Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed with more than 40 US states on a possible deal regarding their investigation into how they advertised their talc-based baby powder and other products.
The big healthcare company said it planned to pay $700 million, which confirms the amount that was reported before.
The agreement would be a piece of a larger deal the company is trying to make to settle claims about the safety of its products.
J&J says their products are okay for people to use.
However, it is dealing with over 50,000 lawsuits from people who say that using its talc-based baby powder gave them cancer. Some of them also say that the product had asbestos, which can cause cancer.
The company made a new company to handle the lawsuits in court in order to settle them.
Last year, it offered to pay almost $9 billion to settle the claims, even though it thought the claims were not valid. It just wanted to put the issue behind them.
However, the judges stopped the plans because they decided that the company’s subsidiary was not struggling financially and couldn’t use bankruptcy to deal with the lawsuits.
State officials did not say anything about the possible agreement.
Erik Haas, who is a high-ranking employee at Johnson & Johnson, said that the company is still working on finding a solution to a big problem.
The company is still trying different ways to solve the talc lawsuit once and for all. Last week, it was revealed that the company made progress by reaching an initial agreement with a group of 43 state attorneys general to settle their claims about talc.
“We will work on resolving the concerns of people who do not want to agree to our bankruptcy plan by going to court or reaching an agreement. ”
Johnson & Johnson has mostly won the lawsuits about its talc products and says the products didn’t have asbestos and didn’t cause cancer.
However, it has suffered from some large losses, including one case where 22 women were given a court order of over $2 billion.
Experts predict that the company will end up paying over $10 billion to settle the legal disputes.
A lawyer who helps people who used to be customers said this month that it was good for his clients that the state matters were resolved because it got rid of things that were bothering them.
“We need” can be changed to “We require. ” The main goal is to reach an agreement about talc powder all over the world by 2024. “This is helpful,” Ronald Miller said in a statement.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the US because they said people were getting the wrong information about it and not buying it. The powder is used to prevent nappy rash and as a dry shampoo. It later said it would stop selling its products all over the world.
The company had been selling the baby powder for almost 130 years before they made that decision. It still sells a product with corn-starch.
Author: Chris Kodo
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J&J strikes agreement with US states over claims pertaining to baby powder
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1 arrested in clash between SSA-UoG and TEWU in ongoing strike
A clash unfolded between protestors and law enforcement persons during the ongoing strike action initiated by the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana and TEWU (Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union).
The strike, aimed at addressing the concerns and demands of the Senior Staff Association and TEWU members, took an unexpected and tumultuous turn when a confrontation ensued between the police and demonstrators.
In a video making rounds on social media, the protestors can be seen in a tense struggle with the police officers.
Eventually, one person was arrested by the police officers.
It is unclear what resulted in the clash, however, officials from both the Senior Staff Association and TEWU expressed their dismay at the turn of events.
The crux of their protest lies in the government’s failure to fulfill commitments regarding their tier two pension and the abrupt cancellation of overtime allowances.
The effects of the strike have been felt on various campuses as most of the schools are not in operation.
Teachers at the University of Ghana for instance deserted their office as the task force moved meticulously from department to department, ensuring total compliance with the strike.
Key areas such as the School of Graduate Studies, Internal Audit, Cash Office, and even the University Primary school have all been affected by the strike.
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Government’s GHS2.5 billion in capital sets CBG up to spearhead SME funding – MD
Daniel Wilson Addo, who is in charge of Consolidated Bank Ghana Ltd, said that the GHS2. 5 billion they got from the government is making the Bank stronger. This will help the economy and also help more small and medium-sized businesses to grow.
He said that soon CBG will invest more in technology, help small businesses more, focus even more on customer service, and make operations more efficient.
“Our main goal is to become a top leader in providing financing for small and medium-sized businesses, and to create a strong and stable company. ”
Mr Addo talked to the media and editors in Accra on Tuesday.
“He said that the Ministry of Finance gave the Bank GHS2. 5 billion to help it grow and become more stable. ”
Mr Addo said CBG is in a great position to keep growing and to keep helping the economy.
He said the Bank had given GHS1. 6 billion in loans to over 5,600 businesses using new programs like the ‘CBG SME Adesua Series’ and making it easier to get loans quickly.
The Bank won awards for its work with small and medium-sized businesses, including the ‘Euromoney Award for SME Market Leadership in 2022 and 2023.
“In the Corporate and Institutional Banking part, CBG has been involved in lending a total of GHS2. 35They were the main arranger or advised on the transactions. This has helped important areas like energy, tourism, and agriculture,” Mr Addo explained.
CBG said they are working to help farmers more by working together with Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) and Development Bank Ghana (DBG).
He said they are trying to improve agriculture in Ghana, and CBG, GIRSAL and DBG are working together to do that.
“Over the next three years, our main focus is to become stronger and more efficient. We want to have plans in place to handle problems, be able to bounce back when things get rough, and have the best equipment and happy employees. ”
Mr Addo talked about how the Bank has done well over the last five years, even though it faced some tough times. He said the Bank was able to do this by gaining people’s trust, making sure customers had a good experience, and providing other important things.
“We began in a tough situation because the banks we took over were in bad shape. People didn’t trust us at first. But we worked hard to fix the problems and put everything back on track,” he said.
The company’s total assets grew from GHS6. 9bn in 2019 to GHS13. 2bn in December 2023. Customer deposits also increased from GHS5. 1bn in 2019 to GHS10. 4bn in December 2023, according to the Managing Director.
“Even though we faced difficulties like the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, high inflation, and exchange rate changes in 2023, we were still able to increase our deposits by GHS2. 6bn compared to last year. This shows that our business is strong and able to withstand challenges. ”
Mr Addo said that the bank gave 1 million GHS to help with COVID-19 and also built buildings for schools and hospitals in different parts of the country as part of their social responsibility.
It is helping women-run businesses, young entrepreneurs, and projects for protecting the environment. -
Russians becoming more alcoholic due to Putin’s war in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin wants to control Ukraine and this is causing more Russians to become addicted to drugs.
More and more people in Russia are becoming addicted to alcohol and experiencing alcohol-related mental health problems. This is happening for the first time in 10 years, and it’s happening as the war enters its third year.
Russian men abroad are often seen with a scruffy face, red cheeks, holding a bottle of alcohol, and saying ‘Na Zdorovie’. This has been a common image of them for a long time.
People in Russia used to drink more alcohol than people in most other countries, but they started drinking less since the early 2000s, but now they are drinking more again.
During Dmitry Medvedev’s time as president, the government tried many times to solve the country’s problems with alcohol.
Several rules about alcohol were made. They included not being able to drink alcohol on the street and not being able to advertise it. These rules worked well until the war started.
A problem that is getting bigger.
In 2022, Rosstat found that over 54,000 people were newly diagnosed with alcohol addiction, which is more than the 53,000 diagnosed the year before.
Experts say that the decrease is because of the Covid pandemic, changes in the economy, and increasing tensions between countries.
Svetlana Gordeeva, a professor at Perm University, said there’s nothing surprising here.
People tend to drink more alcohol during tough times like a pandemic or economic crisis, and this can lead to more cases of alcohol-related mental health problems.
The effects of war
A doctor who studies addiction said that Putin’s war has also caused more people to drink alcohol.
“When people were told to get ready for war, the number of people with alcohol-related mental health problems went up the most in places where they had to wait three to six months before going to the battle. ”
Family members of the people who were called to work told me that lots of vodka was delivered there and no one was checking how much was being sold. As a result, people drank so much that they became mentally ill.
I don’t think these cases were included in the official numbers, but it’s possible that they were discovered.
If that’s true, then we likely got around a thousand new cases from these camps that were moved. -
Man who posts pictures of himself on vacation to mock police wanted
The individual who absconded following their friend’s fatal car accident is now provocatively sharing pictures of their pleasure trip in another country, taunting the police.
Ewan Aaron Corbett, 25, missed his court date in 2022 and the police in the UK are looking for him. He is accused of causing the death of Shane Finn, 21.
He has been seen in Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam and is thought to be using a fake name to enter these countries.
The police in the UK asked for help finding him, but he posted pictures of himself with a fake gun in Malaysia.
Interpol wants to arrest Corbett because they think he traveled around Asia using a fake name.
Corbett has been trying to avoid being caught by posting many pictures of himself without a shirt in different beautiful places around the world on his social media.
Corbett has indicated in not-so-obvious ways that he is now a wanted man, like when he titled one of his pictures: ‘Body like Baywatch face like Crimewatch. ’
Another picture of him half naked on a boat was captioned with “Before I go away forever. ”
Prosecutor Timothy Jacobs said in court this week that the person has been traveling in southeast Asia and using a fake name and giving money to get into countries. He has an Interpol red notice and a European Union arrest warrant issued for him.
However, the CPS doesn’t want to start the process to send him back to another country until the police can find out exactly where he is.
People are still working on it and intelligence officers are checking his social media to find out where he is. The Interpol warning is not as serious as a warrant.
“If he goes to a country outside of the EU where Interpol works, they can choose to arrest him, but they don’t have to. ”
North Yorkshire Police are asking for help to find Corbett, who they think may be in another country. They are trying very hard to find him.
Corbett, who is from Middlesbrough, was accused of driving dangerously and causing the death of Shane Finn. He was also charged with driving without a licence or insurance.
Shane died in a car crash in May 2020 while riding in an Audi A3 on Knott Road in the North York Moors National Park.
After leaving the UK, Corbett has posted many pictures on Facebook, appearing to enjoy being wanted by the authorities.
He was photographed on a rugged vehicle in Vietnam on October 10 last year.
Afterwards, he posted a picture of himself on a snowy mountain, saying it was in Switzerland, on October 26th.
On New Year’s Day, Corbett shared pictures of himself swimming in a waterfall and asked his friends and family to share their phone numbers so they could keep in touch.
The lawyers said they think he is now in Thailand, but his latest photo says he’s on Penang Island in Malaysia.
After the court hearing yesterday, they decided that his three-day trial will happen in September. It will happen even if Corbett is not there.
His lawyer, Victoria Lamballe, said that she hasn’t been told what to do by him and may no longer be his lawyer in this case.
Corbett is also accused of driving dangerously in an incident in November 2021, more than a year after Mr. Finn died
The trials for both cases will happen in York Crown Court.
Shane’s family members and a father from Middlesbrough went to the hearing on Monday. -
Shame on Ghana’s leadership for supporting Israel! – Julius Malema
South African Politician, and charismatic leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has criticized the leadership of Ghana for expressing support for the ongoing events in Gaza.
Malema did not mince his words while expressing strong disapproval for actions against the people of Gaza and condemning those who endorse such actions.
He argued that the people of Gaza had not committed any offense in their attempt to defend their territory, and that anyone who supported Israel is an enemy to South Africans.
“Shame on the Leadership of Ghana for supporting Israel,” he said.
During an event dubbed: ‘A dialogue with Julius Malema’ held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra, he vehemently stated that, “Anyone who said the people of Palestine must be killed is an enemy of ours. The people of Palestine have not committed any sin to anyone.”
His comments reflect a stance against the violence and conflicts that have plagued the region for years. Mr Malema further stated that Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, is right in their demand for the people of Palestine to reclaim their land and exercise self-determination.
He called for international respect for the wishes of the Palestinian people, asserting that decisions about their future should not be imposed externally.
Furthermore, the EFF leader criticized the idea of external entities, such as the United Nations, dictating terms for a two-state solution in Palestine. Malema argued that such decisions should be made by the Palestinians themselves, and not any external body.
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Fight breaks out at traffic signals leaving one person dead in Greater Manchester
A 30-year-old man died after a fight at a traffic light.
He was attacked in Didsbury, Greater Manchester. An 18-year-old man has been arrested for possible murder and is in police custody.
Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson said: ‘We don’t know why this person was killed, but we think it’s an isolated case. ‘
It is believed that both men were in different cars before the victim was attacked just before 1:40am today.
Drivers should stay away from the A34 Kingsway road because it is closed in both directions while the police investigate.
Inspector Wilkinson said, “We know this is a very serious incident that will upset the local and surrounding communities. We want to reassure you that we are investigating to find out exactly what happened and to catch those responsible quickly. ”
There will be more police around the area, and they are there to help and listen to any worries, especially for people using the Bee Network at the East Didsbury tram stop.
I understand that the road closures are making it hard for people to travel, especially for those going to work or school on this road. But please be patient and understand that the closures are necessary for thorough investigations to take place safely. -
Trump supporters go to polls over bills and border problem
Trump is doing all he can to encourage those feelings.
He told his supporters in Manchester that the people in charge in Washington are trying to silence you. Blair listened to him in the crowd. “But on Tuesday, things will start to go your way, and you will be able to speak freely again. ” You could speak three years ago.
For many months, the White House has been telling people that President Biden’s economic record is very important for getting him re-elected. They say that his spending on building new things and on environmental-friendly energy rules have increased the number of jobs and how much people get paid, and also helped the economy deal with the high prices that affected a lot of his first term.
However, even though the cost of gas and inflation has decreased, people like Ms. Blair think of the time when Trump was president as a better time.
Chris Ager, who leads the New Hampshire Republicans, said that supporters of Trump are showing a big difference in how they felt when he was president compared to how they feel now. “He’s basically asking if you are doing better now than you were four years ago. Most people say no, we’re not better off according to the data. ”
Rene Cote, who just became a US citizen, thinks Mr. Trump was a better choice than Mr. Biden because the economy and fuel prices were better back then.
His daughter’s husband, John Ratliffe, thought that Mr Trump, who has been tough on immigration from the beginning, would be better at keeping the southern border with Mexico secure. “He said that people are tired of what is happening. ” “Something needs to be fixed and he is the only one brave enough to do it. ”
Karoline Leavitt, who speaks for the campaign, said that the volunteers were willing to go out in very cold weather because they believe that enduring the cold for a few days is better than having Joe Biden as president for four more years.
Mr Trump’s way of doing things and who he is as a person have stayed pretty much the same since he first started running for president. Ager mentioned that the strategy in New Hampshire is basically a repeat of what happened in 2016.
However, Trump’s beliefs and ideas about politics have changed since he became president four years ago. He said that the 2020 election was stolen, even though this was not true, and there was a riot by his supporters at the Capitol.
He has convinced his followers that there is a big plan by politicians and lawyers to take him down in 2024.
Many people in New Hampshire believe this way of thinking is true, and they don’t trust the US government anymore.
Slightly more than half of the Republican voters in the state think that Mr. Biden won the 2020 election because of voter fraud, according to a survey released on Monday by the Washington Post/Monmouth University. Approximately 82% of people who plan to vote for Mr. Trump believe this.
Ms Blair is part of that group. She doesn’t believe in voting by mail and said that the claims about the 2020 election are not true. She also thinks Mr. Biden didn’t have enough charm to get 81. 2 million votes
On Sunday, many people went to Tempesta’s, a bar in rural Keene that looks like a big bar in Dublin, to hear Congressman Matt Gaetz, who is a supporter of Trump, talk about why he supports the former president. -
China seems to be reversing its crackdown on gaming
China had planned to make strict rules about video games, but they changed their mind and removed the new laws from the regulator’s website.
The NPPA wanted to make rules to stop people from spending too much money and time on gaming.
However, the draft of the rules was not on the NPPA website as of Tuesday morning.
The time for people to share their opinions on the rules had ended on Monday.
They will have less things to buy in the game and they will try to stop people from playing too much.
Some people did not like the idea of giving rewards for logging in every day, and they also did not like the idea of a warning message popping up to tell players if they were acting in a way that didn’t make sense.
The prices of Chinese gaming company stocks went up on Tuesday after a surprising change in direction. This includes the biggest gaming company Tencent Holdings and its rival NetEase.
The value of the two companies dropped a lot, almost $80 billion, after the new rules were suggested in December.
Back then, experts thought that smaller or mid-sized game makers would suffer the most, not the big companies.
A few days later, the NPPA seemed to change its mind about some of the ideas because the market didn’t like the news. After that, share prices went up a little.
Ivan Su, a senior analyst at Morningstar, says that while the industry was somewhat reassured by the move, there is still a lot of uncertainty.
“I believe this feeling will continue for a while, unless the government changes its words dramatically or creates very supportive policies,” he said.
“We don’t know when it will happen. It could be next week, in a few months, or a few years from now. ” “That’s the biggest unknown. ”
But Su believes that if there is new law, it will be made less strong so it won’t affect gaming companies very much.
The not knowing what will happen in the future might make the Chinese gaming industry change.
In 2021, China made a big effort to stop kids from playing games too much by only allowing them to play for one hour on certain days.
That year, the government didn’t give out any new gaming licences for eight months.
Mr Su says that because of this, many Chinese developers have started making more games from other countries.
NetEase and Tencent bought or put money into companies in France, Japan, and the United States.
Because the rules in China are not clear right now, the large developers might consider expanding to other countries. -
PLAYBACK: A day of dialogue with Julius Malema in Ghana
Charismatic leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has touched down in Ghana for the much anticipated, “A Day of Dialogue with Julius Malema,” event.
He has been addressing Ghanaians on a myriad of crucial topics, including political ideologies, economic transformation, and the role of youth in shaping the future, sparking engaging conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of the pressing issues facing both South Africa and the African continent.
The dialogue is taking place at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.
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Mexico’s $10 billion case against gun manufacturers revived by US appeals court
A court in the US said Mexico can continue with a $10 billion lawsuit against American gun makers. This starts the legal fight again after it has been going on for a long time.
The Mexican government says that a lot of illegal guns come into the country from the US because American gunmakers are purposefully selling them.
In late 2022, a lower court threw out the case, so the Mexican government appealed.
The group that represents gun makers says it did not do anything wrong.
The lawsuit includes companies like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta, Barrett, Sturm, and Ruger.
Mexican officials say that many guns made in the US are brought into Mexico illegally every year. This gives drug gangs lots of weapons to use in their fights with each other and with the government. Some people think there are more than 500,000 weapons made every year.
Last year, over 30,000 people were killed in Mexico, even though the country has very strict rules about owning guns. The only place in the country where guns are sold is in a military complex in Mexico City.
The lawsuit was filed in 2021 in a court in Massachusetts. It claimed that the gun companies knew their guns were being sold to criminals and causing violence in the country.
In 2022, a judge in the United States decided that the gun companies couldn’t be sued for the case because of a law from 2005 called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The law protects gunmakers from being sued if their guns are used in a criminal or unlawful way.
The government of Mexico quickly asked for a review of the law, saying it only applies to injuries in the US and doesn’t protect the seven manufacturers and one distributor from being held responsible.
On Monday, a US appeals court said that the Mexican lawsuit makes a believable argument that is exempt from the law that only applies to legal gun sales.
People in Mexico and people who want stricter gun laws in the US said the decision was a win. The Mexican Foreign Minister, Alicia Bárcena, called it “great news” on X, which used to be called Twitter.
Jon Lowy, the president of Global Action on Gun Violence, said that the ruling is a big step toward making the gun industry take responsibility for the violence caused by guns and stopping the flow of illegal guns to the cartels.
“The Court agreed that another country has the right to sue the U. S” “Gun companies can no longer hide behind the legal protection they have had since 2005,” he said.
Larry Keane, who is a leader at a group that represents the US gun industry, supported the companies that make guns.
Mexico needs to focus on making sure its laws are followed and punishing its own criminals in its own courts. They shouldn’t blame the gun industry for their failure to keep their citizens safe. -
Spanish triple homicide associated with internet romance fraud
The police in Spain are looking into why three old brothers and sisters were killed, and if it has to do with a scam they were involved in on the internet.
The police have arrested a 42-year-old man from Pakistan named Dilawar Hussain F. C
They said he gave himself up and admitted to the killings.
Last week, the bodies of Amelia, 67, Ángeles, 74, and José Gutiérrez Ayuso, 77, were found at their house.
They were a little bit burned.
The three of them lived in Morata de Tajuña, a small town with about 8,000 people. It’s located to the southeast of Madrid.
The police said the reason for the crime seemed to be because the siblings owed money to the person who committed the crime. This was because the sisters were involved in an online scam.
The siblings’ friends and neighbors told the local news that Ángeles and Amelia had been talking to men online who said they were from the US for many years.
The reports say that the two women sent a lot of money to a man they called “Edward” and his friend, who they thought was in the military in the US. They communicated with these people using Facebook.
José Gutiérrez Ayuso, who had a problem with his brain, did not send the money.
The siblings’ money was all used up because of these relationships, so the sisters had to ask local people for money and borrow from informal lenders. They also asked the mayor and priest of Morata de Tajuña for money, as reported by Spain’s ABC newspaper.
Mr Hussain met the siblings when he stayed with them as a renter for a few months. He told the police that the sisters borrowed a lot of money from him as a loan with high interest, but they didn’t give it back.
Mr Hussain hurt Amelia two times while she was still living at her place. The second time was in February 2023, when he hit her with a hammer and she needed to go to the hospital. He got sent to jail for two years and was told to stay away from someone, but he got out after seven months in September.
The police went into the house of the three brothers and sisters on Thursday because neighbors said they hadn’t seen or heard from them in a long time.
Enrique Velilla, a person who knew the sisters, said that the women kept sending money to their boyfriends. Because of this, they had to sell a property they owned in Madrid.
He also said that asking for money made their bank think it might be a scam.
“He said we told them it was not true, it was a trick. ” “But they didn’t want to hear about anything being dishonest or false. ”
He said, “Ángeles worked as a teacher and Amelia had gone to school. ” They were not dumb. They were regular people who fell in love. -
Maurice Ampaw insults Ashanti Chiefs; calls them thieves and girlfriend snatchers
Private legal practitioner and prominent member of the New Patriotic Party, Maurice Ampaw has taken chiefs of the Ashanti Kingdom to the gutters for summoning Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on the ‘Mmra ne Abrabo’ show on Wontumi TV, the lawyer accused the chiefs of being thieves and girlfriend snatchers.
He claimed that the chiefs are not worth talking about Chairman Wontumi because some of them engage in multiple sale of land.
“The chiefs ‘dragging’ Chairman Wontumi, have you finished solving your problems? Some of you are thieves,” he claimed.
His remarks come after a summon was placed on the head of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi, over some derogatory comments about the Asante kingdom.
The controversy arose during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region when Chairman Wontumi allegedly claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.”
Following the remarks, the Kumasi Traditional Council has been desperately seeking his appearance before them to respond to some questions.
As at the time of filing this report, Chairman Wontumi had not made any appearance before the Council, however, he has been given up to January 29, 2024, to appear before the Council.
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Ashanti chiefs summon Maurice Ampaw over derogatory comments
Private legal practitioner and prominent member of the New Patriotic Party, Maurice Ampaw has taken chiefs of the Ashanti Kingdom to the gutters for summoning Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on the ‘Mmra ne Abrabo’ show on Wontumi TV, the lawyer accused the chiefs of being thieves and girlfriend snatchers.
He claimed that the chiefs are not worth talking about Chairman Wontumi because some of them engage in multiple sale of land.
“The chiefs ‘dragging’ Chairman Wontumi, have you finished solving your problems? Some of you are thieves,” he claimed.
His remarks come after a summon was placed on the head of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi, over some derogatory comments about the Asante kingdom.
The controversy arose during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region when Chairman Wontumi allegedly claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.”
Following the remarks, the Kumasi Traditional Council has been desperately seeking his appearance before them to respond to some questions.
As at the time of filing this report, Chairman Wontumi had not made any appearance before the Council, however, he has been given up to January 29, 2024, to appear before the Council.
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Man travelling length of Africa troubled over visa problem
A man is running across Africa to raisemoney for charity, but he’s worried he might have trouble with his visa.
Russell Cook from Worthing, West Sussex, had planned to run 360 marathons in 240 days.
The 26-year-old had to make the challenge last longer because some bad things happened, like an armed robbery.
Mr Cook said that it all depends on if he can get permission to go into Algeria and then cross the border into Mauritania.
“I’ve been traveling for 278 days, running 12,000km [7,456 miles] through 13 countries, and raised over £140,000 for charity. But now everything is uncertain,” he said.
“If we don’t get the visas, then we can’t continue. “
The tough journey started at the furthest point south in South Africa on April 22nd and will end at the furthest point north in Tunisia.
Mr Cook wanted to travel 9,320 miles (14,500km) and cross 16 borders, but he had some problems with his visas, health, and politics, so he had to make the journey longer.
Mr Cook, who is called “Hardest Geezer”, asked for help from those who have been following the challenge to get a visa.
“He said it’s the only choice we have. “”We have no other way to reach the very top of Africa. “
The event is for The Running Charity and it has collected £142,659 until now. -
Dangote continues to hold title of billionaire despite state of economy
For 13 years in a row, Aliko Dangote of Nigeria is named the wealthiest person in Africa by Forbes magazine, even through the tough times in the country’s economy.
The 20 richest people on the list have a total of $82. 4 billion
The magazine says that it is very difficult to make and keep a billion-dollar fortune in the continent.
It shows who the richest people in Africa are and where they live or do business.
Forbes said that Mr. Dangote’s money increased by $400 million in the last year, and now he is worth $13. 9 billion
The 66-year-old man made a lot of money from selling cement and sugar. Last year, he also opened a place where oil is made in Lagos, Nigeria’s main city for business.
Since Bola Tinubu became president in May after a controversial election, the value of the local currency, the naira, has dropped a lot and the cost of fuel has gone up a lot because the government stopped giving a subsidy for it.
Forbes said Mr Dangote is still the richest in spite of the naira losing value, which made Dangote Cement’s share price go up.
South African businessman Johann Rupert is still the second richest person, followed by former diamond miner Nicky Oppenheimer in third place.
South Africa has four rich people, Egypt has five, Nigeria has four, and Morocco has two. Algeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe all have one very rich person. -
Woman detained after stealing $2,500 worth of cups in California
A woman was taken into custody for reportedly attempting to steal Stanley cups worth $2,500 from a store in California.
The 23-year-old person was told to pay for some things by the staff but they didn’t want to. They put the things in a car and didn’t pay for them, according to the police.
The Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler, also known as the Stanley cup, has become very popular on TikTok.
The hashtag Stanleycup has been seen more than seven billion times all around the world, and it has caused some people to try to break the law.
A video went viral of a man jumping over the counter at Starbucks to steal a special hot pink flask.
The police in Roseville, near Sacramento, California, went to a store because a woman was stealing a lot of water bottles and putting them in her car.
The person didn’t listen to the staff and put a lot of stolen things in her car. The police stopped the car before it could get on the highway.
During the search of the car, 65 Stanley cups were found.
The police warned people not to break the law.
The statement warned against committing crimes to get Stanley Quenchers. They are popular, but it’s not okay to steal them.
William Stanley Junior made the first reusable cups in 1913. He called them “unbreakable” and sold them to people. They became popular with eco-friendly, health-conscious teenagers on Tiktok, around two years ago.
New special types of quenchers have been causing chaos at some stores in the US.
TikTok videos showed people waiting in line overnight and rushing to buy the cups at a Target store. The cups cost $54. 50 -
Suspect in Illinois mass shooting dies in Texas – Police
A person who shot and killed eight people in Joliet, Illinois, has died after a fight with the police.
The police in Joliet said that a 23-year-old man named Romeo Nance is thought to have killed himself after an argument near Natalia, Texas.
He is believed to have killed eight people at different places in Joliet.
Police found seven victims in two houses close to each other on Monday. The eighth person was found on Sunday.
The names of the seven people who were found dead on Monday have not been made public yet.
The police found some dead bodies and are now looking for the person they think did it. They say that the person could have a weapon and is very dangerous.
The Joliet police department announced that Mr. Nance was found by US Marshals near Natalia at around 8:30 pm on Monday.
At that time, it was said that Nance used a gun to kill himself after a fight with Texas police.
The Will County Coroner’s Office will figure out who the victims are and how they died. This investigation is still ongoing.
Natalia is over 1,000 miles away from Joliet if you drive. It is just outside of San Antonio. It would take at least 18 hours to drive from one place to the other.
It is not known why he went to Texas or if he knows anyone there.
Before, the chief of police in Joliet, Bill Evans, said at a news conference that police were informed at 12:04 pm on Monday that some people had been found shot and killed.
When the police got to West Acres Road, they found seven dead people. Five people were in one house, and two were in the other house, according to Will County Sheriff’s deputy chief Dan Jungles. It is thought that they were all from the same family.
It’s not clear why the attack happened, but the person who did it is thought to have known the people they hurt.
“I have been a policeman for 25 years. “Jungles said, “This is the worst crime scene I have ever been involved with. ”
BeforeNance was found in Texas, investigators thought he was driving a red Toyota Camry and asked anyone who knew about the attack 40 miles (64km) south-west of Chicago to get in touch with them.
Authorities were told about two shootings that happened in Joliet at different places the day before.
They said a car with the same license plate as the one connected to finding the seven bodies on Monday was seen in both places.
One of the shootings led to the death of a 28-year-old man. He was shot in the head, according to officials.
The police found out that the man’s name is Toyosi Bakare. He is from Nigeria and has been living in the US for three years.
The police think that Mr. Bakare was not related to the other victims, but he knew Mr.
The police said that a 42-year-old man got shot in the leg earlier that day, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
A video shows the person who got hurt talking to the driver of a red Camry car. The car drives away and then comes back, and then you can hear gunshots. -
Hundreds of people escape southern Mexico cartel wars
Many people have left their houses in southern Mexico because two fighting groups are trying to take over the roads used for smuggling drugs and people.
Local people said they were scared and hiding in their houses while bullets were being shot during a long gun fight.
More than 700 people had to leave their homes near the Guatemala border, according to an official.
The CJNG is trying to take control of the area from the Sinaloa cartel.
Gangs like the CJNG and the Sinaloa cartel have been entering the region because it’s close to the border with Guatemala and has important routes for migrants. The gangs threaten and take money from the migrants.
The communities of Chicomuselo and La Concordia in Chiapas state have been hit the hardest. People in Chicomuselo reported that a fight between two gangs resulted in the deaths of 20 people, including 18 gang members and two local residents, on 4 January.
The community said it was sad to see children and young people feeling scared and getting sick from going through these difficult times. They said the state didn’t do enough to keep them safe.
However, the government in Chiapas said they didn’t hear about any killings in the area when they checked five days later.
The army went to the area, but people who live there are getting hurt when the soldiers fight with the groups selling illegal drugs.
Many families have sailed across the Angostura lake to escape the violence in the area.
The villagers’ small towns now look empty and spooky, according to reporters who live there.
Chiapas civil protection official Luis Manuel García Moreno said on the radio that 701 people, mostly women and children, ran away and went to the city of Comitán. -
UK is not looking for conflict with the Houthis – Sunak
The UK will attack Houthi targets in Yemen again if they keep attacking ships in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
Mr Sunak said the UK doesn’t want to fight with the Iran-backed group, but will defend itself if necessary.
It comes after the US attacked Yemen overnight.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported the “focused action”.
Speaking to the members of the House of Commons on Tuesday, Rishi Sunak said: “We don’t want to argue. ” We ask the Houthis and their supporters to stop these illegal and unacceptable attacks.
However, if needed, the United Kingdom will not hesitate to defend itself again.
“We can’t just watch these attacks happen without doing anything about it. ” Not doing anything is also a decision.
On Monday night, the US and UK worked together to launch strikes for the second time since they last did on January 11th.
Since November, the Houthis have attacked lots of ships in the Red Sea, which is a very busy place for ships.
The pro-Hamas group is attacking Israeli ships because of the military operation in Gaza.
Mr Sunak said that the military had to act against the Houthis as a last option because they didn’t listen to warnings. -
US and UK initiate new attacks on Houthis
The US and UK worked together to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen.
The Pentagon said that on Monday, the attacks hit eight places, including a place where weapons are kept underground and a place where Houthi group’s missiles and surveillance equipment are kept.
The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have been attacking ships that they believe are connected to Israel and the West as they pass through the important Red Sea trade route.
The US and UK said they were trying to keep trade moving freely.
The Pentagon said they did more attacks on the Houthis that were fair and needed.
We want to reduce tensions and make the Red Sea calm again. But we want to tell the Houthi leaders that we will protect people and keep trade moving in the Red Sea. It’s an important waterway and we won’t ignore any threats.
The US has attacked Houthi targets in Yemen for the eighth time. This is the second time the UK and another country have worked together on a military operation, after they joined forces for strikes on 11 January.
The UK’s foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron, said that they have sent a strong message and will keep making it difficult for the Houthis to carry out attacks.
When asked if the attacks could make things worse in the Middle East, Lord Cameron said that it was the Houthis who were making things worse and he believed the previous attacks worked well.
He said the story the Houthis told about the attacks being connected to the war between Israel and Hamas should not be believed. The UK wants the fighting in Gaza to stop quickly.
Lord Cameron said the UK asked for a quick break from fighting to help people in need, and they hope it leads to a long-lasting and stable stop to the fighting. He said he will suggest a plan when he goes to the region this week.
The statement said that Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands supported the strikes.
The UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will speak in the House of Commons today about the decision to do more strikes. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, did not know about the strikes before they happened. But this morning, he was seen going to the Cabinet Office for a private meeting.
Fighter planes from the USS Eisenhower attacked on Monday.
Four RAF Typhoon planes, along with two Voyager tankers, teamed up with the US forces, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced.
“We used special bombs to hit many targets at two military sites near Sanaa airfield with our airplane. ” The MoD said that these places were being used to keep attacking ships in the Red Sea.
“Like the UK usually does, we carefully planned the strikes to make sure no civilians would get hurt. We also made sure to bomb at night to lower the risk even more,” the statement said.
Government minister Huw Merriman said to Sky News that the airstrikes will happen again if the Houthis keep attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The UK’s Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, said that the strikes were done to protect themselves from the Houthis’ unacceptable attacks on ships.
“This action will make it harder for the Houthi group to cause problems and will weaken their ability to impact global trade,” he wrote on X.
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said his party is worried about the attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. They believe that limited strikes may be necessary, but it’s very important for Parliament to discuss and vote on the matter.
Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV said that there were attacks in Sanaa, Taiz, and Bayda provinces in Yemen, including the al-Dailami air base near the capital Sanaa.
Ten days after the US and UK bombed the Houthis, they are still standing strong.
They keep shooting different things at ships near Yemen, and they accidentally hit a ship carrying Russian oil.
Under a new operation called Poseidon Archer, the US has attacked more targets after already attacking Houthi sites.
The Pentagon says that the missiles were destroyed right before they were going to be launched. Western intelligence recently said they think that about 30% of the Houthi’s missiles were damaged or destroyed.
The Houthis, who get help from Iran, want to keep attacking ships they think are connected to Israel, the US, or the UK.
These actions have made them very well-liked in their country, where many people have been suffering under their harsh rule.
Many people in the Arab world like the Houthis because they say they support Hamas and are against Israel with help from Iran.
Mr Sunak talked with US President Joe Biden earlier on Monday.
The White House said Mr. Biden and Mr. Sunak talked about attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea. The White House said they promise to protect ships, trade, and sailors from unfair attacks, and to allow ships to travel freely.
It said: “The president and prime minister talked about giving more help to the people in Gaza and keeping them safe. They also talked about getting back the people who are kept as prisoners by Hamas. ”The Houthis started attacking ships that carry goods in November. They said they were doing this because of Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
Since that time, the group has carried out many attacks on commercial ships that go through the Red Sea, which is one of the busiest routes for ships in the world.
The US and UK started bombing many Houthi targets on January 11th.
The strikes, which were also backed by Australia, Bahrain, the Netherlands, and Canada, started because Houthi forces didn’t stop attacking the area even after being warned. -
Julius Malema outlines blueprint for addressing unemployment in Africa
South African politician Julius Malema delivered a compelling message during his recent visit to Ghana, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Kwame Nkrumah’s principles of state-led development. Malema warned that deviating from these principles could lead to challenges such as unemployment and exploitation in strategic sectors of the economy.
Malema underscored the significance of maintaining Nkrumah’s vision of a state-driven development agenda, suggesting that such an approach is crucial for addressing issues like unemployment. He argued that when the state steps back from key economic sectors, the interests of profit-driven businesses may take precedence, often at the expense of workers.
“If you drift away from Nkrumah‘s principles of state-led development and you prioritize strategic sectors of the economy, you will never address the issue of unemployment because the interests of business are to maximize profit,” Malema stated. He further pointed out that prioritization in profit-driven models often results in workers being removed to cut costs and boost profits.
The South African politician highlighted the role of the state in creating a corrupt-free environment, asserting that a state-led, corruption-free development model is crucial for ensuring the absorption of a significant workforce. According to Malema, the primary role of the state should not be profit-making but rather generating sufficient resources to finance social responsibility programs.
Malema’s remarks underscored the need for a balanced and strategic approach to economic development, one that aligns with the principles laid out by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. He emphasized that Nkrumah’s vision provides a blueprint for inclusive development that prioritizes the welfare of workers and ensures the state’s ability to fulfill its social responsibilities.
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Africa’s unity is a threat to our enemies – Julius Malema
South African firebrand politician Julius Malema has delivered a powerful message during his recent visit to Ghana, emphasizing the urgent need for African unity.
In a stirring address, Malema highlighted the enduring challenges faced by Ghana and other African nations in achieving true independence, particularly in the economic sphere.
He asserted that while countries like Ghana have advanced in terms of democracy, it continues to rely on outdated economic structures that perpetuate dependency on entities with historical ties to colonial powers.
Malema commended Ghana’s long-standing democracy, recognizing it as one of the oldest on the continent. However, he drew attention to the persistent issue of economic control, pointing out that the means of production in Ghana are still largely owned by entities with colonial ties. The discrepancy between political freedom and economic dependence, he argued, renders the former meaningless without the latter.
“Ghana’s democracy is very old compared to other democracies in the continent but the means of production are still owned by those who previously colonized us and how do we go beyond that because political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless and this type of engagement seek to ensure that the people of Africa are aware that if we stand divided only the imperialist and colonialist stands to benefit,” he stated.
“The unity of Africa is a threat to the enemies of Africa,” Malema passionately declared, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among African nations in the face of external pressures.
He warned against division, asserting that a fragmented Africa only serves the interests of imperialists and colonialists who continue to benefit from economic disparities.
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Angry journalists hurl insults at Black Stars players after game with Mozambique
In the aftermath of the Black Stars‘ unexpected draw in their recent game against Mozambique, emotions ran high as disgruntled journalists unleashed a barrage of insults directed at the players.
The Ghanaian national football team’s loss to Mozambique ignited a firestorm of criticism, with journalists expressing their frustration and disappointment in no uncertain terms.
Several journalists, known for their passionate coverage of football, did not hold back in expressing their disdain for the Black Stars’ performance. Harsh words and derogatory comments filled the air as the players passed by after the match.
Ghana’s defeat against Mozambique was unexpected, considering the fact that the team initially secured two goals through penalties.
At the end of the game, however, both teams had secured two goals each, which means the Blacks Stars did not qualify at the group stage.
The outcome of the match broke the hearts of many Ghanaians who had thrown their full support behind the team.
The initial optimism among fans was shattered as Mozambique managed to level the score by the end of the game, leaving both teams with two goals each. The draw proved to be a significant blow to Ghana’s hopes of progressing further in the competition, and it marked the end of their journey at the group stage.
The outcome of the match was particularly disheartening for many Ghanaians who had fervently supported the Black Stars throughout the tournament. The early lead, established through penalties, had fueled expectations of a successful campaign, only to be dashed by Mozambique’s comeback.
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Julius Malema visits Ghana; advocates economic emancipation for Africa
South African politician Julius Malema has emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond mere political freedom and strive for economic emancipation.
He made the call on his visit to Ghana on January 23, 2024.
Acknowledging Ghana’s long-standing history of democracy on the continent, Malema pointed out the persistent challenge of economic control, which he believes remains in the hands of those who previously colonized the nation.
Known for his outspoken stance on economic justice and pan-African unity, Julius Malema underscored the significance of breaking free from economic dependencies that trace their roots to the colonial era.
“…political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless,” he asserted, challenging the prevailing status quo that has left many African nations grappling with economic structures established during the colonial period.
During his address, Malema highlighted the fact that Ghana’s democracy stands as one of the oldest on the continent, yet economic power remains concentrated in the hands of entities with historical ties to colonial powers. This, he argued, hampers the true realization of independence and hinders the progress and prosperity of the African people.
“Ghana’s democracy is very old compared to other democracies in the continent but the means of production are still owned by those who previously colonized us,” Malema pointedly stated, urging African nations to reassess their economic frameworks and explore strategies for reclaiming control over their resources. The South African politician believes that economic autonomy is essential for the continent to achieve genuine sovereignty.
Malema’s message resonates with the broader sentiment across Africa, where discussions about economic independence have gained prominence. Advocates have argued that a united front is crucial in breaking the chains of economic exploitation, with the belief that only through collaboration and solidarity can African nations truly prosper.
“The unity of Africa is a threat to the enemies of Africa,” Malema emphasized, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of unity among African nations. He stressed that a divided Africa only serves the interests of external powers, perpetuating a cycle of economic dependency.
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I will chose Asanteman over NPP any day! – General Secretary JFK tells Kumasi Traditional Council
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has declared his unwavering allegiance to Asanteman, emphasizing that he would not exchange it for anything under any circumstances.
He expressed a firm commitment to defend and safeguard the Golden Stool and its occupant, rejecting any attempts by fellow party members to tarnish the dignity of chieftaincy and the traditional authority of Asanteman.
Affirming his loyalty, he stated, “I will choose Asante over NPP at any time.”
Mr Frimpong made these remarks during his appearance before the Kumasi Traditional Council on January 22, 2024, addressing alleged disrespect by the Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
Accompanied by the National Organiser of the party, Henry Nana Boakye, Deputy National Communication Director Owusu Bempah, and regional and constituency executives, the NPP leadership intended to present Chairman Wontumi before the Council.
However, they cited his hospitalization for medical attention as the reason for his absence.
Consequently, the party was instructed to bring Chairman Wontumi before the Council on Monday, January 29, 2024, along with the management of Wontumi TV and a program host from the media house, Maurice Ampaw.
Justin Kodua Frimpong hinted at their strategy, stating, “We will tell him to come here next Monday, and we (NPP) will dissociate ourselves from any other excuse he will offer.”
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Political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless – Julius Malema tells Ghanaians upon visit to Ghana
South African politician, Julius Malema, has delivered a compelling message during his recent visit to Ghana, asserting that political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless.
Known for his passionate advocacy for economic justice and pan-African unity, Malema addressing the media, emphasized the need for Ghana and other African nations to break free from economic constraints inherited from the colonial era.
He drew attention to the rich democratic history of Ghana, labeling it as one of the oldest on the continent. However, he challenged the prevailing economic landscape, asserting that despite political independence, the means of production in Ghana are still predominantly controlled by entities with colonial roots.
“Ghana’s democracy is very old compared to other democracies in the continent but the means of production are still owned by those who previously colonized us,” he stated.
He further underscored the inherent disconnect between political sovereignty and economic control.
“And how do we go beyond that because political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless and this type of engagement seeks to ensure that the people of Africa are aware that if we stand divided only the imperialist and colonialist stands to benefit,” he added.
Also, he noted that Ghana, despite its democratic achievements, has not been immune to economic challenges.
He urged Ghanaians to critically examine the structures that perpetuate economic dependency and to actively pursue avenues for economic self-determination.
Additionally, he stressed that a united Africa poses a threat to external forces that have historically benefited from a divided continent.
He, thus, called for solidarity among African nations, suggesting that only through collective action could the continent overcome economic exploitation.
“The unity of Africa is a threat to the enemies of Africa,” he stated.
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French demonstrators struck by car killing a female farmer
A woman who grows food on a farm died, and her husband and teenage daughter were injured in a car crash while farmers in France were protesting.
Farmers in the south-west of France have blocked important roads for several days. This area is one of the most important for farming in the country.
The local prosecutor said that it seemed like the accident near Toulouse was not on purpose.
Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau said it was a “very sad event for everyone”.
Tuesday’s accident happened when farmers in France started blocking roads more after a meeting with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. The meeting was about their concerns with new environmental rules and higher energy prices.
The car hit some straw bales and hit three people while driving on the main road near Pamiers, 70km south of Toulouse, when it was still dark on Tuesday morning.
The woman who passed away was known as a person who raised and took care of cows. Officials said her husband was badly hurt and her 14-year-old daughter’s condition was very concerning.
The authorities detained all three people in the car. They were driving from Toulouse to Andorra, which is another two hours south.
An investigation has started into a serious crime, but the local prosecutor thinks it may not have been on purpose.
The farmer who died was in a farmers’ union called FNSEA. The president of the union, Arnaud Rousseau, said it is hard to deal with this tragedy at a time when French agriculture is facing many problems.
“I want to let the people on the ground know that French farmers fully support them. ”
The farmers’ protests are spreading all over France. The leader of the Young Farmers union, Arnaud Gaillot, said he has never seen so many determined people. “If we have to, we will block off Paris. ” “Some of our members have nothing left to lose, their survival is in danger,” he told RTL radio.
Trucks and tractors stopped the A7 motorway in southeast France. One of the vehicles had the words “we’re dying to feed you” written in red on it.
The newest protests began in the south-western part last week. Even though it’s a very important area for farming, the FNSEA says that farmers here earn the least amount of money compared to other farmers.
They are already being called “green jackets”, a name referring to the gilets jaunes protests in France against high fuel prices.
Last week, more than 400 tractors blocked the middle of Toulouse, where about 800,000 people live. Farmers also blocked some important highways in the south west by setting up places to sleep in the middle of the roads.
The French interior minister said on Monday that he will not tell the police to break up the blockades because he knows the situation is very sensitive politically. -
Russian strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv claimed lives of citizens
Russian missiles hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, and killed four people. Many others were hurt according to officials.
Three people died and 42 were hurt when houses were hit in Kharkiv on Tuesday.
They were two women, one was 40 years old and the other was 56 years old.
The mayor of the city said that some of the apartment buildings were destroyed and rescue workers were searching through the debris to find people who may be alive.
The sky over Kharkiv turned orange because of a fire from Russian missiles. The city is near the border, so it’s hard to stop the missiles in the sky.
Natalia from Kharkiv said to the media that she hasn’t heard this much noise since the war began. She said, “My house was shaking. ” It was very noisy. There were loud booms, then ten seconds later there was another loud noise.
A lot of people don’t have electricity and heat. “I only feel fear and hatred right now,” she said.
At least one person died in the city of Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
In Kyiv, there was an air attack that lasted for over two and a half hours, the longest since 2 January. Many people got hurt when a large building with apartments caught on fire and another building was also damaged.
A representative said a young woman was rescued from the collapsed building. At first, rescuers thought she was dead, but she is now in the hospital in critical condition. Many people were hurt in the central and western districts of Kyiv, Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi.
In Sviatoshinsky, some houses were broken. A few hours after the attacks, the emergency services told the media that they were still at the place of the attacks looking for bombs. They thought there might be a part of a missile that didn’t explode.
Three more parts of Kyiv were also harmed by debris falling after the air defenses stopped the Russian missiles. Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko’s office reports that 20 people are hurt and 13 are in the hospital, including kids.
In another part of the city, after the attack, people came out of their bomb shelters and houses to see the damage.
In places that were not affected this time, people went about their morning like they normally do. Stores were open, and there were lots of people on the roads and streets.
The media went to a hospital where the workers kept working even though there were air raids and they heard the explosions and felt the doors shaking.
Ukraine’s air force destroyed 21 out of 41 missiles launched by Russia last night.
Missiles are hitting Ukraine’s cities more often now, and it’s very dangerous. The attacks have been getting worse in the last few weeks.
Ukraine is worried that Western countries are not giving them the weapons they need. Andriy Yermak, who works for the president, showed a video of the damage in Kharkiv and said, “Look at what’s happening in Kharkiv. ” We are more than just a fortress. “We want guns. ”
Ukrainian soldiers have attacked Russian fuel facilities, including a big attack on an oil terminal in the city of St Petersburg in the last week.
Novatek, an energy company, had to stop some of its work because of a fire at its Ust-Luga Baltic Sea export complex.
Two tall buildings in Kyiv were struck. -
Amazon punished for ‘excessive’ worker surveillance
Amazon was punished in France for watching its workers too much. They were fined a lot of money because the way they were keeping an eye on their workers broke the law.
The CNIL said that Amazon France Logistique, which runs warehouses, collected data from workers’ handheld scanners.
Amazon was able to monitor the workers’ activities very accurately, which made them have to explain every break they took.
The CNIL said it was wrong for Amazon to keep workers’ data for 31 days.
The data protection agency in France looked into Amazon warehouses after workers complained and media reported on the working conditions.More update on this story soon.
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Haley and Trump to square off in New Hampshire
Donald Trump and Nikki Haley will compete in a primary election in New Hampshire on Tuesday.
The old US president wants to beat the former South Carolina governor in the race to be the Republican candidate.
Ms Haley wants the support of New Hampshire’s independent voters to help her win unexpectedly.
The competition comes after Mr. Trump’s big win last week in Iowa.
The Republican who will run for president will compete against the Democrat candidate, probably President Joe Biden, in the November election.
Mr Biden, who is 81 years old, and Mr Trump, who is 77 years old, competing against each other would be like having a rematch of the 2020 presidential election.
The Democrats are voting in New Hampshire on Tuesday. Biden is not on the ballot because of a disagreement between national and local party officials. This has never happened before.
The competition to be the Republican candidate reduced to only two people on Sunday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not do well in Iowa’s caucuses and dropped out of the race, supporting Mr. Trump instead
Before DeSantis dropped out, Mr. Trump was winning by a lot in many polls in New Hampshire. Many surveys show that most people who support the Florida governor think that Mr. Trump is their next favorite choice.
At a gathering in Laconia, New Hampshire, on Monday night, Mr. Trump said, “If you want a candidate who doesn’t win and doesn’t put America first, vote for Nikki Haley. ”
He said that liberals are being encouraged by globalists and radical left communists to vote for her in the Republican primary.
“They want to compete against her because they think it will be easy to win,” he said.
In New Hampshire, most voters will vote on Tuesday during the day. But in Dixville Notch, a few people voted at midnight in a tradition that has been happening for decades. All six people who could vote in the town picked Nikki Haley instead of Donald Trump.
Earlier in the day at a campaign event, Ms Haley, who is 52 years old, said that Mr Trump is really worried about the criminal and civil cases against him. He says he’s innocent and that they’re only accusing him because of political reasons.
She said, “When you listen to Trump, what is he talking about. Complaints and things from the past. ” He’s talking about seeking revenge.
“Biden is discussing investigations. ” Both of them are not talking about the future. I am doing this because. I don’t want my children to live like this.
Ms Haley, who worked for the United Nations under President Trump, said: “When you go out on Tuesday, you’ll decide: do you want things to stay the same, or do you want something different. ”
Any person in New Hampshire can vote in the primary election. New Hampshire is considered to be more moderate compared to very conservative Iowa. In 2016 and 2020, Mr. Trump was the chosen Republican candidate in the state.
The Haley campaign is hoping to win by getting support from the 40% of voters in New Hampshire who are not registered with any political party.
The New Hampshire primary is causing a disagreement between local party officials and the national Democratic National Committee.
New Hampshire is usually the first state to have a primary in the US election, but the national DNC changed the order to have South Carolina go first. They said this would better show the country’s diversity.
The Democratic Party in New Hampshire insisted on holding their primary election, but the national party said they wouldn’t count the results and Joe Biden wouldn’t be a candidate.
Instead, some people in New Hampshire who support Mr. Biden are asking others to write his name on the ballot when they vote. -
Rwanda asylum scheme: Peers reject approving deal with Rwanda
The House of Lords has voted for the UK to wait before making a new treaty with Rwanda. They want Rwanda to make their asylum procedures better first.
Friends supported a suggestion for the government to not approve the treaty with 214 votes in favor and 171 against.
The treaty was signed in December and is important to Rishi Sunak’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. It is different from the Rwanda Safety Bill.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron asked his colleagues to support the bill.
“He said it’s not okay for people to travel from a safe country like France to another safe country like Britain and be allowed to stay. That’s what the Rwanda plan is about. ”
Next week, the members of parliament will start discussing the bill that tries to make it harder for asylum seekers to fight against being sent back to Rwanda.
Even though the vote on the treaty doesn’t force anyone to do something, it shows how many people might disagree with Mr Sunak when the bill is discussed in the Lords.
Only one Conservative, the Earl of Dundee, went against the government in Monday’s vote.
The vote was the first one to happen after the rules changed in 2010. The new rules gave the Lords ways to disagree with treaty agreements.
Once the Rwanda Bill becomes a law, the treaty will be officially approved – even though the government doesn’t need the support of parliament to do so.
The UK-Rwanda Treaty is an important part of the government’s plan to stop migrants from coming to the UK by crossing the Channel in small boats.
The treaty was written because the Supreme Court said that the Rwanda policy is not allowed.
James Cleverly, the person in charge of keeping the country safe, signed a new important agreement in Kigali. He said this agreement will make sure that people who move to Rwanda won’t be sent back to a place where their life or freedom is in danger. This is called non-refoulement.
The agreement creates a new group of judges from different countries who are experts in asylum cases. They will listen to and decide on individual immigration cases.
The government says a group will watch over Rwanda’s asylum system. This group will have more power to make sure the rules are followed.
The government is going to create a way for people who have been moved to a new place and their lawyers to make complaints.
But the House of Lords agreed on Monday that the treaty should be put on hold until the government can show that Rwanda is safe.
Lord Goldsmith, a member of the Labour Party who used to be the Attorney General, suggested the motion. It was on behalf of a group of politicians from different parties called the International Agreements Committee. They found 10 problems in the Rwandan asylum system.
Last week, a group released a report saying that the protections promised by the Rwanda Treaty have not been put in place yet.
Lord Goldsmith said that the government has asked Parliament to decide if Rwanda is safe now.
And yet, according to the home secretary’s own proof, this cannot be true because the measures are not ready and have not been proven to work.
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lord Fox said that there are many reasons to wait before making the treaty official until everything needed for it to work properly is ready. -
24 troops said to have died in Gaza in a single day – Israeli Defense Forces
The Israeli army says 24 of its soldiers died in Gaza on Monday – it was the worst day for Israeli forces since they started their ground operation.
Twenty-one part-time soldiers died in a big blast.
The main speaker for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Daniel Hagari, said that they believe a rocket-propelled grenade fired by Palestinian fighters hit a tank near two buildings where they were.
He said the buildings were likely blown up by mines that Israeli forces had put there to destroy them.
The IDF is still looking into what happened to find out more information.
The soldiers were killed in central Gaza near Kissufim kibbutz on the Israeli border at about 4:00 pm on Monday, Rear Admiral Hagari said.
He said they were working to help people from southern Israel go back to their homes safely after lots of people had to leave because of the Hamas attack on 7 October.
On Monday, Israel’s military said three officers were killed in a different attack in southern Gaza.
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said that Monday was a really hard day because a lot of people died since the war started.
“We will keep fighting until we win, for the sake of our lives and our heroes,” he wrote on X, a social media platform.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he had a very hard time this morning when he found out how many people had died.
“I want to comfort the families and pray for the injured to get better,” he said, speaking for the whole country.
Israel started the war to get rid of Hamas because a lot of their fighters killed 1,300 people, mostly innocent people, and also took around 250 others as hostages in a very surprising and strong attack.
The IDF website says that 217 soldiers have died since Israel started its ground invasion on 27 October. This is part of a total of 545 people who have died since 7th October.
At least 25,295 people, mostly women and children, have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to the health ministry run by Hamas. -
IMF affirms strong performance by Ghana under fund programme, meeting quantitative and indicative targets
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged Ghana’s robust performance under the Fund programme, revealing that the country has successfully met all quantitative performance criteria for the first review, along with almost all indicative targets and structural benchmarks.
Following the Executive Board’s conclusion of the 2023 Article IV Consultation with Ghana and the First Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement, the IMF stated that Ghana’s commitment to the Fund-supported programme is evident in its progress toward reducing the fiscal primary deficit by approximately 4 percentage points of GDP in 2023.
The IMF highlighted several key achievements, emphasizing that spending has remained within program limits. Additionally, the authorities, comprising the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, have significantly expanded social protection programs to mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable populations. On the revenue front, Ghana has successfully met its non-oil revenue mobilization target.
The statement further noted that the Ghanaian authorities are making substantial headway in their debt restructuring strategy. The domestic debt restructuring was completed in the summer, and an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) under the G20’s Common Framework was reached on January 12, 2024, aligning with Fund program parameters.
Ambitious structural fiscal reforms are contributing to the positive trajectory, enhancing domestic revenues, improving spending efficiency, strengthening public financial and debt management, ensuring financial sector stability, fostering governance and transparency, and creating an environment conducive to private sector investment.
The IMF acknowledged the tangible results of these reform efforts, citing signs of economic stabilization, resilient growth in 2023, declining inflation, and improved fiscal and external positions.
Looking ahead, the IMF stressed the importance of steadfast policy and reform implementation to fully and durably restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, fostering higher and more inclusive growth. The government’s plans to reduce deficits, mobilize additional domestic revenue, streamline expenditure, and finalize comprehensive debt restructuring were highlighted as critical steps.
The IMF emphasized the need for continued efforts to protect the vulnerable and create space for higher social and development spending. Reforms in tax administration, expenditure control, management of arrears, fiscal rules, institutions, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) management were identified as crucial for lasting adjustment.
The Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, Bo Li, concluded by highlighting the government’s decisive steps to rein in inflation, rebuild foreign reserve buffers, and mitigate the impact of domestic debt restructuring on financial institutions. The IMF encouraged maintaining an appropriately tight monetary stance and enhancing exchange rate flexibility to achieve the program’s objectives. Reforms to create a conducive environment for private investment and promote a green recovery were also emphasized.
Ghana’s exposure to climate shocks was acknowledged, and promoting a green recovery by advancing adaptation and mitigation agendas was underscored as a priority. The IMF affirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic recovery and sustainability.
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I have a beautiful heart – Vanessa Nicole
Ex-wife of comedian Funny Face, Vanessa Nicole, has disclosed that she has a beautiful heart despite everything that has happened in her past life.
During an interview with Zionfelix, she shared insights into her Christian beliefs, and revealed that she is a devoted Christian who places importance on her faith.
She expressed the conviction that her kind-heartedness will definitely secure her a spot in Heaven.
“I will be the first to go to Heaven. I’m a very good person oo, Zion, I have a beautiful heart. People around me know this. If I like you, I like you. If I love you I love you but when I say I’m getting you out of my way, I won’t fight with you. I’ll just take it slow and get you out,” she stated in an interview with Zionfelix.
Her comments follow a recent statement by Funny Face who revealed in a post on social media that life after his battle with his mental health has not been easy.
He revealed that he has not been financially sound, a situation that has prevented him from seeing his children for a long time.
Asked by Zionfelix what her relationship with Funny Face was, she indicated that they were “cool.” However, she also stated that her mother and her four kids are her major focus and concern.
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I follow all the ten commandments – Vanessa Nicole
Former wife of comedian Funny Face, Vanessa Nicole, has declared her unwavering commitment to following the principles of the Ten Commandments as she seeks to please God.
Speaking in an interview, she emphasized her personal dedication to God rather than aiming to please others.
“I follow all the Ten Commandments,” Vanessa affirmed, underlining her sincere endeavor to lead a life in accordance with these moral guidelines.
She clarified that her motivation is not to seek approval from anyone but rather to align her actions with the desire to please God.
She further expressed a conscientious approach to her lifestyle, emphasizing her determination to avoid actions that may offend God. “With the kind of life I’m living, I’ll make sure I don’t do things to offend God,” she stated.
She further disclosed that she has a beautiful heart despite everything that has happened in her past life.
During the interview with Zionfelix, she shared insights into her Christian beliefs, and revealed that she is a devoted Christian who places importance on her faith.
She expressed the conviction that her kind-heartedness will definitely secure her a spot in Heaven.
“I will be the first to go to Heaven. I’m a very good person oo, Zion, I have a beautiful heart. People around me know this. If I like you, I like you. If I love you I love you but when I say I’m getting you out of my way, I won’t fight with you. I’ll just take it slow and get you out,” she stated in an interview with Zionfelix.
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NPP outlined procedural framework for Parliamentary Primaries on January 27th
National Secretariat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unveiled the comprehensive protocols that will govern the conduct of the upcoming January 27th parliamentary primaries slated for Saturday, January 27, 2024.
A press statement dated January 22, 2024, reveals that the party has devised protocols aimed at safeguarding the integrity and fairness of the parliamentary primaries, as stated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“There will be one voting centre in each constituency nationwide. However, in constituencies where there are many delegates, the Electoral Commission (EC) may create additional polling stations at the centre to ensure a speedy process. All stakeholders are kindly entreated to comply with these provisions to ensure a smooth and transparent process,” it stated.
It said the EC would supervise the conduct of the elections and shall have the full responsibility of ensuring a transparent, free, and fair election.
“No person, whether a government appointee, party official, or otherwise, shall act in contravention of the Electoral Commission and these guidelines.”
“Security activities rest exclusively with the Ghana Police Service, and access beyond security perimeters is restricted to delegates, persons appointed by the National Secretariat and Region as election supervisors, contestants, and their accredited agents,” it stated.
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Bawku conflict: Chief Imam calls for ceasefire
Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has issued a plea for calm amidst tensions in Bawku in the Upper East region.
Addressing the public in an interview, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, serving as the spokesperson for the Chief Imam, expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
He emphasized that the situation is particularly troubling for the National Chief Imam, as they have kinsmen residing in the affected area.
Tensions are escalating once more in the Bawku area after the reported killing of three young men, allegedly by military officers.
Eyewitnesses claim that the young men had not engaged in any actions justifying their arrest and subsequent killing by the soldiers. In contrast, the military refutes these allegations, asserting that the soldiers acted in self-defense.
Residents are calling for justice for the killing of the young men.
Reacting to the situation, Sheikh Shaibu stated that the predominantly Muslim population of Bawku should look to the Qur’an’s teachings of peace and let peace prevail.
“I use the voice of the National Chief Imam to call on the people of Bawku because they’re largely Muslims, and I want to call them to look at the spirit of peace as established in our own language and the greetings that we greet – As-salamu alaykum – peace be upon you.
“They should look at this and look at peace as one of the virtues and values of Islam and once silence the gun, break the cycle of vengeance, sound more conciliatory, let’s explore more opportunities for negotiated peace through dialogue and know that as we do so, we’ll be able to reach [peace],” he said.
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Israeli parent worries his hostage daughter was molested
The father of an Israeli captive in Gaza is worried that his 18-year-old daughter may have been hurt by her captors.
Eli Albag told the media that he believed the people who were freed from being hostages with his daughter Liri knew something about what happened, but they didn’t tell him to protect his feelings.
He said the pain was making him feel really bad and he felt like he was barely alive. He could only keep going by taking medicine.
Israel says they cannot find over 130 people who were taken away during the attacks by Hamas on October 7th. Over 100 prisoners were set free when fighting stopped for six days in late November.
Some former captives say they were informed by other female captives that they were sexually attacked. Doctors told the Associated Press that 10 people who were let go were attacked or mistreated.
Mr Albag and three other family members of hostages have come to London to ask the UK Government to push Qatar to release the hostages. Qatar is involved in negotiations to release the hostages but also supports Hamas leaders.
They want the Gulf state to decide if it still wants to have Hamas there or if it wants to be part of Western culture.
Mr Albag says Liri is his youngest daughter. She is very happy, loves music, likes to dance, and has friends all over the world.
He says he’s tough, but he can’t sleep and has trouble talking because he’s worried about what might be happening to her.
“The family is falling apart. She has two sisters and a little brother. We haven’t been living together since October 7th,” he explains. In the morning, I am awake and alive. At night, I go to sleep and I am not awake or alive. Every This is what’s happened to us all the time, day and night.
He was told by the hostages that his daughter was alive and okay after 50 days of being held captive. They were living in a tunnel with no food, water, fresh air, or electricity. He says she couldn’t take a shower the whole time.
We hope she comes back to us in good shape.
“We are worried because some girls were attacked sexually by others and they have not been released. ”
Liri’s dad said there are young women between 18 and 30 who have not been let go.
He said the ex-hostages didn’t answer his tough questions about sexual abuse and looked away.
I know they don’t want to discuss this because they don’t want to upset us. But we get it. “We understand very well,” he says.
“It’s hard to say and hard to think, but I’m worried that they have done something bad to these girls. ” I don’t know what they are saying, and I don’t know what these animals are doing.
It’s been more than three months since the hostages were taken, and now there is another important problem.
Due to worries that some people may have been sexually assaulted, it might be too late to end any pregnancies that they don’t want.
Mr Albag is scared and knows that time is running out to fix the problem.
On Monday, later in the day, four Israelis went to a meeting hosted by Conservative Friends of Israel. Eli Albag gave UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a dog tag that said “Bring them home”.
Another one of the four, Liran Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv are still being kept against their will, explained what they wanted to say to the people from Qatar.
He said Qatar is very important. “They are welcoming the leaders of Hamas and also spending money on Western culture, purchasing football teams and properties in London, Europe, and the US. ”
“They have to pick a team. ” If they want to join Western culture, that’s fine, but they can’t let Hamas leaders stay there.
A Qatari leader said sorry to the families of the hostages. They are still talking to everyone involved and trying hard to bring the hostages back home and stop the war.
“Qatar has been trying very hard to free the hostages and stop more violence since the crisis started,” the official said.
“This involves using its way of talking with Hamas, which was set up over ten years ago with the help of the United States. ”
“Right now, 109 people who were held captive in Gaza have been set free because of these actions. Also, last week, Qatar helped make a deal to bring medicine to the hostages and send help to the people living in Gaza. “ -
Kumasi Traditional Council directs NPP leadership to produce Chairman Wontumi by next week
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader in the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Bo has been directed to make a mandatory appearance before the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, January 29, 2024.
This directive stems from the purported derogatory comments attributed to Chairman Wontumi against the Asantehene approximately two weeks ago.
Chairman Wontumi is anticipated to present himself alongside Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, both facing allegations of making comparable derogatory remarks on radio.
The Kumasi Traditional Council has summoned the management of the radio station where the controversial comments were made.
Chairman Wontumi was initially expected to make an appearance today, January 22, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace, however, he failed to for health reasons.
On his behalf, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua and Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye led a party delegation to the Manhyia Palace.
The Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia (VI), in the absence of the Asantehene, sat in state.
All factions of the Kumasi Traditional Council were represented at the Palace.
Speaking on behalf of Wontumi, the NPP General Secretary pleaded that the accused had taken ill and requested two weeks for his recovery.
As tradition demands, it was thrown to the faction leaders of the traditional council to have their take on the matter.
All leaders who spoke furiously disagreed with the request for the two weeks since Wontumi had failed to present a medical report to validate his absence.
They further drew in lawyer Maurice Ampaw for alleged derogatory statements in support of Chairman Wontumi’s statement.
In passing final comments, the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwaatia ordered that the Ashanti Regional NPP Chair appear before the traditional council next Monday.
He also ordered Maurice Ampaw and the Management of Wontumi Radio to be present on the same day.
In a concluding statement, the NPP General Secretary thanked the traditional authority and reiterated his reverence for the Golden Stool.
He dissociated the party from the invitation thrown to Maurice Ampaw.
The merits of the substantive issue are yet to be heard.
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Fire nearly completely destroys 4,000-piece Abkhazian art collection
A big fire burned up almost all of the art in Abkhazia, a region in Georgia that is controlled by Russia.
Over 4,000 paintings at the National Art Gallery in the capital Sukhumi burned in a fire and were destroyed.
The fire spread fast in the old building from the 1900s that was made of wood. It had a lot of Abkhazian art inside.
Researchers believe that the fire might have started because of a problem with the electrical wiring.
A video on social media showed big fires inside the building.
300 artworks by the famous artist Alexander Chachba-Shervashidze were ruined.
The head of the national gallery, Suram Sakanya, said that the collection made it through the civil war in Abkhazia in the 1990s and it was a huge loss for Abkhaz culture.
“We have been collecting these things since 1963, but they caught on fire and were destroyed in just a few seconds. ” The director said it’s a sad event for us in Abkhazia.
Local artists had been asking for a better place to keep their special art collection for a while. Before the fire, a video showed paintings stacked together in two small rooms without enough protection.
Abkhazia is a place in Georgia that gets help from Russia and is next to Russia.
The area had a war with Georgia and separated from it in 1999, but not many other countries recognize it as independent.
After the war between Georgia and Russia in 2008, Moscow said that it sees the country as its own separate state. Georgia says that Russia is controlling Abkhazia.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said the fire was “a sad event for everyone”.
“I am upset about the result of ignoring our cultural identity by the leaders and Russian occupiers,” she wrote on X, which was previously known as Twitter.
Russia said it will send experts to Sukhumi to help fix the 150 paintings that were saved from the fire. -
Migrants from Eritrea speak of severe imprisonment in Ethiopia
Some Eritrean people told the media Tigrinya that they are with more than 100 others, including 13 kids, who have been kept in jail for two months in the Ethiopian town of Yebelo, near the border with Kenya.
They said they live in a temporary prison enclosed by a prickly fence made of acacia branches, which doesn’t keep them safe from the weather.
The group was traveling to ask for safety in Kenya, they said.
One person, who doesn’t want to be known, said they had to go through really tough situations.
At first, we bought water from the police and used it to wash ourselves. But when we didn’t have money, a lot of us got sick because we didn’t have enough food and clean water,” they said.
Even though the police took them to the clinic, they have to pay for their own treatment.
“People who don’t have money are hungry and sick. ”
Right now, many Eritreans who ran away from the fighting in Sudan are going into Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
The local police didn’t answer the media’s question. -
Black Stars players to pocket $30k each if team defeats Mozambique
As the AFCON 2023 progresses, members of the Ghana Black Stars squad are set to receive a substantial boost, with each player expected to pocket a $30,000 qualification bonus if they successfully advance to the next round of the tournament.
This significant incentive adds an extra layer of motivation for the players as they strive to make their mark in the competition.
In a collaborative effort between the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports, a unique system is in place for the national team’s compensation.
Rather than the conventional winning bonus structure, the team receives a qualification bonus, marking a distinctive approach to incentivizing performance in international competitions.
Under this innovative compensation system, the Ghana national team stands to receive a noteworthy $30,000 qualification bonus, even if they don’t secure victories in any of their three group stage matches.
— Dr. George (@GeorgeAnagli) January 22, 2024
The focus is on the team’s successful advancement to the next round, offering a distinct approach to incentivizing performance and progression in the tournament.
In a departure from the previous structure, where the winning bonus per group game stood at $10,000, the current system combines the potential bonuses for three victories in the group stage, resulting in a $30,000 qualification bonus.
This revised approach aims to align incentives with the team’s overall success and progression in the tournament.
So at the end of the group stage, if Ghana Black Stars qualifies to the knockout stage whether as 2nd in Group B or one of the lucky 3rd placed teams, the 27 man squad and their technical team will get $30,000 each as qualification bonus.
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Pollster Ben Ephson predicts Adwoa Safo’s defeat
Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.
Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.
Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.
Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.
“They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.
“To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”
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Voters will punish Adwoa Safo over TikTok video – Ben Ephson
Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.
Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.
Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.
Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.
“They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.
“To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”
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Skin cancer survivor Sarah Ferguson stresses the need for regular mole examinations
Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming “messages of love and support” she has received in the wake of the announcement on Sunday revealing her skin cancer diagnosis.
On Monday morning, the 64-year-old duchess took to her Instagram account, urging everyone to remain “diligent” by regularly checking moles and seeking medical attention if there are any changes in their appearance.
Expressing her surprise at the diagnosis, especially following her treatment for breast cancer last year, the duchess noted that she is in good spirits and surrounded by her supportive family.
“I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery,” she said.
She said it was only due to the “great vigilance” of her dermatologist that the melanoma was detected at all.
“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent,” she said.
There has been a slew of royal health news in the last few days: Kate, the Princess of Wales and wife of Prince William, underwent planned abdominal surgery last week, prompting a long break from official duties, while King Charles is due this week to have treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Ferguson posted a picture of herself in Austria, where she was recuperating at the Mayrlife Clinic, a high-end health resort favored by celebrities in a picturesque spa town of Altaussee, before returning home to England.
Known simply as “Fergie” to many, including the red-top newspapers that have closely followed her personal life, she has been firmly the public eye since marrying Andrew in 1986 and perhaps even more so after the couple’s split in 1992.
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Israel-Gaza: Netanyahu challenges Biden regarding state of Palestine
Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, said no to the idea of making a Palestinian country once more.
He made these comments a few hours after talking on the phone with US President Joe Biden. The US leader said that Mr. Netanyahu might agree with the idea.
Mr Netanyahu’s comments seemed to make the differences between the US and Israel even bigger.
The US thinks it’s important for there to be a Palestinian country next to Israel for things to be stable in the long run. It’s called a “two-state solution. ”
However, the White House admitted that the US and Israeli governments have different views.
Talking to reporters after the two leaders talked for the first time in almost a month, Mr. Biden said that he still thinks it’s possible for there to be two separate countries in that area even with Mr. Netanyahu as the leader.
“There are several ways to solve a problem with two options. ” Several countries are part of the UN and. “He said some countries don’t have their own armies. ”
On Saturday, Mr. Netanyahu stuck to his position, which he has had for a long time and repeated earlier this week.
A message from his office said that Prime Minister Netanyahu told President Biden that Israel wants to keep control of Gaza after Hamas is defeated, to make sure it won’t be a danger to Israel anymore. But this goes against the Palestinians’ request to have their own country.
On Saturday, he said that Israel should have control over the area west of the Jordan River for security reasons. This area includes the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was not happy with what Mr. Netanyahu said on Sunday. He said it was not a surprise, but still disappointing.
Some people may feel less hopeful that the Gaza crisis will lead to Israeli and Palestinian leaders talking and starting the peace process again.
Mr Netanyahu is getting more and more alone in other countries. At home, people still support the war, but there are also protests about the 130 hostages in Gaza held by Hamas.
Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October and killed about 1,300 people, mostly civilians. They also took 240 hostages.
Many people protested in Tel Aviv, asking Mr. Netanyahu to make a peace agreement to bring back the missing people.
Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, My cousin was captured on 7 October. We believe that you can bring them back. From, Gil Dickmann We trust in you.
We believe you can agree to this agreement and help win for all the people in Israel. Just go ahead and do it, Bibi. Just go ahead and do whatever it is. “Bring the people who were taken captive, back to their homes. ”
Israeli soldiers are still moving into the southern part of Gaza. They are looking for important members of Hamas who they think are hiding in Khan Younis, which is the second largest city in the area.
The Israel army went into a tunnel in Khan Younis and found out that it was used to keep hostages, but the hostages were not there when they looked.
The fighting is mainly in southern Gaza, but there have also been new fights in the northern town of Jabalia. Palestinian fighters moved forward while Israel tried to move its soldiers and tanks south.
It’s been almost three months since Israel started sending troops into Gaza. Even though Israel’s army is much stronger than Hamas, they are still meeting strong resistance in Gaza.
The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, said on Sunday that 25,105 people had died in the area since 7 October. More than 60,000 people were also hurt, according to the report. -
$27m worth of “scorpion” cocaine found in narcotics seized in Colombia
The Colombian Navy stopped a semi-submersible boat that had almost 800kg of cocaine on it. Some of the cocaine was marked with a scorpion symbol.
A 50-foot-long “narco-sub” was found in Colombian waters. It is the first one to be discovered this year.
The navy thinks the stuff they found is worth $27m (£21m) and thinks the submarine was on its way to the US or Europe.
Three individuals who were inside the vehicle have been taken into custody.
The navy stopped the underwater boat that was moving through the Pacific Ocean on Sunday.
On the ship, there were packages of cocaine with a scorpion image or labeled “Winnie” and “Carnal”.
The navy said the drugs and the people suspected of smuggling them were taken to Buenaventura, a port city in Colombia. More information about the suspects has not been given yet.
The Colombian Navy stopped drug trafficking organizations from getting almost $27 million by seizing the drugs. This prevented about two million doses from being sold on the streets around the world.
The Colombian Navy shared a picture of the drug submarine.
Drug smuggling boats called narco-subs are a common way to secretly transport drugs. They can avoid being noticed and can be sunk in the water after delivering the drugs. They are usually made at home, using fibreglass and plywood.
Colombia makes the most cocaine in the world.
In 2023, the Colombian Navy found and stopped 30 tonnes of drugs and over five tonnes of marijuana.
In May of last year, the biggest drug-smuggling submarine ever found in Colombia was stopped with three tons of cocaine inside, as reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC in the US. It was around 100 feet long and 10 feet wide.
The UN said that in 2022, Colombia made a lot of cocaine. They used a lot of coca leaves and spread them over a very big area.
Belgian officials found a lot of cocaine at the port of Antwerp last year. The port is now the main way drugs from South America enter Europe. -
Gov’t ‘working hard’ to have more Chinese companies in Ghana
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has conveyed the government’s deliberate efforts to position the country as a favored hub for Chinese businesses across the African continent.
In a pivotal engagement held in Accra, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta disclosed the government’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the Chinese Business Community in Ghana. The occasion was part of the Ghana Mutual Prosperity Partnership, signaling a strategic effort to enhance collaboration between the two entities.
“We want to use this platform to tease out the problems you face, equip you for the challenges of the future and increase Ghana’s attractiveness as a base for Chinese businesses on the continent,” Mr Ofori-Atta stated.
The Finance Minister underscored Ghana’s economic resurgence, steady exchange rates, and decreasing interest rates as advantageous elements for businesses eyeing exports to China. Additionally, he highlighted the encouraging trajectory of the Bank of Ghana’s Business Confidence Index, signifying a growing confidence in the overall economic conditions of the country.
Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is developing an Investment Code to expand incentives for both domestic and foreign strategic investments, with the aim of promoting a predictable and favourable environment for investment.
China holds a crucial position in Ghana’s trade and investment landscape, with an FDI stock of approximately US$1.1 billion. Ghana stands as the 4th largest buyer of Chinese goods on the African continent, consuming approximately US$7.9 billion of Chinese exports in 2022, underlining the strong trade ties between the two nations.
Reflecting on this enduring relationship, Mr Ofori-Atta expressed gratitude for China’s support during challenging times, notably as the first responder for anti-pandemic supplies during the “once-in-a-generation” pandemic. China’s leadership in supporting Ghana’s bid to restructure bilateral debts also showcased commitment to Ghana’s economic recovery efforts, he said.
Chinese businesses play a vital role in driving infrastructure development in Ghana, particularly in sustainable business growth, energy and aviation sectors. Contracts underscore the importance of responsible business practices.
Ambassador Lu Kun of The People’s Republic of China in Ghana highlighted the significance of the two nations’ 60-year diplomatic relations and the role of Ghana in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Bilateral trade volume reached US$9 billion in the first 10 months of 2023, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.8 percent . Ambassador Lu Kun reiterated China’s commitment to sincere cooperation and shared interests.
Chairman Yang Qun of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Ghana recognized the pivotal role of Chinese business investments in Ghana’s progress. Addressing challenges and acknowledging existing investments, he emphasized the positive impact of Chinese enterprises on Ghana’s economic landscape, contributing to sustainable development and community engagement.
As Ghana and China enter the Chinese New Year, both nations express optimism for a prosperous year ahead, building on their historical partnership and commitment to mutual growth.
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British in Madrid court over fake Snapchat plane bomb
A man from Britain is being accused of causing trouble in public after making a joke about blowing up a plane. He is now facing trial in Spain.
In July 2022, Aditya Verma posted a comment on Snapchat while he was heading to Menorca Island with his friends.
Before Verma left Gatwick airport, he sent a message saying: “I’m on my way to explode the plane (I’m a member of the Taliban). ”
Mr Verma said in a Madrid court on Monday that he never meant to make people upset or cause them harm.
If the university student is found to be responsible, they will have to pay a lot of money for the costs of sending two Spanish Air Force jets.
The UK security services noticed Mr Verma’s message and told the Spanish authorities while the easyJet plane was still flying.
A court in Madrid was told that it was believed the message caused concern after it was found using Gatwick’s Wi-Fi network.
Soon after that, the court was informed that two Spanish F-18 fighter jets were sent to fly next to the aircraft.
A jet followed the plane all the way to Menorca and when it landed, the plane was searched a lot.
Mr Verma, who was 18 years old, was taken by the police. He was held in a police jail for two days and then let out on bail, the court was informed.
When he got back to the UK, the British military intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6 asked him some questions before he went home to Orpington, Kent.
Mr Verma went to court on Monday. He is studying economics at Bath University. He told the court that the message was just a joke in a private group.
“He said he just sent it to my friends who I was traveling with that day. ”
When asked about why he sent the message, Mr. Verma said: “People have made fun of how I look since I was in school. ” It was to make people smile and have some fun.
When he saw the fighter jets next to the plane, Mr. Verma thought it was a military practice for the Russia-Ukraine war.
He said the pilot of the plane told everyone that fighter jets were sent by mistake, because someone sent a distress signal by accident.
The police looked through Mr. Verma’s phone and found that he had been looking up information about fights between Pakistan and India and potential attacks by the Islamic State in that region. But they didn’t find anything to show that Mr. Verma was involved in radical terrorist beliefs.
Mr Verma could be fined €22,500 if he is found guilty, but he is not in danger of going to jail for terrorism charges. The Spanish defense ministry is also asking for €95,000 to cover their expenses.
