Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who doubles as one of the candidates in the recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race, has declared his support for the party’s leader and flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, following his defeat in the presidential primaries.
He called on his supporters to come together and bolster the party’s position as they gear up to compete against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 elections. Kennedy Agyapong reiterated his dedication to ensuring that the NPP maintains its hold on power in the next election.
“I believe the party has been fair and transparent, and that is the only thing I have always been preaching, and I must admit, this election is fair, and my grassroots have spoken; therefore, I accept the results in good faith.
“I pledge my support, and we are going to work tirelessly to break the eight. I want to congratulate the vice president.”
He added, “So, party members, we are here; we should put everything behind us and let us unite this party. With unity, I believe we can break the eight, and that is all I have been preaching for.
“I want to assure you that in 2024, the showdown will be translated into NDC. We have to come together and give the NDC a showdown.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially transferred leadership of the NPP to Bawumia after his 16-year tenure.
Since 2007, Akufo-Addo has served as the party’s leader. Per the NPP’s constitution, Dr. Bawumia takes on the role of the party’s new leader following his victory in the presidential primaries.
Dr. Bawumia secured his victory with 61.43% of the total votes, while his closest rival, Kennedy Agyapong, received 37.41% of the vote share. The other two contestants, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimo, received 0.75% and 0.41% of the vote, respectively.
NPP Presidential Primaries: The election is fair, and I accept the results in good faith – Kennedy Agyapong#UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/7QL9082tgo
Moussa Dadis Camara, the previous leader of Guinea’s military group in 2008, has been caught again after running away from jail on Saturday, as stated by Guinea’s Ministry of Defense.
Camara was freed from prison in Conakry on Saturday by armed men, along with three other high-ranking officers, said Justice Minister Charles Wright.
According to the Ministry of Defense, two out of the three top officers, Moussa Tiegboro Camara and Blaise Gomou, have been caught again. The third officer named Colonel Claude Pivi is still not captured.
The people who escaped but were caught again are now safe and have been taken back to Maison Centrale de Conakry, a prison in Guinea’s capital.
“The Ministry of Defense said they have done everything they can to catch the last person who escaped. ” I urge people again to keep doing their daily tasks without any restrictions.
On Saturday, people who live in the area told Reuters that military vehicles and special forces were patrolling the streets of the Guinean capital. This happened after gunshots were heard in the Kaloum administrative district, where Camara and others were being kept in the Central House prison.
It was early in the morning, around 5:00 a. mOne in the morning A group of men with a lot of weapons went into the Central House of Conakry. They were able to leave with four people on trial for the events of September. The minister said on the radio that there were 28 people, including Captain Moussa Dadis Camara.
“He said they will be found no matter where they are, but didn’t provide more information about the investigation. ”
He said that Guinea has closed its borders to stop people from escaping the country.
Camara and other people have been in court since last year, facing charges of planning a stadium attack and widespread sexual assault by Guinean security forces. This incident happened during a protest for democracy on September 28, 2009, and resulted in the death of 150 people.
Camara said it wasn’t his fault and blamed the bad actions on the soldiers who made mistakes.
People who live in the area close to Kaloum said that they heard gunshots for the first time at around 04:00 in the morning. The current time is midnight or 12:00 in the morning. After that, the security on the streets became stricter and the entrance to Kaloum was closed off.
In the morning, the capital looked peaceful. There were still many soldiers around, telling people to stay home. Mmah Camara, who lives in Tombo district, said this over the phone.
In simple words, Guinea is being ruled by a military leader named Mamady Doumbouya. He came into power by forcefully taking control in 2021. This is one of eight similar incidents that have occurred in West and Central Africa over the past three years. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Gabon are countries where the government is controlled by military officers.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has conceded to the results of the just-ended New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential elections.
Addressing NPP faithfuls at the official declaration of the results in Accra, the MP admitted that the elections were fair and transparent, adding that he will join forces with the flagbearer elect to secure a third term at 2024.
“The elections was fair and transparent” he said.
Ken also expressed gratitude to the delegates who voted for him, urging them to support Dr. Bawumia
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been declared the winner of the New Patriotic Party’s presidential election to represent the ruling party in the 2024 general elections.
A total of 203,439 delegates participated in the election conducted today, November 4, in the various constituencies across all 16 regions of Ghana.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia polled 118,210 votes, representing 61.43 percent, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong garnered 71,991 votes (37.41 percent), former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto got 1,459 votes (0.76 percent) and former Mampong MP, Frimpong Addai-Nimoh secured 781 votes, representing (0.41 percent).
He will subsequently compete against the candidate from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 2024 general election.
Bawumia’s triumph is viewed as a significant advancement in his pursuit of the presidency.
Dr Bawumia has already assured the party’s delegates that he will secure victory over Mahama in the upcoming general elections.
He contends that he is the sole contender capable of handing John Mahama a third consecutive electoral loss.
“They know we will break the 8, and they know that John Mahama cannot take me on in the North, and they know that I will beat him in the North and this is why they don’t want me to be the flagbearer,” Dr Bawumia said on his campaign trail in the Tema West constituency of the Greater Accra Region,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Afriyie Akoto has congratulated Dr Bawumia for his victory today.
The results from all 16 regions for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries have been released.
Flights from and to Hamburg Airport have stopped because German police are trying to deal with a hostage situation related to a family issue.
A man who is 35 years old broke through security at the airport on Saturday using his car. He then parked his car underneath an airplane, Police vehicles and ambulances arrive at the scene of a security breach at the Hamburg Airport on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Hamburg, Germany.according to the spokesperson. According to a spokesperson, the driver is still in his car with his 4-year old daughter, even though it is now midnight on Sunday.
A lot of well-trained soldiers are currently trying to fix the problem with the hostages, according to the person speaking for our group. The man’s wife had told the police in Hamburg-Stade that her child was gone before.
The spokesperson said that after parking his car on the tarmac, they heard loud noises that could have been gunshots. The people on the airplane were able to safely get off the plane using a walkway.
The airport’s website said that all flights were stopped because the police were doing something important.
The website says that because of a police rule, planes cannot currently take off or land.
He stressed that unity and unwavering determination within the party are essential to surmounting these obstacles and attaining the goal of victory. These statements were made during a gathering at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 4, 2023, where Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was formally introduced as the NPP’s presidential candidate.
“So, let’s all be together, all of us have to be one and go and campaign hard. It won’t be easy, the election we are heading towards won’t be easy for us but I have the hope that if we are to be united and have the courage God will open the way for us to secure victory on 7 December 2024,” he said.
He stressed the importance of preventing the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power for a second term, particularly under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
“Ghana cannot afford the return of the NDC, especially under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo has officially passed the leadership of the NPP to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, marking the conclusion of his 16-year tenure. President Akufo-Addo held this position within the party since 2007.
According to the NPP’s constitution, Dr. Bawumia, having emerged victorious in the presidential primaries, takes over the role as the new leader of the party.
Dr. Bawumia clinched his victory with 61.43% of the total votes, while his closest rival, Kennedy Agyapong, garnered 37.41% of the vote share. The other two contestants, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh, secured 0.75% and 0.41%, respectively.
A 41-year-old businessman named Abdul Razak Abdulai was charged with theft and fraudulent breach of trust in an Accra Circuit Court after it was purported that he stole GH¢315,000.00 that belonged to another businessman. Abdulai pleaded not guilty.
The presiding judge, Mrs. Afia Owusuaa Appiah, granted the accused person bail in the amount of GH¢300,000.00, with two sureties who must justify their status. The accused is scheduled to appear in court again on December 5, 2023.
According to Police Inspector Nana Akua Boatemaa, standing in for Police Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor, the complainant, Alhaji Sani Suleman, a resident of Adjei Kodjo, Ashaiman, is a businessman. The accused, on the other hand, resides in Karaga, in the Northern Region.
The prosecution’s account stated that on June 12, 2023, witness Hakim Ayuba entrusted an amount of GH¢1,815,000.00 in cash to the accused with the intention of delivering it to the complainant. However, the accused dishonestly diverted a portion of the funds amounting to GH¢315,000.00, only giving GH¢1,500,000.00 to the complainant.
Upon learning of this, the complainant confronted the accused and requested the money. The accused, however, failed to return the money immediately and provided excuses to others, later promising to repay it.
The prosecution reported that on June 29, 2023, a formal complaint was lodged, leading to the subsequent arrest of the accused. During the investigation, the accused person confessed to the offense in his caution statement.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has accepted the results of the just ended New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential elections.
Addressing NPP faithfuls at the official declaration of the results in Accra, the firebrand MP asserted the elections was fair and transparent, adding that he will join forces with the flagbearer elect to secure a third term at the 2024.
The elections was fair and transparent and this what have also been preaching. Now let unite and join forces to give the NDC a showdown in the 2024 election.
Kennedy also expressed appreciation to the delegates who voted for him urging them to rally behind the elected candidate.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been declared the winner of the New Patriotic Party’s presidential election to represent the ruling party in the 2024 general elections.
A total of 203,439 delegates participated in the election conducted today, November 4, in the various constituencies across all 16 regions of Ghana.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia polled 118,210 votes, representing 61.43 percent, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong garnered 71,991 votes (37.41 percent), former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto got 1,459 votes (0.76 percent) and former Mampong MP, Frimpong Addai-Nimoh secured 781 votes, representing (0.41 percent).
He will subsequently compete against the candidate from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 2024 general election.
Bawumia’s triumph is viewed as a significant advancement in his pursuit of the presidency.
Dr Bawumia has already assured the party’s delegates that he will secure victory over Mahama in the upcoming general elections.
He contends that he is the sole contender capable of handing John Mahama a third consecutive electoral loss.
“They know we will break the 8, and they know that John Mahama cannot take me on in the North, and they know that I will beat him in the North and this is why they don’t want me to be the flagbearer,” Dr Bawumia said on his campaign trail in the Tema West constituency of the Greater Accra Region,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Afriyie Akoto has congratulated Dr Bawumia for his victory today.
The results from all 16 regions for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries have been released.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has won a majority of these regions.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has accepted the results of the just ended New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential elections.
Addressing NPP faithfuls at the official declaration of the results in Accra, the firebrand MP asserted the elections was fair and transparent, adding that he will join forces with the flagbearer elect to secure a third term at the 2024.
The elections was fair and transparent and this what have also been preaching. Now let unite and join forces to give the NDC a showdown in the 2024 election.
Kennedy also expressed appreciation to the delegates who voted for him urging them to rally behind the elected candidate.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been declared the winner of the New Patriotic Party’s presidential election to represent the ruling party in the 2024 general elections.
A total of 203,439 delegates participated in the election conducted today, November 4, in the various constituencies across all 16 regions of Ghana.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia polled 118,210 votes, representing 61.43 percent, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong garnered 71,991 votes (37.41 percent), former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto got 1,459 votes (0.76 percent) and former Mampong MP, Frimpong Addai-Nimoh secured 781 votes, representing (0.41 percent).
He will subsequently compete against the candidate from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 2024 general election.
Bawumia’s triumph is viewed as a significant advancement in his pursuit of the presidency.
Dr Bawumia has already assured the party’s delegates that he will secure victory over Mahama in the upcoming general elections.
He contends that he is the sole contender capable of handing John Mahama a third consecutive electoral loss.
“They know we will break the 8, and they know that John Mahama cannot take me on in the North, and they know that I will beat him in the North and this is why they don’t want me to be the flagbearer,” Dr Bawumia said on his campaign trail in the Tema West constituency of the Greater Accra Region,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Afriyie Akoto has congratulated Dr Bawumia for his victory today.
The results from all 16 regions for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries have been released.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has won a majority of these regions.
At least 15 people have died and 60 people are hurt after an airstrike by the IDF hit the emergency vehicles. The IDF says they believed the vehicles were being used by a group of terrorists from Hamas.
Earlier today, there was another attack from the air that hit a school where people who had to leave their homes were staying in Gaza. This attack caused the death of 15 more individuals, with the majority being children.
People who were there saw women and children being killed by the strike. The strike hit the schoolyard.
Since October 7, a total of 9,488 people from Palestine have died in Gaza, and among them, 3,900 were children.
Antonio Guterres said he is scared and shocked about the attack on an ambulance group near Al Shifa hospital in Gaza. The pictures of bodies scattered on the street in front of the hospital are very distressing.
The IDF said Hamas fighters use ambulances to move terrorists and weapons. They asked civilians to leave the area because it is dangerous now.
Hamas and the administrators of al-Shifa hospital say that they do not use the facility as a place for militant fighters to gather.
The Foreign Office is sad that the Rafah border crossing is temporarily closed.
A spokesperson for FCDO said that the situation is difficult and challenging. They are trying their best to use diplomatic communication to request that it be reopened.
‘We are keeping in touch with British people in the area to give them the most recent information,’ it said.
‘It is very important that people, including all foreigners, and supplies for people in need can keep moving safely. ’
Police detained 11 people during pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place in the city.
The police have said that the protest in Trafalgar Square is now starting to move away. They also mentioned that some protesters have gathered in Pall Mall, and police officers are still there with them.
The British Transport Police (BTP) said they were talking to the protesters at a pro-Palestinian sit-in at Charing Cross station.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the BTP said: ‘The protesters are stopping the station from being used or operated as it was meant to be. ‘
This goes against Section 7 of the Public Order Act 2023. Police are talking and working with protesters to make sure the law is followed.
Thousands of people who support Palestine have come together in Trafalgar Square in London. They are asking for the fighting between Israel and Hamas to stop.
A group of people climbed on top of the famous fountains in the square. They waved flags and banners and lit fireworks.
One protester had a sign saying ‘Let’s keep the world clean’ and it showed an Israeli flag being thrown away.
The Israeli ambassador to Poland criticized a banner shown at a protest in Warsaw, calling it clear and offensive antisemitism.
Some protestors said ‘Palestine will be free’ even though some people disagree with the meaning of the slogan.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said before that the slogan is antisemitic and means calling for the destruction of Israel, and many people understand it that way.
However, people who support Palestine have argued against this meaning.
Jeremy Corbyn, the previous leader of the Labour Party, and comedian Alexei Sayle were among the people who spoke to the audience on a stage that was set up in the square.
Other people spoke and chanted ‘free, free Palestine’ and were cheered by a big crowd in central London.
Earlier today, 350 individuals gathered together to peacefully protest by sitting down, causing the closure of Oxford Circus.
The protest caused a lot of traffic and chaos in the busy shopping area because of similar protests that had already happened at important train stations.
This happened after a week of similar disruptive actions at important transportation sites in the UK.
The Home Secretary caused controversy by calling the people who were protesting in support of a ceasefire in Gaza as participating in ‘hate marches’.
A group of people who are against Ms. Braverman’s comments about refugees and homeless people setting up tents in public spaces gathered outside the Home Office in Westminster. The Palestinian Red Crescent is addressing claims that Israeli forces bombed ambulances last night, and some say these ambulances were secretly used to transport Hamas fighters.
On Twitter, the group said that the ambulances were taking injured people from northern Gaza to a place close to the Rafah border. They also mentioned that one of the vehicles hit was carrying a 35-year-old woman who had been hurt by shrapnel.
In London, a lot of people have come together in Trafalgar Square to walk through the city and ask for a stop in fighting in Gaza.
Earlier today, more than 350 protestors closed Oxford Street. They blocked traffic and disrupted usual business by sitting down and refusing to move. This happened during the busiest hours in the shopping district.
The Free Palestine Coalition planned a protest that lasted for more than an hour at a busy intersection by sitting down on the road.
A new group, made up of Sisters Uncut, Black Lives Matter UK, and Black Jewish Alliance, started a protest at the BBC’s main office in Portland Place. They then went to Oxford Street and asked the broadcaster to stop showing biased news, which they believe supports Israel’s killing of people in Gaza.
It appears that the Israeli military wants to go into the western and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip and move the civilian people to the central neighborhoods of Sabra, Ziton, Daraj, and Askoula.
There are five places where people are fighting, and both sides say the fighting is really intense.
The biggest problem is in the northwest, where many tanks and armored vehicles have entered Gaza from Israel along the coast and gone about six to seven kilometers into Gaza.
Then they moved to the east, seemingly wanting to isolate Gaza City, which is the biggest city in the Strip in terms of size and population.
Israeli military planes are now attacking the al-Quds hospital more often. The hospital is a shelter for many people who ran there to stay safe.
Many people think these strikes are intended to make civilians move to the south and away from Gaza City.
People are going to come together in big cities in Israel tonight to show that they support the families of the people who are being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
Protests will happen in many towns and cities like Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, and Eilat, as reported by Haaretz newspaper.
Four weeks have passed since the attack on Israel on 7 October. Hamas is still keeping 241 people captive, which includes children, grandparents, civilians, and soldiers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel will continue to attack Gaza and won’t allow humanitarian aid to enter the area until the hostages are released.
Haaretz newspaper says that some protesters want Netanyahu to be removed from his position.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central and Flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has cringed victory in central Region in the ongoing Presidential elections of the New Patriotic Party.
Kennedy Agyapong secured 10,828 votes while the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia got 6159 votes.
Dr Afriyie Akoto and Addai Nimo secured 47 votes and 38 votes respectively
Meanwhile ahead of the release of the official results of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, the camp of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is jubilating the victory of their candidate.
Provisional results currently indicate that the Vice President is in a lead position.
Dr Bawumia’s camp believes their candidate has already secured 50% plus 1 vote to be declared the ruling party’s flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has garnered the majority of votes in the Savannah Region in the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential elections.
Dr Bawumia polled 2,603 votes. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong garnered 1,020 votes.
Dr Afriyie Akoto got 65 votes and Francis Addai-Nimoh garnered 39 out of the 3,779 votes cast. Forty-four votes were rejected.
Also, the provisional results for the North East Region are out.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is in a comfortable lead with 3,444 votes.
His closest contender was Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, who polled 23 votes.
Former Agriculture Minister Dr Afriyie Akoto garnered five votes, and Francis Addai-Nimoh secured just two votes.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has joined forces with basketball legend Michael Jordan, along with NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, to promote the Michael Jordan brand.
At 23 years old, Rema is a standout Nigerian musical talent recognized on the global stage. A recent photo of Rema with Michael Jordan, an iconic sports figure and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, ignited excitement and speculation among fans regarding a potential collaboration between the two.
Fueling the anticipation, Rema hinted at a partnership with the Jordan brand by sharing a post featuring a customized pair of Jordan sneakers with his name engraved on them.
Now, this emerging African star proudly proclaims his official ambassadorship with the Jordan brand, establishing him as the first African talent, whether in the realm of entertainment or sports, to unite with the renowned sports icon.
“I’m now with the Jordan family at age 23, the irony,” he captioned a post.
In the post, Rema is spotted wearing a jump man sweater. The correlating video shows him with the Jordan family and paying homage to Michael Jordan and the late fashion designer, Virgil Abloh.
The deal emphasizes Rema’s undeniable marketability, solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after Nigerian singers in 2023.
The announcement follows Rema’s historic performance at the Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony, where he captivated an audience that included football luminaries like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and David Beckham.
Rema delivered a captivating rendition of his global hit ‘Calm Down’ at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, making him the first African artist to grace the Ballon d’Or stage.
He said that Russia’s goal was to invade Ukraine, and they did so in February 2022.
He said that the fighting in Ukraine isn’t stuck, even though the country’s top military leader recently said that it is.
Ukraine’s attempt to fight back in the south hasn’t been very successful yet.
This has made Kyiv’s Western allies worried that they might get tired of supporting Ukraine in war. Some countries are starting to hesitate in giving Ukraine advanced weapons and money.
Why the gain of Kyiv’s east bank could be important The conflict in Ukraine is getting worse as Russia is strengthening their defenses and making it harder for opponents to break through.
During a briefing in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelensky explained that the war in the Middle East is diverting attention from Ukraine. He made this statement while talking to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
He said Russia wanted this attention to be reduced, but emphasized that we have the ability to control everything.
MrZelensky was also questioned about what Ukraine’s top military commander, Valery Zaluzhny, said this week about the war entering a “positional” or static phase. Zaluzhny believes that this phase would be advantageous to Moscow because it would give them an opportunity to strengthen their military forces again.
“Everyone is getting tired and there are different opinions,” Mr Zelensky said. He also mentioned that this situation is not a stalemate.
He said that Russia has control of the skies and Ukraine urgently needs F-16 warplanes and advanced anti-aircraft defenses from the US to improve the situation.
The Ukrainian leader said that last year there was a lot of talk about a situation where no progress was being made on the large battlefield in Ukraine. However, he mentioned that Kyiv was able to achieve significant military victories in the northeastern Kharkiv region and the southern Kherson region afterwards.
Mr Zelensky said that the reports in the media about him feeling more pressure to talk with Russia are not true.
Today, none of our partners in the EU, US, and other countries are forcing us to have talks with Russia and give them something in return. This won’t happen.
Moscow responded to Mr. Zaluzhny’s statement on Thursday. The spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the current situation on the battlefield is not a “stalemate”.
“According to Dmitry Peskov, all the objectives of the war need to be accomplished. He also mentioned that Ukraine should understand that discussing the possibility of the Kyiv government winning the war is unreasonable. ”
President Putin has said many times that Ukraine’s counter-attack has not been successful, and his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu recently stated that Kyiv is losing the war even though they are receiving new weapons from Nato allies.
The UK defense intelligence recently reported that Russia may have lost about 200 tanks and other armored vehicles while attacking Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine.
It is possible that Russia has had many soldiers hurt or killed in the town since October 2023.
The report stated that Russia’s leaders are still willing to accept many people getting hurt or killed in order to gain small amounts of land.
Moscow has been attempting to make progress in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine recently, but Ukraine’s military says they have successfully defended against all the attacks.
The statements made by both sides have not been checked to confirm if they are true or not.
Gambian music enthusiasts are excited about Black Sherif’s debut concert on November 25, 2023. Black Sherif, an award-winning Ghanaian artist known for his unique blend of hiplife, trap, highlife, and Afrobeats, has gained recognition as a rising star in African music.
He recently won the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Year and the Best International Flow award at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Black Sherif conveyed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event in Gambia through a message to his Gambian fans on social media, announcing his performance in QCity on November 25.
Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), William D. Magwood IV, has recognized Ghana as one of the Sub-Saharan African nations prepared to harness nuclear technology for economic advancement.
“The country seems to be ahead of others, in terms of intellectual infrastructure, strong core people with excellent technical training and good political commitment.
“Participating ministries understand their policy roles in detail, structures are in place and regulatory agencies understand nuclear safety,” he said at a media briefing on the sidelines of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Ministerial Conference in Accra on Thursday.
The IFNEC convened senior government officials, nuclear industry leaders, and essential stakeholders to deliberate on regional and global collaboration and the necessary policies for the progress of nuclear energy initiatives.
These discussions encompassed topics such as financing for nuclear projects, regulatory frameworks, the development of human resources, supply chain expansion, project mapping, and development.
Mr Magwood, who was responding to a question, said the NEA would support the country to succeed.
He said Ghanaian technical people had an advanced awareness of available technologies that might benefit the country based on its circumstances.
“…It is one thing to invite a vendor country to build a nuclear plant for you and anybody can do that. But to take responsibility to understand the technologies and make a choice that they want multiple nuclear technologies, I find this very extremely advantageous and advanced than what I see in other countries,” he added.
Nuclear technologies, Magwood noted, had become attractive to many other African countries, saying that it was a positive sign given that Africa would be the most populous continent by 2050.
Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission said the country had selected Nsuban in the Western region and Obotan in the Central region as two potential sites to host its first nuclear power plant.
Detailed technical assessments were being concluded at both locations to determine the preferred sites.
The selection of the site was an important step in the second phase of the country’s Nuclear Power Programme and precedes the selection of a vendor/partner to construct the plant.
Four sites were initially selected for the construction of the nuclear power plant, and after further studies by Ghanaian experts, the team ranked the sites to settle on Nsuban and Obotan.
Prof. Dampare reported that significant headway has been made in vendor selection, and the government is set to announce the partner country responsible for constructing the nuclear plant by 2030.
Ghana has taken steps to establish the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and efforts are underway to bolster the capacity of these institutions, enhancing their effectiveness.
The country’s drive to incorporate nuclear energy into its energy mix is aimed at supporting industrialization amid the decline of conventional energy sources.
Key sectors of the Ghanaian economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, health, energy, and mining, have advocated for the inclusion of nuclear power as an alternative electricity source in the national energy mix.
According to a nationwide socioeconomic survey conducted by the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), around 75% of companies in these sectors are willing to upgrade their capacity to participate in Ghana’s nuclear energy agenda.
Ghanaian singer Mzbel has criticized Afia Schwarzenegger after chastising her for her son’s open request for a laptop for academic purposes.
In an interview, Mzbel’s son requested assistance from the public because he needs a laptop for personal use.
In response to the child, Afia Schwarzenegger chose to give him a laptop, but she also chastised Mzbel for lacking sufficient funds and inadequate training.
Mzbel replied to Afia Schwarzenegger by displaying the many laptops and PCs in her home and criticising her for remarks regarding her child’s attractiveness.
This is Afia Schwarzenegger’s remarks that sparked the controversy: “Call the Uber driver and take the laptop to Mzbel’s son because he was asking for it in an interview. Even if I die my son won’t go to social media to ask for a laptop.
“Stop comparing me to broke people because none of my children will sit on social media and beg for a laptop. He said, ‘I am begging a tech company to buy me a laptop.’ That is an embarrassment.”
In reaction to Afia Schwarzenegger’s claims, Mzbel said: “Even people’s children I have bought laptops for them yet we have not made it public. You [Afia Schwarzenegger] are coming to tell me we need a laptop. Your Vietnam kids that you left them in my house, who taught them how to brush their teeth?
“Do you know how to train children? You went for an orphanage baby so you could beg for money from people. Are you a parent? My son was asking Tech companies to sponsor him with laptops to use for a review, that was what he was asking for.”
A person who commits crimes for a living from London was sentenced to 21 years in prison for smuggling 10 kilograms of cocaine and a large amount of money throughout Europe.
Paul O’Brien planned a big operation to move drugs worth £1 million from the Netherlands to Ireland, going through the UK.
The 56-year-old person also made plans to move £780,000 in cash from Ireland to the Netherlands.
He arranged the agreements and talked with illegal messengers using a secure messaging system called EncroChat.
O’Brien’s plan didn’t work because the police and the NCA stopped him. They discovered that he was working with Thomas Maher, who is now a convicted criminal.
Maher, a rich boss who transported goods by road from Warrington, Cheshire, was sent to prison for about 15 years in 2020 for being involved in transporting drugs and illegal money across Europe.
The person who is 42 years old was discovered during an investigation into the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a truck in Purfleet in October 2019. They were also found to be using EncroChat to operate a transportation system.
Newest updates about what’s happening in London.
The police arrested a person named O’Brien at his house in Uxbridge, which is in south London. They arrested him in May 2020 because they discovered that he was the person using the username ‘ONEDIAMONDGEE’ on EcncroChat. This person was involved in organizing smuggling activities with another person named Maher.
According to the NCA, on April 4, 2020, a car and a HGV met near a village called Uddel in the Netherlands and exchanged cocaine. The cocaine could have been worth up to £1 million if it was sold in the UK.
Maher told O’Brien that their delivery people were able to bring the drugs into the UK on that same day. They made plans for the drugs to be picked up in Ireland.
On April 10, Maher helped collect £260,000 that belonged to O’Brien and took it from Louth in Ireland to the Netherlands in a car. A month later, on May 11th, Maher arranged for another pick-up of £520,000 for O’Brien. This time, the money would be transported from Ireland to the Netherlands by couriers.
The money was being exchanged at a bus station in Drogheda when police officers who were watching intercepted the money and arrested the people carrying it, Jason Reed, who is 42 years old, Thomas Rooney, who is 53 years old, and Catherine Dawson, who is 46 years old.
O’Brien’s EncroChat device was taken when he was caught, and later on, NCA investigators arrested him for being involved in a scheme to traffic cocaine and cash.
He later admitted to three charges of planning to commit a crime in another country, and a judge at Isleworth Crown Court gave him a 21-year prison sentence on Friday. Martin Clarke, who works for the National Crime Agency, said: ‘O’Brien is a well-known criminal who is able to team up with big-time drug dealer Thomas Maher’.
‘They worked together to transport cocaine and large amounts of money around Europe. ’
The important evidence from his EncroChat phone showed O’Brien’s illegal operation, which made him have to admit guilt.
The NCA is determined to catch the leaders of global organized crime, who believe they can separate themselves from their illegal actions and avoid punishment.
‘Maher and O’Brien discovered that we are very determined to go after people who think they’re big criminals and hold them responsible. ‘ A truck that was part of the Vietnamese migrant deaths incident was previously owned by Maher. Even though Maher sold it, it was still registered in his wife’s name.
His transportation network spread across Europe, and it was discovered in another investigation by the NCA. This network was used to transport illegal goods for organized criminals.
In May 2023, Maher had to give back over £630,000 that he made illegally after a money investigation.
On Friday, a police employee was sent to prison for illegally looking at private information and using it to warn a criminal friend. The information was about a top-secret investigation into serious crimes happening globally, which was being done through a communication platform called EncroChat.
Last month, the Metropolitan Police announced that in the past three years, they have put more than 420 individuals in prison as they were involved in illegal activities such as arranging drug transactions, cleaning dirty money, and planning violent acts using EncroChat.
Media personality and host of Culture Daily on 3 Music TV, Jay Foley has assumed the position of Head of Programs for the network.
This appointment demonstrates the station’s commitment to fostering fresh ideas and nurturing top talent within the industry.
Effective from October 1, 2023, Jay Foley takes on this significant role, succeeding Ricky Tennesson, who served in the position since the network’s launch on September 16, 2022.
3Music TV, in an official statement, expressed its enthusiasm for Jay Foley’s appointment as the Head of Programs, marking a noteworthy shift that underscores the network’s focus on innovation and excellence.
The statement highlighted Foley’s remarkable career in broadcasting and media, making him the ideal candidate to elevate 3Music TV’s programming standards.
Jay Foley, bringing with him a fresh perspective and a wealth of industry knowledge, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role.
He stated, “Taking this opportunity to thank Baba Sadiq for birthing this brand 3 MUSIC together with all the team members, Ricky Tenneson Edward Owusu Ezekiel Okletey Tetteh and everyone else who’s been part of creating this great brand.
Also saying thanks to my CEO Rashidatu Yasmine Abdulai, for taking on this important role of managing and steering the affairs of this exciting 3 Music brand. I’m solidly behind you to extend my experience and support to add more value to our entertainment space and contribute to the Showbiz ecosystem via my role as HEAD OF PROGRAMS – 3 Music”.
Internationally acclaimed Ghanaian artist and educator, Prof Ablade Glover, is celebrating his 90th birthday with an art exhibition in both London and Ghana.
In an interview with Joy Entertainment, when asked if he felt fulfilled with his significant contributions, he responded that he is not done yet.
“I’m trying to get there, to the highest point. I’m still working. I’m still painting. I’m working now hard because next year I’ve got to exhibit in London with my gallery in London.”
“Working presently to show where I have reached at the age of 90. By that age-wise, but by work-wise, I’ve reached there.”
He told Lexis Bill “I have a gallery in London that promotes my work. And I need to be there to do my 90th birthday exhibition.”
“Then I need to open one here also, one in this building, also to celebrate that same thing in Ghana. So I need a lot of work. And at my age, you can see my legs, my feet are swollen. I stand all the time, when I go to the house, I get to stand there and paint and all that.”
Prof. Ablade Glover has already exhibited widely, building an international reputation over several decades, and he is considered a seminal figure on the West African art scene.
His work is held in many prestigious private and public collections, including the Imperial Palace of Japan, the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
“People look at what I did 20 years ago, people look at those catalogs and look at what you’re doing now and they say, oh, he’s going back. And we get to see some artists like that.
“You’ve got to wake him up and say, hey, the work you did last year is better than what you’re doing now. So my achievement, what I want to achieve, perhaps, my work will be recognized more than me. I’m not me. I’m nothing, really. It’s the work, what you leave behind. And that work will stand the test of time. I think that is, if they wake me up in my grave, I’ll say, OK, thank you very much. Let me sleep. But yes, it’s the work. In all my life, that’s what I’ve worked for, that the work will be recognized in time.”
Professor Ablade Glover also expressed his appreciation for recently receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement Honoree’ at the EMY Africa Awards.
“I’m grateful. You don’t see them watching you. But such things wake you up and say, hey, people are looking. The nation is appreciating it. So I’m glad that people are appreciating.”
Meanwhile Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has clinched victory in the Yagaba electoral area in North East Region of Ghana with all 353 votes cast leaving nothing for his contenders.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and all other contenders got nothing.
In Dormaa West Constituency Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has won with 195 votes out of the 304 votes cast in the ongoing New Patriotic party flagbearer elections
Micheál Martin, who is the deputy prime minister of Ireland, spoke at his party’s yearly meeting on Saturday.
Over 9,000 people have died in Gaza because Israel is attacking in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas gunmen on 7 October.
Mr Martin said that the continuing attacks in the area were not right and agreed with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s statement that the attacks seemed like a form of revenge.
MrMartin said that there was a lot of anger in Israel, but he believes that the size of the bombing on Gaza was not justified.
I think that what Israel is doing is not fair and is more than what is needed.
“I think this goes against the basic rules of international humanitarian law, where the ideas of needing something and making it fair are important. ”
Mr Martin said that many children and innocent people are dying. He said Israel is going after Hamas, but they are doing it in a very cruel way.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that there won’t be a temporary break in fighting with Hamas in Gaza until all Israeli hostages are set free, as more and more innocent people are getting hurt.
The deputy prime minister stated again that the Irish government wants the fighting to stop right away so that urgent help like medicine can be sent to Gaza.
MrMartin did not outright say that any of Israel’s actions are war crimes. He said that the International Criminal Court will make the final decision on this matter.
Israeli ambassador will not be sent away or removed from their position.
On Friday, the Republic of Ireland’s main opposition party Sinn Féin called the ambassador’s position unmanageable and said they should not have diplomatic status anymore.
Mr Martin said that the decision was aimed at pleasing the general public or gaining their support.
“He said that it is very important to keep connections and ways of communication with other countries in international diplomacy. ”
“Diplomatic relations are important for foreign policy, even though they don’t imply support for another country’s policies. It is crucial to maintain open communication, especially during disputes or conflicts, such as a big war. ”
The Irish government is trying to bring back Irish people who are currently in Gaza. There are around 30 to 40 Irish citizens in Gaza, along with their family members.
“I don’t understand how we can effectively try to get our people out of Gaza,” he said.
If we remove the Israeli ambassador. This means that the Irish ambassador, who is currently working and staying in touch with Irish citizens in Gaza, would have their actions and information documented right away.
I believe it’s an agenda that aims to please the majority of people, but it’s not a serious way to manage our relations with other countries.
MrMartin said that although there are different opinions in the European Union, it would be very difficult to get everyone to agree on punishing Israel.
Child model Jeanne Bellino has filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, alleging that she was assaulted twice in 1975 when she was 17.
The case was filed at New York’s Supreme Court, with Bellino claiming she suffered “severe and permanent emotional distress.” This lawsuit follows a separate case filed by another woman, Julia Misley, last year.
Tyler has denied all allegations in the previous lawsuit and has not yet commented on the claims made by Ms. Bellino. According to legal documents, Ms. Bellino was working as a model in Manhattan when she was allegedly forced into a phone booth by the singer during a meeting arranged by a friend after a fashion show.
The documents state Tyler was “mauling and groping” her and that she “fought back and struggled to be free but Tyler restrained her”.
His bandmates and members of the entourage “watched, laughed and did nothing to intercede”, she claims.
Steven Tyler performed with Aerosmith in New York in September GETTY IMAGES
Later at a hotel bar, Ms Bellion alleges that Tyler pinned her against a wall and started simulating sex. She “resisted and pulled his hair”, was left “sobbing and afraid”, and left after he called for her to go to his room, she claimed.
The case said Ms Bellino “has suffered and will continue to suffer, great pain of mind and body, severe and permanent emotional distress, physical manifestations of emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, physical, personal and psychological injuries”.
The BBC has requested a comment from Steven Tyler’s representatives. In September, the Boston band Aerosmith, led by Tyler, postponed six of their North America farewell tour shows due to vocal cord damage sustained by the 75-year-old singer. They had originally been scheduled to perform in Toronto on Tuesday but rescheduled it to February 2024. In 2001, Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and they also performed at the Super Bowl halftime show that same year.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has clinched victory in the Yagaba electoral area in North East Region of Ghana with all 353 votes cast leaving nothing for his contenders.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and all other contenders got nothing.
Meanwhile in Dormaa West Constituency Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has won with 195 votes out of the 304 votes cast in the ongoing New Patriotic party flagbearer elections
Kennedy Agyapong came closely with 105 votes.
Yagaba
Mr. Kennedy Agyapong – 0 Dr. Bawumia – 353 Dr. Akoto – 0 Mr. Addai Nimoh – 0#NPPDecides
Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has won the Dormaa West Constituency with 195 votes out of the 304 votes cast in the ongoing New Patriotic party flagbearer elections
Kennedy Agyapong came closely with 105 votes.
Dr Afriyie Akoto and Addai Nimo got 3 votes each.
Dormaa West Constituency election results;
Ken – 103 Votes Bawumia – 195 Votes Francis – 3 Votes Akoto Osei – 3 Votes
Ghanaian actress and social media personality Akuapem Poloo has been recognized by the organizers of the Islamic Personality Awards. She was awarded the 2023 Creative Art Personality of the Year during a ceremony held at the National Theatre on November 2. This is her first award since converting to Islam approximately a year and a half ago.
Akuapem Poloo expressed her honor and gratitude for receiving the award and felt embraced by the Muslim community.
Akuapem Poloo emphasized her commitment to Islam and expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and support she has received from the community. She also mentioned the enthusiastic audience that cheered for her when she received the award.
“Oh yes and this is my first award in 2023 oo @islamicpersonalityawards thanks for the Award CREATIVE ART PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2023 aww see how My brothers and sisters are Chanting my name POLOO POLOO they are so happy for me,” she wrote.
In another post, Akuapem Poloo noted, “Haha this 2023 I thought I won’t get any Awards oo but boom @islamicpersonalityawards made it happen All thanks to Allah.”
New Patriotic Party delegates in the New Adenta Electoral Area has threaten to curse over of refusal of representatives of Kennedy Agyapong to give monies that is known as “T $ T” or transportation fare.
According to the delegate, the representatives of Kennedy Agyapong bolted with the monies meant for them.
Meanwhile Over 200 delegates of the New Patriotic Party in the Suame Constituency have threatened to boycott the presidential primaries if they do not receive financial inducements from the camp of Kennedy Agyapong.
A TV3 report indicates that while over 800 delegates have cast their votes, some 200 have decided to stay away from the event due to the lack of what they contend to be ‘transport money’.
Speaking to TV3, two of the delegates charged Kennedy Agyapong to make his presence felt in the constituency, or else they would not cast their votes.
They said that while they have received some funds from the camp of vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, they are yet to hear from Kennedy Agyapong.
São Tomé and Príncipe, a Central African country, will utilize Ghana’s port and harbor as its primary entry point for federal distribution following the renewal of a 7-year air service management agreement between the two nations.
São Tomé’s Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Environment, Mr. Adelino Afonso Fernandes Rosa Cardoso, highlighted Ghana’s strategic location for facilitating the export and import of goods and services.
He praised Ghana’s ports for meeting international standards and facilitating trade between the two countries. Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, pledged continued support to São Tomé and Príncipe and emphasized the modern infrastructure of Ghana’s Takoradi and Tema ports, which will serve both nations.
This partnership aims to benefit both countries and has a history dating back over two decades, when Ghana managed São Tomé’s air traffic services to enhance safety over the Atlantic Ocean.
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has issued a statement to notify its esteemed customers about ongoing technical issues at the Weija Treatment Plant. These problems have led to a deficit in water production, resulting in low water pressure and irregular water supply in various areas.
The management of GWCL has determined that a number of factors, such as malfunctioning machinery, higher demand, regular maintenance, and unanticipated events, are responsible for the current state of affairs.
Due to their elevated locations, the Western Accra region, which includes the communities of Gbawe, McCarthy Hill, Anyaa, Lapaz, and Darkuman, has been severely impacted by this situation.
The management of GWCL is urging residents to use less water during this time in response to these difficulties. Customers are asked to lessen the effects of the water scarcity by conserving and using water properly.
Despite the fact that measures are being taken to address the low pressure problems, certain regions might be more severely affected than others.
“To minimise the impact on essential service providers and critical facilities such as hospitals and schools, the GWCL is prioritising their water supply.
“The management expresses its appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of all customers during this challenging period.
“The GWCL assures its cherished customers that a team of dedicated engineers is diligently working to resolve the situation and restore water supply as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, the GWCL Customer Service team is available to address any queries or concerns. Customers are encouraged to download the GWCL Customer App from the Google Play Store or the App Store to receive prompt updates on the progress of the work.
“The GWCL deeply regrets the inconvenience caused by the water shortage and appreciates the understanding of the public.
“The company urges customers and essential service providers to contact the provided numbers in times of need: 0800 40000 (Toll-free on Vodafone lines), 0302 2218240, 0207385088, 0207385089, 0207385090, and via GWCL WhatsApp lines (0555123393, 0555155524).
“The GWCL management remains committed to resolving the technical challenges and restoring normal water supply as quickly as possible. They thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this period,” the statement read.
Communications Manager at Ghana Water Company Ltd, Stanley Martey, discloses that Ghana Water Company Limited owes the Electricity Company of Ghana.
Some armed men entered a prison and helped a former ruler of Guinea, who is believed to be involved in a terrible attack, to escape.
Moussa ‘Dadis’ Camara ran away from the main jail in Guinea’s capital city of Conakry while there was a lot of shooting happening on Saturday morning.
The justice minister, Charles Alphonse Wright, said that the borders of the West African country will be closed soon.
Camara, who took control of the government through a rebellion in 2008, was arrested because of his involvement in a violent incident at a stadium in 2009.
He is one of many people accused of being involved in the killings. The killings happened when security forces from Guinea shot at peaceful protesters who were protesting against Camara taking power and planning to run for president.
According to organizations that support people’s rights, 157 people who were demonstrating were killed. Camara says he isn’t responsible for anything.
Other people who managed to get out of prison today include Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou. They used to have important jobs in the government and are accused of being involved in a violent killing. We will locate them. “And the people who are responsible will be punished,” he said in an interview with the local radio station Fim FM.
Camara lived in Burkina Faso and Guinea for many years because he was forced to leave his home. The government of Guinea were afraid that if he returned, it could cause problems in the country.
But, he came back in 2021 after another takeover where the military took control.
Two weeks ago, in the UK, a search was started for two prisoners who had escaped from jail.
Some delegates in the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) presidential primary were told to leave their cell phones outside the voting booths in order to thwart any potential vote-buying.
This directive was issued jointly by the NPP leadership and the Electoral Commission (EC) and was implemented at various voting centers, including Ablekuma West and Sagnarigu.
Delegates were asked to either switch off their phones or leave them outside the polling center’s inner perimeters.
Presiding officers emphasized the importance of this step in maintaining the integrity and secrecy of the electoral process. They also provided multiple voting screens to ensure delegates’ convenience.
This significant poll involves over 200,000 party delegates and is seen as a pivotal step in breaking the eight-year election cycle pattern in Ghana.
The delegates, constituting the Electoral College, include various party members such as Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, ministers and their deputies, foundation members of the NPP, members of the party’s National Council, patrons, and council of elders.
It also includes regional party officers, constituency officers, constituency patrons, constituency elders, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, overseas branches, and members of Tescon, the tertiary students’ wing of the party.
The four contenders in the race are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Food and Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, and former MP Francis Addai-Nimoh.
While Dr. Bawumia is considered a frontrunner, Kennedy Agyapong is expected to compete strongly, following his second-place finish during the party’s super delegates conference ahead of former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen.
Fifteen peacekeepers from the United Nations were injured while leaving a rebel area in northern Mali. Their vehicles were hit by explosives.
The United Nations reported that there were two separate instances this week where convoys were attacked by homemade bombs known as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
On Wednesday, eight peacekeepers got hurt and were taken away by air. They are now doing fine, according to the UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
On Friday, seven peacekeepers were injured and taken away by plane for treatment. The speaker didn’t give any information about their health.
Mr Dujarric said that on Tuesday, two explosive devices were used to attack the convoy as it was leaving the UN base in Kidal. At least two peacekeepers were hurt in these attacks.
The extremist group called JNIM, which is connected to al-Qaida, said that they were the ones who caused the explosions on Tuesday.
The peacekeepers were supposed to leave the rebel’s territory in a few weeks, but they left earlier because the situation became more tense in that area. Mr Dujarric said the United Nations is unsure if the explosive devices that hit the group of vehicles had been there for a while or if the peacekeepers were purposefully singled out.
But he said the group of vehicles is going to Gao, which is on the east side of the Niger River. It should be easy for most people to understand the path they are using to reach there.
The group of vehicles is going to reach the city by the end of the weekend and from there, the peacekeepers can leave the country by plane.
In 2021, Mali’s military leaders, who took power by force and removed the elected president, told the United Nations peacekeeping force, which had been trying to stop a group of extremists, to go away. The UN force consisted of about 15,000 soldiers and had been in Mali for ten years.
The UN Security Council began the process of leaving Mali, and they wanted everyone to be out by December 31.
The UN has been trying to keep peace in Mali since 2013. This mission, called MINUSMA, is very dangerous and has resulted in the deaths of 300 people. There were about 850 UN peacekeepers in Kidal, along with 150 other mission staff.
A worker from the United Nations (UN) said to the Associated Press that peacekeepers left the base in groups of vehicles because the leaders of Mali’s junta did not give permission for flights to bring back UN staff and equipment.
The military leaders agreed to let the medical evacuation flights happen, according to Mr Dujarric. However, he also mentioned that they are not allowing as many flights as they should to keep our peacekeepers on the ground safe.
After the group of vehicles left Kidal, the town was seized by ethnic Tuareg rebels. These rebels have been fighting against Mali’s military.
Experts say that the violence is a result of the breakdown of a peace agreement made in 2015 between the government and the rebels.
The deal was made after Tuareg rebels forced security forces out of northern Mali in 2012 because they wanted their own separate country.
President Akufo-Addo was surrounded by journalists after casting his vote in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries and was asked about his thoughts on the potential flagbearer. he emphasised that “it is the people who decide.”
However, after this brief response, another question was posed: “Mr President, would you say you have managed the economy well?”
In response, the president asked, “You want me to come and have this interview here, today?”
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Stay tuned to our live updates page for ongoing coverage of the election.
Former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur during an appearance in a Las Vegas court. The court assigned a lawyer to represent him.
Tupac Shakur was 25 years old when he was fatally shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas. Davis was charged in September, with police alleging that he conspired with his nephew to plan the shooting after a casino altercation with Shakur.
Police presented hotel security footage from September 7, 1996, during a news conference, showing several men assaulting a man identified as Orlando Anderson, Davis’s late nephew.
This incident was cited as the trigger for the retaliatory shooting in which Shakur was killed while waiting in his car at a red light. Davis was reported to have obtained the weapon from an unnamed associate, and there were “own admissions” from Davis to media outlets stating he was in the vehicle from which the shots were fired.
The three individuals who were with Davis in the car at the time of the shooting, including his nephew, have all passed away. It remains unspecified who actually fired the gun.
Tupac Shakur, known by his stage name as 2Pac, is recognized as one of hip hop’s most significant artists, having sold over 75 million records worldwide and producing chart-topping tracks such as California Love, All Eyez On Me, and Changes. In June, the late rapper received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ghanaian actress, TV presenter, and music writer, Nana Ama McBrown, has affirmed that she remains active in the movie industry. She clarified that her acting career is still ongoing.
Regarding her reduced presence in recent movies, the host of ‘Onua Showtime’ explained that she is now involved in various media-related activities. This change in focus has reduced her availability for movie roles compared to her earlier years.
Nana Ama McBrown sees her current career path as not vastly different from acting, as she continues to fulfill her primary objective, which is to entertain and educate people.
“I have not quit acting. It’s just that I do a lot of things now and it’s made the acting side go down a little bit. But what I do now is equally like acting. I entertain because that was the main motive when I was actively acting. I impact lives, I entertain you, and I bring you more educative programs. What I do on TV will still make you laugh,” she said.
Nana Ama McBrown also blamed her absence in the movie industry on how slow things have been in the Ghanaian movie industry.
Nana Ama McBrown also pointed out that the noticeable decline in the Ghanaian movie industry has played a role in her decision to explore other fields where she has found success.
“Things have slowed down in the acting space and I can’t wait for a producer to call me. I would say I’ve switched a little bit but when the roles come, I play along,” she said.
I can't stop acting but I must say I have switched a bit.
Some 35 members of the New Patriotic Party in the Asokwa Constituency who were under the impression that their names were in the party’s register for the 2023 presidential primaries had the shock of their lives when they turned up at the voting centre only to realize that their names were not in the voters’ register.
One of them, expressing his frustration, spoke to TV3. According to him, he believed that he had the right to vote, he skipped his mother-in-law’s burial to come to the voting centre only to be met with the news that his name was on the list.
According to the man, he has been a long-term member of the party and even committed his personal funds for the payment of school fees of party members and other party initiatives.
“I participate in every activity of the party in the constituency. People queue up every morning at my house to ask for school fees. If I tell you how much I invest in the party, you’d be shocked.
“My mother-in-law is lying in bed, and I had to be there before she is buried but I’m here. I got here only to be told that my name is not on the register. They can either allow me cast my vote or they will repay all the investment I have made in the party”, he fumed while speaking to TV3.
Meanwhile, police has restored calm at a polling station in the Asokowa Constituency after 35 members of the party discovered that their names were not on the register.
The Delegate bore charlie. Them omit ein name from the Electoral book so man can’t vote today.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asokwa Constituency postponed attending his relative’s burial to participate in the 2023 presidential primaries, only to find his name absent from the party’s register. Upon arriving at the voting centre, he was startled to learn that his name, as well as those of 34 other registered members, were missing from the voters’ register.
In a conversation with TV3, the dismayed NPP member mentioned that he had expected to vote and had missed his mother-in-law’s burial to be present at the voting centre, but was confronted with the reality that he was not listed. He recounted his steadfast support for the party, highlighting that he had personally funded school fees for party members and contributed to various party endeavours.
“I participate in every activity of the party in the constituency. People queue up every morning at my house to ask for school fees. If I tell you how much I invest in the party, you’d be shocked,” he said. “My mother-in-law is lying in bed, and I had to be there before she is buried, but I’m here. I got here only to be told that my name is not on the register. They can either allow me to cast my vote or they will repay all the investment I have made in the party,” he declared to TV3.
The police had to be summoned to a polling station in the Asokwa Constituency to maintain order after 35 party members found themselves excluded from the register. These aggrieved members initially posed a threat to the smooth running of the polls; however, the situation was defused following negotiations with party leaders and the involvement of the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
The Delegate bore charlie. Them omit ein name from the Electoral book so man can’t vote today.
Per police, a boy has died and another child has been quickly taken to the hospital because a car hit them.
Emergency services were asked to come to Stock Road in the village of Stock, Essex, a little bit after 8:20 am today because someone said a vehicle had crashed into two kids.
No matter how hard they tried, the boy died right where it happened.
The other child was taken to the hospital by helicopter for treatment, according to Essex Police.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested because the police suspect him of causing someone’s death by driving recklessly. They also believe that he caused serious injuries to someone else by driving recklessly and that he was either drunk or on drugs while driving.
He is currently being held by the police.
The kids go to Mayflower High School in Billericay, which is about one-and-a-half miles from here.
The principal, Damian Lee, sent a letter to parents on Friday saying that unfortunately, two of our students were in a car accident this morning.
Unfortunately, one student has died and the other student was taken to the hospital by helicopter.
The students’ families are getting help from a special team of police.
We told the staff and students in meetings and are collaborating with Essex County Council to figure out what kind of help is needed right now.
MrLee said that he knows this is a tough time for our students. He also said that he is thinking about and praying for the families who are involved.
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, the person in charge of the investigation, stated: ‘This is a very sad event that will affect many people in the region, especially the families of the two young victims. ’
He asked people not to guess about what happened in the incident. He promised that the force will carefully investigate it.
DI Fraser also wants to thank everyone who has already talked to us. He wants to tell anyone with information who hasn’t talked to us yet to please come and talk to us.
The street is closed between School Lane and Honeypot Lane and will stay closed for a while because they are still investigating.
The US has recently admitted that they have been flying unarmed surveillance drones over Gaza.
The Pentagon spokesperson, Brig Gen Pat Ryder, said that the drones were being used to help in the efforts to rescue hostage.
“He mentioned that these unmanned aerial vehicle flights started after the attack carried out by Hamas on Israel on October 7th,” he said in a short statement.
The acknowledgment happened when journalists noticed unmanned flying devices (like drones) on websites that track flights.
The United States is flying small aircrafts without weapons over Gaza. They are also giving advice and help to Israel in their efforts to rescue hostages. This was said in a statement from the Pentagon on Friday.
The confirmation comes after journalists noticed MQ-9 Reapers, which are usually used by American special forces, flying around Gaza on a website called Flightradar24 that shows public flight information.
Reaper drones have been used for airstrikes in Afghanistan before, but they are mainly used for surveillance because they can stay in one area for more than 20 hours at a time.
Unnamed US military officials told the New York Times that the drones were not being used to coordinate Israeli military action in and around Gaza. Officials spoke to the newspaper and said that they were sharing information about how to rescue hostages with the Israelis.
There are more American military vehicles that are remote-controlled in the area.
On Thursday, the US Navy said that they had used a remote-controlled speed boat to shoot dangerous weapons in the ocean near the Arabian Peninsula.
The Navy said that on October 23rd, they tested firing weapons from a remote-controlled boat in the Middle East for the first time.
The US Navy is happy because this development makes their military abilities in the region even better.
Last month, the US Navy announced that it had successfully destroyed many drones and rockets that were launched from Yemen and seemed to be headed towards Israel.
The United States has sent two big warships to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. They say they sent these ships to stop the fighting between Hamas and Israel from spreading further.
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah gave a strong speech on Friday, warning the US not to attack their group using ships.
Hassan Nasrallah said, “We are not afraid and will never be afraid of your military ships in the Mediterranean. “
One of the two leading candidates in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong, on November 4, 2023, has cast his ballot at the Pentecost Worship Centre in the Assin Central constituency, where he currently represents the people as a member of parliament.
Dressed in a white long-sleeve shirt and denim jeans trousers, the typically outspoken Kennedy Agyapong appeared calm as he fulfilled his voting duties.
After casting his vote, Kennedy Agyapong spoke to the media and outlined his team’s plans for vote counting. He mentioned that they have established a collation center where they will tally their votes to ensure transparency.
Kennedy Agyapong also emphasized that if the process proceeds without any issues and there is no evidence of bias, he will graciously accept the results and offer his support to the winner. However, if he and his team detect any signs of unfairness or bias, he will take appropriate actions in his best interest.
“We have a centre where the results instantly come in so be rest assured we will get our numbers on time. There is no violence, nothing and we will all go to the stadium this evening to celebrate. Whoever wins is for the party. It’s not an individual thing. If I win, I will be there, If I don’t win, I will be there,” he said.
Stay tuned to our live updates page for ongoing coverage of the election.
I am the bold honest leader Ghanaians want – Kennedy Agyapong
US President Joe Biden went to Maine to meet people from the community who were directly affected by a shooting where 18 people were killed.
On 25 October, there was an attack at a place where people play bowling and go to a bar in the town of Lewiston. This attack also caused injuries to 13 people.
Mr Biden stood outside the bowling alley and said again that he wants assault-style rifles to be banned.
However, he was unable to make such a big change even when his fellow Democrats were in control of both Congress chambers.
Mr Biden said that as we feel sad in Maine today, this tragedy is causing a lot of pain throughout the entire country.
He said that the attack should make Congress act quickly to create and pass new laws about guns.
“He said that no matter our political beliefs, the main goal is to safeguard our ability to freely visit places like bowling alleys, restaurants, schools, and churches without the fear of getting shot and losing our lives. ”
The shooting was done by a person who is 40 years old and serves in the US Army part-time. This caused a search for the person for three days.
The attack started at Just-In-Time Recreation, a place where bowling leagues play. Then, the gunman went to Schemengees Bar & Grille, which was hosting a cornhole tournament.
A grandfather, a skilled young bowler, and four people from a deaf cornhole team were killed.
Sean Gosselin, who lives in the area, told the BBC that although it has been tough, the town is gradually going back to feeling normal and dealing with the situation as well as possible.
On Thursday, Mr Gosselin said a lot of people from the town gathered to watch the Lewiston Blue Devils, the local high school’s football team, play against their rivals from Auburn, a nearby town.
“It represents strength and determination,” he said, “of not giving up and moving forward, while still acknowledging the suffering of the victims of this terrible crime. ”
The shooting in Lewiston was the most serious of the year in the US and the most serious in Maine’s history.
The person who committed the crime, Robert Card, was found dead from shooting himself after a few days from when he killed people.
MrBiden has asked Republican lawmakers to allow victims of shootings to hold gun manufacturers legally responsible for their products.
On Friday, people who support guns and use social media criticized the president for asking for more control over guns.
The Truth About Guns shared a post from someone with conservative views who was wondering why Mr. Biden didn’t give his speech in Chicago, which is known for having a lot of shootings this year and is mostly dominated by Democratic party supporters.
Maine officials are having a hard time understanding how the Lewiston shooter was allowed to legally get guns, even after his Army Reserve unit warned about his mental health problems.
Maine’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, expressed gratitude for Mr. Biden’s consistent and strong support for the state following the shooting.
Ghanaian rapper OJ Blaq, also known as Andy Nii Akrashie, is being laid to rest today, November 4, 2023, in Dzorwulu, Accra, Ghana.
The funeral proceedings are currently taking place at the Empowerment Worship Center in Dzorwulu, near Allied Heights. Following the funeral service, he will receive a private burial.
Mourners, including sympathizers, friends, and loved ones, are dressed in black and red to pay their final respects as they pass by his remains.
The family will also hold a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 5, at the same Empowerment Worship Center.
OJ Blaq passed away in the early hours of Thursday, August 17, after a battle with a kidney-related disease. He was 40 years old at the time of his passing.
OJ Blaq rose to prominence with the release of his debut album, “The Blaq Mixtape,” in 2006, and his musical career continued to thrive, marked by numerous projects and hit singles, including the well-known track “Chalewote.”
These exclusive photos capture moments from the funeral ceremony.
Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif, whose real name is Mohammed Ismail Sherif, is gearing up to make a significant impact on the music scene with an exciting new project.
After his remarkable victory at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, where he was crowned the Best International Flow Act, he has been teasing this upcoming release on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
This prestigious recognition at the BET Hip Hop Awards established his remarkable talent and global appeal, setting high expectations for his forthcoming project. This new endeavor follows his previous release, a double-single EP titled “Take Care of Yourself Blacko.”
Black Sherif’s previous EP, “Take Care of Yourself Blacko,” served as a call to his fans and music enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The EP’s title reflects the artist’s awareness of the pressures and expectations that come with his status as one of Ghana’s most decorated and globally recognized musicians.
His upcoming project is expected to showcase his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to stay focused amidst the distractions that fame can bring.
The project includes songs like ‘Simmer Down,’ which reflects on his team’s accomplishments and the impact he has had on Ghana’s music scene. Another track, ‘YAYA,’ explores themes of relaxation and the joys of seaside adventures.
Fans on the X platform are eagerly anticipating this release, as they’ve been eagerly waiting for new music from Black Sherif, the reigning Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2023.
With his undeniable talent and growing international recognition, Black Sherif’s new project is expected to make a significant impact not only in Ghana but also on the global music stage.
Israel has rejected the request from the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to temporarily stop the conflict in Gaza for humanitarian reasons.
Mr Blinken talked about the idea with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials when they met in Tel Aviv.
But in a TV statement a few minutes later, Mr. Netanyahu said that Israel refuses to accept a short-term pause in fighting that doesn’t include the freedom of our captured people.
He said that Israel was using all their strength to fight against Hamas.
The US government tried to help with diplomacy while Israeli military leaders said they surrounded Gaza City and were fighting in a complicated urban environment. Video explanation, The text needs to be rewritten in simpler words.
Amani left her family in Gaza to go to school in the UK right before the war started. Now she is very worried as she keeps a close eye on something.
Israel started attacking after Hamas fighters killed 1,400 people in Israel and took more than 240 hostages. They used air force and ground forces in their attack.
Israel has attacked and caused the deaths of at least 9,200 people in Gaza, as reported by the health ministry run by Hamas.
During his trip to Tel Aviv, Mr Blinken expressed that the US will keep supporting Israel. He also asked Israel to take definite actions to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians.
Mr Blinken said that today we discussed some important questions. These questions were about how to use a break in fighting to help more people in need, how to link the break to the freeing of hostages, and how to make sure that Hamas doesn’t take advantage of these breaks or agreements.
He observed that over 100 trucks with aid arrived in Gaza within the last day, even though they were not allowed before. However, he mentioned that this amount was still insufficient.
Mr Blinken visited the region for the second time in a month and mentioned that the US has been guiding Israel on reducing civilian casualties while also dealing with Hamas. And he said that they talked about practical steps to send more help, like fuel, to reach Gaza.
However, Mr Netanyahu strongly stated that he would not permit any fuel to enter the Gaza Strip. He has also refused any discussion about stopping the fighting.
The Israeli Prime Minister said that Israel will not agree to a temporary pause in fighting unless our hostages are released.
The US secretary of state said that Israel can only become more secure by forming a Palestinian state.
He said that the US has always believed in having two separate states for two different groups of people. Once again, this is the only way to guarantee long-term safety for Israel as a Jewish and democratic country.
During a press conference with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Mr. Blinken said that Israel has the responsibility to protect itself and make sure that the events of 7 October don’t occur again.
Mr Herzog mentioned that Israel is making big efforts to let people in Gaza know about airstrikes. He showed a pamphlet that is being dropped there, advising civilians to leave the northern area affected by the war.
While the two men were talking, some people outside were shouting through a loudspeaker on a street nearby. These people were the families of Israelis who had been kidnapped. Media caption means providing a brief description or explanation that accompanies a media file, such as a video or image.
Mr Herzog expressed sympathy for them, while Mr. Blinken mentioned that the US is constantly thinking about our hostages.
“We have a lot of people, including Israelis, Americans, and others, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring them back safely to reunite with their families and loved ones,” he said.
White House officials talked to reporters on a conference call and said that Hamas was not allowing people from other countries to leave Gaza.
One of the officials said that it would take a long break in the Israeli offensive to have any chance of freeing the hostages.
Showing the political pressure that Mr. Biden is experiencing from the left-wing of his party, one Democratic representative criticized him harshly on Friday.
Rashida Tlaib, a congresswoman from Michigan, accused the president of not doing enough to stop the killing of Palestinian people and called it genocide. She is the only US lawmaker who has Palestinian heritage.
She said, “If you don’t support a ceasefire now, don’t expect us to support you in the 2024 election. ”
The person in charge of the United States’ foreign affairs is currently in Jordan. Jordan recently called back its ambassador from Israel.
This Saturday, the highest-ranking American diplomat will have a meeting with Arab leaders. These leaders have been speaking out more and more against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Atlantic Lithium is hopeful of employing approximately 900 workers when full production begins at its Ewoyaa project in the Central Region of Ghana. Lithium is a critical mineral used in lithium-ion batteries, which are being promoted as an alternative to fossil fuels in the fight against climate change.
The Australia-based Atlantic Lithium recently obtained a 15-year mining lease from the Ghanaian government and is committed to boosting the local economy through job creation.
“The project will directly employ about 800 people and after the construction of the plant we are looking at 900 jobs.”
“Currently we have about 75 workers, aside that we do also engage casual workers, so at a point we can employ about 200 casual workers aside the direct employment,” he said.
Ewoyaa Lithium Project
The Ewoyaa Lithium Project is the company’s flagship project, and it is set to become Ghana’s first lithium-producing mine. The project’s economic feasibility was confirmed in June 2023 with the release of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
The study forecasts a production of 3.6 million metric tons of spodumene concentrate over a 12-year Life of Mine (LOM) with highly favorable economics, including a post-tax net present value (NPV) of US$1.5 billion, free cash flow of US$2.4 billion from LOM revenues of US$6.6 billion, an average LOM EBITDA of US$316 million per annum, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 105%, and a short payback period of 19 months. These calculations are based on a conservative pricing model for the concentrate.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that an Israeli attack on an ambulance near Gaza City’s main hospital has caused the death of at least 15 people.
BBC Verify has confirmed that there are videos available which show severely injured and potentially deceased individuals lying outside the Al-Shifa hospital.
The Israeli army has said it hit a hospital vehicle which they believe was being used by Hamas members.
It didn’t mention where the air strike happened.
“Aircraft from the IDF attacked an ambulance that was recognized by forces as being used by a group of terrorists from Hamas, who were very near to where our troops were fighting,” the statement explained.
It was mentioned that some Hamas fighters were killed. They also claimed that Hamas was using ambulances to secretly transport militants and weapons. However, no proof of this has been provided yet.
We want to make it clear that this area is a place where battles are happening. People who live in the area are being told over and over again to go to the south to stay safe.
Before, the health ministry ran by Hamas stated that 13 individuals lost their lives in an explosion near Al-Shifa.
BBC Verify watched three videos – one of them was very shocking – and found out that they were recorded outside the hospital and were posted online on Friday afternoon.
In a video, there were people lying in pools of blood on the road near vehicles. Some of them were badly hurt, while others were not moving.
We haven’t seen any hole or wreckage in the videos we have watched. The front of an ambulance is broken, and some cars on the road have windows that are broken.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that a convoy carrying patients to the Al-Shifa hospital was hit two times. The first time was about 1 km (0. 62 miles) away from the hospital, and the second time was outside the hospital gate where they were trying to unload the patients.
A statement from the Hamas government said that Israeli forces attacked a group of ambulances that were taking injured people from Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City to Rafah in the south.
Egypt’s health ministry said that only 17 injured Palestinians were taken to Egyptian hospitals on Friday instead of the originally planned 28. This change happened because of the “events” at Al-Shifa.
The leader of the World Health Organization said he was very surprised and upset by the big explosion at Al-Shifa.
Let us emphasize again: we must always keep patients, health workers, facilities, and ambulances safe. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus always posted on X.
Bisan Owda, a filmmaker from Palestine, was close by when the attack occurred.
“Some people had their legs and hands taken away, and others had injuries that needed help to be carried,” she explained to the BBC. People were sad and looking for one another.
Besides the sick people at Al-Shifa, there are also thousands of others who are hiding from the bombings by Israel.
Ms Owda said that there were a lot of people who couldn’t find a place to stay inside the hospital, so they had to sleep on the streets close by.
The Israeli military says that there is a big Hamas headquarters located under the hospital.
In another event in Gaza City on Friday, people in charge of health in Gaza said that a lot of people were killed and injured in an attack by Israel on a school where hundreds of people were seeking refuge. Israel has not said anything yet.
Israel started bombing Gaza because Hamas killed over 1,400 people in Israel and abducted more than 240 people.
They have also started a ground attack and announced on Thursday that their troops have surrounded Gaza City.
Israel has told people to go to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Many people have left Gaza City and the northern areas. However, a lot of people still live in the northern part of Gaza.
Israeli planes are still attacking a place called the southern Gaza Strip. Israel had told people from Gaza to go there for safety. But now it’s too crowded and not safe, so some people are going back to their homes in the north of Gaza.
The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, reported that over 9,000 individuals have died in the Gaza Strip since October 7th.
Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, has expressed his concerns to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging them not to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF).
He argues that the GFSF is not in compliance with Ghana’s constitution and is therefore illegal, making it unsuitable for endorsement by the Bretton Woods Institutions.
He emphasizes that the GFSF has not undergone the required parliamentary scrutiny and approval, making its establishment constitutionally questionable.
“I am writing to respectfully request the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) country offices in Ghana to refrain from endorsing the unconstitutional and illegal initiative led by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta, to establish the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF). This endeavor is solely based on guidelines and is overseen by an unconstitutionally formed entity, the Ghana Amalgamated Trust Plc (GAT), with management and disbursement procedures that lack legislative authorization and transparency,” Ayariga’s letter asserts.
Mr Ayariga raised the potential consequences of this initiative, suggesting that it could result in private indigenous bank owners losing control of their assets in these banks.
Below are details of the letter:
Ghana Financial Stability Fund
17TH October 2023
THE COUNTRY HEAD
WORLD BANK COUNTRY OFFICE
ACCRA
GHANA
THE COUNTRY HEAD
IMF MISSION OFFICE
ACCRA
GHANA
Dear Sirs,
UNCONSTITUTIONALITY AND ILLEGALITY OF THE OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE GHANA FINANCIAL STABILITY FUND AND ADMINISTRATION BY GHANA AMALGAMATED TRUST (GAT)
I write to request the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) country offices in Ghana not to lend your support to the unconstitutional and illegal attempt by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning (Mr. Ken Ofori Atta) to establish a Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) using mere guidelines and putting it under the administration of an illegal and unconstitutional body known as Ghana Amalgamated Trust Plc (GAT) based on opaque and legislatively unauthorized management and disbursement mechanisms. It is a scheme with potential to deprive private indigenous bank owners the ownership of their assets in these banks after his mismanagement of the financial sector has rendered these banks vulnerable. And it has not been subjected to parliamentary oversight and scrutiny.
I refer to the publication by Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) dated 22nd August 2023 which indicates that Government of Ghana (GoG) has established a Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF). The Fund is expected to be funded by Government of Ghana and the World Bank/IMF as its major donor. In the said document, the MoFEP is indicating that it will seek to off load an amount of about $750 million to Ghana Amalgamated Trust (GAT) Ltd to be the main agency responsible for disbursing such funds.
On 3rd March 2022, as a member of the minority in Parliament, I brought an action at the Supreme Court of Ghana to challenge the legality of GAT and the fraudulent activities of GAT and its operations in the case of Mahama Ayariga v. Attorney General & Others (Suit No. J1/20/2022). The issue is currently pending.
It is therefore strange that GAT and MoFEP, knowing well that the case is still pending in court will still want to undertake an illegality this time on a very large scale.
Unconstitutionality of GAT
1. The Ghana Financial Stability Fund(GFSF) lacks parliamentary approval and has a fraudulent structure intended to deprive owners of local indigenous banks of their property rights. We believe GAT is a well orchestrated scheme to acquire private banks which have been rendered vulnerable by the bad policies of the Finance Minister and who might desperately go for lifeline support from GAT.
2. GAT was sponsored by the Government of Ghana as a limited liability company under the Companies Act, 2016 (Act 992). The Minister of Finance in 2019 had an arrangement with GAT, as sponsors and with NTHC as trustee shareholder in GAT which arrangement allowed NTHC as trustee to hold shares in GAT on behalf of Government. We have contended in court that this is an unconstitutional scheme to transfer public funds to private ownership without the requisite parliamentary approval.
3. Article 192 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana states categorically that a “public corporation shall not be established except by an Act of Parliament.” Article 179 recognizes the setting up of public corporations as commercial ventures. The current arrangement by which the Government of Ghana seeks to use NTHC Ltd to hold shares in GAT for a commercial venture offends the Constitutional requirement, which vests Government with the authority to only engage in a commercial venture through the medium of a public corporation enacted by an Act of Parliament.
4. Government cannot, in seeking to evade parliamentary oversight, indirectly incorporate a company and nominate a private entity to hold its shares in the company on behalf of Government under a so-called trusteeship arrangement. This offends the 1992 Constitution.
5. In paragraphs 217 to 220 of the Government’s Economic Policy and Budget Statement of 2020, the Minister of Finance sought to explain the circumstances under which GAT was formed and approval was sought from Parliament for him to issue a sovereign guarantee to enable GAT, which is a limited liability company whose shares are held by a non-state entity, to raise GHS800 million. When the Minister was unable to raise funds through a bond, he requested Parliament to approve GHS800 million for the “initial capitalization of GAT for its investment in the four (4) participating banks”.
6. The Constitution, in Article 181 (1) makes provision for Parliament, by a resolution supported by the votes of a majority of all the members of Parliament, to authorize the Government to enter into an agreement for the granting of a loan out of any public fund or public account. And after the agreement is entered into, it shall not come into operation unless it is laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of Parliament.
7. Parliamentary approval of a loan out of the public funds is a two-staged process. The process begins with the authorization by Parliament of the entry into the agreement by the parties. After the agreement has been entered into, Parliament then gives its approval for the agreement to become operational on the terms and conditions presented to parliament.
8. The Minister of Finance, in failing to obtain Parliamentary approval for the agreement to become operational on stated terms renders the agreement so entered into between the Minister of Finance and GAT unconstitutional, thereby making the whole transaction null and void.
The legality and constitutionality of GAT and the arrangement to put the GHC800m under GAT are the subject of the suit in Mahama Ayariga v. Attorney General & Others.
“Operational Framework of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)”
The Ministry of Finance in a document entitled “Operational Framework of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)” stated that “The conclusion of Phase 2 of the DDEP has further impaired the balance sheet of banks and other participating financial institutions. To help mitigate the impact of the GoG debt operation on the financial sector, GoG is establishing the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) to provide solvency and liquidity support for the financial sector as needed.”
The document further states that “VII. An initial allocation of US$750m, consisting of US$250m loan facility from the World Bank/IDA and US$500m from the GoG, has been earmarked for the solvency window of the GFSF.”
The document added that it is “the operational framework of the GFSF” and “sets out in detail the setup of the fund including the sources of funding, PFIs eligibility criteria for accessing the fund, the terms and conditions, and governance arrangements of the fund, among others.”
The document is clear that “The GoG is accordingly allocating budgetary resources for the establishment of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) to minimize the adjustment burden on the financial sector, particularly, banks, and insurance companies over the medium-term, and to avoid any systemic financial crisis.”
The document indicates that “The GFSF is being operationalized through two windows: a Solvency window (Fund A) and a Liquidity window (Fund B).”
“The Solvency window is expected to provide recapitalization support to financial institutions whose solvency is adversely impacted by the DDEP and to help restore them to full compliance with minimum regulatory capital requirements in the shortest possible time and no later than the end of the ECF programme.
16. This window will be designed as two distinct but complementary sub-funds (Fund A1 and Fund A2) under the GFSF, reflecting financing support from the World Bank/IDA (Fund A1) and from GoG directly (Fund A2).”
The document reveals that “For state-owned financial institutions, there will be direct investment from Government. With privately owned institutions, there will be an indirect investment through the Ghana Amalgamated Trust (GAT). This is to minimize any direct GoG involvement and ownership in any of these institutions.” (Emphasis added).
It is indicated in the document that “GAT will serve as the Secretariat for Solvency Fund A2 and will setup ring-fenced operational framework, approved by the MoF, to guide its operations. GAT will also hold in trust for the Government, GoG’s investment in the privately owned financial institutions. As part of its roles, GAT will conduct investment analysis, recommendations, due diligence, post investment monitoring and report to the IC.”
Unconstitutionality and Illegality of the “Operational Framework of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)”
A combined reading of articles 175, 176 178 and 179 of the Constitution of Ghana requires that the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) be established by a express Act of Parliament with clear legal stipulation regarding its administration and mechanisms for disbursing the funds and how the funds should be recovered.
It is illegal and unconstitutional to seek to establish such public funds by mere administrative guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Finance is seeking to use opaque and unscrutinized (by Parliament) mechanisms that will be clearly open to their absolute discretion in clear disregard to the arrangements contemplated by the Constitution of Ghana 1992.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank will be acting in clear violation of the Constitution of Ghana of 1992 if they lend their support to this arrangement or are in anyway party to it.
Article 175 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of public funds by an express Act of Parliament. Article 176 provides for funds received on behalf of the public to be paid into the Consolidated Fund or a fund established by or under the authority of an Act of Parliament. Article 178 then details the proper legal mechanisms for withdrawal of money from public funds. The mechanisms provided for in the “Operational Framework of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)” is an unintelligent attempt to evade legal and constitutional scrutiny as mandated by our constitution.
Please accept considerations of my highest regards.
The family of a person who loved hiking and died from falling off a mountain in Africa has started collecting money for the guide who also died while trying to rescue her.
Shilpa Shah, who is from London, climbed Mount Kenya for the first time. However, while coming down, she fell and her guide, Kelvin Mariuki Mwithi, tried to catch her.
Ms Shah’s family said that they had to take action when they found out that he had a wife and a child who was either two or three years old.
The charity event has already received more than £35,000 in just one week.
The Shah family wants the money to help the Mwithi family have a better future, even though they have experienced a tragic loss.
Shilpa’s niece Neha Shah said that we hope to have enough money to support ourselves and our future family forever.
Thinking about her aunt’s death, Neha said: “She was the greatest aunt that any girl could ever have. ”
“She was always there, and she always gave the best guidance. ”
Ms Shah really enjoyed being outside and going hiking. She went on a trip to Kenya with seven other women.
“I enjoy hiking because of her,” Neha said.
She has motivated and encouraged all of us. We will all really, really miss her a lot.
The family said that Shilpa was a kind person with a lovely smile who always helped others without wanting anything back.
Assistant guide Alexandre L’Heureux, who had gone up Mount Kenya with Mwithi, said that his colleague was a wonderful person with a gentle and caring nature.
