In a post Abeiku shared on Instagram, he described Kofi Amoabeng as “eccentrically distinctive” and said that his character was like a sword, making life tasty.
Santana went on to express his gratitude to Amoabeng, saying that he had taught him a lot in life, from leadership and friendship to networking and more.
“I have met several wonderful people in my life but this man is eccentrically distinctive. His character is like a sword. He makes life tasty.
“Happy birthday to you Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng @kofi_amoabeng_ You’ve taught me a lot in life; leadership, friendship, networking and many more,” he said.
He then wished Amoabeng God’s blessings, long life, and wisdom on the occasion of his 71st birthday, and encouraged him to continue being a great leader.
The message, which was posted on Santana’s social media accounts, was accompanied by the hashtag #keepwalking and a toast emoji, signaling his admiration and appreciation for Amoabeng’s leadership and contributions to society.
“On the occasion of your 71st birthday, I wish you God’s blessings, long life and wisdom. Above all, continue to be a great leader! #Keep walking. From Abeiku Santana,” he added.
Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng is a renowned Ghanaian businessman and entrepreneur, who was best known as the founder of UT Bank and UT Holdings.
He has received numerous awards for his contributions to business and social development and is widely respected for his leadership and philanthropic work.
He made this comment in an interview on the Drink Champs podcast.
According to him, these four superstars mentioned are the only ones that Ghana has when it comes to international representation as compared to Nigerians who have a host of artists who are major and well-known across the world.
“Nigeria has all the stars. Nigeria is like the New York of music in Africa and Ghana is like the Dubai of Africa I can only count about four superstars in Ghana. We have Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and Black Sherif.”
Michael Blackson added that he wants to make Gambo the fifth star from Ghana.
“I want to make Gambo the fifth star and that’s why I signed him.”
Gambo is a well-known entrepreneur and the CEO of BlackMob, an organization founded to provide young people with a platform to showcase their abilities in modeling, studio work, rapping, and other forms of entertainment throughout Ghana, Tanzania, the United States of America, and other countries.
He was allowed to speak about his upcoming single titled ‘Cut Soap’ which features Goya Menor and drops in March.
The Ghanaian rapper also presented some gifts to the hosts of the show showing his appreciation.
Gambo won the ‘Unsung Category’ at last year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and has songs like ‘Girls Girls’, No Stress and Kuacha to his credit.
A 43-year-old businessman based in the United Kingdom, 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, two flagbearer hopefuls have picked their nominations; John Mahama and Ernest Kobeah.
Kwabena Duffuor, former Finance Minister and Kojo Bonsu are expected to pick up their forms on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
As Ghanaians continue to mourn Ghanaian forward, Christian Atsu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has paid a courtesy call on the bereaved family.
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua led a delegation from the party’s headquarters to the late Christian Atsu’s residence to express their condolences and sympathies to the family.
He was in the company of lawyer Henry Nana Boakye, (National Organizer), Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa (National Nasara Co-Ordinator), William Yamoah (Director of Finance & Administration), Haruna Mohammed (Deputy General Secretary), Kwabena Frimpong (Deputy Director of Protocol) and other parties faithful.
The chief scribe of the NPP also signed the book of condolences in memory of the late Blackstar player, Christian Atsu.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made a cash donation of GH₵10,000 to support the family of the late Christian Atsu.
Meanwhile, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah led a delegation of national team players to pay their respects to the bereaved Atsu family.
Rabiu Mohammed, Jerry Akaminko, Kwadwo Asamoah, Derek Boateng, and Lydia Forson, all Ghana players, were in attendance.
Others include Stephen Appiah’s uncle, Nii Kwadwo Appiah (Father of the Jamestown Stool), and Appiah’s wife, Hannah Bentil.
For Keche Joshua, of Keche Global fame, Shatta Wale is one of the best people he has ever dealt with in Ghana’s entertainment industry. Keche Global explained to Felicia Osei on Onua FM’s Adwuma Adwuma that there is more to Shatta Wale.
Keche Global admitted that despite his working relationships with many other artistes, including Stonebowy, Medikal and Sarkodie have grown fond of Shatta Wale because he is trustworthy.
“Shatta is something else. Very very humble. Too humble. He’s aggressive, but he’s one person you can trust. I have gotten close to Shatta Wale, and I’ve seen that it’s never what you think.”
Keche adds that Shatta Wale is open and frank, describing him as a “real” person. He points out that such people are not welcomed because they speak the truth in all circumstances but hold no grudge.
“Let people hate you for being real. The results will prove who is best.”
Keche Joshua advocates that people should be upfront about their feelings about others. He advised that people should say things as they are without mincing words.
The King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II says media reports claiming he has endorsed Alan Kyerematen’s NPP flagbearership bid are false.
The former Trade Minister, who has resigned from government to pursue his flagbearership ambition, called on the King of Dagbon on Monday, and after the visit, some selected newspapers published that the Ya-Na had told Alan Kyerematen that it was Alan’s time to lead the NPP as flagbearer.
The King of Dagbon has categorically issued a disclaimer stating the reports are falsehood.
A press statement signed by the Secretary to the Ya-Na, rejected the concocted reports and affirmed the Ya-Na’s openness to the public.
“The attention of the Gbewaa Palace has been drawn to reports in various newspapers regarding the courtesy visit by the Hon Alan Kyerematen on His Majesty Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II. In particular, the reports suggest that His Royal Majesty had declared that it was the turn of Hon. Alan Kyerematen to lead the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a flagbearer,” the statement read.
“His Majesty wishes to state categorically that he made no such claim,” the release stated, adding, “I have not endorsed Hon. Alan Kyerematen and wish to state categorically that the doors of my Palace are open for all”, it added.
Some assembly members in the Tamale South Constituency have bought the nomination forms for the Member of Parliament for the area, Haruna Iddrisu, pledging to pay for the filing fee in the coming days to get the MP retained for the 6th time as the NDC parliamentary candidate.
They include Lamashegu North Assemblyman, Alhassan Major and Jakara Yili electoral area assemblyman, Alhaji Ibrahim Tijani, Nakpan Zuo, Datoo Yili Nyohani North amd South and many others.
“We want to show our unclenching support to our dear MP for Tamale South, Hon Haruna Iddrisu by purchasing the Nomination Form for him to be retained as our MP for Tamale South for the 6th time”, the assembly members told journalists after announcing to the party executives in the constituency.
“Hon Haruna Iddrisu has demonstrated on countless occasion his desired in the development Tamale South Constituency and Ghana as a whole. He has demonstrated that in the following areas; Education, Roads, Extension of Electricity, Extension of Water, Employment, Human development…”, they added.
The assembly members said they were however organizing for the filing fees of GHC 40,000 after completion of the form.
They also reminded the good people of Tamale South Constituency “not to leave what is in hand for the one in the leg”, adding that they “shall comb round all the constituency to canvas support for our dear MP”.
Haruna Iddrisu is the first MP to win the Tamale South Constituency after it was created from then Gukpegu Sabonjida Constituency in 2004 and has since represented the people.
It is expected that the MP is most likely to go unopposed, which was stated by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
The King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II says media reports claiming he has endorsed Alan Kyerematen’s NPP flagbearership bid are false.
The former Trade Minister, who has resigned from government to pursue his flagbearership ambition, called on the King of Dagbon on Monday, and after the visit, some selected newspapers published that the Ya-Na had told Alan Kyerematen that it was Alan’s time to lead the NPP as flagbearer.
The King of Dagbon has categorically issued a disclaimer stating the reports are falsehood.A press statement signed by the Secretary to the Ya-Na, rejected the concocted reports and affirmed the Ya-Na’s openness to the public.”The attention of the Gbewaa Palace has been drawn to reports in various newspapers regarding the courtesy visit by the Hon Alan Kyerematen on His Majesty Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II.
In particular, the reports suggest that His Royal Majesty had declared that it was the turn of Hon.
Alan Kyerematen to lead the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a flagbearer,” the statement read.
“His Majesty wishes to state categorically that he made no such claim,” the release stated, adding, “I have not endorsed Hon.
Alan Kyerematen and wish to state categorically that the doors of my Palace are open for all”, it added.
Government is set to augment the fleet of the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) with about 400 new set of buses, through the Ministry of Transport and management of the company.
The Managing Director of the MMTL, Albert Adu Boahen, made this disclosure during an operational tour to the Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Bono regional offices of the company.
Mr Boahen said the move was part of measures to revamp its operations, and enhance public transportation system in the country. According to him, it will also help MMTL to operate at optimal level, improve on its profitability, and make transportation more dignifying and comfortable for the people of Ghana.
He said the plan is to get 400 new buses, 100 of which are an arrangement reached with Belgium and Dutch governments that former President Kufuor partnered to bring the company.
“Per the arrangement, within the next five years, the Dutch and Belgium governments agreed to supply the company with 500 VDL buses, and a supply of 100 intercity VDL buses was supposed to come each year for the Metro Mass Transit Limited. Last year, we were expected to receive the first consignment of 100 but due to COVID-19 and other external challenges, only 45 of the VDL buses were received and commissioned by the President on July 6, 2022,” he recounted.
The Managing Director also indicated that the remaining 55 is expected to be received in April this year, noting “arrangements are far advanced by the Ministry and the Board to get an additional of 300 intercity Daewoo air conditioned buses”.
The tour
The operational tour, he explained, was aimed at interacting with the staff to appreciate the challenges in their respective regions as well as sharing his vision for the company for this year.
Mr Boahene stressed the need to get his outfit’s old fleets replaced with new buses since no transport company could survive in business using old buses. Accordingly, he lauded Akufo-Addo government for assisting the company with some 144 new intercity Daewoo air-conditioned and VDL buses since assuming office in 2017.
He also commended the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and the Board for their continuous support in providing adequate number of new buses to support the company.
The Managing Director encouraged the staff to change their attitude towards work in order to restore the confidence of the government and its cherished customers whilst expecting the arrival of the new buses.
He expressed the hope that the government would continue to support MMTL as it embarks on aggressive fleet renewal programmes aimed at replacing the current old fleet.
He also gave an assurance that workers of the company would reciprocate the kind gesture by working assiduously and conscientiously to maintain the great state asset for the good people of Ghana.
Concerns
Meanwhile, some branch managers and staff at the various branches highlighted a number of challenges facing their respective offices, which are primarily due to inadequate and aged buses.
The workers expressed the hope that once the new buses are procured to support the operations, all the challenges will be nipped in the bud.
The Finance Manager of the company, Emmanuel Obeng, made a presentation of the financial statement to reflect the country’s current financial position as a company.
He admonished the workers to desist from all forms of financial malfeasance. He also urged them to accept and work with the various reforms introduced by Management such as the E-ticketing system, advance ticketing system and capital projects initiated, among other initiatives.
These, he indicated, will go a long way in improving the growing concerns and quality of the business.
For his part, the Head of Corporate Communications, George Krobea Asante, advised the workers to refrain from the attitude of sharing corporate information and putting classified information about the company into the public domain without authority.
He therefore charged the workers to always resort to the company’s policy on information dissemination in order to safeguard the image of the company.
The popular charismatic preacher reportedly died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
A statement announcing his death said the televangelist had been battling with a stroke since October 23, 2021, which eventually led to his demise.
Having been struck by the disease, he is said to have been undergoing a series of medical treatments to facilitate his recovery.
These treatments, the statement said had been keeping him in good shape until it became necessary for him to seek medical Intervention outside the country.
Unfortunately, preparations for his travel were afoot when he finally gave up the ghost.
“Following this impressive improvement in his health conditions, Rev. Boakye resumed his pastoral activities by giving virtual homilies from his base at an undisclosed location on Sundays until he physically appeared in church on New Year’s Eve to lead in the church service himself.
Thereafter, he continued with his physiotherapeutic exercise and had regular audiences with some selected leaders of the church, family members and his legal counsel”, portions of the statement disclosed.
It continued, “On 31st January 2023 his family was compelled to take him back to the hospital when he complained of sharp pains in his left leg.
“It was detected that blood circulation to his left leg was not the best and that there was the need to fly him out of the country to seek further medical care and, if necessary, undergo a surgical operation.
“Preparations were underway to make that journey when he was suddenly taken ill and was rushed to the Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, he gave up the ghost around 2:00 am on Tuesday 21st February 2023”.
A copy of the statement announcing the death of the clergyman
During his lifetime, the clergyman was known for his practical sermons which touched on the need for Christians to lead a holy life while walking in the power of God.
Such messages were emphasised in his virtual and physical Sunday sermons as well as other evangelical programmes which he held across the country.
His trademark delivery in the local Twi dialect also attracted a huge following; leading to the sprouting of branches in Kasoa, the headquarters of the church and beyond.
Reverend Anthony Kwadwo Boakye was also known for his philanthropic gestures which he extended to the poor in society; including bedridden patients, flood victims and other needy individuals.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
“We entreat all members of the church and the general public to keep him in your prayers for God to grant him peaceful repose in the bosom of Abraham, our father in faith.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public in due course”, the statement on his death, which was signed by his legal counsel, Alexander K. K. Abban concluded.
Ghanaian Gospel artist Joe Mettle has spoken out against claims that he wed his wife while she was pregnant, calling the allegations false.
During an interview with Joy Prime’s Joselyn Feli, Mettle revealed that a TV presenter had reported that his wife was pregnant at the time of their wedding and even alleged that some family members had forced him to marry her.
Mettle admitted to almost responding to the accusations, but decided against it to avoid making the situation a bigger issue.
Watch the video below:
The musician wed his wife, Solomey Selasie Dzisa, on August 15th in Tema.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is advocating for a new Constitution that will cap the number of Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs).
According to him, the time is ripe for amendments to be made to the supreme laws of the country in order for them to reflect the ever-changing needs of the contemporary world.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark 30 years of Parliamentary Democracy in Ghana, the Suame legislator said Ghana needs a new constitution that caps the number of ministers, caps the number of seats in Parliament and also makes the Speaker of Parliament an MP.
“The 1992 constitution has no doubt served some good in the last three decades, I must, however, admit that some assumptions underpinning some reformations no longer hold or are not supported by current social-political realities.
“This underlines the calls by various stakeholders for the review of the 1992 Constitution. It is time to re-engineer our constitutional architecture to conform to today’s realities.
“We need a constitutional order that frowns on a winner-takes-all syndrome and promotes collaboration, collectiveness and consensus building,” he said on Wednesday.
“We need a constitutional order that would mitigate the winner takes all attitude and prevent the do-or-die combat associated with our elections. We need a new constitutional order that would prevent the constant increase in the number of seats in Parliament.”
“We need a new constitutional order that would put a cap in the number of ministers of state. We need a new constitutional order that would ensure that the Speaker of Parliament is a serving member of Parliament.”
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, asked both sides of the House to collaborate and work in unison for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has pledged to dedicate the rest of her retirement to doing more public good.
She has said she loves the feedback she received from right-thinking members of society following her decision to join the picketing by her fellow pensioners.
Madam Sophia Akuffo has therefore said she will continue on the same path for the rest of her retirement.
Madam Sophia Akuffo last week joined a group of pensioners to picket at the Finance Ministry, describing the government’s DDEP decision as “inhumane, sheer wickedness, and outright disrespectful.”
Since the success of their protest, the former Chief Justice has assured the country that she will no longer sit quietly and allow the wrong things to happen without being heard or contributing to correcting them.
Madam Sophia Akuffo also revealed she is not a stranger to protesting to push through demands, revealing she joined protests as a young student at the university.
“Nobody can trample on my right to conscience and to speak out. Nobody… As a student, I joined protests, but I didn’t imagine I would join another protest as a pensioner many years later,” she said on UpFront on JoyNews.
She added that she will be using her retirement for more public good and social crusades.
“My time in retirement will be used for more social crusades… I think I like the feedback I received.”
Asked if she has seen insults about her on social media, she said she doesn’t “see what I don’t want to see.”
Sophia Akuffo added that she has been encouraged by the calls she received and that none of them were insulting.
The musicians will be using accessible electronic instruments to perform the new work
Professional disabled and non-disabled classical musicians are teaming up to perform a new work of specially-composed music.
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia are bringing together their inclusive BSO Resound and RNS Moves ensembles.
The musicians will be using accessible electronic instruments to perform the new work.
They will be performed at Lighthouse, Poole, and at Sage Gateshead.
They will utilise the LinnStrument, a MIDI-based device played using touch, and Headspace, which uses head movements and breath to create sound.
Image caption, The BSO Resound ensemble will feature in the upcoming concerts
Clarence Adoo, a former trumpeter who now plays the Headspace instrument, said being involved was “out of this world”.
Mr Adoo was left paralysed from the neck down following a car accident in 1995.
He told the BBC: “I don’t think anybody would have written a fiction book about me coming from intensive care at that level to be good enough to be playing on stage again with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.”
The show will feature a new commission by composer Kate Whitley, as well as Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony.
Image caption, Clarence Adoo is a former trumpeter who now plays the Headspace instrumentImage caption, The LinnStrument will also play a part in the concerts
Ms Whitley said: “It’s been a total pleasure working on this project – it’s an incredible group of musicians and we’ve worked to create the piece together, which has been a really inspiring process.
“I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said Ms Whitley had “devised this brilliant new work, written for the instruments and considerations of the performers”.
He added: “We hope that in setting the foundations for this kind of collaborative project – ones that profile brilliant disabled-led ensembles and performers, and commission more repertoire for them to play – we’ll begin to see greater inclusivity of disabled musicians on stages across the wider sector.”
The ensembles will perform together as part of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on 22 February in Poole, and as part of the Royal Northern Sinfonia on 3 March in Gateshead.
Statistics from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) indicate that a total of 5.7 million malaria cases with 275 deaths were recorded in the country in the year 2021.
Out of the number, children below five years accounted for approximately 1.6 million of the total number of malaria cases with 125 deaths.
This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, at the launch of the expansion of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme in Sunyani. The Minister emphasized the importance of the program due to the significant economic burden malaria places on the country, stressing that more needs to be done to combat the disease.
“5.7 million malaria cases were recorded in the year 2021 out of which 275 deaths were recorded which means that we still have a lot to do when it comes to the fight against malaria”.
He charged all caregivers and parents to take full advantage of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme by availing their eligible children to the Child Health and Nutrition clinics known as Child Welfare Clinics to be vaccinated against this deadly childhood disease.
“Malaria is a deadly disease so all caregivers and parents should try and send their children to CWCs to be vaccinated against malaria”.
The malaria vaccine was introduced into Ghana’s routine vaccination programme in May 2019 for children under 2 years to protect and avert severe malaria-related illnesses and death among children living in highly endemic Regions and Districts.
The malaria vaccine which is safe, effective, and well tolerated is given to children in four doses, starting from six months, then seven months, nine months, and 18 months.
Phase 1 of the exercise was piloted in 42 districts of seven regions; Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Central, Oti Upper East, and Volta Regions.
Phase 2 is the expansion to the additional 51 Districts as a continuation of the pilot implementation.
German language war film All Quiet on the Western Front was the big winner at the Baftas on Sunday night, picking up seven awards andbreaking the record for the most wins for a film not in the English language in the process.
The Banshees of Inisherin and Elvis also enjoyed success with four wins apiece at the event, which was held at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the first time.
But while you may be up to date with who won what, here are eight of the snippets you might have missed from both the ceremony and backstage.
1. Richard E Grant is the next Batman
Well, not exactly. But he did arrive at the venue on the river Thames in the Batmobile, on the advice of Hollywood star Steve Martin no less. However, Grant chose to ignore one other piece of advice from the veteran star – don’t wear white.
In fact, Grant wore white – and then some. Not content with a white tux jacket, he added a dramatic white Dracula-style floor-length cape to make his grand entrance. Sadly, it was discarded way too quickly for our liking but it was fun while it lasted.
Ahead of the event, Grant had promised not to roast any fellow actors and he stayed true to his word although he did reference last year’s infamous Oscars ceremony.
“Nobody on my watch gets slapped tonight – except on the back.”
2. Where was Alison Hammond?
Some viewers on social media thought they would see more of the star alongside Grant – and as this year’s co-hosts they did make a cute couple when they appeared together occasionally throughout the evening.
But the plan was always for the ITV presenter to host a behind-the scenes slot on some posh sofas off-stage (which looked like a slightly more glamorous version of the This Morning set).
Unfortunately, no matter how much she tried, Alison couldn’t persuade Dame Helen Mirren to party with her later. “I have to get up at six o’clock in the morning. I have to fly to Berlin,” the actress explained. No rest for the wicked.
3. Ariana DeBose gave a sisterly shout-out
Last year’s best supporting actress winner Ariana DeBose (for West Side Story) performed a medley including Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves with a rap section naming several of the evening’s female nominees.
Cringe or cool? You decide. Kerry Condon appeared slightly baffled, Danielle Deadwyler looked very surprised, while Emma Thompson and Jamie Lee Curtis seemed to be really getting into it.
4. Kerry Condon couldn’t wait to get back to her seat
This year’s best supporting actress Kerry Condon (for Banshees of Inisherin) said backstage that she had a “blackout, weird moment” when she realised she had won (there was an unfortunate incident when Troy Kotsur’s interpreter accidentally named Carey Mulligan as the winner rather than Condon before it was quickly corrected).
As she was being interviewed by journalists, Condon caught sight of a live TV feed in the corner of the press room and saw Banshees writer and director Martin McDonagh step up to the stage to accept the award for best original screenplay. “Oh, go away! I’m missing it. Hurry up! Should we listen to it for a minute?” Be our guest.
Thankfully, McDonagh paid tribute to her (otherwise, it might have been a tad awkward).
He described her as “the amazing Kerry Condon, who I first worked with on a play at the RSC 21 years ago. And she was amazing in that as she is in this – although more than 12 people got to see this!”
5. Barry Keoghan picked the wrong colour
Condon’s co-star, Barry Keoghan, was equally delighted with his best supporting actor win.
“It encourages the arts at home, we are an island of storytelling. It helps the industry massively at home. I mean, 14 nominations for the Oscars are Irish… and I’m wearing red. Should have worn green!”
He plans to put his Bafta above his late mother’s picture – although he nearly left it in the press room and had to run back for it.
6. Pinocchio has run away again
Guillermo del Toro picked up the best animation prize for his dark adaptation of the classic children’s tale Pinocchio.
“Is Pinocchio with you?” someone asks backstage. “Yes, but he’s getting drunk somewhere!”
While the famous puppet may have gone AWOL, David Bradley – who voices Geppetto – carried a puppet of his character with him. A unique plus one.
And he’s even carrying his own little Bafta!
7. Austin Butler gives a nod to the Irish
The Elvis star winning best actor was something of an upset, with many expecting Colin Farrell to pick up his first Bafta for the Banshees of Inisherin.
But he got back in Ireland’s good books by revealing that “someone told me the other day they thought I was Irish”. (Although he’s still sounding very like Elvis to us).
“Is Butler an Irish surname?” (Sorry, we think it’s Norman French).
On learning that Elvis may (or may not) have had some Irish connections, he was asked if he had felt any Irish connection while filming. “Yeah, it was all I thought about,” he deadpanned.
8. Navalny filmmakers vow to keep name in spotlight
Navalny – a film about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny – won best documentary. The creators lamented his absence and that of investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who could not be at the ceremony due to “a public security risk”.
Activist and journalist Maria Pevchikh said: “The message to the Kremlin is to free Navalny and all political prisoners immediately and stop the war (in Ukraine) immediately.
“Before Navalny went to prison, I promised him that I would spend the time while he was in prison climbing on the highest mountain and shouting and screaming his name and making sure people don’t forget what he has done for my country. I believe that tonight’s stage has been a pretty high mountain.”
London Fashion Week winds up on Tuesday after showcasing the best of British design, and more besides.
Star names including Julien Macdonald and Christopher Kane drew big crowds, but Daniel Lee’s debut collection for Burberry was probably the most hotly anticipated.
As usual, the front rows were filled with celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Harris, FKA Twigs and Poppy Delevingne.
We have picked some of the most striking looks.
Image caption, Pharrell Williams rocked up to Moncler’s show in keeping with the theme of his installation for the event, which was inspired by glampingImage caption, Justin Bieber was another attendee at the Moncler show. The brand is known for its puffer jackets and has collaborated with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Adidas Originals.Image caption, Winnie Harlow modelled a cut-out corset with full-length cape for Julien Macdonald (with a feathery collar – Julien loves a feather)Image caption, Christopher Kane didn’t disappoint with some highly structured dresses in various colours and fabrics, with a focus on the necklineImage caption, Jourdan Dunn and Victoria Beckham were on the front row of the Supriya Lele showImage caption, Do these trousers look familiar? This was Harri’s show, the designer behind Sam Smith’s eye-catching outfit at the Brit awards earlier this monthImage caption, Harri had more up his sleeve however, with this mustard knit teamed with a voluminous black headdressImage caption, The Telegraph’s fashion director Lisa Armstrong said Daniel Lee’s first Burberry show was “bold, bright and unlike any previous incarnation” of the brand.Image caption, Ukrainian designers Ksenia Schnaider, Ivan Frolov and Julie Paskal walked the catwalk with a Ukrainian flag bearing the name of President Zelensky’s campaign United 24Image caption, FKA Twigs sported a satin and tulle tiered dress by Simone Rocha at the designer’s show on Sunday, teaming it with a pair of white platform trainersImage caption, Emily Wickstead’s designs included glamorous red carpet dresses, such as this one, alongside oversized winter coats and checked 60s-inspired designsImage caption, YouTuber and Junior Great British Bake Off winner Nikki Lilly wore this Victorian-style ensemble for the Oxfam show
It’s a question that people in the industry have been arguing over for some time, with passionate views on both sides.
And there’s nothing like a shiny new piece of kit to rekindle the debate.
With the release of PlayStation VR2, one of gaming’s biggest players is saying that virtual reality will have a significant part to play in the industry for years to come.
Some thought Sony might abandon their virtual reality experiment after a failure to invest in many blockbuster VR games, suggesting a lack of belief in their first foray into this space.
I found the original PlayStation VR to be uncomfortable, clunky and a cable-tidier’s worst nightmare.
Released in 2016, it gave players some genuine moments of joy, creating broad smiles when playing Tetris Effect for the first time. Resident Evil 7, experienced via the headset, is hands-down the most scary and traumatising gaming experience of my life.
But those memorable moments were few and far between. A lack of truly must-play games, especially ones exclusive to the device, was a problem that never got solved. Despite that, a reported five million units were sold worldwide.
Image caption, Jordan Middler says that Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a “beautiful” virtual reality experience, but argues that there needs to be more like it on the platform
The PS VR2 is an undoubtedly slicker, lighter, and more comfortable experience than its predecessor. It’s looking to sandwich itself in the middle of an increasingly crowded VR marketplace.
You’ll need a PlayStation 5 already to use it. If you do own one, then it’s a virtual reality gaming option that is not as expensive as the high-end Valve Index (which requires a top-drawer PC to run). Yet it still offers technical performance that is more impressive than cheaper options like the Meta Quest 2 (which costs about £400).
So does its release help answer the question that has followed gaming around since Nintendo’s Virtual Boy came out back in 1995? Is this what all gaming will look like in future?
Games journalist Jordan Middler from Videogames Chronicle (VGC) spent time with the device ahead of its release.
He says he’s always wanted a better experience from VR than its been able to provide.
“From a hardware perspective it’s incredible, a really impressive headset,” he begins.
“The price (£529) might put some people off because it’s actually more than the PS5 console itself, but for the graphical power you’re getting in that headset, it’s more affordable than its PC equivalents.”
Last month Sony denied reports that it had significantly reduced the sales projections for the headset because of a disappointing number of pre-orders. It was claimed that the company expected to sell 1.5 million devices by March 2024 rather than two million.
As impressed as he is with the headset, Middler is worried that the same complaint which has dogged VR gaming from the beginning still applies now – what will people play? There’s a lack of unique experiences available for the device he says.
“You’re only really getting Horizon: Call of the Mountain as a true PS VR2 exclusive.
“Where are all the other big Sony titles that make the PlayStation itself so popular? Where’s the Spiderman VR game or a Last of Us VR experience?”
A lack of so-called “system-sellers”, titles so good they encourage people to buy new hardware just to play a particular game, is a criticism that is often aimed at many virtual reality devices.
Image caption, The majority of the games available on the PS VR2, like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, are also available on other VR headsets
If the majority of the titles playable on the PS VR2 at the moment are also available on other headsets, why would players choose it over the rest?
“There’s not much coming down the track either,” says Middler.
For now, Sony is relying on their Horizon series VR tie-in to do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Horizon: Call of the Mountain may be the only significant exclusive title at launch but Middler says he is very impressed with the game, describing it as “absolutely beautiful”.
The release sees you climbing up mountains and hunting with a bow and arrow in a post-apocalyptic world made famous by the character Aloy back in 2017.
“I was shocked and a little embarrassed at how quickly the game had me tensing my arms and starting to feel achy about going up a virtual mountain!” he laughs.
“It captures the scale of the machines that call this place home in a way that is comparable to scenes in Jurassic Park. There are moments when you go under a Tall Neck, which is a massive kind of mechanical giraffe, and the game really tricks your brain to make you think you’re in that world.
“The gameplay backs it up as well – this isn’t just a theme park experience.”
Image caption, Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a spin-off of the Horizon series in which the player becomes a disgraced former soldier
Games for the original PlayStation VR are not compatible with its new sibling at the moment. This means that players who have built up a library of games for that device will need to start again if they choose to upgrade to a PS VR2, or wait to see if a solution is offered.
It’s part of the the reason why Middler thinks this is a headset that will attract “the hardest of the hard-core players” who truly believe virtual reality gaming is the future.
He argues that players will have to have a “lot of faith in PlayStation” to invest time and money in making more games, given the way that the previous iteration was “abandoned” towards the end of its time.
The PS VR2 has lots of positives but poses lots of questions, too – it’s a microcosm of the virtual reality gaming experience to date.
This device does not provide any definitive answers, so the role of VR in the future of gaming is likely to be a topic of conversation for those in the industry for some time to come.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has descended heavily on Nana Baffour Owusu, one of his sub-chiefs who is in charge of Bantama.
Otumfuo expressed worry about the activities of Bantamahene, which he said disgraces him as the overlord of the Asante Kingdom and the traditional stool that Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI occupies.
Bantamahene appeared on February 20, 2023, before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) over double sales of land to one Mr. Amponsah and a church, creating confusion between the two.
After resolving the land dispute between Bantamahene and the parties involved, Otumfuo directed Bantamhene to release all documents on the land to one Mr. Amponsah, whom he first sold the land to, and again directed him to return the money he took from the church within 14 days, as he promised before the traditional council.
Otumfuo further instructed Bantamahene to ensure that by 10 a.m. on February 21, 2023, all documentation on the land should be released to Mr. Amponsah.
Otumfuo, who did not mince words with Bantamahene, said, “Baffour, with the stature of the stool you occupy, if such cases come before me, it means you are disgracing me. This is not the first and second time, Baffour, be careful. If you don’t repent you will supervise your own destoolment; tomorrow I will not forget to dismiss you. Bantamahene don’t deserve this prosecution. You are lowering the stature of the Bantama stool.”
“Baffour, what are you looking for in this world, how much debt do you owe for this too much rush for money, why ? Because of your father, you are making things very difficult for me,” Otumfuo stressed in anger.
Otumfuo further stated that “this is the same way your elder brother came to disturb me until his demise; you are also repeating the same. You are making me regret something. This is not how your father managed things when he became the Bantamahene. Your father was never petitioned before the Kumasi Traditional Council but why always you? So I gave you the inheritance because I knew you would walk in the path of your father. Now look at what you are doing. As we are speaking, there’s another pending charge against you now: on land, you used my name and sold it out.”
Otumfuo stated that Bantamahene doesn’t know the value of the Bantama stool he occupies.
“The stool you sit on as Bantamahene you don’t understand the meaning and the value. If you don’t take care, the stool will sack you. You lose your reputation any time you appear before the traditional council for such wrongdoing.”
When their car broke down on the M61 on January 5, Constance Marten, 35, and her partner Mark Gordon, 48, have been living “off the grid.”
After reportedly purchasing camping supplies from an Argos in London, they are supposedly sleeping outside.
After doing his time for beating and raping a lady in her 20s in Florida when he was only 14, Gordon was deported.
A £10,000 reward is currently in place for information that might help find the missing pair and their new-born baby.
Her mother, Virginie de Selliers pledged to stand by Constance and her grandchild earlier this month, telling her: ‘You are not alone in this situation. We will support you in whatever way we can.’
Constance’s mum previously penned an emotional letter to her daughter
Napier Marten, 63, believes looking into the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in Lagos, may provide answers about where his daughter is.
Constance spent six months at the ‘cult’ in 2006 and 2007 and was reportedly traumatised throughout her time there.
Police have said they have spent more than 630 hours scouring CCTV footage for the family, and are now issuing a fresh appeal for information.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford of the Met’s East Area Command said: ‘My officers and I remain absolutely committed to finding Constance, Mark and their newborn baby.
The family was seen outside an Argos in Whitechapel Road, London on January 7The couple routinely cover their faces when nearby CCTV cameras
‘We’ve been working around the clock behind the scenes and we’ve viewed more than 630 hours of CCTV as part of our efforts to find them.
‘Information from the public has been vital to our investigation and we have received more than 350 calls to our dedicated incident room – thank you to everyone who has made contact with us so far, we are so grateful to you.
‘While sadly these calls have not yet led to the couple and their baby being found, it could take just that one call into us with the right information, at the right time, to help us find the family and make sure they are okay.
‘We are continuing to offer a reward of up to £10,000 for any information that leads to the family being found.
Constance and her partner were last seen on CCTV in east London last month (Credits: PA)Grainy footage from Brick Lane (Picture: Met Police/SWNS)Gordon is a convicted rapist (Picture: Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
‘So please, if you have information and have not yet come forward or if you think you have seen them, please contact the incident room without delay.
‘Please only call 999 if you are with them or can see them at the time, otherwise call the incident room number.
‘They could be absolutely anywhere in the UK, so we need everyone to remain vigilant.
‘When they were last sighted on 8 January they were in the possession of a blue two-man tent, so please keep your eyes peeled, especially while you are out and about in waste ground or beauty spots, or while you’re walking the dog.
‘Please be mindful that they might not always be out and about together. It could be that you just see Constance or Mark out by themselves getting supplies while the other is wherever they are staying with the baby.
‘I would like to stress that we are not doing this and putting so many resources and efforts into finding the family just to be awkward or to interfere.
‘We have a genuine concern for the health and wellbeing of the baby, and Constance and Mark, and it our duty to ensure that they are okay.’
Anyone who has information on the family’s whereabouts should call the incident room on 020 7175 0785.
Rowling said she had received “direct threats of violence” as a result of her stance
JK Rowling has said she isn’t concerned about how the backlash to her position on transgender issues will affect her legacy, and that anyone who thinks she is has “profoundly” misunderstood her.
The Harry Potter author has been called transphobic for her views on gender identity and the question of allowing trans women into women-only spaces.
Speaking in a new podcast, Rowling said she “never meant to upset anyone”.
“However, I was not uncomfortable with getting off my pedestal.”
Referring to fans who claim she has “ruined” her legacy, Rowling said they “could not have misunderstood me more profoundly”.
“I do not walk around my house thinking about my legacy,” she continued.
“What a pompous way to live your life, walking around thinking, what will my legacy be? Whatever, I’ll be dead. I care about now. I care about the living.”
Threats of violence
Rowling has attracted extensive criticism for a series of comments voicing concerns about how trans issues affect women’s rights, and her opposition to Scotland’s gender recognition bill.
In an essay on her website in 2020, she wrote: “When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman… you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside.”
Her position has been interpreted by some as transphobic, leading to calls for a boycott of the Harry Potter franchise, ranging from its books and movies to the blockbuster video game Hogwarts Legacy.
Harry Potter movie actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have criticised Rowling’s comments.
Ralph Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, came to the author’s defence, calling the abuse she has received “disgusting” and “appalling”.
She has denied being transphobic, saying she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them” and that she wants trans people to be free from discrimination and abuse.
Stars including Eddie Izzard and Helena Bonham Carter have also said they do not consider Rowling’s views to be transphobic, but reflective of her own experience of abuse.
Image caption, Daniel Radcliffe is among the stars who has distanced himself from JK Rowling
In the podcast, titled The Witch Trials of JK Rowling, the author said she had also received “direct threats of violence” as a result of her stance.
“I have had people coming to my house where my kids live, and I’ve had my address posted online. I’ve had what the police, anyway, would regard as credible threats.”
Rowling later said many questions do not necessarily have clear-cut answers.
“There is a huge appeal, and I try to show this in the Potter books, to black and white thinking.
“It’s the easiest place to be and in many ways it’s the safest place to be. If you take an all-or-nothing position on anything, you will definitely find comrades, you will easily find a community. ‘I’ve sworn allegiance to this one simple idea.’
“What I’ve tried to show in the Potter books, and what I feel strongly myself, is that we should mistrust ourselves most when we are certain.”
The Witch Trials of JK Rowling is a seven-part series presented by Megan Phelps-Roper, who was raised for 26 years in the extremist Westboro Baptist Church, before escaping in 2012.
The first two episodes, released on Tuesday, attempt to draw parallels between the Christian fundamentalists who sought to ban the Harry Potter books in the early 2000s, and the activists who are criticising Rowling today.
Asked about the protesters who burned her books in the early 2000s, claiming they promoted witchcraft, Rowling said: “Book burners, by definition, have placed themselves across a line of rational debate.
“There is no book on this planet that I would burn, including books that I do think are damaging. Burning, to me, is the last resort of people who cannot argue.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly dismissed claims they were planning to sue the creators of cartoon comedy South Park.
An episode titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour features two characters who bear a resemblance to Harry and Meghan, embarking on a tour across the world demanding their privacy.
The couple’s spokesperson told People: “It’s all frankly nonsense. Totally baseless, boring reports.”
The 22-minute episode aired last week.
Centred around a red-headed character and his wife who relocate to South Park, Colorado, the “Prince of Canada” is seen promoting his book around the world.
Stan Marsh, one of the show’s main characters, refers to the fictional couple as the “dumb prince and his stupid wife”.
Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park first premiered on Comedy Central in 1997 and has often featured characters who bear a resemblance to famous faces.
The animated series begins every episode with a disclaimer saying that all its characters are fictional.
However, while Harry and Meghan’s names are never mentioned in the episode, the fictional Prince of Canada’s book appears to be a reference to Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, which was released at the beginning of the year.
Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK since records began in 1998. It sold 467,183 copies in its first week, according to official figures from Nielsen BookData.
The book outlines highly personal grievances and bitterness in the Royal Family, such as a claim he and Prince William urged their father not to marry Camilla.
It also provides behind-the-scenes details of the conflict he had with his brother, Prince William, the heir to the throne.
Harry sat down with UK and US broadcasters to promote the book, with CBS describing their interview with the royal as “explosive”.
Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, has asked the two contenders of former President John Dramani Mahama, to give up on their hopes to lead the NDC party, since Mr Mahama will win the Presidential Primaries hands down.
He says Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and Kojo Bonsu to stop attempting to compete against John Dramani Mahama for the flagbearership position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He explained that their competition is not what is important especially when the focus should be on how to give Ghana a better government and leaders.
Speaking with Oyerepa TV in an interview, the MP stated that the two other candidates are people who have contributed immensely to the development of the NDC but unfortunately, the flagbearer position is not one for them.
“They should stop it. They should let us focus on rescuing this country with John Mahama. They are people who have worked tirelessly and so hard for this country, especially Dr. Kwabena Duffuor; no one can write away the contribution he has made to the development of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojo Bonsu did a fantastic job when he was Mayor of Kumasi.
“He has been one of our branding gurus when it comes to party marketing and all of that, but this is not for them. They should just stop it, with all due respect, they should stop it and let’s focus on what is meaningful and what is feasible,” he stated.
The NDC announced the opening of nominations for presidential and parliamentary primaries from Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
According to a statement from the party, effective midnight of February 22, 2023, “nomination forms for parliamentary candidates will be accessible to all persons for purchase on the official website of the party; https://www.ghanandc.com.
“Nomination forms for presidential aspirants can be obtained from the Office of the General Secretary at the party’s headquarters at Adabraka, Accra, effective 8am tomorrow.”
Following a request for her to speak more quietly on the phone, a woman threatened to kill her neighbour. On September 7, 2020, Gabriella Batchelor, age 23, picked up the phone late at night while she was at her mother’s house in Belsize Avenue, Peterborough. Thank you Google
The neighbour on Belsize Avenue, Peterborough, was threatened by Gabriella Batchelor, 23.
When urged to speak more quietly on the phone, the neighbouring woman threatened to kill him and burn down his home.
On September 7, 2020, at around 1:00 a.m., Gabriella Batchelor, 23, started talking loudly at her mother’s house in Peterborough.
Her next-door neighbour tried to quiet her down by banging on the wall because she was speaking so loudly.
But minutes later, Batchelor had made her way to his front door with a kitchen knife, and started banging and shouting abuse.
She threatened to burn the house down and set fire to the cars outside, and shouted: ‘I am going to kill you, I am going to kill your family.’
Batchelor went back inside after her tirade of abuse, but the police arrived shortly afterwards.
She refused to let them inside the house, but they forced entry, arrested her and found the knife hidden under a pillow.
Gabriella Batchelor hid a knife under her pillow when police came knocking on her door
Batchelor pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and having a knife in public at Peterborough Crown Court.
She avoided jail with a 12-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was handed a 12-month community order and two-year restraining order.
PC Katie Brown said: ‘Batchelor’s threatening behaviour was completely unacceptable.
‘No one should feel scared or at risk in their own home and this type of abuse will not be tolerated.’
Two tippers were involved in an accident on Wednesday.
A loud noise like an explosion was heard in the early hours of Wednesday at Bankyim a suburb of Tarkwa which was the result of two tipper trucks involved in an accident where one person was severely injured.
One of the tipper trucks with registration number GN 2106-22 belonging to Western Transport Services, Tarkwa was conveying manganese from Nsuta to Takoradi while the other truck with registration number GN-8954-18 was heading towards Tarkwa from Takoradi when the accident happened.
The truck belonging to Western Transport was heavily destroyed with blood spilling on the road.
In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent, the driver heading towards Tarkwa, Nicholas Agyemang, said upon reaching Bankyim, near Tarkwa he realized that the driver of the Western Transport truck was veering off the road towards him.
“I, therefore, decided to give him way by moving to the shoulder of the road towards the gutter, but he still came close and crushed into the bucket of my car. I suspect he was dozing off while driving that is how come this happened,” he added.
A resident of Bankyim, Stephen Koffie noted that “it was the fault of the driver from Nsuta because he was sleeping at the same time while carrying heavy loads from Nsuta.
The driver was trapped in the car so the fire service had to cut and remove him from the car, we are even praying to God that he would not die because his leg was trapped in the car,” he narrated.
He explained that most of the time, accidents happen on that stretch, and need the attention of authorities construct speed humps there in order to reduce the rate of accidents there.
Another resident, Bright recalled another incident that happened around the same place where a truck went into a drug store and destroyed other stores and property.
Two prominent members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have declared their intentions to contest in the upcoming Presidential primaries will file their nominations on Thursday, February 23, 2023.
The two are; Former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor and former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu.
This, was revealed by the Chairman of the Internal Elections Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Kakra Essamuah, who shared the itinerary for Thursday, February 23.
Dr Kwabena Duffuor is expected to pick his form first in the morning then later Kojo Bonsu.
On Wednesday morning, Joshua Alabi picked up the forms on behalf of the former president, including those of the national chairmen of various regions.
This was barely 24 hours after he declared his intention to run for president in the 2024 general election on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Mahama made the formal announcement when he met with the Minority caucus at his Cantonment office on Tuesday.
Joshua Alabi presented a Cheque of GHc30,000 as a nomination fee.
He expected to pay an amount of GHC500,000 as filing fee.
The election is expected to take off on May 13 in various constituencies across the country.
A lady who allegedly endured domestic abuse and died after her alleged attacker was granted bail has been the subject of allegations of gross misconduct against a Lancashire Police officer.
After leaving her nine-month-old daughter with a friend in July of last year, 23-year-old Kiena Dawes was struck by a train close to Garstang.
According to her family, she killed herself after being beaten up repeatedly and feeling “let down” by the police.
She was allegedly attacked after police put panic alarms in her home in one occasion.
She was so terrified of further violence that she also wore an alarm around ner neck.
The 28-year-old man released from custody had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting Kiena 11 days before she died, Lancashire Police said.
The misconduct investigation will focus on the decision to bail the suspect, the force added.
Kiena left a suicide note reading ‘I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster,’ according to The Sun.
The 28-year-old left her daughter Marnie with a friend before she went missing (Picture: SWNS)
Her brother Kynan, 30, told the newspaper: ‘She felt the police weren’t doing anything to help her despite countless reports of domestic violence.
‘When we found her note we knew it was a race against time. We rang police straight away.
‘We told them the car make and model, the registration plate and where the car had gone from.
‘All they had to do was go on the ANPR cameras. She was clearly a high-risk missing person but they didn’t prioritise her case. They didn’t do anything.’
Kiena allegedly left a note saying she wished police had ‘acted faster’ (Picture: SWNS)
An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘Our investigation into prior contact between Lancashire Constabulary and Kiena Dawes, before her death on July 22, 2022 continues.
‘We have been looking at the police response when Miss Dawes was reported missing, as well as reports that she had been the victim of assaults.
‘Having obtained and reviewed a number of statements from witnesses, to understand the nature of the contact between officers and Miss Dawes, an officer has been served notice for gross misconduct in relation to their actions leading up to a man being released on bail earlier in July last year.
‘This does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow.
‘Our thoughts remain with Miss Dawes’ loved ones and all those affected by her death.’
The mystery device was found on Tuesday by a local woman who reported it to the police after finding it washed ashore on Enshu Beach in Hamamatsu City.
The area was quickly sealed off, and explosive specialists wearing protective gear were summoned in to conduct additional investigation. Nevertheless, other than determining that the object was not hazardous, police are still unsure of what the sphere is or where it originated from.
According to local media, the object is around 1.5 metres in diameter and appears to be rusted, which suggests it may be made out of iron.
The mysterious sphere has baffled locals since it appeared on a Japanese beach on Tuesday (Picture: NHK)
It is also equipped with a series of metallic handles which would allow it to be hooked onto something else, and following a series of X-ray scans was confirmed to be completely hollow.
But despite attracting significant public attention amid a wave of renewed interest in UFOs, not everyone has been impressed by the appearance of the sphere.
Speaking to public broadcaster NHK, one local man who regularly runs on the beach said he did not understand why the ball had suddenly become the centre of attention.
‘It’s been there for a month,’ he told the outlet. ‘I tried to push it, but it wouldn’t budge.’
But although the object’s origins have prompted plenty of speculation given the recent emergence of spy balloons from China, the object the ball most closely resembles is a mooring buoy, which are typically used as an alternative to anchors.
The news comes after American fighter jets shot down a number of ‘unidentified objects’ spotted in US and Canadian airspace over the past month.
Caption: Mysterious iron ball has washed up on Japanese beach
President Biden revealed earlier last week that the objects shot down were in fact most likely humdrum research balloons.
‘We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were but nothing right now suggests they were related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country,’ Mr Biden said.
China has also claimed that the alleged spy balloon was merely meant for civilian research.
A British woman who mistakenly drinking local spirit thinking it was alcohol died in Bali, according to the coroner.
UK citizen Kirsty McKie, 38, managed a flourishing ceramics business while residing and working in Bali.
But after consuming the toxic substance on July 22 last year she soon became ill and was rushed to hospital, where she died from methanol poisoning two days later.
Following an inquest into her death, Coroner Alison Mutch has urged the UK government to launch a publicity campaign to warn Britons of the dangers of cheap spirit drinks which can be found in Indonesia and parts of south-east Asia.
Kirsty was a UK national who lived and worked in Bali (Picture: Getty)
Methanol is a chemically simple version of alcohol that can often be found in bootleg spirits. It can cause nausea, blindness, and death if consumed.
Ms Mutch, the Senior Coroner for Greater Manchester South, concluded the inquest in Ms McKie’s death in January, and has now published her findings in a report aimed at preventing future deaths.
A copy of the report has also been forwarded to foreign secretary James Cleverley for further consideration.
‘On 22nd July 2022 [Kirsty] consumed what she believed to be alcohol,’ the report read.
‘The following day she felt unwell.’
‘She went to a hospital in Bali where she deteriorated and died on the 24th July 2022 despite treatment.
‘Post-mortem examination included toxicology. It was found that she had methanol in her system which had caused her death.
She fell ill after drinking a toxic local spirit made with methanol and passed away in hospital two days later (Picture: Twitter)
‘Methanol is not meant for human consumption. She had inadvertently consumed methanol believing she had consumed alcohol.
‘The methanol had been sold as being alcohol fit for human consumption when it was not and caused her death.’
Elsewhere in the report Ms Mutch noted the poor levels of knowledge relayed to the British public about this issue.
She suggested the government follow Australia’s example, which had launched a public health campaign aimed at educating tourists travelling in areas of Asia such as Bali about the dangers of cheap local spirits.
‘Knowledge of the problem amongst the expatriate/tourist community was very low despite the increase in the problem and the catastrophic consequences of methanol consumption,’ she added.
‘The UK Government publicising information about the risk of methanol being used in local spirits, steps that could be taken by UK nationals travelling to reduce the risk and warning signs of methanol toxicity would help to reduce the chance of others dying in the way in which Kirsty McKie died.’
In the wake of Ms McKie’s death, friends held a fundraiser in her honour for an animal welfare charity, and paid tribute to a ‘truly remarkable and unforgettable woman who left us too soon’.
‘This vote shows, without a shadow of a doubt, the strength of feeling among most of England’s junior doctors,’ it said of the record 77% turnout.
‘We are frustrated, in despair and angry and we have voted in our thousands to say, “In the name of our profession, our patients, and our NHS, doctors won’t take it anymore”.
‘The government has only itself to blame, standing by in silent indifference as our members are forced to take this difficult decision.’
It wants a rise to match what it calls a real-terms 26% pay cut since 2008. It called this year’s 2% offer amid 10% inflation ‘insulting’.
Mr Barclay said the vote was ‘deeply disappointing’ with pay up 8.2% since 2019, a new band for the most experienced, and higher night shift pay.
‘I’ve met with the BMA and medical unions to discuss what is fair and affordable, as well as concerns around conditions and workload,’ he added.
MORE : When is the junior doctors strike and why are they walking out?
Junior doctors start on £29,384 but with extra payments can earn £40,697. By the end of training, pay is between £58,398 and £80,881.
The result came as ambulance staff walked out yesterday in their lengthy pay and staffing dispute. Nurses strike for 48 hours in England next week.
BMA members who cast ballots supported their first move since
According to reports, the 16-year-old student took the knife out of their bag before stabbing the instructor in the middle of a lecture.
The attack happened at a private school in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, near Bordeaux (Picture: Metro.co.uk)Police outside the private Catholic school (Picture: AP)Police rushed to the scene this morning (Picture: AFP)
While the motive is yet to be established, LeMonde reported they may have been suffering from mental health issues.
Neither the attacker, nor the victim have been named by authorities.
Pap Ndiaye, the French education minister, confirmed he was on his way to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
He said in a statement on Twitter: ‘Immense emotion following the death today of a teacher at Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin high school in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
‘My thoughts go to their family, colleagues and students.’
Pyrénées-Atlantiques senator Frédérique Espagnac said she ‘totally condemns this act of violence against a teacher’.
Meanwhile, local prosecutor Jerome Bourrier confirmed a murder enquiry has been opened.
French government spokesperson, Olivier Véran, told reporters during a press conference the government would support educators across the country in the wake of the incident.
‘I can hardly imagine the trauma that this can represent,’ he said.
A huge search was later launched when Nicola went missing on the morning of January 27.
Following a three-week hunt, her body was found on the banks of the River Wyre on Sunday.
Mid-way through the search, Lancashire Police revealed a welfare check had been made after ‘some significant issues with alcohol which were brought on by Nicola’s ongoing struggles with the menopause’ resurfaced.
Critics blasted them for releasing personal details, warning it may encourage victim blaming.
Family of Nicola Bulley release statement after her body is found
The mum’s body was found on Sunday The probe will look into contact that the force had with the mortgage advisor on January 10 (Picture: Chris Furlong)
In a heartbreaking statement after Nicola’s body was found, her family said their ‘worst fears had been confirmed’.
‘We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us,’ they said.
‘We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.’
Making the announcement today, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesman said: ‘Following a referral by Lancashire Constabulary on Thursday, we have started an independent investigation regarding contact the force had with Nicola Bulley on January 10 2023.
‘We were notified by the force that an officer attended the family home on that date as part of a welfare check.
‘Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley’s family and friends, and all of those affected by her death. Our investigation is in its very early stages.’
It comes after media watchdog Ofcom wrote to Sky News and ITV ‘to ask them to explain their actions’ after Nicola’s family said they had intruded on their grief when they asked for privacy.
Nollywood actress Ini Edo has recently shared her views on body enhancements and cosmetic surgeries for women.
In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, the star of “Shanty Town,” who is rumoured to have had cosmetic surgery, discussed the topic and the people who criticize women who have these procedures.
When asked about her thoughts on women altering their bodies and having cosmetic procedures, as well as her views on people who body shame women for having these procedures, Ini Edo responded by saying that nobody has the right to judge anyone else.
“I mean, I just feel like nobody who sits around judging people has a right to tell anybody how to live their lives or who to be or who not to be. It’s not your place. You don’t have that right.
“And so for me, I say to people who do that, I’m like, you, first of all, have to be able to dictate the pace of your life to be able to dictate somebody else’s pace. It makes no sense that you have no control over your own life and you’re trying to think that it’s okay to have control over somebody else’s life, it doesn’t make any sense. And I say to women, you be your own person,” she said.
She also believes no one has the right to tell another person how to live their life or how they should look, while encouraging women to make choices and be confident in their decisions.
Furthermore, she considers it important for women to be themselves, make their own choices, and live with the consequences of their actions.
“You make your own choices and live with the consequences of your choices, and your actions. So it’s not anybody’s place to dictate to a woman how she should look. If she should be fat, if she should be slim, if she should be thick. You make your own choices and live with the consequences of your choices, and actions. So it’s not anybody’s place to dictate to a woman how she should look. If she should be fat if she should be slim if she should be thick.
“And especially in this kind of industry where we are in, I remember there was a time when people used to say to me, “oh you added so much weight, you should lose weight”, you know, people begin to put all those crazy ideas in your head and if you as a woman, you allow it, it forms an expression. Some people fall into places where they start to doubt themselves and their self-confidence begins to dwindle because of the constant negatives that you’re hearing,” he added.
Ini also advised women to be confident and not let them affect their self-esteem while noting that it is entirely up to an individual to decide how they want to look and to do what works best for them.
In her opinion, it’s important to live with the consequences of one’s actions and make decisions based on one’s best interests.
“But you need to grow to a point where you realize that it is your body, it is your life, nobody else has the right to tell you to do this or don’t do this. It is your right to say this is what I want to look like, this is how I want to look. Do whatever works for you as long as you’re able to live with the consequences of your actions, it is entirely your prerogative!” he expressed.
The mayor of Kyiv and former world boxing champion urged people not to ignore the situation in his nation during an interview with Canadian news outlet CTV.
Just keep in mind that we are discussing nuclear weapons, he said.
‘An explosion could touch everyone on our planet, and that is why we have to do everything we can to stop this war.’
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has said the UK ‘stands ready’ to support allies who can provide Ukraine with fighter jets.
The UK has refused to commit to handing RAF jets to President Zelensky’s forces, with the Prime Minister only saying he has not ruled it out.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko (L) and his brother Wladimir Klitschko (Picture: EPA)
But Mr Sunak said he would back nations who are in a position to supply war planes with immediate effect to Ukraine.
He told broadcasters in Germany: ‘We will happily provide assistance to any country that is able to provide Ukraine with fighter jets right now.
‘The UK stands ready to support those countries as well.’
Downing Street used a visit by Mr Zelensky to Britain last week to announce the Ministry of Defence would train Ukrainian pilots on Nato-standard aircraft.
Despite No 10 opening the door to potentially sending jets to Kyiv, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said the move could be years away, if it happens at all.
Rishi Sunak spent the weekend pledging his support for Ukraine (Picture: Reuters)
Some experts have suggested RAF aircraft are ill-equipped for the warfare in Eastern Europe. And any deal would also have to be signed off by other countries.
Polish aircraft, more similar to Ukrainian jets, could be used in combat sooner than British planes.
Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki said he wanted to discuss transferring its Soviet-era MiG fighter jets, as part of a wider coalition led by the US.
Mr Sunak, asked whether he had spoken to Mr Morawiecki about providing his MiGs to Ukraine, said: ‘What I’ve done is said to all allies that we stand ready to support them if they can provide fighter jets for Ukraine now.’
Ghanaian musician, Fameye has released a new single dubbed ‘Questions’, that has had people in their feels about life and death.
Death they say is a part of life and is inevitable no matter who you are or what you achieve in this life. Death they also say, hardly gives notice before it strikes.
Fameye, also known as Peter, in his new song has posed some thoughtful questions that we intrinsically have to ask ourselves.
In the song, he questions how we really go about this life, do we take life slow or fast? According to him, in the end, all we have to do is cherish life and do what we can before it’s time.
The song was released on the 22nd of February 2023 not long after the country lost a gem, Black Stars player Christian Atsu in an earthquake in Turkey.
This happening has taken everyone by surprise and Fameye’s ‘Questions’ has us reflecting on the meaning of life and death.
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has gifted a tricycle (keke) driver N1 million for being his die-hard fan.
This was after a passenger recorded a video of his tricycle filled with different pictures of Davido.
The said video hit the internet and drew the attention of the singer after blogger, Tunde Ednut shared it on his Instagram page.
Upon sighting the video,Davido offered to bless the fan with a whopping N1 million.
Tunde Ednut followed up on the fan and asked Nigerians to help locate him, upon Davido request.
With the help of social media, the young man, identified as Musa has been found and given the N1 million as promised.
A video of the fan was shared where he confirmed receiving the money and thanked Davido for his love and generosity.
Tunde Ednut wrote;
“CONGRATULATIONS TO A NEW MILLIONAIRE!!! Davido has sent him the N1,000,000. THE POWER OF THIS OUR TEAMTundeEdnut PAGE. THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA!!! Thanks @iamspiderrider for finding him for us Oo! DROP THAT LOVE EMOJI ONCE MORE FOR DAVIDO. Thank you so much 001 @davido.” Tunde Ednut wrote.
Ghanaian journalist Serwaa Amihere has spoken out against a disturbing trend that has been observed in some schools in Ghana.
According to Amihere in a Twitter trend, some teachers have been recording their interactions with students and posting them on social media for likes and engagements.
“Recently, there is a practice where some teachers in schools in Ghana, record an interaction between their pupils and put it on social media for likes and engagements,” she disclosed.
Amihere also expressed her concern that these videos often make a mockery of these children although it might have been well-intentioned to highlight the challenges that schoolchildren face in accessing education and seeking help.
Recently, there is a practice where some teachers in schools in Ghana, record an interaction between their pupils and put it on social media for likes and engagements..1/4
“If such videos were highlighting the challenges these school children go through to access education and seek help for them, I wouldn’t have a problem. However, these videos make mockery of these kids who either struggle to express themselves in English or other areas,” the TV anchor said.
If such videos were highlighting the challenges these school children go through to access education and seek help for them, I wouldn't have a problem However, these videos make mockery of these kids who either struggle to express themselves in English or other areas .. 2/4
She has, therefore, called on the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take immediate action to end this practice by some teachers.
I entreat the Ministry of Education and GES to end this practice by some teachers because it is not right and can destroy the confidence of the kids 3/4
The broadcaster explained that the act is not right and can destroy the confidence of the kids while warning that the digital footprints such videos leave behind could have long-lasting effects on these children, and she urged the public to come together with a common voice to end this.
The digital footprints such videos will leave will go a long way to hurt some of these kids and we need to come together with a common voice to end this
The media personality called for the end of the practice while adding that education is a fundamental human right, and every child should have the opportunity to learn without fear of being ridiculed or shamed.
“I entreat the Ministry of Education and GES to end this practice by some teachers because it is not right and can destroy the confidence of the kids
“The digital footprints such videos will leave will go a long way to hurt some of these kids, and we need to come together with a common voice to end this and let us protect our kids,” she stated.
State-run RIA Novosti news agency said the outage was caused by a distributed denial of service attack.
Radio Mayak – also blocked – said the web channels were hit by hackers.
Before the speech started, state TV broadcast a segment showing technical preparations, saying the live stream would be carried across all major networks.
In his rambling address to the country, Putin claimed he ‘didn’t start the war’, referring to it as a ‘special military operation’.
He claimed Ukrainians have been waiting for his troops to ‘come to their help’ and that the West released a ‘genie in a bottle.’
The screen announced ‘Mistake 500’ (Picture: RossiyaTV/e2w)Putin said the West ‘started the war’ in the address to the nation (Picture: AP)
‘They started the war and we used the force to stop it,’ he said.
Putin repeatedly addressed the situation in the Donbas region – where vast areas are controlled by Russian separatist groups as a result of the war.
In his speech, he continued: ‘Step by step, carefully and consistently, we will resolve the tasks facing us.
‘Since 2014, the [people of the] Donbas had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language.
Putin: Ukraine started the war, West have kept it going
A family watches the broadcast of Vladimir Putin’s address in Moscow (Picture: AFP)
‘They fought and did not give up in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime.
‘We patiently tried to negotiate a peaceful way out of this most difficult conflict, but a completely different scenario was being prepared behind our backs.’
In a rambling speech to the Russian people, President Putin said he “didn’t start the conflict.”
He is giving a speech in front of Red Square’s Gostiny Dvor hall.
Many cabinet ministers, deputies, and senators are present as the speech is being televised around the globe.
Putin once more described the conflict as a “special military operation” and the state of affairs in Ukraine as a “military coup.”
He claimed Ukrainians have been waiting for his troops to ‘come to their help’ and that the West released a ‘genie in a bottle.’
Putin said: ‘They started the war and we used the force to stop it.”
‘They spent $150bn to support militarily Kyiv’s regime.’
He went on to tell the audience each Russian has a ‘great responsibility’ to ‘protect our people on our historic land.’
The Kremlin leader proclaimed Ukraine ‘started the war’ (Picture: Getty)The audience in Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor hall (Picture: Sky News)Some were seen filming the speech as it unfolded (Picture: Sky News)
He also claimed Ukrainians had become ‘hostages of their own regime’.
Putin added: ‘They are the ones who unleashed this war, and we are using force to stop it.’
The broadcast has focused on Putin, with the camera occasionally cutting to the vast audience inside the Gostiny Dvor hall.
One woman can be seen wearing a ‘z’ symbol on her arm – a symbol for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A woman can be seen displaying the ‘Z’ symbol on her suit (Picture: Sky News)Putin said each Russian has a ‘great responsibility’ to ‘protect our people on our historic land’Putin spoke for more than an hour in the address to the nation (Picture: AP)
Putin repeatedly addressed the situation in the Donbas region – where vast areas are controlled by Russian separatist groups as a result of the war.
In his speech, he continued: ‘Step by step, carefully and consistently, we will resolve the tasks facing us. Since 2014, the (people of the) Donbas had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language.
‘They fought and did not give up in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime.
‘They believed and expected that Russia would come to their rescue. Meanwhile, we did our best to solve this problem by peaceful means.
A family watches the broadcast of Vladimir Putin’s address in MoscowUkrainian soldiers prepare to fire US-made “M109” self-propelled howitzer on the frontline, in Donetsk Oblast (Picture: Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu Agency via Getty)Ukrainian Marines drive a T-80 tank through the Donbass region (Picture: John Moore/Getty)
‘We patiently tried to negotiate a peaceful way out of this most difficult conflict, but a completely different scenario was being prepared behind our backs.’
A livestream of the address on the website of All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company was briefly taken offline, following a cyberattack.
He says the west recognises same-sex marriage. He says “That’s fine. They’re adults. They have the right to live their lives. We are always very tolerant about this in Russia.”
The Russian President had been rushed to Moscow under cover of darkness last night, with a convoy of cars seen speeding through the city.
Flight prices out of the country soared today as news spread about Putin’s special announcement.
Russians reportedly fear an expansion of mobilisation or a widespread declaration of war – as opposed to the ‘military operation’ phrasing the Kremlin has previously used.
Opposition blogger Maxim Katz, 38, wrote: ‘The cheapest direct flight from Moscow to Yerevan is $650 [£540] – five times the regular price.
‘Every pre-planned speech by Putin over the past year has been akin to a professional holiday for hoteliers, real estate agents, cab drivers, and airlines in the post-Soviet Republics of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
‘We don’t know how many people took a one-way journey.
‘Estimates range from half a million to two million.’
It has been reported that a minister’s laptop, which contained very sensitive information, was stolen when he was sitting at a pub in London.
Only days before the largest day of strikes in the UK’s history, which involved thousands of workers, it was stolen from Rail Minister Huw Merriman.
Just last month Metro.co.uk exclusively revealed that a laptop containing ‘sensitive’ data was stolen from an MP’s office on the parliamentary estate.
The Evening Standard reports that Huw Merriman’s work computer was taken from under his seat at a bar in London’s Covent Garden on February 2.
It was the same week that train drivers launched their last round of mass walkouts, causing huge disruption in London and across the UK.
Sensitive information relating to negotiations over the then-recent strikes was contained on it at the time, but was wiped remotely once the theft was raised with police, sources said.
Minister of State for Rail and HS2, Huw Merriman, reportedly had a laptop stolen while he was in a London pub (Picture: PA)A laptop went missing from the parliamentary estate after an MP left his office for the weekend earlier this year (Picture: Reuters)
The reported theft from the pub on James Street came just a day after the biggest rail walkouts for more than a decade.
RMT and Aslef workers at 14 train companies took industrial action on February 1 and 3 in a dispute over pay and conditions, which continues.
It isn’t the first time a laptop belonging to a minister has been stolen from a pub.
Minister Stuart Andrew’s laptop was taken as he enjoyed a drink in a pub close to Downing Street in February last year.
Mr Andrew had his work computer, personal device and house keys stolen from the Red Lion in Whitehall.
The pub is a regular haunt for MPs, government aides and journalists and is just a few hundred meters from the Houses of Parliament.
The Conservative MP for Pudsey was a housing minister in Boris Johnson’s government at the time of the theft, and now holds jobs in the Department of Culture and the Department for Business and Trade.
His computer, which had been at his feet when taken, was also accessed and wiped remotely after he reported it missing, it was reported.
Sources said that Mr Merriman, the Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle, told the police about his stolen laptop at around 7.30pm, with the Metropolitan Police confirming the theft was reported to them.
However, they said no arrests had yet been made.
A government spokesman said: ‘We take the security of government devices extremely seriously, which is why devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, are always encrypted so any loss does not compromise security.’
Information reaching The Independent Ghana has it that a convoy of NPP Presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen, has knocked down a female motorcyclist in the Northern Region to death.
The unfortunate incident is said to have occurred in the morning of Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
The deceased, who is yet to be identified, was reportedly on the motorbike with her husband when the last vehicle of the convoy ran into them at the Agric Traffic Light Intersection at Tamale.
The woman died on the spot while her husband sustained severe injuries. He has since been rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses say that the Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle with registration number, GC 9415-22, ran through the traffic light while on top speed, following right behind the other cars ahead in the convoy.
The woman and her husband, according to the eyewitnesses, had seen the traffic light go green for them and had started moving when they were knocked down.
“This was a very terrible accident which was caused by Alan Kyeremanten’s convoy. A lady with her husband on a motorbike going to work and this convoy, the last car in the convoy was rushing to get to the rest of the convoy.
“They were on the road, the traffic had indicated green for them to pass, so they were going their normal way and this reckless driver came and knocked them down,” one eyewitness said.
The police have since conveyed the body of the woman to the Tamale Teaching Hospital morgue.
Alan Kyeremanten's convoy accidentally hits motorcycle in Tamale, the victim dies on the spot#INDNews Liverpool #LIVRMA#puresports Anfield Esther Smith Mama Esther KHOSI THE SPIRITUALIST Asamoah Gyan pic.twitter.com/plF6R8Lgtt
Asantewaa is on vacation and the African beauty is watering our eyes with her lovely photos.
Although it’s not yet summer, Tiktok star, Asantewaa’s vacation photos are already competing with some of our favourite celebrities’ vacation photos on the gram.
Being able to see the end of last year is a great achievement and it is just okay and more relaxing for Asantewaa to get a hideout or a normal site where she can clear all the panic, anxiety and stress that she went through last year.
Her recent travel photos throw more light on how she is bossing it in grand style.
Asantewaa is on a vacation in Dubai and images of her enjoying her best life have surfaced on the internet.
Upon reaching her destination, the Tiktoker was captured having an adventurous time as she poses in different outfits for the camera while standing in front of a luxurious car.
Asantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacationAsantewaa on vacation
Six persons have been detained by the police in connection with the event so far. A 17-year-old boy who was killed in the street by a machete stabbing has been remembered by friends and family.
The kid, known as Harley in the community, was attacked early on Monday in Aspley, Huddersfield, on Kings Mill Road.
Online accounts of Harley have referred to him as a beloved son, cousin, and nephew with a “beautiful smile.”
Brett Whitehead, Harley’s cousin, told YorkshireLive: ‘He’s a good kid with the most respect anyone could have – if you did good by him he did more than good by you.
‘He had manners, he was just getting himself on the right track and was taken way too early.
‘He will forever be with us in our hearts and minds with his cheeky little smile spreading joy.’
Danny Stephenson, Harley’s uncle, wrote: ‘Rest easy now Harley uncle Dan loves you. No matter what people may say or think of this lad his heart was always pure.
‘Keep being you up there with that beautiful smile.’
West Yorkshire Police detectives are continuing to investigate the attack, which took place just before 4am yesterday.
Officers arrested two males aged 15 and 19 this morning on suspicion of murder. A 17-year-old female was also arrested in connection with the investigation. All remain in custody for questioning.
Two males aged 14 and 37 who were arrested on Monday also remain in custody as does a 19-year-old woman.
Social media bullyBongo Ideastweeted in his recent post that Christian Atsu whom he didn’t know or had any interaction with has appeared in his dreams.
This comes after his beef or argument with Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan.
Check out his tweet:
Christian Atsu appeared in my dream today. Eeiii! What have done wrong? I’m not even a family member. Terrifying, bruh. 😱 🤷♂️ 🙆🏽♂️
Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has caused a stir after threatening to harm Twitter user and self-acclaimed critic Bongo Ideas over some comments he made regarding the late Christian Atsu.
Bongo, who had been making light of Atsu’s death in his tweets, finally went too far with a tweet that insinuated Atsu was haunting him from beyond the grave.
Gyan responded quickly, expressing his anger in a vulgar Instagram post. Many suggest Gyan’s anger may be beyond Bongo’s tweets, with some Twitter users saying Bongo had made direct remarks about Gyan on his Instagram comment section and quickly deleted them.
Gyan, a close friend of Atsu, was deeply upset by Bongo’s insensitive comments. In his Instagram post, Gyan called out Bongo in no uncertain terms, using strong language to warn him that he had “messed with the wrong people”. Gyan also threatened to find Bongo and make him pay for his comments.
Christian Atsu appeared in my dream today. Eeiii! What have done wrong? I’m not even a family member. Terrifying, bruh. 😱 🤷♂️ 🙆🏽♂️
The incident has caused a lot of debate on social media, with many people expressing their support for Gyan’s reaction. Some have even suggested that Bongo should be held accountable for his actions.
In contrast, others have criticized Gyan for his violent response, saying he was a role model and a public figure and hence should not have responded that way. Gyan has since deleted the Instagram post.
The pain of being kicked out of the Black Stars is making him attack me unprovoked. I've said nothing to him, and even until today, I didn’t know he existed.
In response to Asamoah Gyan’s comments, Bongo Ideas has denied any direct statements about Gyan as has been suggested by some Twitter users and has claimed that his tweets were not meant to offend anyone. In a tweet, he stated that he was exercising his freedom of speech and expressing his opinions about the late Christian Atsu.
Bongo has also expressed shock and fear over Gyan’s violent reaction and has vowed to take legal action against him. He has indicated that he will report the matter to the police and pursue legal action to protect his safety.
Bongo Ideas And Asamoah Gyan Spark Debate
AbaaVictory said:
Herh Asamoah Gyan, you have lost it. Guy you have definitely reduce the standard most Ghanaians see you. You are not that guy again,how do you threat someone on social media.
Linus_4Real reacted:
The rubbish people come and type here that what if Bongo goes missing just dey bore me. Was he thinking about what the people he talks bad about feel?
AccraGuyy said:
I’m wondering what this young guy did in the first place to amount this aggressive tone from Asamoah Gyan.
Former Black Stars player Christian Atsu, who lost his life in the Turkey Earthquake, has been mourned by many, and there have been various reports of his wife grieving over the incident.
A viral video captured a white woman, purported to be Atsu’s wife, mourning over her loss. In the video, she spoke about how she was trying to be strong for her children but missed her husband terribly.
“I know it hurts, but I’m trying to be strong for my kids. I miss him. I miss him so much,” she said in the video.
However, the woman with the TikTok ID @sofiakasy has since cleared the air about her alleged relationship with the former Black Stars player. She confirmed that she has no relations with Atsu whatsoever.
“I am getting a lot of comments about me being Atsu’s wife. I am not Atsu’s wife, I do not know even if I am saying the name right, but I feel sorry for his wife,” she said.
She clarified that her utterances were in reference to her fiancé, whom she lost during the disaster.
“I lost my husband, my fiancé, my everything in the Turkey earthquake, and I just wanted to come out here and let everyone know I am not Atsu’s wife,” she said.
Meanwhile, plans are underway to give Atsu a befitting burial, as promised by the government. After a meeting between his family, the Ghana Football Association and the Sports Ministry, it was announced that his one-week celebration would be commemorated on March 4, 2023.
After the attack at St. Ives Holiday Village, 12-year-old Zac May had bites “everywhere under his arm.”
After being attacked by a dog in a Cornish resort, a 12-year-old kid and his grandmother were “traumatised.”
During their stroll through St Ives Holiday Park, Cheryl May and toddler Zac were approached by the animal.
The dog – thought to be a British bull terrier – ‘went straight’ for the horrified schoolboy.
Cheryl’s daughter Natalie managed to intervene, cut the attack short and run away with Zac.
His trousers had been left ‘ripped to pieces’ and he had bites ‘scattered all under his arm’.
After attacking Zac, the dog then focused on Cheryl.
The grandma told CornwallLive: ‘I ran down to Natalie and she was throwing this dog off and had her body over Zac and she’s only 4ft 10 so where she got that strength from I don’t know.
‘I hit the dog with a stick and I pushed the dog and I went onto the dog and I managed to get him and I said “run Nat, run, run, run” and she ran up to the clubhouse.
‘I was on the floor and it was on my arm and wouldn’t let go.
‘Two ladies were there and they were lovely and were trying to help me. The people who own the dog stood over me with a young boy and whether he made a command to get the dog off… he must have done.’
Cheryl, Zac and Natalie had been on the way to bingo at St Ives Holiday Park when the dog had attacked.
They claim the pet’s owners filmed the family following the incident.
Cheryl, who has arthritis, added: ‘I’ve been in shock for three days and shaking and crying. It was awful, it was like a horror film.
‘I can’t sleep. I’ve been at the hospital to have a bandage done and I’ve got to go to the fracture clinic. I’ve got a massive bruise on my chest. My arms are full of bites, I’ve got antibiotics to take.’
The incident, which took place on February 15, is now being investigated by police.
Two officers had attended the scene after receiving reports two people had been bitten by a dog.
A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said enquiries were ongoing.
Muntari, however, maintained a sad look and looked away as they took the videos. It was clear that he was not in the mood for any attention. However, the ladies continued to take the videos, seemingly oblivious to his mood.
Many Ghanaians found the actions of the two ladies to be insensitive, given the solemn occasion. They took to social media to express their disapproval, with some calling for more respect and sensitivity during mourning.
Ladies Taking Videos Of Sulley Muntari Cause Stir
user2503537981787 said:
I feel embarrassed for this young woman ah what’s that
lipcytipcy212 commented:
this man is really asking alot of questions in his mind allow him to mourn wai RIPP ATSU
Mr Obeng wrote:
People are mourning and see how u are happy! Obi dwan awu no, na obi nkwan mu aye d3 ampa
Asamoah Gyan, Muntari, and Other Black Stars Players Visit Christian Atsu’s Family Home
In a related story, after the tragic loss of Christian Atsu in the earthquake in Turkey, he was reported dead when his lifeless body was identified at his Rönesans Rezidans (Renaissance Residence) in Hatay, Turkey.
The heartbreaking news has put Ghana in a state of mourning as some of his teammates from the Ghana National Team, Black Stars, visited his family home to commiserate with his family.
Videos and pictures of their visit and their writing in the book of condolence have surfaced on social media.
It is thought that just before the visit, Russia was made aware of Mr. Biden’s presence in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin reportedly observed an ICBM test for the Satan II, which is believed to have failed, when he was in the city.
The missile is capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads and is believed to have a range of almost 7000 miles.
According to American reports, the test launch was not considered an escalation of the conflict.
The weapon was also tested in April, mere weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Joe Biden walk outside the Mariinskyi Palace (Picture: Reuters)The US President made the surprise trip ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (Picture: APAImages/Shutterstock)
Mr Biden is yet to comment on the reported missile launch during his visit in Ukraine.
He had since travelled to Poland to praise allies in Europe.
The President warned of ‘hard and bitter days ahead’ but vowed that the US and allies ‘will not wave’ in supporting the Ukrainians.
‘One year ago, the world was bracing for the fall of Kyiv,” he said before a crowd of thousands outside Warsaw’s Royal Castle.
Both Russia and the US have an variety of deadly weapons at their disposal (Picture: Kevin OReilly/Dailymail.com)
‘I can report: Kyiv stands strong. Kyiv stands proud. It stands tall and, most important, it stands free.’
With Russia and Ukraine preparing spring offensives, Mr Biden insisted there will be no backing down from what he has portrayed as a global struggle between democracy and autocracy.
However, polling suggests American support for ongoing military assistance appears to be softening.
Earlier in the day, Mr Biden with Polish President Andrzej Duda as he began consultations with allies to prepare for a new phase of the war.
Joe Biden delivers a speech marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the Royal Castle Gardens in Warsaw. (Picture: AP/ Evan Vucci)Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin addressed the masses in Russia yesterday and claimed he didn’t start the war (Picture: AP)
Mr Duda praised the American president’s visit to Kyiv as ‘spectacular’, saying it ‘boosted morale of Ukraine’s defenders’.
He said the trip was ‘a sign that the free world, and its biggest leader, the president of the United States, stands by them’.
Mr Zelensky has been pushing the US and European allies to provide fighter jets and long-range missile systems known as ATACMS – which Mr Biden has declined to provide so far.
Yesterday, Putin made an appearance in Moscow to give a speech to Russians.
He claimed he ‘didn’t start the war’ in a rambling address that lasted near to two hours.
A selection of cabinet minsters, deputies and senators were all in attendance as the address is broadcast across the world.
Putin referred to the war as a ‘special military operation’ and referred to the situation in Ukraine as a ‘military coup’.
He claimed Ukrainians have been waiting for his troops to ‘come to their help’ and that the West released a ‘genie in a bottle.’
Putin said: ‘They started the war and we used the force to stop it.”
‘They spent $150bn to support militarily Kyiv’s regime.’
He went on to tell the audience each Russian has a ‘great responsibility’ to ‘protect our people on our historic land.’
