a crop super talented artistes will be announced. Who makes the list?

The journey to becoming the ultimate winner of the VGMA Unsung initiative is in three phases; social media application, nomination, and voting. Phases 1 saw an incredible list of unsung acts being tagged for this unique opportunity. Indeed, this phase is done, and organisers are ready to announce the nominees for the 10th Anniversary of the Unsung, selecting the top acts from several thousands of tags #24thVGMAUnsung.

Are you ready to meet your nominees? Make a date this Wednesday 15th of March at 12noon sharp, as organisers unveil the nominees on all VGMA socials, selected radio and TV stations on Media General, VGMA affiliate stations, entertainment-focused Social Media handles, entertainment websites, and blog portals. Who gets nominated?

For on-the-go information on VGMA kindly visit our social media handles, or our website: www.ghanamusicawards.com. The 24th VGMA Unsung is a Charterhouse initiative with sponsorship from Closeup Complete Fresh Protection.

March 13, 2023
A sea of tractors serves as a memorial to a schoolboy who passed away during a performance

Many David Browns, John Deeres, Zetor, and Massey Fergusons attended the weekend memorial service for a teen.

On December 4, 15-year-old Matthew McCallan, who would have been 16 yesterday, passed away from hypothermia.

For a 15-mile charity run to Dungannon in County Tyrone, tractors from farms all over Northern Ireland came on his hometown of Carrickmore to commemorate the event.

Hundreds of people showed up to see the parade and sang Happy Birthday before the balloons with the words Forever 15 and 16 were released.

The parade was led by Matthew’s mum, Frances, who said he would have loved the event.

She said: ‘He’s here, having a ball with us. We went to his grave this morning and put flowers on it. I’d a good cry and then just said, “that’s it, this is just a special day for Matthew and I’m going to enjoy it”.’

Grandmother Margaret Ann called the event ‘more sweet than bitter’, adding: ‘The generosity of people is unbelievable. I can’t believe there are this many tractors in Northern Ireland.’

300 tractors turn out to commemorate teenager

The gathering was designed to raise funds for local charities.

The tractors on show ranged from the modern and huge, to the old and tiny.

The celebration comes after months of pain for Matthew’s family. Frances said: ‘It’s been awful; horrific. Unless you have lost a child you won’t understand.

‘I’m empty. There’s part of me missing. My whole daily routine has changed. As a person, you’re changed. I’ll never be the person I was again, but I am a different person now and I’m fit for anything to be perfectly honest.

‘Whereas I would have been shy before — doing an interview, I would have hidden away from that — but now, I’m prepared to do anything.

‘I was going to say I can’t believe it [the generosity of everyone], but I can believe it, because there’s good people out there and the support they have given us this past couple of months has been amazing.

‘Matthew’s friends are amazing, I love them coming to the house, and all this today just speaks for itself and what people thought of him.’

Matthew’s death has caused months of pain for his family.

Images of tractors adorned Matthew’s coffin

March 13, 2023
Nana Ama McBrown describes how she was deported from the United States

Ghanaian actress, Nana Ama Mcbrown has publicly revealed how she was deported from the United States of America for the first time.

The actress and television presenter made this revelation whiles speaking with Captain Smart during her unveiling at ONUA TV on March 13.

As disclosed by the actress, she was deported from the US in 2001.

She refused to go into details as to why and how she was actually sent packing from the US but used her real-life story to encourage the youths who are going through life struggles.

She said: “I’ve never said this anywhere before but today I’ll say it to inspire somebody.

“My uncle returned from the US and met me as a footballer who had returned from playing at Kwadaso (a suburb of Kumasi). I went to play table tennis after that so when my uncle saw me, he promised to take me abroad. Truthfully I was in America in January but to put it short, I was deported,”

“So I want to tell whoever is listening to me that of your dream is to travel and things are not going as expected, that is not the end of your life. God has a plan for you because I didn’t know I would become who I am today if it wasn’t for the deportation.”

March 13, 2023
Man sentenced to 25 years in jail for killing a college student

A California man who killed a college student about 27 years ago was given a 25-year prison term.

Judge Jennifer O’Keefe dubbed Paul Flores, 46, a ‘disease to society’ before awarding him a maximum term.

On Memorial Day weekend in 1996, Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, was murdered. Flores was found to be guilty for her death.

Since she vanished, Smart’s body has never been discovered.
In 2002, she was ruled to be legally dead.

Flores was the last person seen with Smart before her disappearance. The two were seen returning to a dormitory after an off-campus party around 2am.

Prosecutors argued that Smart was killed when Flores attempted to rape her after the party. Flores insisted that he last saw Smart a block away from their dorms after walking home.

Although he was always considered a suspect, investigators did not have enough evidence to charge Flores with any crime until 2021.

At the time, University Police believed Smart had gone on an ‘unannounced vacation’ over Memorial Day weekend. They did not report her as a missing person and open an investigation for an entire week, despite requests from her family.

Prosecutors believe this delay gave Flores enough time to hide Smart’s body.

New evidence against Flores emerged after a popular podcast, ‘Your Own Back Yard,’ began looking into the case in 2019. Investigators searched the homes of Flores and his father, Ruben Flores in the following years.

At Flores’s apartment in Los Angeles, they found date rape drugs and homemade videos of the suspect sexually assaulting young women.

A year later, police executed a search warrant at his father’s home in Arroyo Grande using cadaver dogs and a ground-penetrating radar system. They recovered some ‘items of interest,’ including Ruben Flores’s car.

Additionally, investigators found a spot under Ruben’s deck where they believe the father and son re-buried Smart’s body after her death.

Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested and charged in April 2021, just two months after the search in Arroyo Grande. Paul was charged with first-degree murder during a rape or attempted rape, and Ruben was charged with accessory to the crime.

A jury found Flores guilty in October, 2022. Ruben Flores was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

At his sentencing hearing on Friday, Judge O’Keefe struck down Paul Flores’s attorney’s motion for a new trial.

‘Mr. Flores, you have been a cancer to society,’ the judge told the defendant. She emphasized that he was allowed to live free while preying on women for decades after Smart’s death.

‘This predatory behavior has spanned your adult life,’ Judge O’Keefe said. ‘You deserve to spend every day you have left behind bars.’

Smart’s family was given a chance to speak during victim impact statements. They began by showing the court a video composed photos and home movies collected from Smart’s brief life.

They also pleaded with Flores to confess and help the family locate the victim’s body.

‘It is clearly too late for us, but Paul – it is not too late for you to tell the truth, to free your soul and your heart from the weight it must be carrying,’ Smart’s mother Denise Smart said in her statement.

March 13, 2023
NDC presidential aspirant promises to pay party executives every month

As one of his initiatives when given the nod to lead the party, NDC flagbearer hopeful, Kwaku Kobeah has promised to pay all NDC’s executive every month.

According to the A 43-year-old businessman based in the United Kingdom, this is possible as measures will be put in place to generate revenue for the party.

“Let us smile together and welcome monthly salary for executives in the offing” Kwaku Kobeah posted on Facebook.

Ernest Kobeah, has picked his nomination form to contest in the flagbearership race of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He picked the form briefly after the former president, John Dramani Mahama picked up his forms at the party’s headquarters to contest the flagbearship race.

“I am here to pick nomination forms and you know the NDC, will always bring a surprise. So, I am the new one to bring all the surprises in the NDC. I also want Ghanaians to know that the NDC, we support democracy and we will build a new Ghana for anyone to live in,” he said when he picked his form.

The National Democratic Congress opened its nominations for the election of its Presidential candidate and Parliamentary Candidates for the 2024 General Elections.

So far, four flagbearer hopefuls have picked thei nominations; John Mahama, Ernest Kobeah, Kojo Bonsu, and Dr. Kwabena Duffour.

March 13, 2023
UK to experience two days of snowfall as temperatures drop to -15°C

Hold on to your umbrellas because it’s about to get windy while the blast of Cold temps briefly becomes more mild.

As darkness and rain moved in from the west over the weekend, many areas of the Country shivered.

Altnaharra in northern Scotland experienced temperatures as low as -15.7C, while St Marys Airport on the Islands of Scilly, southwest of Cornwall, saw the highest temperature of 12.C.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for tomorrow and Tuesday after Storm Larisa battered parts of the UK with gales and blizzards.

A highland cow wears the correct attire near Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire (Picture: PA)

Sheep blend in with the snow near Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire.

Familes have fun sledging in the snow at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire.

Drivers were left stranded in heavy snow, while two hill-walking families in north Wales had to be rescued.

The emergency services sent teams in 4×4 vehicles to Moel Famau, a hill in the Clwydian Range between Flintshire and Denbighshire.

Visibility was down to 100m (328ft) at the time of the calls, while in Northern Ireland, rare snow rollers were spotted in a field.

The naturally-occurring phenomenon are the result of strong winds blowing across a flat, snow-covered field or hillside.

March 13, 2023
Man with a temperature condition ended up been arm and leg amputated
A father who was hospitalized for a “slight temperature” ended up in a coma for six weeks and had to have an arm and a leg amputated.

After developing sepsis, which led to the failure of his liver, heart, and lungs, Junaid Ahmed of Ilford in east London was put into an induced coma.

The 35-year-old is now attempting to fund £100,000 for a robotic arm so he may once more embrace his wife and kids.

Junaid, a recruiter, went to A&E with what he thought might be the flu, but things quickly took a frightening turn when he passed out while waiting to be examined.

Six weeks after falling asleep, he awoke in intensive care and needed his left arm, right leg, and left toes amputated.

Junaid said: ‘I’d had a temperature for a couple of days and it wasn’t showing any sign of going away so I decided to go to my local A&E to get it checked out.

‘The last thing I remember is having something to eat with my wife as we waited to be see, apparently I passed out and the next thing I remember is waking up in hospital six weeks later.

Latest London news

He ended up ‘blacking out’ on A&E.

‘Waking up six weeks later was the biggest shock of my life. I was terrified and so confused.

‘Shortly after medics broke the news that to give me the best quality of life, I’d have to have my right calf, left forearm and left toes amputated.’

The married dad-of-two recalled telling medics to do ‘whatever they could’ as he was determined to stay alive.

‘I just wanted to live for my family, my kids and wife, I can’t wait to be able to hug them properly with my new arm and I’ve been so overwhelmed with the support so far with the fundraiser,’ he added.

Junaid wanted to live for his wife and two sons.

He said his wife, Rabia, has been his ‘rock’ through everything which has happened.

What is sepsis?
- Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection you already have that triggers a chain reaction throughout your body
- Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract
- Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death
- You cannot catch sepsis from another person
- Sepsis is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning
He first began to experience issues in September 2021 when he began experience a tingling sensation in his right foot.

Junaid developed chronic back pain, and had a spinal cord stimulator inserted in May 2022.

However, it was just a month later when he ended up ‘blacking out’ at at Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

Two weeks later he was transferred to University College London Hospital, in Euston, to save his life.

Junaid wants to be able to hug his wife and children again.

Junaid Ahmed in rehab in November 2022.

Doctors believe he caught an infection, which led to sepsis, as a result of his spinal procedure months earlier.

He received a prosthetic leg in January 2023, and walked back into his home in Ilford where he was greeted by his family.

Junaid said: ‘I was determined to walk out of the physio centre for my wife and two children. My wife, Rabia, has been my rock throughout it all.

‘Life is different; my teeth have become my “left” forearm and I used my left armpit to use shampoo but I’m on the mend. Whilst it’s going to take me some time to get back on my bike, I am hopeful that it’ll be this year!

‘If I can get my bionic arm, I’ll be able to get back into the gym properly. I miss being active – it makes me the best version of myself for my wife and our kids.’

Junaid has started a GoFundMe to buy a bionic arm and so far has received £10,000 in donations.
March 13, 2023
Dampare guided a police night operation team to capture suspects – Ashaiman MP

Member of Parliament for Ashaimam,Ernest Norgbey has stated that the Inspector General of Police, COP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, led a night operation in Ashaiman to apprehend some of the suspects in the death of Sherrif Imoro.

The young soldier was killed at dawn on March 4, 2023, after he is said to have sought permission from a training course he was attending in Accra, to visit his mother at Ashaiman.

Eventually, the police arrested six people connected to the crime.

Expressing his gratitude to the IGP for swiftly arresting the key suspects in the case, Ernest Dogbey said that the police boss has proven to be on top of security by achieving what the soldiers could not attain with their brutal invasion of Ashaiman.

He further explained that the IGP was in the area throughout the night and on the dawn of Friday, March 10, 2023, to ensure that the suspects were arrested.

This, the MP explained, demonstrated the commitment of the IGP in bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book and also towards the fight against crime in the country in general.

“The IGP was in the area throughout the night and at the dawn of Friday, March 10, 2023, to ensure that the suspects were arrested,” he said in an interview on JoyNews and monitored by GhanaWeb.

The arrest of the key suspects in the murder of Trooper Sherrif Imoro has brought up concerns about the brutalities of military personnel on some residents of Ashaiman in the aftermath of the killing of the young soldier.

The action, as was explained in a subsequent press release by the Directorate of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, was sanctioned by the military High Command.

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization, Peace Watch Ghana, which is dedicated to the fighting of crime and promotion of safety and security in the country, also urged officers of the Ghana Police Service to support the IGP to deliver more on his mandate.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Madam Diana Yonkopa Daniels, called on the officers to demonstrate selflessness to complement the vision the IGP has for the country.

March 13, 2023
NDC cannot take credit for Pokuase Interchange – Deputy Roads Minister

Deputy Roads and Highways Minister, Stephen Pambiin Jalulah has stated that the Pokuase Interchange was constructed by the ruling New Patriotic Party, hence the National Democratic Congress (NDC) cannot take credit for it.

It was only a “dream” for the NDC government, even if it secured funding for the Pokuase Interchange.

According to Jalulah, the NDC after securing the funding for the project they did not negotiate to get workers on the ground nor start any construction works and it cannot be right that they seek to take credit for what they did not do.

The works, Mr Jalulah noted, was done when the NPP came into power. “It’s one thing to dream and it’s another thing for the dream to be actualised,”

“You go to tell a lender that give me money to do a road and they say okay I’ll give you the money, then you go to parliament, parliament approves, that said, you are supposed to negotiate with the lender then you negotiate with the contractor to come and build the road for you,” he said.

Speaking on The Probe with Blessed Sogah, the Deputy Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Pru West Constituency in the Bono East region indicated that a government can only take credit for a project they initiated and completed.

“Any government that executes any project should take credit for it, in this case, they never did anything,” he indicated.

He hinted that there is another project underway but which not materialise in the tenure of the current President, therefore if another President comes into power to actually build and finish it, President Akufo-Addo who initiated it cannot claim credit for it.

“We’re doing one currently but it will not materialise under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo but the next government which hopefully will be Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia,”

“Now Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cannot claim credit for what he’s doing now for an interchange to be built in another city of the country,” he stated.

Mr. Jalulah also disclosed that seven more interchanges will be completed by 2024.

“And as I told you we are having so many of this happening, on the Akosombo road we’re having two interchanges, Ofankor we’re having about four,”

“Even the most talked about Accra-Tema Motorway, this year hopefully it will come on stream and we’re having about four interchanges on that road,” the MP hinted.

March 13, 2023
Volta Region tourists generate revenue for the communities- GTA Director

The Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Alexander Kwame Nketia, has outlined some of the measures taken by the institution to promote tourism in the region.

He told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s ‘Showbiz A-Z’ that one of the things they do to help the tourism industry is to let the communities in charge of the tourism sites keep the revenue they get from visitations.

In the special Ghana Month episode which was aired from the foot of Afadjato, Nketia noted that there has been an increase in the visitations and revenue in the past few years.

“As of last year, we had at least 44,000 visiting these sites. So that tells you the numbers that are coming and we generated not less than 66,000 cedis for the various tourist sites and these amounts remain with the communities for them to be able to use it to regenerate, redevelop and do things within the communities, while at the same time the government seeks funding to support their development in different ways. But we don’t take from them, we allow it to remain with them so they can use to develop their sites furthermore,” he said.

The communities that own Afadjato have used the proceeds from tourists visitations to build guest houses and other amenities.

The Afadjato edition of ‘Showbiz A-Z’, was part of Joy FM’s Ghana Month activities to promote Ghana’s culture in March, the month of Ghana’s independence.

After a successful edition of the outdoor programme in Cape Coast in 2021, there was an encore in Kumasi where the team discovered Asanteman’s rich tourist centres and culture.

The programme also hosted Togbega Homatekpor V, the Paramount Chief of the Gbledi Traditional Area; Togbe Adabra IV, Mankrado of Gbledi Gbogame, the Acting Chairman of the Afadjato-Tagbo Eco-Tourism Centre, Kuma Gavi, and Chief Moomen, poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur.

The Afadjato edition of the show was powered by Joy Entertainment, supported by Adansi Travels

March 13, 2023
Largest act of human terrorism committed in this century was the attack on Gaddafi – Ugandan general

A general from Uganda named Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called the destruction of Libya by western nations in 2011 a crime against humanity.

On March 13, 2023, Muhoozi—the president of Uganda’s son—tweeted his opinions.

He also urged Africa to save Libya from collapse, denouncing unnamed western powers for criticizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRCinsecurity )’s despite their involvement in Libya.

“The largest crime against humanity committed in the twenty-first century was the destruction of Libya by the West in 2011!
And these same individuals have the audacity to discuss M23 in the DRC?
Africa must save Libyans (Africans) from extinction “read the tweet.

Libya was thrown into a state of insecurity in 2011 after NATO-backed rebels ousted Gaddafi and overthrew the central government.

Over the last decade, there has been several attempts at establishing a government to steer affairs of the country which at a point was divided between rival forces in the East and an internationally-backed government in the capital, Tripoli.

One African leader who has consistently lamented the failure of Africans to defend Gaddafi is Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni who is on record as saying Africa failed the late Libyan leader by sitting back as foreigners ousted him.

March 13, 2023
Hajia4reall shares 30 years of transformation with her parents

Ghanaian singer Mona Moutrage known in showbiz as Hajia4Reall has shared a beautiful video reflecting on how much she and her mother have gorwn over the years.

The video’s intro showed an old photo of Hajia 4Reall when she was a baby. In the photo, she was asleep in her mother’s arms as her young mother at the time beamed with smiles.

She hinted that the moment was captured some 30 years ago and she flaunted new pictures of she and her mother.

Many people online have gushed over how young her mother still looks even after 30 years. The pictures also portray the beautiful bond the ‘Badder Than’ crooner shares with her gorgeous mother.

@mona4reall1
Sweet mother 🥰🥰🥰
♬ Kumama Papa Drill – Odyssybeatz

@mona4reall1
I miss my daddy 🥹
♬ Kumama Papa Drill – Odyssybeatz

Ghanaians react to the adorable video of Hajia 4Reall and her ever-gorgeous mother

sharif faiz commented:

blood is thicker than water sweet mom we love you so much

king tb said:

After 30 yrs still looking for the old woman and a young girl but still seeing two young woman here

mimi_duke6 stated:

Beautiful mama Fat❤️no be today oo❤️❤️

Serina said:

Mona got her beauty from her mom

nharna opined:

this is the meaning of Transition ❤️love u @mona4reall1

blackafro_Pilate remarked:

After 30 years and mom looks that stunning… Wow

Explore opined:

Your mum still looking young

March 13, 2023
Mahama begins campaign tour in Bono Region

Former President John Dramani Mahama has begun the second day of his tour of the Bono Region.

The campaign which began on Monday will take him to the Dormaa West, Dormaa Central, Dormaa East, Sunyani West and Sunyani East constituencies.

On his first day, Mr. Mahama visited and interacted with branch and constituency executives as well as chiefs and party supporters in Wenchi, Tain, Banda, Jaman North and South, Berekum West and Berekum East.

Mr. Mahama is campaigning for votes to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to victory in the 2024 elections. Addressing the delegates, the former President thanked them for their support.

He asked them to convert the support into massive votes for him during the May 13, 2023, presidential primaries.

The primaries will take place in constituencies across the country to elect both the NDC presidential candidate and parliamentary candidates for the 2024 general elections.

Mr. Mahama assured the party, especially the branch executives, that he will continue to support and finance the party’s activities and prepare the grounds for a successful 2024 campaign.

He also tasked the constituency and regional executives to make a commitment to run an effective campaign that drills down to the branches, and also “make available to the branches, campaign materials and logistics for the work.”

March 13, 2023
When Ghana, Guinea, and Mali signed to become one nation

Although the idea of a United States of Africa has been present in African intellectual history for almost a century, it was Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, who launched an aggressive drive to realize the ideal.

He contended that the achievement was “meaningless unless it is tied up to the whole freedom of the African continent” after guiding Ghana to independence in 1957.

It is very necessary to point out that this famous quote was uttered on the eve of Ghana’s independence to a jubilant crowd who had not turned up for a lecture on Pan-African philosophy. But Nkrumah, the first leader of a free sub-Saharan African country, could not help himself but state one condition under which Ghana’s independence would be more fulfilled – be a lightning rod for other independence struggles on the continent.

Soon after Ghana, Guinea defied French colonial expectations in another intriguing story in 1958 to become only the second country in sub-Sahara to declare independence. Mali too, led by Modibo Keita, left the France Federation two years after Guinea, and the newly-independent African nation joined the Union of African States (UAS), previously Union of Independent African States (UAIS), comprising its two West African neighbors Ghana and Guinea.

The UAS was historically the first move towards a post-colonial Pan-African organization in Africa. It was formed pragmatically as a strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and Guinea in 1958 but in 1959, the two countries entered into another alliance with the never-before-colonized Liberia to enact the Union of Independent African States.

Liberia’s interests in this stead and the UAIS were rather short-lived. And so when Mali joined Ghana and Guinea’s UAS in 1960, the West African trio became the near-crystallization of a political and economic union in the form of what Nkrumah had always preached.

The UAS was, for its time and place, a dream equally beautiful and scary. Juxtapose the Union with, for instance, the European Commission (EC), which was founded by historically free European states in 1958 as a Pan-European effort at political, social, and economic integration, and you will come to the conclusion that UAS was somewhat too heavy for the shoulders of three infant nations in exploited Africa.

The idealism, however, needs to be applauded. In the founding charter, the UAS promised to establish a single currency and common central reserve bank for members as well as develop shared citizenship for peoples of member states.

None of these things were anywhere close to fruition, sadly. While the threat of neocolonialism lingered, much of the UAS’ problems were due to foundational deficiencies.

First, the UAS seemed worryingly like Nkrumah’s passion project rather than voluntary cooperation between equal partners. In 1958, it was Ghana that lent about $300 million in today’s money, £10 million at the time, to cash-strapped Guinea after the French threw a tantrum and left Guinea with nothing after independence.

This loan was the grounds upon which a bond between Ghana and Guinea was built.

Secondly, in spite of successful national propaganda that taught Ghanaians, Guineans and Malians that they would soon be “one country”, independence governments paid lip service to this vision. The strains of putting one’s house in order or quite literally, building one’s nation, before venturing into marriage, was a heavier cross than the founders of the UAS could bear.

Despite also being a cooperative effort between former British and French colonies, the UAS was never attractive even as a multicultural association to other former colonial territories who had been under the French or the British. This staggering fact was not lost on Nkrumah who took the chance at every continental podium to admonish independent African states about the need to unite under one tent.

We may also speak of the fact even as the UAS was established, contemporaneous Pan-African conferences and corollaries were in effect, with Ghana curiously in leadership roles. The Conference of Independent African States as well as the All-African People’s Conference were much bigger instrumental umbrellas of Nkrumah’s philosophy of continental liberation.

By 1963 when the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), was founded, there was no longer a UAS. The organization had withered and died, leaving in its wake historic cordiality between visionary states as well as some sort of blueprint for future relationships between free African states.

March 13, 2023
Protestors against the monarchy system attend Commonwealth Day service

The Royal family was heckled by anti-monarchy protesters as the King attended his first Commonwealth Day service as a monarch.

As the Royals arrived before the service, dozens of demonstrators held up yellow placards that read, “Not my King,” outside Westminster Abbey.

The King will deliver a speech that deviates from convention to discuss his intention to combat climate change.

At the service this afternoon, which will be carried live on BBC, Charles will be joined by other Royals.

The protestors are members of Republic – an anti-monarchy group that wants the Royal Family abolished – and they have said they will host a number of actions ahead of the King’s Coronation in May.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today: ‘We are continuing a series of protests against the monarchy in the lead up to the coronation.

‘Charles’s pointless parade will cost £50-100m and yet it is entirely unnecessary.’

King Charles remembers late Queen in Commonwealth celebration speech

King Charles, Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Kate, Princess of Wales stood side by side at the service today (Picture: PA)

Dozens of protestors were defiant against the monarchy as the King attended his first Commonwealth Day service as monarch (Picture: Getty)

The King arrived for his first Commonwealth Day service as monarch (Picture: BBC)

The Queen Consort clung onto her hat whilst the King enjoyed a performance outside of the Abbey (Picture: BBC)

Kate clutched onto her hat as a gust of wind almost lead to a fashion disaster (Picture: PA)

William and Kate were greeted by members of the Abbey as they arrived for the service this afternoon (Picture: BBC)

One person held a sign that said ‘#racist Royal family'(Picture: Getty)

Protestors outside of Westminster Abbey this afternoon (Picture: Getty)

The King said ‘The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me’ (Picture: Reuters)

The King was the first monarch to speak in person at the Commonwealth Day service (Picture: AFP)

‘In light of recent arrests, we’re determined to get the message across that it’s ok to protest against the royals.’

‘Increasingly people are either losing interest in the royals or turning against them. Instead of a pointless, expensive, coronation, we need a serious public debate.’

‘We believe the British public should be asked, do you want Charles or a choice?

‘The tide is starting to turn against the monarchy and we need a serious debate about its future.’

‘Republic will be protesting at the coronation, driving home the message that this is not a national celebration, but promotion of the monarchy at huge cost to the taxpayer.’

King Charles’s Commonwealth Day speech in full

‘Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother, The late Queen – a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.

‘In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.

‘The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.

‘Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.

‘This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values – peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and for the most vulnerable among us.

‘These are not simply ideals. In each lies an imperative to act, and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home.

‘Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.

‘In this we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world’s population, including one and a half billion people under the age of thirty. Our shared humanity contains an immensely precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek.

‘This extraordinary potential, which we hold in common, is more than equal to the challenges we face. It offers us unparalleled strength not merely to face the future, but to build it.

‘Here, the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future – one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.

‘The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more.

‘Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good.’

‘The time for change is here.’

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March each year, with observances, speeches, exhibitions and cultural events across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted by the Dean of Westminster Dr
David Hoyle when they arrived at the great west door of the ancient Westminster
Abbey.

The King and Queen Consort watched as members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club performed a traditional welcome for the monarch and his wife outside the great west door.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was welcomed by dignitaries at Westminster Abbey (Picture: PA)

Anne, Princess Royal arriving at Westminster Abbey (Picture: BBC)

Charles and Camilla were greeted inside by the Dean of Westminster and exchanged welcomes with other members of the royal family before processing through the nave to their seats.

The King will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and in his bidding, the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, referenced the coronation ceremony as the Commonwealth Day service began.

He said: ‘We will pray too for our King as we look to the day when we will gather here again in loyalty and affection.

‘As people of faith, hope, and compassion, we shall pray for the peoples of Turkey, Syria, and Ukraine, and all for whom the last year has brought great suffering and loss.’

The Queen Consort was wearing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire chrysanthemum brooch.

The sparkling diamond and sapphire piece set in platinum was worn by Princess Elizabeth for the official photos taken on her honeymoon with the late Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands in Hampshire in 1947.

The late Queen was also pictured wearing the jewellery when she and Philip marked 73 years of marriage in 2020 – their final wedding anniversary together before the duke died in 2021.

Camilla was wearing a sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, and a matching feather beret by Philip Treacy.

As she stepped from her car outside Westminster Abbey, she was forced to hold onto her hat to prevent it from blowing away in the strong winds.

Also taking part in the royal procession was Prince Edward – who was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday last week. Along with his wife Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Duke of Edinburgh made his first appearance since being handed his new title by the King (Picture: BBC)

Defiant members of Republic stood outside of the famous Abbey this morning (Picture: REUTERS)

The Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Tony Radakin lays a wreath at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates (Picture: PA)

King Charles’s attendance at the service also marks a break with royal tradition, as the sovereign is to deliver a speech during the ceremony.

In previous years the Queen had her statement published on the order of the service and broadcast in its audio version.

The King left personal mark today and read his message from the abbey’s Great Pulpit.

His much-anticipated speech is likely going to touch on climate change, the support for free and democratic societies and peace and prosperity around the Commonwealth and the world.

In another innovation, the King will host the Commonwealth Day reception at Buckingham Palace rather than Marlborough House, as has happened in the past

The theme of today’s Commonwealth Day is ‘forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’.

March 13, 2023
Three men charged with attempted murder over bar machete attack

In response to a machete attack in a London pub, three men were charged with attempted murder.

On February 13, Walthamstow police were called to The Duke bar on Wood Street in response to stabbing reports.

At 8:16 p.m., police, paramedics, and the London Air Ambulance arrived at the site where three males had been found inside the pub with stab wounds.

The guys, who ranged in age from 27 to 42, were brought to a hospital in east London, where doctors determined that their wounds weren’t life-threatening.

Three counts of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon were brought against Jayden Brown, a resident of The Avenue in Chingford.

The 22-year-old appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the Old Bailey on March 27.

Brandon Brown, 24 and of no fixed address, is jointly charged with three counts of attempted murder as of February 26.

Latest London news

Three men were found stabbed on February 13.

While Ruben Dyer, of Upper Walthamstow Road, faces one count of attempted murder.

The 27-year-old appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on February 18 and was remanded in custody until this Friday, where he is due at Inner London Crown Court.

All three men have also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

A 15-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and have been bailed until a date in late March, police added.

Detective inspector Laura Crump, from the local policing team in Waltham Forest, said: ‘Our investigation is making good progress, but we still need any witnesses who haven’t yet spoken to police to come forward.

‘I know this incident has caused significant concern in the community and I would like to reiterate that we believe this was a targeted attack with no wider risk to the public.’

Police said they do not believe the incident was gang-related.

March 13, 2023
733% more to be charged to cross the toll bridge

For the past 160 years, residents of the community of Warburton in the northwest have paid a small fee to cross a bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal.

On horseback or in a cart, it cost 1p to pass in 1863.
The cost has not changed since 1890, when it was increased to 12p.

The existing owners Peel Ports, however, want to raise the price to £1, which would represent an increase of 733%.

The village’s residents have long complained about the bridge, which is the only way to cross the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60 freeways.

Steve Ellis, who lives in nearby Church Green, said: ‘Steve Ellis, who lives in nearby Church Green, said: ‘The bridge is a nightmare. When the motorway has a problem, everyone tries to cut through.

‘They don’t upkeep it. If you drive over the bridge there’s that many potholes you wouldn’t believe it.’

People who live near the bridge would get a 50% discount, but some want the charge to be scrapped altogether.

Paddy Ruth said he’s happy with the toll and says it’s not harming anybody.

Steve said: ‘I drive over the bridge at least once a day. If they put it up to a quid, it’s going to cost me £4 or £5 a day. It all mounts up.

‘They say they can’t afford to upkeep it but the turnover of that bridge must be in the millions.’

Syd Rasheed who also lives nearby says the number of cars has trebled since he moved there 26 years ago and this has led to long queues.

At one point, they became so annoyed with the queues that they raised £120 every week just to speed up the crossings. And in 2018, arsonists destroyed the toll booth leading to the fee being axed for six weeks while it was repaired.

He said: ‘The bridge causes all sorts of traffic problems. At rush hour, it backs up right the way towards Lymm.

‘I can drive from Manchester to the edge of the village for 20 minutes then it takes another 20 minutes to get home because of all the traffic.

‘The air pollution from the standing traffic is an issue too. The village itself is lovely and it’s a nice little community. We are quite tucked away here, it’s just the toll bridge and the traffic.’

However, some people like Paddy Ruth, who lives close to the bridge, is happy with it.

He said: ‘We were so used to living somewhere where there was lots of people and noise.

‘It’s lovely and quiet here and the people are great. I love it round here, it’s just the quirkiness of the place.’

Peel Ports said the bridge needed to be maintained. They said: ‘The toll is the best way to fund these much-needed improvements and the current 12p fee has not changed since 1863, and which had to incorporate the introduction of a VAT liability.

‘Users of the bridge deserve facilities fit for the 21st century which will ultimately ease congestion, reduce tailbacks and improve the general flow of traffic in the area.

‘The current toll is one of the lowest in England and will not fund the capital investment needed to support the maintenance and modernising of the facilities motorists are in favour of.’

March 13, 2023
See every look from the 2023 Oscars red carpet
Last night, the 95th annual Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The evening’s star-studded ceremony, honoring the year’s best performances on film, was hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel—his third time assuming the hosting role.

Leading the nominations this year were buzzy films such as Elvis, Tár, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and The Fabelmans (all of which were up for Best Picture). Cate Blanchett, Ana de Armas, Andrea Riseborough, Michelle Williams, and Michelle Yeoh were up for Best Actress; Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Paul Mescal, and Bill Nighy were up for Best Actor. See the full list of Oscar winners from last night’s ceremony here.

Before the trophies were handed out on stage, however, Hollywood A-listers hit the Oscars step and repeat in their finest evening wear. The Academy Awards are, after all, one of the most-watched red carpets in the world. Those who attended brought forward show-stopping, glamorous ensembles.

Rihanna stunned on both the red carpet and on stage, where she performed her power ballad “Lift Me Up” in custom Margiela. Lady Gaga also served two contrasting looks—on the red carpet, a fresh off-the-runway gown, and on stage, a completely makeup-free look. Austin Butler’s Elvis-inspired platform heels also ranked among our favorite red carpet-outfits from the night. See all of the best-dressed stars at the 2023 Oscars here.

It’s clear that what the stars wore to the 2023 Oscars will be just as discussed as who won. Be sure to follow along with all of Vogue’s 2023 Oscars coverage, and don’t forget to vote on your favorite looks below.

Rihanna in Alaia

Michelle Yeoh in Dior Haute Couture

Lady Gaga in Atelier Versace

Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton

Nicole Kidman in Armani Prive

Michael B. Jordan

Ana de Armas in Louis Vuitton
- Janelle Monae in Vera Wang
- Pedro PascalIs
- Kate Hudson
- Jennifer Connelly
- Colin Farrell in Dolce&Gabbana and Henry Farrell in Dolce&Gabbana
- Jessie Buckley
- Ke Huy Quan in Armani Prive, Fred Leighton, and David Yurman jewelry
- Emily Blunt in Valentino and Chopard Jewelry
- Molly Sims in Georges Chakra Couture
- Jessica Chastain in Gucci
- Elizabeth Olsen in Givenchy and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes
- Halle Berr
- Sandra Oh in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and Briony Raymond jewelry
- Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab, BVLGARI jewelry, and Stuart Weitzman Shoes
March 13, 2023
I am not arrogant – Dr Afriyie Akoto

Contrary to perceptions that he is an “arrogant” person, the former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Afriyie Akoto, has indicated that he is a very affable person.

Speaking at his campaign launch on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) auditorium, he noted that he is a very confident person who has strong views on various subjects and is often perceived as being arrogant due to these qualities.

“I’m known to be ‘confident, very passionate and to have strong views on many subjects.’ Frequently I’ve often been perceived as too serious and arrogant but that is far from the reality. In fact, I’m a very friendly person, very open-hearted and an affable person,” he said.

The former Minister has on various occasions been described as arrogant. Former chairman of the Ghana National Poultry Farmers Association, Kwadwo Asante, earlier this month, labelled the Minister as arrogant and disrespectful.

During an interaction with Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, Mr Asante recounted how the Agriculture Minister allegedly disrespected them when they met him and President, Akufo-Addo at a meeting.

He said the poultry farmers met President Akufo-Addo in Jubilee House years ago and told him there was a shortage of maize. But instead of the Minister admitting the claim and working to address the issue, he retorted with a claim that “there is an abundance of maize.”

That aside, Mr Asante indicated that he later approached him (Akoto) and his special aide and told them how foreigners (Nigerians) were exporting the maize produced by Planting for Food and Jobs. But the Minister could only respond with “so what?”

Also, some Ghanaians described him as arrogant following his posture and approach to some of the questions thrown at him by Members of Parliament’s Vetting Committee, among other instances.

Despite these instances the Minister insists he is only confident but not arrogant. He further pledged his commitment to earnestly serve the country.

“My father instilled in him the passion for service and to serve my motherland Ghana with all that is within me even if it costs me an arm and a leg for those who know me well,” he added.

March 13, 2023
29-year-old man fatally stabbed inside nightclub Colliseum

An investigation into the murder of a 29-year-old man who was stabbed to death inside a nightclub is now ongoing.

Just after 5 a.m. today, the incident happened at Valesha’s nightclub in Walsall, which is also known as Colliseum locally.

Police suspect there was a fight inside the club.

Following the incident, the victim was taken to the hospital, where he or she passed away at 6 am, according to West Midlands Police.

There have not yet been any arrests.

“The events this morning are devastating and disturbing. A man has regrettably lost his life, and we’ll be providing as much help as we can to his family during this extremely upsetting time,” said Detective Inspector Ade George.

‘Our priority is catching those responsible.

‘While we’ve spoken to a number of people who were inside the club at the time, we still need to hear from anyone who was there and who saw, or may have filmed, what happened.’

Floral tributes at the site of Colliseum Nightclub in Newport Street, Walsall where a man was stabbed to death (Picture: SWNS)

The man, 29, was taken to hospital but died an hour after the stabbing (Picture: BPM Media)

People were rushed out of the club when the stabbing took place (Picture: BPM Media)

A man who was at the club witnessed an argument between at least two people which escalated into violence.

He described scenes of ‘pandemonium’ as people tried to escape the club.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘There was a scuffle or fight in the club. I’ve gone out the front and the guy has got blood on his face. The guy was lying in the doorway.

‘An argument started between a couple of people. The next minute there was a bit of a scuffle. The bouncers were on it. It looked like they were fighting.

‘Lots of people were everywhere, near the cloakroom where the guy was lying on the floor. There was shouting, screaming, crying. I saw blood. Then the paramedics arrived.’

A police cordon remains in place and Newport Street is still closed (Picture: BPM Media)

The area around Newport Street remains closed and cordoned off by police this afternoon.

A police spokesperson said: ‘We understand the concerns around recent knife crime in Walsall town centre, and neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance.’

Police and staff helped clear the club as an investigation into what happened was launched.

An estimated 150 people were inside Colliseum at the time.

Owner Valesha Anderson said: ‘I was upstairs at the time so didn’t see anything. I’m really sad to see what’s happened. I only opened in October.

‘I wanted to make it a fun place where people could have a drink and celebrate with their friends and now this has happened. It’s a shame for it to be ruined.’

The violence comes just weeks after Bailey Atkinson, 20, was killed on High Street in Walsall town centre.

The club is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

March 13, 2023
Four people detained after fight broke out as car hit several people

As a car went up a kerb and struck two individuals, four people were detained.

During a disagreement in the High Road, they were struck at around 1:30 a.m. yesterday in Wembley, north-west London.

I woke up at little after one in the morning to hear yelling outside, according to a witness who claimed they were awakened by a “noise of yelling” in the early hours.

I could see a group of eight to ten individuals yelling and occasionally pushing one another outside the post office from my balcony, but they weren’t actively fighting, so it appeared like it would blow over.

Police were called following reports of a disturbance on Sunday.

It’s believed a car mounted the pavement and collided with two people.

‘However, after 10 minutes or so of this continuing, a car mounted the pavement about where the Subway shop is, and drove towards the post office, at the people on that pavement.’

Latest London news

They told MyLondon that they believed the car knocked two people down.

Police said they were met by a ‘large and challenging crowd of people’ at the scene in the early hours.

Two people, a man and woman in their 50s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Four people remain in police custody, with enquiries ongoing to establish the circumstances.

March 13, 2023
All you have to know about actress Borga Sylvia

In January 2023, Borga Sylvia and Nana Ama McBrown trended on news portals and social media after they shared a kiss at the latter’s sister’s funeral.

For some netizens, it was awkward to witness the incident but Borga Sylvia has defended her action, stressing that it was a friendly gesture.

Her response, just like her initial action, has got people talking.

In this article, GhanaWeb highlights some facts she emitted in her interview with Deloris Frimpong Manso on The Delay Show.

1. Real name:

Borga Sylvia is known in private life as Sandra Adu. She is in her 40s.

2. Starred in Kumasi Yonkuo

She became popular after starring in Kumawood movie ‘Kumasi Yonkuo’ with Nana Ama McBrown. In that movie, she played the role of Sylvia who supposedly returned from abroad. In the local parlance, whoever resided abroad is referred to as ‘Borga’, hence McBrown, in that movie added ‘Borga’ to Sylvia and that name became her showbiz identity afterward.

“Kumasi Yonkuo was my second movie. I’ve done so many movies after that but my colleagues are unable to recognize me when I mention ‘Sandra Adu’, so, unless I mention ‘Borga Sylvia’ before they are able to identify me,” she said in the interview.

3. She’s a trader

She was a trader before venturing into acting. She had a boutique for ladies’ clothing and shoes. Borga Sylvia said she was discovered by Miracle Films after the driver of the movie producer accidentally caused damage to her item.

According to her, during her interaction with Miracle Films, the moviemaker politely asked her to star in his movie but she initially declined. He later succeeded when he sent McBrown and Kwame Owusu Ansah to her. The first movie they shot was titled ‘He’s Mine’.

4. She’s a twin

She has siblings, including a twin sister. Unfortunately, one of her sisters is late. Her mother is also late.

5. Life in Australia

She went to Australia when she was nine years old. This was made possible by her mother’s sister. Her father had died at the time. She schooled in Australia and is currently at the university.

6. Teller at a bank

She has worked at the bank before. She used to be a teller in Australia. She worked at the bank for about six years. She was in her 20s at the time.

7. Life in Kumasi

In 2004, she had a shop at Adum, Kumasi. She was about 24 years old at the time.

8. Married to a famous DJ, Turbo B

She met her husband, Turbo B, in 2004 at Adum. They had a private wedding. After fifteen years, they went their separate ways although they are not divorced. She has no regrets about the marriage.

9. She is a mother

She has two kids with Turbo B and is dating following their separation.

10. Currently works in the education sector

In Australia, she now works with the Department of Education as Client Service Officer. She’s been working with the department for almost 6 years now.

March 13, 2023
PE tutor, 101, awarded degree 60 years after graduating

60 years after graduating, a 101-year-old PE instructor whose classes were disrupted by World War II missiles has finally received her diploma.

retired educators
When Madge Brown and Sheila Gordon, both 94, attended a teacher training institution in the 1930s and 1940s, they did not receive a degree; however, they have now been presented with the crucial document.

Teachers at the period completed two- or three-year programs; later, a graduate- or postgraduate-level degree from a university was required.

Since their courses were not recognized as the degree-level academics they are today when Madge and Sheila graduated from Nonington College of Physical Education in Kent, their degrees were not awarded.

Now the University of London is awarding those who missed out with an honorary Bachelor of Education degrees to thank them for decades of service.

The university was the awarding body of the college which closed in 1986.

Madge, 101, now living in Isle of Wight, started her three-year course in 1938, but had to suspend it for a year to work as a nurse after the start of the war.

Madge and Sheila Gordon finally received their honorary degrees (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

Nonington College of Physical Education where – Madge Brown (pictured in centre of doorway) used to teach (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

The two retired teachers finally got to celebrate their graduation (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

Sheila attended Nonington and later became a teacher there (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

She graduated in 1942 – despite one of her hockey lessons being disrupted by a V2 missile flying overhead and exploding nearby.

Sheila, also from the Isle of Wight, attended the college between 1946 and 1949, after the war was over.

Madge said it had ‘been a long time coming’.

She added: ‘I went to Nonington to train to be a PE mistress, and I can honestly say at the age of 101, that the three years at Nonington were the happiest days of my life.

‘I’m rather old to get a degree at 101, but it was the training at Nonington that has kept me going.

‘It’s all the physical exercise I’ve done all my life, and still do – I still swim every week.

‘I’m very grateful for this, but it has been a long time coming.

‘When I left college, they always said it should be a proper graduation because of the hard work we did.

‘Why they never made the diploma of physical education a degree I don’t know, because it was very intense – we did human dissection at the university, cutting up bodies, to teach gymnastics.

‘Teaching has been a great advantage. I think it gives you confidence, and the teaching profession does something to you – it makes you more self-assured at everything you do. I’ve loved every minute of it.

‘Whatever age you are, enjoy life to the full, and never stop exercising – and when you get to over 100, still exercise as much as you can, because it’s worthwhile.’

During the war, Nonington College was evacuated to Avoncroft, and then to Grafton Manor, both in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

The pair celebrated with a special graduation cake in the Isle of Wight (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

They both enjoyed looking back on memories from Nonington College of Physical Education (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

Sheila said her favourite sport to teach were team sports (Picture: University of London / SWNS)

Madge took a year out while the move took place to do nursing work.

In her early teaching years during the war, she remembers teaching a hockey lesson and hearing a V2 rocket coming over.

She blew her whistle, everyone dived for the floor and after the explosion she blew her whistle once more, and everyone jumped up and carried on with the lesson.

Both Madge and Sheila were presented their degrees on February 22 by Professor Mary Stiasny, pro-vice chancellor.

Sheila said: ‘I became a teacher because I was always fascinated by Nonington College.

‘We had family living nearby so I saw it quite often and thought ‘I wonder what goes on there’.

‘I’d just come back from being evacuated the first time when I saw it, and I thought, what a good idea – none of the horrible bits of war, it was enjoyable games.

‘I loved teaching people to win, and to lose – I think even today that’s very difficult to do.

‘Team games were really my thing. I liked people to be able to lose and take it.

‘I think it stands you in great stead for the future if you can take the knocks. It was quite a task getting some people who couldn’t lose to enjoy it!

‘When I was [at Nonington College] we didn’t talk about the teaching certificates – it was whether the war was over, and whether it was going to start again, and to get everything out of life that we possibly can.

‘The certificates really didn’t make much difference, I didn’t expect to get any brilliant certificate anyway – but if I could just keep going, and have enjoyable games, and pass on the fact that games are pleasant and not about fighting, I think I would have enjoyed it just as much.’

The University of London is working to present those who hold teaching certificates from now non-existent London area teaching colleges, and where the University was the awarding body, with honorary Bachelor of Education degrees.

Of the 26 former teaching colleges in London, all but seven have merged into other institutions, with Nonington College of Physical Education one of the exceptions.

March 13, 2023
Borga Sylvia explains why she kissed Nana Ama McBrown at a funeral

Borga Sylvia, the actress who kissed Nana Ama McBrown during the funeral of her (Sylvia) sister in January 2023, has given a reason for her action, saying it was a harmless kiss.

Sandra Adu, as she is known in real life, told Deloris Frimpong Manso on The Delay Show that it did not come to her as a surprise when she read articles on major news portals about the incident.

According to her, a kiss is a common gesture of greeting a friend or close associate, hence the hullabaloo that greeted her kiss to McBrown was misplaced.

“I gave her a hug. It’s like meeting your friend, giving her a hug and a peck; that’s what happened,” said Borga Sylvia. “In this industry, you hear stuff about you and you know it’s untrue so I wasn’t surprised.”

Commenting on her sister’s demise, Borga Sylvia said Cynthia Amankwa Gyamfi fell sick for a while before her unfortunate death. She had arrived in Ghana for their mother’s funeral and decided to stay in Ghana for a while after the occasion, only to depart.

“It’s been three years since my mother died. My sister was not sick during my mother’s funeral,” Borga Sylvia said. “She became sick for less than a month and died.”

Meanwhile, Borga Sylvia has said she is in a relationship after her estranged husband, DJ Turbo B remarried.

She mentioned that she had two children with the famous DJ and does not regret spending fifteen years with him.

She further mentioned that they are not divorced but since they are not together anymore, he is at liberty to do whatever he wants with his life.

March 13, 2023
Punish soldiers who beat Ashaiman residents – MP

Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has called for sanctions to be meted out to the soldiers who launched a raised on residents of Ashaiman.

He wants an Independent Committee to investigate the conduct of the soldiers who brutalised innocent citizens in the area following the killing of one of their own.

According to him, the investigation is to identify the officers responsible for the unlawful deployment of the soldiers who took the law into their own hands to brutalise, torture and dehumanise innocent residents of Ashaiman to find the alleged killers of Sheriff Imoro.

In a press release, the lawmaker commended the police for arresting six suspects at various places in Ashaiman in connection with the cruel killing of Trooper Imoro Sheriff.

He however added that “an arrest, without more, does not fully complete the pursuit of justice and that successful prosecution is critical to the lawful resolution of all crimes, I believe that the apprehension of the six suspects is a giant step towards unravelling the mystery surrounding the shocking killing of the young soldier.”

He also called for the swift, fair, fearless and successful prosecution of all the suspects involved in the alleged killing of Trooper Imoro and for the courts to return a verdict that serves as a bold line of deterrence to all persons who may want to break the law.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT OF ERNEST HENRY NORGBEY, MP FOR ASHAIMAN, ON THE ARREST OF SIX SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ALLEGED KILLING OF TROOPER IMORO.

Ashaiman, 13th March 2023

1. I have received, with great relief, news that the Ghana Police Service has arrested six people at various places in Ashaiman in connection with the cruel killing of Trooper Imoro Sheriff.

2. While I admit that an arrest, without more, does not fully complete the pursuit of justice and that successful prosecution is critical to the lawful resolution of all crimes, I believe that the apprehension of the six suspects is a giant step towards unravelling the mystery surrounding the shocking killing of the young soldier.

3. I commend the Ghana Police Service for their calm but swift and professional conduct thus far in meticulously investigating the circumstances surrounding Trooper Imoro’s death.

4. Through their efforts thus far, the Ghana Police have assured the good people of Ashaiman and the entire population of Ghana that the Ghana Police Service, led by the IGP COP George Akuffo Dampare, have the capacity and competence to investigate all horrifying crimes, including the kind that took Trooper Imoro to an early grave. The good people of Ghana and Ashaiman will forever remember the noble services of the men and women of the Ghana Police Service to Ashaiman when it mattered most.

5. I pray that the Attorney-General’s Department will subsequently ensure swift, fair, fearless and successful prosecution of all the suspects involved in the alleged killing of Trooper Imoro and for our courts to return a verdict that serves as a bold line of deterrence to all persons who may want to break the law.

6. May I use this opportunity to once more demand that the Parliament or an Independent Committee investigate the conduct and misconduct of the soldiers who were unlawfully deployed at Ashaiman on the 7th day of March 2023, supposedly to find the alleged killers of Trooper Imoro.

7. The proposed investigation must establish the identities of the officers responsible for the unlawful deployment and those of the soldiers who took the law into their own hands to brutalise, torture and dehumanise innocent residents of Ashaiman to find the alleged killers of Tropper Imoro.

8. The state must punish all those involved in the unlawful deployment and the resulting hooliganism that brought the image of the Ghana Armed Forces into disrepute.

9. Let me also use this opportunity to repeat my earlier call for calm in Ashaiman and to reassure the citizens of Ashaiman that I, as their representative in Parliament, will work day and night to ensure that JUSTICE is done concerning the killing of Trooper Imoro and the human rights abuses resulting from the unlawful deployment of soldiers in Ashaiman.

10. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Trooper Imoro over the gruesome killing of their beloved son. In the same vein, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all the people of Ghana who suffered various cases of abuse at the hands of our military on the 7th Day of March 2023.

11. By this statement, I am also thanking all the people of Ghana and the world who have sent messages of condolence, sympathy and support to the family of Trooper Imoro and the victims of the unlawful military operation in Ashaiman last week.

Signed:

Ernest Henry Norgbey

Member of Parliament for Ashaiman

March 13, 2023
Teacher, 31, skips jail after having sex with student, 16

Due to the fact that the student, who was 16 at the time, was not “harmed,” the judge decided not to arrest the teacher who had sex with him.

At the Australian town of Maffra in Victoria, Monique Ooms, 31, preyed on the adolescent while he was in a “emotionally vulnerable situation” grieving a buddy.

The youngster was “not damaged,” according to Judge John Smallwood, despite the fact that they had sex at least four times last year in her car and at her home.

He said: ‘Often in these situations the harm is what comes from other people after it becomes public.

‘He being very close to 17 … does that go to in any way, shape or form the objective seriousness of the offending?’

The pair’s relationship started when Ooms messaged the boy on social media after noticing he was more withdrawn.

They started texting and before long Ooms was sending the teenager photos of herself in her underwear.

The judge said Ooms’ crime was having sex with a teenager under her supervision.

They kissed for the first time last July and Victoria’s Latrobe Valley County Court heard how they later discussed that it was wrong.

The next time they met they had sex in the back of Ooms’ car. They had sex here at least four times before they started arranging meet-ups at her house.

Someone sent two letters to the school principle, exposing the relationship and he alerted the police.

When the 16-year-old was questioned by officers, he insisted he was just friends with his teacher and then warned Ooms to delete their messages.

The court heard how the pair had told each other they ‘loved and missed’ one another several times.

The teacher and her pupil had sex at least four times.

At first, Ooms denied the relationship but she ended up getting tricked into admitting it over text to a friend. When asked: ‘You did actually do it, didn’t ya?’ she responded ‘Yeah’.

Ooms later pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual penetration of a child under her supervision and care.

Judge Smallwood stressed the offence was not Ooms having sex with the boy, but that she had sex with a teenager she was in charge of.

Crown Prosecutor Andrew Moore said: ‘There’s no definitive evidence of harm, but it is of course a notorious fact that in these sorts of cases – sexual offending against minors – harm doesn’t surface sometimes until a little bit later and sometimes decades later.’

The court heard Ooms had suffered ‘public shame’, lost her job and had been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric ward over suicide attempts and ideation.

She is now working as a bricklayer and has posted about her life on social media.

March 13, 2023
20 times the Oscars got it exactly right

We love to argue over the all the times the Oscars have gotten it wrong. For every memorable, iconic Best Picture winner, there are two trophy-winning movies that have either been forgotten or just seem a little embarrassing in retrospect (Crash being the enduring recent example).

But sometimes, the Academy voters get it exactly right They’ve been at it for 95 years after all; they’ve had plenty of time to make enduring choices, if only by chance. As fun as it is to slag their bad choices, we’re here today to recognize awards that truly hold up, and remind ourselves us of great movies we might actually want to, you know, actually watch again.

The screenplay so good, the movie about the screenplay (Mank) earned 10 Oscar nominations itself. Mankiewicz and Welles took a much-deserved prize, which was impossibly Citizen Kane’s sole Oscar win. We can keep debating who deserves the credit for the script without casting doubt on its significance.

Joan Crawford won exactly one Oscar in her long career. By 1945, she was already in comeback mode, and Mildred Pierce was the reinvention that proved that she wasn’t going to just fade away. It’s likely her best, and probably most iconic performance, at least until Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

It might have felt like stunt casting, which is rarely a good idea, but non-actor Harold Russell gives an impressively understated performance in The Best Years of Our Lives as Homer Parish, a returning WWII veteran struggling following the amputation of both of his hands—just as Russell himself had. His win was entirely deserved, and also deeply meaningful.

Whenever someone mimics the cackling, cantankerous old prospector-type character, they’re paying homage to Walter Huston. The actor had very little interest in this role (seeing himself as more of a leading-man type), but his son John (the director) had some pull in bringing him onboard. Unlike those later parodies, Huston invests his character with heart and humanity, even while doing an entirely unhinged little jig.

The expressionist photography, in beautiful black and white; those weird and disorienting Dutch angles…The Third Man is a visual feast, and that’s all down to Krasker, who never did better work than he did here. Few Cinematographers ever have.

West Side Story is a great musical with elements that don’t hold up terribly well today. (Natalie Wood is great in other movies, but a convincing Puerto Rican immigrant she is not). Rita Moreno’s performance is not one of them—she steals every single scene she’s in. What’s less great is that it took 60 years for another Latina actress to take home an Oscar (and for the same role no less).

The Academy has always struggled with horror movies, rarely rewarding anything that smells like a genre picture. Ruth Gordon’s performance in Rosemary’s Baby is an exception; her Minnie Castavet starts off as a tease—a stock nosy neighbor character—only offering hints of more sinister intentions that will soon come horrifically to the fore. She’s funny and deeply creepy by turns.

I love a cornball ballad as much as the next middle-aged white person, but the history of Oscar’s Best Original Song category up to the modern day is positively lousy with ‘em: “The Morning After,” “The Way We Were,” “You Light Up My Life,” “Up Where We Belong,” “My Heart Will Go On,” etc. Here, we get a thoroughly non-generic bit of Blaxploitation-era funk from Isaac Hayes that’s also entirely inseparable from the film to which it’s attached. Just try thinking of Shaft the movie without humming it.

I’m not sure it’s his absolute best performance (that’s probably in The Conversation), but Popeye Doyle is certainly the most memorable character brought to life by one of our most accomplished (and still living!) actors.

The Godfather looms large in the pantheon of 1970s cinema, and it’s one of our finest films full stop. The sequel is better, using everything we learned about these characters in the first installment to pull them deeper into the American tragedy of the wildly successful but rarely happy Corleone family. One of only two sequels to have ever won Best Picture, The Godfather, Part II might have been passed over on that basis, but the Academy was smarter than that—at least this time. Some would argue that the way to play a villain is to invest them with humanity and empathy, which is all well and good, but Louise Fletcher earned an Oscar for investing Nurse Ratched with believability: We believe she is one of the worst villains in film history, and we love to hate her for it.

The movie that catapulted Barbara Kopple to the top ranks of American documentary filmmakers is also a gritty, inspiring, and harrowing look at the stakes (up to, and including murder) involved when workers stand up for their rights. It’s also a portrait of righteous ferocity in a bygone era, when blue-collar workers, united, stood and fought for their rights rather than merely begging for scraps.

Longtime Scorsese collaborator Schoonmaker isn’t quite the household name the iconic director is, but, without her work editing his films, it’s entirely possible we wouldn’t be that familiar with his name, either. Her early-career win for Raging Bull cemented her place in the pantheon and still represents some of her most visceral, impressive work.

Sometimes the lines get blurred, but here, Joe Pesci is practically the platonic ideal of a Best Supporting Actor. He’s clearly not the main character, but a memorable, quotable presence, providing unlikely comic relief and just a few hints of pathos.

Try to imagine modern pop culture without Marge Gunderson’s impressions. Though sometimes painted as a caricature, Frances McDormand plays Marge as a human being with a recognizable, if heightened, mode of speaking and acting. In the world of the Coen brothers, she’s the most reasonable person you’ll find.

Perhaps the best film from a truly great director, the only problem with Pedro Almodóvar’s film’s win is that it should have been up for an overall Best Picture. Certainly it holds up better than the 1999 winner, American Beauty.

It’s…interesting that the only Black Best Actress in the history of the Oscars, past or present (including this year, when there are no Black women among the nominees) is a portrait of a woman grief-stricken, harried, and victimized. None of that detracts from the triumph of Berry’s performance; she plays the character as a raw nerve, even as she begins to demand something more of a life that’s been needlessly cruel to her at every turn.

A gorgeous, poetic movie that felt like it kicked off a new era for the Academy, Moonlight only gets better with age (which can’t be said about many an Oscar-winning film). It’s worth remembering as much more than just the movie that almost didn’t get awarded its rightful Oscar.

Get Out does absolutely everything a movie should do, and it’s all right there on the page: it’s funny and thrilling, with well-drawn characters and an incredibly sharp and well-earned sense of satire. It should have won Best Picture (no sleight to Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, also quite good)—but one of the most important cultural touchstones of the past decade more than deserved this award, at least.

Is Parasite a satire? A social drama? A horror movie?

Yes? Bong Joon-ho’s story of the members of a poor family who wheedle their ways into the household of some rich people is both wildly entertaining and as sharp as they come, and probably one of Oscar’s smartest Best Picture choices ever. It’s a film that proves that, even as American cinema sags under the pressures of our four-quadrant blockbuster era, there are still movies with bite to be found if you don’t mind subtitles.

March 13, 2023
UTV remove McBrown’s pics from United Showbiz to confirm her exit

Following the widespread speculations and some keen observations made by some media houses, we can say on authority that truly, Nana Ama McBrown has parted ways with the Despite Media Group, owners of United Television.

A fortnight ago, it was reported that McBrown – who has been the host of the show for almost 3 years – has parted ways with UTV, and had reportedly been replaced by MzGee.

The rumours grew rife on social media after McBrown’s multiple weeks of absence from the screens, even though the reports had been treated as mere speculations. But it’s now evident that MzBrown will not be returning to hosting duties.

McBrown exits UTV as MzGee takes over her show

Avid viewers of the show would attest that Empress McBrown was the face of the station’s flagship entertainment show ‘United Showbiz’ since its inception in 2020.

Her images were all over posters which were widely distributed on social media ahead of the weekend. The show’s montage had her face while her picture was also boldly displayed on a giant screen in the background during the show.

But on Saturday, March 11, 2023, it was observed that some minute things have seemingly changed about the show – with reference to the montage and interludes.

Watch the difference between McBrown’s old and MzGee’s new montage

UTV removed Nana AMA Mcbrown’s pictures from their flagship’s show montage after MzGee’s takeover pic.twitter.com/e4UUd5KNZg
— GHPage (@ghpage_com) March 12, 2023

The Montage: When McBrown was away in Germany to realign her dislocated arm following a domestic accident at home, she was assisted by temporal hosts who were rotated on a weekly basis until she resumed work.

Nothing about the show changed. Her face was still used on flyers alongside that of the guest hosts. The show’s montage remained the same as was since its inception.

However, the recent episode on Saturday saw McBrown’s face replaced with MzGee, which would have been highly unlikely to happen if McBrown will be returning.

Background display picture:

If you still doubt all these elements which point to the fact that McBrown has officially parted ways with UTV, then you may be daydreaming.

it’s time to move on!

March 13, 2023
Huge explosion blasts down Swansea street, destroying two homes

Swansea has declared a serious incident after a suspected gas explosion severely leveled a house and most of the nearby property.

A “big blast” was heard by locals near Clydach Road, on the outskirts of the city, just after 11 a.m. on Monday.

Those living a mile away claimed the explosion “shook the home” and rattled their windows, and an onslaught of tweets stated the boom could be heard at least eight miles distant.

Fire crews from five different stations were scrambled to the scene and several people reported seeing an air ambulance in attendance.

One local said the bang ‘shook the house and was heard miles away.

Before-and-after photos suggest the blast destroyed two homes and damaged at least two more

The blast also appears to have blown out several windows and burned exterior fixtures on at least two more surrounding buildings.

Emergency services warned people to ‘avoid the area’ as the incident was still ‘ongoing’ at midday on Monday.

The sound was heard across a mile-wide radius, according to tweets from people claiming to live in the area.

Emma Kavanagh wrote: ‘Felt like the last earthquake we had. I thought our chimney had come down!’

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service told Metro.co.uk: ‘At 11.20am on Monday, March 13th, crews from Morriston, Swansea West, Neath, Gorseinon and Port Talbot were called to an incident in Morriston following several reports of a gas explosion.

‘As well as Fire and Rescue Service Crews, South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service are in attendance.

Residents across Swansea’s Morriston area reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ (Picture: Wales News Service)

Roads feeding into the scene of the incident were soon swarming with emergency vehicles (Picture: Media Wales)

‘South Wales Police have declared a major incident, no further information is available at this time. For more information, please contact South Wales Police.’

Leader of Swansea Council Rob Stewart said: ‘A major incident has been declared after a suspected gas explosion in Morriston. Emergency teams are responding.

‘It is not known at this time if there are any injuries or fatalities or individuals trapped in the rubble.

‘My thoughts are with residents at this time.’

March 13, 2023
The biggest Premier League surprising wins

Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in football, with fans across the globe. Over the last thirty-one years, the league has seen some of the most fascinating and unexpected wins, shocking even the teams that made them! Here are some of the biggest surprise wins in Premier League history:

Manchester United Win Against Ipswich Town in March 1995: 9-0

Some argue that the Ipswich Town side that played at Portman Road on March 3, 1995, was not particularly strong. The Tractor Boys were on their way to relegation and were facing Manchester United in their final game of the season.

But even though they were second-bottom of the table, this match still had all the makings of a classic. These were two determined teams going head-to-head for bragging rights over what was likely to be their last chance at promotion.

And boy, did it live up to expectations! In one of football’s most memorable games, Manchester United won 9-0 against Ipswich Town. Are the men responsible for making history with those nine goals? Andy Cole sank in five, with Keane, Hughes, and Ince finishing the rout.

Manchester City Win Against Watford in September 2019: 8-0

The first fifteen minutes of this game saw Manchester City take an impressive lead of 5-0. It was such a fast start that it set a record for the fastest five-goal lead in Premier League history!

Since Chelsea vs. Wigan in 2010, this is the first time an English top-flight team has scored six or more goals in consecutive games against another top-flight club in all competitions.

On the other side, Watford suffered their biggest defeat in English league football history, and it was just the third occasion in Football League history that they surrendered eight goals.

For sports betting fans all over, this was a game to remember. If you’re interested in betting, check out Betway, one of the top platforms with casino games and great odds on all your favorite sports.

Newcastle United Win Against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999: 8-0

Newcastle United’s biggest-ever win in the Premier League is also their most surprising. The Magpies had just finished sixth that season and were expected to struggle as they tried to rebuild under Ruud Gullit.

However, Newcastle went on an incredible run that saw them finish in eleventh position. This would also be the game that contributed to their twenty-five losses, resulting in relegation. Since then, they haven’t been back to play in the PL.

Chelsea Win Against Wigan Athletic in May 2010: 8-0

Wigan Athletic fans would again be brought to tears by an eight-nil thrashing against Chelsea. The Blues had had a good run before this game, so their win was somewhat inevitable.

Didier Drogba secured a hat trick within 17 second-half minutes, helping him land an impressive 29 goals in the 2009/10 season. This would also win him the special Premier League Golden Boot award for the top scorer that season.

Chelsea Win Against Aston Villa in December 2012: 8-0

What a game! Chelsea gifted their fans a nice Christmas present with an eight-nil win against Aston Villa! The win against Aston Villa was also a clean sheet for Rafa Benitez’s side, who had only suffered one loss in four matches under their new manager’s guidance.

Tottenham Win Against Wigan Athletic in November 2009: 9-1

The league had to wait an entire decade before clocking a win with more than eight goals. Tottenham’s 9-1 win against Wigan Athletic would be one of the most impressive games in history.

Fifty minutes into the game, Spurs had only managed a 1-0 lead, with Wigan Athletic probably hoping to equalize. However, Defoe would sink in an impressive five goals within thirty-six minutes that catapulted Tottenham to their 9-0 victory!

Southampton Win Against Sunderland on October 18, 2014: 8-0

An own goal started the afternoon by Vergini within the first 12 minutes of the first half. As if that wasn’t enough, this would be followed by two more own-goals, setting the record for most own-goals in one game in the Premier League.

Southampton would then secure third position in the league, edged on by their strong offense and undefeated defense.

Will We See More of Such Historic Goals?

Not all wins are the same, and the wins listed here made history in the Premier League and marked these players’ careers. Games like these make the game so loveable, and we can only hope for more!

March 13, 2023
Pictures from the 2023 Academy Awards

It was a dominating night for the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which won seven Oscars on Sunday, including best picture, best actress (Michelle Yeoh), best director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) and both supporting actor awards (Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis).

Yeoh’s win made her the first woman of Asian descent and the first Malaysian-born performer to win best actress. She began her speech by saying, “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.”

The best actor Oscar went to Brendan Fraser for “The Whale.”

It was also a big night for the war film “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which took home four Oscars, including best international feature.

Michelle Yeoh, star of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” accepts the Oscar for best actress. “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime,” the 60-year-old actress said. “Never give up.” Carlos Barria/Reuters

Brendan Fraser, star of “The Whale,” gives a speech after winning best actor. He thanked his fellow nominees, saying, “It is an honour to be named beside you in this category.” Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

A$AP Rocky puts his hand on Rihanna’s belly backstage. The two are expecting their second child together. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Daniel Scheinert, left, celebrates with Yeoh after he and Daniel Kwan, bottom, won the Oscar for best director (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). Carlos Barria/Reuters

Oscar statuettes are seen backstage. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Kwan, left, and Scheinert have fun with some of their Oscars as they meet with the press. Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images

Rihanna performs “Lift Me Up,” her Oscar-nominated song from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson sits on Emily Blunt’s lap backstage. The two presented an award together during the show. Al Sebi/AMPAS/Getty Images

Scheinert, left, and Kwan also won the Oscar for best original screenplay. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Host Jimmy Kimmel reads something backstage during the show. Al Seib/AMPAS/Getty Images

Elizabeth Banks does an on-stage bit with a “cocaine bear.” Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Mindy Kaling and John Cho present the Oscar for best original score. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Chandrabose, left, and M.M. Keeravaani accept the Oscar for best original song (“Naatu Naatu” from the film “RRR”). Keeravaani wrote the music, while Chandrabose wrote the lyrics.
“I grew up listening to The Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars,” Keeravaani said before going on to sing his speech to the tune of “Top of the World” by The Carpenters. “Naatu Naatu” is the first song from an Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Yulia Navalny, wife of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, hugs filmmaker Daniel Roher after “Navalny” won the Oscar for best documentary feature. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Lady Gaga speaks about her Oscar-nominated song “Hold My Hand” before performing it. Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Kimmel holds a microphone on stage. He also hosted the show in 2017 and 2018. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Ross White, Seamus O’Hara, Tom Berkeley and James Martin share an emotional moment backstage after “The Irish Goodbye” won the Oscar for best live action short film. Martin, right, received an unexpected surprise during the acceptance speech.
His co-stars told the audience that they wanted to sing him “Happy Birthday,” and they did. The audience sang along. ABC

Actor Ke Huy Quan is seen on a monitor backstage. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Dancers perform “Naatu Naatu” from the film “RRR.” Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Ruth Carter accepts the Oscar for best costume design. She won for her work in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Her win put her in esteemed company.
Only four other Black Oscar winners have earned multiple statuettes in competitive categories: actors Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali and sound mixers Willie D. Burton and Russell Williams II. Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Stephanie Hsu and David Byrne perform the Oscar-nominated song “This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Jenny, the donkey from “Banshees of Inisherin,” is walked on stage by Kimmel. Kimmel said Jenny was a “certified emotional support donkey” — or at least that’s what they told the airline, he said, to get Jenny to Los Angeles for the awards show. Carlos Barria/Reuters

“All Quiet on the Western Front” director Edward Berger accepts the Oscar for best international feature film. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Quan kisses Jamie Lee Curtis backstage. Both won supporting actor Oscars for their roles in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Yulia Navalny speaks to the audience after “Navalny” won the Oscar for best documentary feature. She said her husband “is in prison just for telling the truth” and “defending democracy.” The CNN film follows the Russian opposition leader through his political rise, attempted assassination and search to uncover the truth. Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Kimmel appears on screen at the Dolby Theatre. Chris Pizzello/AP

Curtis reacts after winning the Oscar for best supporting actress. She appeared to be truly surprised upon hearing her name, yelling “shut up” from her seat when she was announced. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Sofia Carson sings the Oscar-nominated song “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman.” Diane Warren is playing the piano. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Quan gives a speech after winning the Oscar for best-supporting actor. Quan, who won for his role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” addressed his 84-year-old mother in his tearful speech: “Mom, I just won an Oscar!” Carlos Barria/Reuters

Kimmel gets danced off the stage after his opening monologue. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Lady Gaga looks back at a photographer who fell on the champagne-coloured red carpet before the show. The singer went back to help the man up. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Hsu and Yeoh meet on the red carpet. Both star in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Puppets from “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” are displayed at the Dolby Theatre. The film later won the Oscar for best animated feature. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Ariana DeBose poses for fan photos on the red carpet. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett laughs while walking the red carpet. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Rihanna poses for photos. The singer recently performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

March 13, 2023
MOTD without commentators or experts was the “best in years – Tory MP

There’s no denying that some viewers were more engaged with the Match of the Day episode without a presenter last night’s over 2.5 million viewers.

Yet it’s safe to say that the majority of those people weren’t quite as enthused as Scott Benton, the Conservative MP for Blackpool South.

Scott declared it to be the “greatest episode in years” on social media after yesterday’s episode of the chilly, minimal show ended.

The fact that it ended early so he could make it to the bar for a round of beers with the fellas before final orders, as well as “all the goals” that were featured, were his favorite aspects, he claimed.

Sadly, Twitter was merciless in taking the mickey out of Scott for his take.

Thomas Wynne Lewis asked: ‘When was the last time MOTD didn’t “have all the goals in” Scott?’

Aaron Stokes added: ‘I too, like most totally normal people, enjoy nothing more than leaving the house at 10.40pm to make it to the pub for last orders.’

Comedian Dara O Briain also joined in, writing: ‘I like the way he said “episode”, the way football fans always say “I hope it’s a good episode of Match of The Day tonight”.’

Woodo replied to say: ‘I love waiting until the end of #MOTD to go to the pub for one beer when the staff are clearing up rather than going to a pub showing Match of the Day anyway at a normal time.

‘I am definitely a football fan and definitely watch match of the day and definitely frequent pubs.’

Scott, who was elected to the Lancashire seat in 2019, eventually restricted the replies to his tweet after more than 4,000 people had responded.

It wasn’t the first time he’d taken on the subject, though – earlier that day he’d taunted the wokerati with a low-resolution picture of Jeremy Clarkson badly edited over a Match of the Day background.

The MP, who proclaims himself a fan of Tottenham Hotspur in his Twitter bio, also retweeted support for the ‘Alternative Match of the Day’ hosted by former Balls of Steel presenter Mark Dolan on GB News.

The segment baffled some viewers with its complete lack of any football clips – no goals at all were shown, presumably frustrating Scott.

It was later criticised for a sneering reference to the ‘rainbow flags’ that can be seen in Brighton.

Today, the crisis at the BBC over Gary Lineker’s suspension grew to consume even more of the broadcaster’s sports shows, with Match of the Day 2 also going ahead without pundits or commentary this evening.

Meanwhile, a petition to reinstate Lineker following the controversy over his criticism of the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill has passed 200,000 signatures.

March 13, 2023
Kobi Rana hits back at blogger with DNA test threat

Hold onto your hats folks, because the Ghanaian entertainment scene is heating up with some spicy drama!

Actor and movie producer, Kobi Rana, has just issued a stern warning to celebrity blogger Eugene Osafo Nkansah, aka Nkonkonsa GH, to keep his nose out of Kobi’s business or face the consequences.

It all started when Kobi made a post about Ghanaian leaders “praying against LGBTQI” while the country’s problems remained unresolved.

Unfortunately, Nkonkonsa decided to highlight the LGBTQI aspect of the post with the caption “Filmmaker and Entertainer Kobi Rana blasts Ghanaian Leaders for praying against LGBTQI community in Ghana.”

Kobi felt this angle was overshadowing the main issue he raised regarding Ghana leaders and misplaced priorities.

This was enough to get Kobi fired up and ready to defend his reputation.

In a strongly-worded response, Kobi threatened the blogger by saying, “The next time you post about me, I will give you enough reason to go for a DNA test. Your stinking marriage is what needs blogging.” Ouch, that’s gotta hurt!

He also accused the blogger of not promoting his works, although he admitted that his international recognition didn’t need the support of local bloggers.

It’s clear that Kobi is not one to mess with, and he’s willing to go to extreme lengths to protect his reputation. But what is the source of the drama between these two? We may never know for sure, but one thing’s for certain: the Ghanaian entertainment scene just got a whole lot more interesting.

So, if you’re a fan of entertainment gossip and drama, be sure to keep an eye on these two for more explosive updates. We can’t wait to see how this saga unfolds!

Source: The Independent Ghana

March 13, 2023
From Belieber to Bieber: A full timeline of Justin and Hailey Bieber’s relationship

They met in 2009, when she was just 12 years old, at a taping of the Today show. And while the two didn’t think much of the meeting their parents Stephen Baldwin and Pattie Mallette arranged, it would eventually lead to more encounters.

In addition to being a fan of Bieber, Baldwin was also a fan of his then-girlfriend Selena Gomez, whom he dated on-again, off-again from 2010 to 2018. Baldwin proved that she also supported their relationship on numerous occasions, once writing “Team Jelena” in a 2011 deleted tweet.

Later on, during one of his many breakups with Gomez, Bieber found himself romantically linked to Baldwin. In 2016, Bieber and Baldwin briefly tried their hand at a relationship. And while it didn’t stand the test of time, the pair rekindled their romance just two months after Bieber split from Gomez after a short reunion in 2018.

Baldwin and Bieber began dating again, got engaged, and exchanged vows at a New York City courthouse—all within a matter of months. Since tying the knot, they have overcome a handful of challenges, from health scares to reignited feuds with Gomez and rumors of Baldwin being a “homewrecker.” Here’s a complete timeline of Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber’s relationship, so far, and how they went from the Today show to the altar and beyond.

How Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin met

When: November 2009

Bieber and Baldwin were just kids when they met for the first time. They crossed paths initially during a brief (and awkward) meet and greet Hailey’s father Stephen Baldwin and Justin’s mother Pattie Mallette arranged backstage at the Today show. She was 12 years old at the time, while he was a 15-year-old pop star who was taking over the world.

In March 2020, Justin reflected on his initial encounter with his now-wife while appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Looking back now, it was definitely an arrange[d] marriage, like they set this whole thing up,” he said. “Since she was raised Christian, it was like, ‘Oh, I want to introduce you to Justin and his mom. They have similar values and believe the same things. We think you guys would be good friends.’”

Hailey supports Justin and Selena Gomez’s relationship

When: 2011

Bieber was in a highly publicized on-again, off-again relationship with Gomez from 2010 to 2018. The same year that Gomez and Justin went public with their relationship, Baldwin tweeted her thoughts about the union, which fans had nicknamed “Jelena.”

“I don’t care what anyone says but Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez together is the definition of a teenage dream! #word,” she wrote in a since-deleted tweet in May 2011. She also tweeted, “I’m for sure 100% team #Jelena.”

Hailey and Justin pose for red carpet photos at his movie premiere

When: February 2011

Hailey and her dad attended the premiere of Bieber’s Never Say Never biopic in New York City in February 2011. There, she posed for red carpet photos with Bieber. At the time, Baldwin was 14 years old and Justin was 16.

Rumors about their relationship start to surface

When: November 2014

In November 2014, Baldwin and Bieber’s friendship began to blossom after reconnecting at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. One month later, they opened up about their relationship. “People are crazy. I’m super single and this is my good friend u would know otherwise,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of him and Baldwin.

They would later take a vacation together in December 2015 to Tulum, Mexico. This came after he was spotted “serenading” Gomez at a hotel in Beverly Hills, per People. Despite that, Bieber shared many photos of his vacation with Baldwin on Instagram.

Justin and Hailey confirm their relationship

When: March 2016

Two months after spending New Year’s Eve together, Bieber spoke candidly about his relationship with the model in a GQ cover story. He said he was taking caution with Baldwin’s heart, recalling having “hurt people” in the past. “What if Hailey ends up being the girl I’m gonna marry, right? If I rush into anything, if I damage her, then it’s always gonna be damaged. It’s really hard to fix wounds like that. It’s so hard. … I just don’t want to hurt her,” he explained.

As for her, she echoed a similar sentiment during a conversation with E! News. She also revealed that they were “not an exclusive couple” because he was about to go on a tour.

Not long after the story was published, they split. Speaking about their breakup to Vogue in 2019, she said, “Negative things happened that we still need to talk about and work through.” She continued, “‘Fizzled’ would not be the right word. It was more like a very dramatic ex-communication. There was a period when if I walked into a room, he would walk out.”

Justin and Hailey get back together two months after the singer and Gomez split

When: May–June 2018

In October 2017, Bieber and Gomez gave their relationship another try, before calling it quits in March 2018. After Bieber rekindled his romance with Baldwin two months later, Gomez seemingly opened up about the betrayal in her song “Lose You to Love Me,” singing, “In two months, you replaced us/Like it was easy/Made me think I deserved it/In the thick of healing, yeah.”

Bieber and Baldwin only dated for a short period before he asked for her hand in marriage. Bieber confirmed their engagement with a lengthy Instagram caption in July 2018.

“Hailey I am soooo in love with everything about you! So committed to spending my life getting to know every single part of you loving you patiently and kindLY,” he wrote. “I promise to lead our family with honor and integrity letting Jesus through his Holy Spirit guide us in everything we do and every decision we make. My heart is COMPLETELY and FULLY YOURS and I will ALWAYS put you first! You are the love of my life Hailey Baldwin and I wouldn’t want to spend it with anybody else.”

Hailey and Justin tie the knot in a courthouse wedding

When: September 2018

Bieber and Baldwin made their way to a courthouse in Manhattan wearing an all-white ensemble. One year after making their union legal, they hosted a grand wedding ceremony in South Carolina. The pair said “I do” again in front of 150 family members and friends.

The model marked the special day on Instagram, writing, “Last Monday was the most special day of my life.” She also shared a photo of her and Bieber on the big day. Baldwin’s eye-dropping veil had “Till Death Do Us Part” inscribed and was designed by the late Virgil Abloh.

Justin talks about his marriage with Hailey

When: February 2020

In the fourth episode of his Seasons docuseries on YouTube, the singer opened up about his marriage. He said, “To share my life with [Hailey] just makes it so much more rewarding.”

Baldwin confessed that he “was the first person I ever had real feelings for.” She added, “When things kind of went south for a little bit and we went our separate ways, I just knew that no matter what the outcome was going to be, he was going to be somebody that I loved for the rest of my life. No matter what, he was always going to hold a special place in my heart.”

Hailey isn’t ready for kids

When: February 2022

Baldwin said she was enjoying her solo time with her husband and didn’t think that kids would fit into the equation just yet. At the beginning of their marriage, the two hit a rough patch. He opened up about some of their troubles while speaking with Ebro Darden in May 2022.

“It’s a journey. I remember when I first got married, I hit a little bit of an emotional breakdown because I thought marriage was going to fix all my problems, and it didn’t,” he said. “You want your wife to do something that you’re not doing and it’s like, it’s hard sometimes to look in the mirror and really have to realize, ‘Man, maybe you’re not the person that you necessarily thought that you were.’ And that’s just a result of trauma and life circumstances.”

Two months after Bieber’s revelation, Baldwin opened up about similar challenges to Harper’s Bazaar. She said it “does take a lot of work to make it work. And then I know eventually, when kids come in the picture, that’s going to be a whole other season of navigating how to make that work.”

Hailey addresses the notion she “stole” Bieber from Gomez

When: September 2022

During an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Hailey opened up to host Alex Cooper about the timeline of her and Bieber’s relationship. She said that she didn’t play a part in Bieber and Gomez’s breakup.

“When him and I ever started like hooking up or, like, anything of that sort, he was not ever in a relationship, ever at any point,” she said. “It’s not my character to mess with someone’s relationship. I would just never do that. I’m not interested in doing that and I never was.”

She acknowledged that the timeline might look questionable from the outside looking in, before reiterating that she did not break up a happy home. “I know for a fact that it was the right thing for them to close that door,” she said of Gomez and Bieber’s relationship.

Two months later, Gomez and Hailey posed for a sweet photo together at the second annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala in Los Angeles.

Justin interviews Hailey about their marriage

When: February 2023

For her Vogue Australia cover story where she was interviewed by her husband, Baldwin gushed about their marriage. “My favorite thing about being married is honestly the companionship I feel we have,” she said. “Genuinely, you are my best friend in the entire world. There’s nobody I would rather spend more time with or do anything with.”

The story arrived a few days before his 29th birthday. In a sweet tribute posted on March 1, she once again called him her best friend.

March 13, 2023
Man sets wedding reception on fire while grinding wedding guest

Weddings are the perfect places to witness love, have some good food, and maybe even catch the bouquet if you’re lucky. But for one particular party-goer, it was an opportunity to light up the dance floor… literally.

This dancing machine, armed with some sparklers, went on a mission to grind his dance partners until he caused a fire scare. Yes, you read that right! He danced so hard that he set the flowers on fire!

In the now-viral video, you can see the man swapping dance partners like a pro while swinging those wedding sparklers around. However, things took a hot turn when he accidentally lit the flowers on fire during a particularly fiery routine.

What was he drinking? pic.twitter.com/uCysT9dtJt
— Fiona’s Videos 🎬 (@fiona_videos) March 11, 2023

As panic set in and the flames grew bigger, the dancing stopped, and everyone scrambled to put out the fire. But this man was not one to let a little thing like flames and smoke ruin his groove. Nope, he calmly pushed the burning flowers to the ground and stomped on them like he was putting out a cigarette butt.

While some have praised his fearless attitude and determination to keep the party going, others have criticized him for putting everyone’s lives at risk. Well, we’ll leave that up to you to decide.

One thing’s for sure, though, this man sure knows how to light up a room (and some flowers too)!

Source: The Independent Ghana

March 13, 2023
HSBC purchases Silicon Valley’s UK branch as part of a bailout agreement

The government and Bank of England intervened to “promote” a private transaction, which led to HSBC purchasing the UK division of the defunct US lender Silicon Valley Bank.

The rescue deal comes with “no governmental support,” and customers have been promised that their deposits would be secured.

Following the £1 sale, customers will have regular access to financial services.

The second-largest bank failure in history raised concerns that it would trigger a banking crisis in the US and have a negative impact on the UK’s technology and life sciences industries.

Assuring SVB clients that they “should feel comforted,” Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed the sale this morning.

In a statement, he said: ‘The UK’s tech sector is genuinely world-leading and of huge importance to the British economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

‘I said yesterday that we would look after our tech sector, and we have worked urgently to deliver on that promise and find a solution that will provide SVB UK’s customers with confidence.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made the announcement this morning (Picture: PA)

‘Today the Government and the Bank of England have facilitated a private sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK; this ensures customer deposits are protected and can bank as normal, with no taxpayer support. I am pleased we have reached a resolution in such short order.

‘HSBC is Europe’s largest bank, and SVB UK customers should feel reassured by the strength, safety and security that brings them.’

The bank has stressed that all services will continue to operate as usual at SVB UK following the deal, with all staff remaining employed.

‘Customers can continue to contact SVB UK through the usual channels and borrowers should make any loan repayments to SVB UK as normal’, a statement said.

It added that the wider UK banking system ‘remains safe, sound, and well capitalised’.

SVB UK had around £6.7 billion of deposits and loans of about £5.5 billion as at Friday last week, while its balance sheet stood at £8.8 billion, according to the Bank of England.

But the ‘scale of the deterioration of liquidity and confidence means that, in the view of the Bank and the PRA, the position was not recoverable’.

It comes after the US government moved to halt a potential crisis amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, California-based bank to fail could spread.

Officials assured all depositors at the failed institution that they could access all their money quickly on Sunday.

March 13, 2023
As of March 13, bureaus sell $1 for GH12.70, GH11.01 on interbank market

The Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana today, March 13, 2023, have shown that the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 11.0082 and a selling price of 11.0196.

At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 12.10 and sold at a rate of 12.70.

Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 13.3292 and a selling price of 13.3447.

At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 14.40 and sold at a rate of 15.30.

The Euro is trading at a buying price of 11.7645 and a selling price of 11.7751.

At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.40 and sold at a rate of 13.40.

The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.6053 and a selling price of 0.6055.

At a forex bureau in Accra, South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.45 and sold at a rate of 1.10.

The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 41.8364 and a selling price of 41.8972.

At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 14.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 19.00.

For the CFA, it is trading at a buying price of 55.7071 and a selling price of 55.7573.

At a forex bureau in Accra, CFA is being bought at a rate of 17.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 21.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi.

Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.

March 13, 2023
Missing body of a woman discovered on a Sussex beach

As per police report, a woman‘s body was discovered on a Sussex beach.

It is thought to be the body of a woman who vanished from London and was discovered this morning by a member of the public.

At around 6.40 am, police were called to the coastal town.

Tragically, a woman’s corpse was discovered on Seaford Beach on Sunday morning, according to a statement from Sussex Police (March 12).

‘Enquiries are ongoing, but Olga Jarosz’s family has been notified. She was reported missing from London.

The coroner has been informed, and the death is not being investigated.

According to a spokesman, the body hasn’t been officially recognized, although Olga, 40, was thought to have been in the east Sussex region.

An appeal to find Olga was issued by Sussex Police on Tuesday.

It said: ‘We’re concerned for Olga, 40, who is missing from London and believed to have travelled to Eastbourne.

‘Searches have been carried out in the area and are ongoing at this time.’

March 13, 2023
A climate change activist arrested over obstructing M4 traffic

After obstructing M4 traffic, a climate change activist was given a five-week sentence.

Following his involvement in the Insulate Britain campaign in 2021, Stephen Pritchard received a sentence at Inner London Crown Court.

On October 1, 2021, he and several other protesters disrupted about 10,000 motorists at Junction 3 of the freeway.

Near the Heathrow Airport in west London, some stuck to the tarmac and caused a two-hour traffic jam in both directions.

Pritchard’s three co-defendants all avoided jail as they were each given six-week sentences, suspended for 18 months, on the proviso they do not offend again.

Former probation officer Ruth Cook, 71, gardener Roman Paluch-Machnik, 29, and carpenter Oliver Rock, 42, were also ordered to serve 100 hours’ community service.

The sentencing comes after Pritchard condemned an ‘amoral’ order made by Judge Silas Reid that banned him from mentioning his climate-related motivations to a jury.

Insulate Britain campaigners, (left to right) Stephen Pritchard, Roman Paluch-Machnik, Ruth Cook and Oliver Rock (Picture: PA)

The judge told the protestors to ‘concentrate as much as possible on motivation’ in their speeches ahead of sentencing following the ruling.

Insulate Britain says Pritchard is one of the first protestors to be convicted of causing a public nuisance.

Judge Silas Reid said the former parish councillor was being jailed because he previously told the court that he would not stop taking part in disruptive action as a matter of ‘conscience’.

Pritchard had told the court he resorted to protest action after he had ‘exhausted every other means’.

This included writing to his MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, signing petitions, leading sustainability projects and planting tens of thousands of trees, he said.

He said he felt ‘overwhelming sadness’ about the government’s ‘inaction’ on climate change.

Insulate Britain supporters protest near Inner London Crown Court before the sentencing (Picture: PA)

The other three defendants said they had been put off from taking part in future disruptive protests by experiences in court and prison.

Judge Reid told Pritchard: ‘It is not appropriate for me to suspend the inevitable sentence… you will serve up to half of your sentence in prison.’

Speaking to all four defendants, he added: ‘None of you have shown any remorse for your actions and in fact wear them with pride.’

March 13, 2023
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto speaks on the future of Ghana’s economy

Former minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, will today, March 13, 2023, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), deliver a public lecture on “The future of the economy of Ghana”.

The event will kick-start in the afternoon at about 14:00 GMT and will see the former agriculture minister share insights into building the agricultural sector into a bedrock for financing the development of other sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

At an encounter with a group of Editors and Senior Journalists in Accra on Saturday, March 11, 2023, Dr. Akoto said the potential in the agricultural sector is huge, believing that the sector has the prospect to turn around the fortunes of Ghana and permanently eliminate the syndrome of going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) whenever there is distress in the economy.

Dr. Akoto who has set his eyes on the flag bearer position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) but is yet to officially declare his intention to contest, noted that at the core of his vision for Ghana when given the nod to lead the UP Tradition and subsequently becomes the President of the Republic, is the prioritization of public resources to the agricultural sector.

“Agriculture by far has the biggest potential to turn around the fortunes of this country. It is not gold or oil or any other resource. The potential is so huge. We have a very fortunate situation and you may not be aware. There is something I’ve learned about Ghanaian farmers. You give them the smallest incentives and they will run a mile with it and that is a resource we need to exploit to the earth. If we can exploit the willingness of the Ghanaian farmer, our country will be great”, he noted.

He added, “Look at what our farmers have done with the Planting for Food and Jobs by providing them subsidies – seed and fertilizer? And it is not all the farmers. In 2018, I conducted an agricultural census to count the number of farmers in Ghana which has never been done for 38 years. We came up with 3.1 million professional farmers in this country. Planting for Food and Jobs by 2021 had benefitted 1.7 million professional farmers – that is half of the farmers’ population and even with half, look at what has happened to Ghana’s agriculture. In 2021, agriculture had the highest growth in the 4th Republic, 8.4%. In the eye of the storm of COVID-19 in the year 2020, when all countries were down, Ghana’s agricultural sector growth was 7.4%. The Planting for Food and Jobs was working and kept Ghana going. The Ghanaian farmer is a resource sitting and waiting to be exploited and for me, the future of this country is to give incentives to these farmers for them to produce the surpluses and foreign exchanges to finance our industrial development; our education; our hospitals, health and infrastructure and all those things. We can do it”.

To Dr. Akoto, also a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, said the success story of the Planting for Food and Jobs is attributed to the prioritization of public resources to the agricultural sector by the NPP government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Monday’s public lecture, he noted, will share more light on the success story of the Planting for Food and Jobs and other initiatives he executed as political head of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The event will also see him share with the public the potential that exists in other agricultural initiatives, which he believes could contribute immensely to turning around the fortunes of Ghana.

March 13, 2023
Man who killed his wife loses custody dispute over their daughter

As per reports, the parents of a killer who strangled his wife to death in front of the child have been denied custody of the child.

Babis Anagnostopoulos, 34, is currently serving a life sentence for the 20-year-old British mother Caroline Crouch’s murder in 2021 at their Athens home.

When his wife threatened to leave him, he killed her. He then drowned the family dog and made up an elaborate story about three unknown assailants who stole £40,000 in cash and jewelry.

Anagnostopoulos won sympathy by playing the part of the heartbroken husband until detectives found smartwatch data that exposed his web of lies and he confessed during a six-hour interrogation.

Nearly two years after Caroline’s death, a Greek court has decided Anagnostopoulos’s parents will not have custody of the couple’s young daughter, Lydia.

Instead, they have been granted just one hour of access to her ‘via Skype or other electronic means’ each week.

The Crouch family’s lawyer Thanassis Haramanis told The Sun: ‘It is what we wanted in every way.

Caroline Crouch, 20, was smothered in front of her baby daughter.

Babis Anagnostopoulos arrives at court escorted by police for his trial on April 14, 2022 in Athens.

‘The little girl will now live in peace with Caroline’s sister and mother, Susan, in the Philippines. Lydia could not be more happy there.’

While his family’s attempts to bring Lydia back to Greece have failed, Anagnostopoulos is said to be working on getting his 27-year sentence reduced.

He is apparently hoping that good behaviour will get him out earlier, with his legal team arguing that no mitigating circumstances were taken into account in his trial.

The murderer previously claimed that he ‘lost his temper’ and ‘acted in the heat of the moment’ after a fight with Caroline.

But the Crouch family’s lawyer has vowed they will ‘fight just as we did the first time round’.

Caroline’s Liverpool-born dad, David has slammed his former son-in-law as ‘beyond contempt’.

Speaking to Greek media, he said: ‘It is absolutely despicable that my daughter’s killer is trying to get his prison sentence reduced because of his ‘good behaviour.

‘The crime committed by the murderer, that of femicide, is a heinous crime that should deserve particularly severe punishment.

‘In my opinion, men who kill their wives, for whatever reason, are the lowest of the low, ranking alongside paedophiles.’

March 13, 2023
Police finds body after three years of search

After three years of looking for a missing man in Wales, a body has been discovered.

After the finding by a community search team seeking for long-term missing man Jamie Moreno, South Wales Police were contacted at 10.42 am today (Sunday).

On March 23, 2020, about noon, Mr. Moreno—who was 48 at the time—vanished after leaving his Cardiff house.

He was spotted by a friend later that day and the last sighting of him was that afternoon on CCTV from a nearby school.

The dad-of-two was last seen three years ago.

Mr Moreno’s family have been informed after a body was found in woodlands.

Last month, Mr Moreno’s sister Nilsa spoke about how he was struggling to cope with the death of their mum and stayed in the house for two years after she passed away.

South Wales Police has now confirmed that members of the public searching for him have found a body in the district where he was last seen.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but Mr Moreno’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson told Wales Online: ‘South Wales Police can confirm a body has been found in woodland in Pentwyn, Cardiff.

‘Police were called at 10.42am today (Sunday, March 12) following the discovery by a community search party looking for long-term missing man, Jamie Moreno.

‘Formal identification of the body has yet not been carried out as enquiries are ongoing at the scene.

‘The family of Jamie Moreno are being supported by specialist officers at this time.’

March 13, 2023