TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Two remanded for possessing narcotic drugs

    The Assin-Fosu District Court has remanded into police custody two persons arrested at Nduaso in the Assin North District for possessing some dried leaves suspected to be (wee) cannabis.

    The suspects, Edward Asante alias Agya Amadu, 47 and Razack Ibrahim, 32, whose pleas were not taken will re-appear in court on Wednesday, May 27.

    Prosecuting, Inspector Gilbert Ayongo, told the Court presided over by Mr. Abdul Majeed Illiasu that the suspects were arrested by the Assin Fosu Divisional Police Patrol Team upon a tip-off.

    The police immediately moved to the community and arrested them after quantities of compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, scissors and a knife were found in their room.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Israeli convicted of West Bank arson attack that killed three Palestinians

    An Israeli court has convicted a Jewish settler of murdering three members of a Palestinian family in a 2015 arson attack in the occupied West Bank.

    Judges found Amiram Ben Uliel threw a firebomb into a home in the village of Duma, killing Saad and Riham Dawabsha and their 18-month-old son Ali.

    Ali’s brother Ahmed, who was then four, suffered severe injuries but survived.

    Ben Uliel was also found guilty of attempted murder, but was acquitted of belonging to a terrorist organization.

    His lawyers said he planned to appeal against the convictions at the Supreme Court, arguing that Israeli investigators had forced him to make a false confessions.

    Ben Uliel, who is 25 and from the settlement of Shilo, sat with his head down as he was found guilty of three counts of murder by the Lod District Court on Monday.

    Israeli media reported that he confessed to the crime three times.

    Two of the confessions were ruled inadmissible because they were extracted by physical force or soon after physical force was used, according to the Haaretz newspaper. The third was accepted by the judges, who said it was supported by detailed evidence, including his reconstruction of the crime scene.

    Following the verdict, Ben Uliel’s lawyers said it was “a black day” for Israel, on which a court had convicted “a man whose innocence cries out to the heavens”.

    Ahmed Dawabsha’s grandfather Hussein said: “The trial was for others, not for me.”

    “It won’t bring back my daughter; her husband and my grandson won’t return, but I don’t want another child to be in Ahmed’s place,” he was quoted as saying by Haaretz. “We experienced a great trauma, and I won’t forget it in 100 years. I don’t want this to happen to another family.”

    In a rare statement, Israel’s domestic security service, the Shin Bet, described the verdict as “an important milestone in the fight against Jewish terrorism”. Ben Uliel’s crimes represented a “severe crossing of a red line”, it added. The night-time attack on the Dawabsha family’s home in July 2015 sparked international condemnation and inflamed Israeli-Palestinian tensions, contributing to a rise in violence.

    Saad, Riham and their children were asleep when masked assailants threw a firebomb through their bedroom window and daubed walls with slogans in Hebrew, including the word “revenge”.

    Ali died during the ensuing blaze, while his parents succumbed to their wounds later in hospital. Ahmed spent months in hospital undergoing treatment for burns.

    In 2016, Israeli prosecutors charged Ben Uliel with murder and a second suspect, a minor who has not been named, with being an accessory to murder.

    According to the indictment, the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of a settler in a drive-by shooting one month before.

    Last year, a court approved a plea deal in which the minor admitted to conspiring to set fire to the Dawabsha’s home.

    Source: bbc.com

  • One dead after Canadian Snowbirds jet crashes into home

    At least one person has died after an aerobatic Canadian air force jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood.

    Another crew member was injured when the plane hit a house in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia.

    One pilot was able to eject before the crash on Sunday, video showed.

    The Snowbirds jet had been on a tour “to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of Covid-19”, according to the team’s website.

    The Snowbirds perform aerobatic stunts for the public, similar to Red Arrows in the UK or the US Blue Angels.

    The crash happened on Sunday morning, shortly after the jet took off.

    “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that one member of the CF Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained serious injuries,” the Royal Canadian Air Force said in a tweet.

    The Air Force later said that the crew member’s injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

    Video posted on Twitter showed two jets climbing into the air from what is believed to be the Kamloops Airport before one catches on fire.

    Witness Annette Schonewille told CBC News: “The one plane continued and the other one, there was two puffs, it looked like puffs of smoke and one… was a ball of fire,” she said.

    “No noise, it was strange, and then the plane just did a cartwheel and fell right out of the sky. Just boom, straight down, and then a burst of black, black smoke.”

    After it hit the front garden of a home in Kamloops, residents ran outside in an attempt to put out the fire.

    “I just started running down the street. And I got there maybe a minute after it crashed and there was a couple of residents that had their hoses out and they were trying to put the flames out because it hit a house,” neighbour Kenny Hinds told the Associated Press.

    “It looked like most of it landed in the front yard, but maybe a wing or something went through the roof.”

    Meanwhile, resident Nolyn McLeod told CBC he saw the plane curve into the street and hit the bedroom window of his neighbour’s house.

    Photos published in Canadian media appeared to show a parachute on the roof of the house.

    The city of Kamloops is around 200 miles (320km) northeast of Vancouver in the West Coast Canadian province. It has a population of 90,000.

    In October, a Snowbirds jet crashed into an uninhabited area before an air show in the US city of Atlanta, after the pilot ejected.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Flagship immigration bill returns to Commons

    A new points-based immigration system moves a step closer to becoming law as proposed legislation appears before MPs.

    The immigration bill repeals EU freedom of movement and introduces the new framework – though not exact details – for who can come to live in Britain.

    Home Secretary Priti Patel said the new system promotes a “high skill” economy.

    But critics said the coronavirus pandemic has changed public attitudes towards those considered “unskilled”.

    Labour’s shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the plans were “not fair and not in the national interest”.

    He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the government was deeming people who worked in low paid jobs in the health and social care sector “to be unwelcome in this country”, adding: “That that isn’t an acceptable way to proceed.

    “We see the clap for carers on a Thursday evening. It is wrong to then say on a Monday that you are unskilled, and that people with those skills are not welcome in this country.”

    Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the bill would give the UK “the opportunity to set our own rules to ensure that we get the people that we need”, including for the NHS and care homes.

    The legislation, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, will be debated in the Commons on Monday.

    It was first introduced in December 2018 but stalled amid a series of defeats for then PM Theresa May’s minority government.

    The bill – which returns with Boris Johnson’s 80-seat majority – includes regulations giving ministers the power to define the new points-based system, before it is then separately approved by Parliament.

    Strict criteria

    In February, Ms Patel said people applying to come to the UK under the proposed system will need to meet strict skills criteria.

    “We will no longer have the routes for cheap, low-skilled labour that obviously has dominated immigration and our labour market for far too long in this country,” she said.

    A YouGov opinion poll commissioned by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) suggests 54% of people now support looser immigration controls for workers regarded as essential during the pandemic.

    The government list of critical workers during the crisis includes care staff, food processing staff, supermarket workers, and delivery drivers.

    JCWI’s Satbir Singh said such workers “are not ‘unskilled’ or unwelcome, they are the backbone of our country and they deserve the security of knowing that this place can be their home too”.

    Different approach

    The government announced proposals for the new system, suggesting points will be awarded for being able to speak English to a certain standard, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a salary threshold of £25,600.

    Other points could be awarded for certain qualifications and if there is a shortage in a particular occupation.

    But Mr Thomas-Symonds said Labour was “asking the government to think again”.

    “What the government… seems to be saying is that your salary reflects your contribution to society,” he added.

    “If this crisis has shown us one thing, it should show us that that is wrong.”

    A visa allowing doctors, nurses and health professionals from overseas to work in the NHS was introduced in March.

    Mr Dowden said this provided a “fast track application process” and lower fees for those wanting to work in the sector.

    He added: “If we go back to the [Brexit] referendum, the central issue there was about taking back control and immigration was an important part of this.

    “This [bill] means that finally we determined exactly who comes into this country, and we can attract the brightest and the best from around the world, not just from convenience within Europe.”

    ‘High wage, high skill’

    The Brexit transition period ends on 31 December – after which the new immigration rules will apply. Irish citizens’ immigration rights will remain.

    Ms Patel said ahead of the second reading: “Our new points-based system is firmer, fairer, and simpler.

    “It will attract the people we need to drive our economy forward and lay the foundation for a high wage, high skill, high productivity economy.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Michael Jordan: NBA legend’s trainers sell for record $560,000

    Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s autographed trainers from 1985 sold for a record $560,000 (£463,000) in an online auction.

    The Nike Air Jordan 1s, worn by Jordan during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, were expected to fetch between $100,00-$150,000 at Sotheby’s.

    The previous record was $437,500 for a pair of Nike’s 1972 Moon Shoes.

    Jordan wore mismatched trainers, with the left a size 13 and the right a size 13.5.

    The Air Jordan 1s were sold by Jordan Geller, who founded the trainer museum Shoezeum in Las Vegas.

    The sale coincided with a Netflix documentary – The Last Dance – with behind-the-scenes footage of the Bulls’ hunt for a sixth NBA title in the 1997-98 season.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus football: FC Seoul apologises for ‘sex dolls’ in stands

    It is a challenge for sports leagues across the world – if play can only resume in empty stadiums, how can the atmosphere be improved?

    However, not many clubs will be rushing to follow the example of FC Seoul.

    The top-flight South Korean side has apologised after fans accused them of using sex dolls in the stands.

    FC Seoul insisted they were “premium mannequins” rather than sex dolls – but did admit they came from a supplier that produces sex toys.

    And some of the dolls were holding signs advertising sex websites – despite pornography being banned in South Korea.

    What happened at the match?

    On Sunday, FC Seoul played their first home match of the K League season.

    The ground was empty – one of many measures designed to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak.

    So before the match, a company called Dalcom offered to fill some of the empty seats, and the club agreed. In total, there were 30 mannequins – 25 of them female, and five of them male.

    However, fans watching online noticed that some of the mannequins looked more like sex dolls – leading to the club apologising on Instagram and Facebook.

    Club official Lee Ji-hoon told the BBC it didn’t do a background check on Dalcom, and didn’t realise their line of work.

    But the club said that Dalcom insisted the dolls were merely “premium mannequins”, rather than anything more x-rated.

    Mr Lee admitted he thought the dolls looked “very human” – but said it didn’t even enter his mind that they could be sex toys.

    When did football resume in South Korea?

    The 2020 K League season was supposed to begin in February but was delayed because of the virus outbreak.

    But South Korea’s success in fighting the virus allowed football to resume sooner than almost everywhere else.

    And, when the season began on 8 May, the K League was one of the few places for sports fans to get their fix – leading to increased global attention.

    The opening match – Jeonbuk Motors versus Suwon Bluewings – was even streamed live by the BBC.

    As well as empty stands, handshakes are banned, and coaches have to wear facemasks.

    “Excessive spitting or blowing of the nose is prohibited and players should refrain from close conversations,” said a K League official before the first match.

    Which other football leagues have resumed?

    The Bundesliga in Germany resumed at the weekend, but, like South Korea, with no fans present.

    The Premier League in England has a tentative return date of 12 June – but there is a “growing feeling” this will need to be pushed back.

    Other leagues, such as France’s Ligue 1, have cancelled their season entirely.

    Source: bbc.com

  • 100 countries want a probe into handling of COVID-19

    China has been trying to avoid the fallout from coronavirus. Now 100 countries are pushing for an investigation

    Russian President Vladimir Putin once called Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, a “lone warrior.”

    Putin was joking, but that description is starting to look more and more accurate. Russia has joined about 100 countries in backing a resolution at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA), calling for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic.

    The European Union-drafted resolution comes on the back of a push by Australia for an inquiry into China’s initial handling of the crisis.

    That was met with an angry response from Beijing, which accused Canberra of a “highly irresponsible” move that could “disrupt international cooperation in fighting the pandemic and goes against people’s shared aspiration.”

    While the resolution to be presented at the annual meeting of World Health Organization (WHO) members, which begins on Monday in Geneva, does not single out China or any other country, it calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of “the (WHO)-coordinated international health response to Covid-19.”

    The wording of the resolution is weak compared to Australia’s previous calls for a probe into China’s role and responsibility in the origin of the pandemic. This may have been necessary to get a majority of WHO member states to sign on — particularly those, such as Russia, with traditionally strong ties to Beijing.

    But that doesn’t mean China’s government should rest easy. The potential for an independent probe, even one not initially tasked with investigating an individual country’s response, to turn up damning or embarrassing information is great. Australian government sources told the ABC, the country’s public broadcaster, that the resolution’s language was sufficiently strong to “ensure that a proper and thorough investigation took place.”

    Beijing has previously said it would only support an investigation held by the WHO, which has been accused of being overly influenced by China — a charge top WHO officials refute.

    Speaking last week, China’s ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming said: “We’re open, we are transparent, we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear. We welcome an international, independent review, but it has to be organized by the WHO.”

    With more countries signing on to the EU resolution as the assembly nears, that may be out of China’s hands. There were also indications that Beijing may accept the resolution: Chinese state media reported Monday that Xi would deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the WHA, an unlikely move if Beijing was preparing to push back against a key agenda item.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • Water shortage in Tema, other areas resolved GWCL MD

    Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Clifford Braimah has said water shortage in the Tema enclave and other areas has been resolved.

    He said the Ghana Water Company provided some areas with water, adding that other areas will soon be catered for as well.

    “The Tema problem has been rectified. As at yesterday, some areas have started getting water and eventually other areas will be covered,” he said on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday.

    Distribution Manager for the Accra West branch of the Ghana Water Company Limited,  Edward Kwabena Agyekum on the same show explained that water shortage in some areas had to do with power outages.

    “The little challenge we had was somewhere about a week ago when Weija was down almost the whole day as a result of a power outage.”

    There have been reports of water shortage in some parts of the country, making it difficult for residents in these areas to observe the World Health Organisation (WHO) safety protocols of regular handwashing in the wake of COVID-19.

    A few weeks ago, residents in the Ningo Prampram Municipality said they had not experienced consistent water supply for months, compelling them to rely on untreated water from dugout ponds for their domestic use.

    Residents said water supply to the community has not been regular since December 2019 and is a major worry now as Ghana deals with the outbreak of COVID-19.

    Some residents who spoke to Citi News said appeals to the District office of the GWCL over the erratic supply of water to their homes had not yielded any result.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • COVID-19: Video of security man sorting out tissue with saliva causes outrage 

    A video of a security man in Ghana improperly handling tissue meant for the public in the midst of the dreaded coronavirus has gone viral.

    In the video, a man, who appeared elderly, was seen using saliva to sort out the tissue before packing them into an improvised tissue holder.

    The video has since caused outrage on Facebook and other social media platforms with unsavory words that cannot be repeated.

    Many users urged the public to take along with them hand sanitisers to be safe instead of depending on tissues and other items provided for public use.

    Watch video below:

    Source: thepressradio.com

  • We must continue the 2019/2020 GPL season – Godwin Attram

    Former coach of Great Olympics Godwin a Attram has called on the Ghana Football Association to do all it can to continue with the 2019/2020 football season.

    According to the former player/coach we should not annul the league season but rather should continue even if it has to be played behind closed doors without fans.

    Football in Ghana has been halted since the middle of March due to the coronavirus pandemic and the GFA is in talks with all stakeholders as to what to do with a final decision expected by June 30th.

    Godwin Attram says we must continue the league season citing Germany as an example.

    “I will like to thank Kurt Okraku for all that he really brought on for the league, Attram told Joy FM.

    “The league was really going on very well; people were going to stadium like it used to be before. The league was good, it was really back, 2 years we did not play, we started and got to almost half of the season, then COVID came in” he stated.

    “If Germany is playing football today, then I believe that football must come back,” Attram continued.

    “No matter what it is, I think the FA must put some measures to the ground for government because the government will decide what we have to do. If the FA put up good measures that people will be safe, then why not?” he concluded.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Ghana will need a miracle to win AFCON title next year – Michael Osei

    Former Black Stars player and coach of Star Madrid, Michael Osei says it will be very difficult for Ghana to win the African Cup of Nations next year.

    Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor has been tasked with breaking the 38 year hoodoo by lifting the holy grail in 2021 which has eluded Ghana for that long.

    Ghana has come very close yet so far when it comes to the Afcon title reaching the finals three times since winning it the last time in Libya 1978.

    Black Stars where losing finalist to Ivory Coast in 1992 after a pulsating 11-10 penalty defeat, and it continued in 2010 when Ghana lost one nil to Egypt through a Mohammed Nagy Gedo strike and finally in 2015 the Black Stars succumbed to old foes Ivory Coast via the familiar penalty heartbreak.

    But C.K Akonoor has been tasked to rescue the Black Stars from this heart breaking sequence by lifting the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

    In an interview with Happy Fm, former Asante Kotoko trainer Michael Osei says that it will be a herculean task as some nations a way ahead of us.

    “It will be very difficult to win the AFCON title next year”, he told Happy FM.

    “There are some countries who are ahead of us and their players are playing consistently for their clubs.

    “For him (CK Akonnor) to win we all have to support him, the playing body, and the technical team to make this possible,” he added.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Monday: Advertised jobs in newspapers today

    Prospective job seekers can find below the advertised jobs in the May 18, 2020 edition of Daily Graphic as published in the paper today.

     

    Source: theghanareport 

  • Nigerian troops kill 20 terrorists in Borno

    Nigerian Army troops on Sunday killed 20 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province, (ISWAP) terrorists at the north west of Baga town in Borno.

    Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Enenche said the troops of 130 Battalion with the support of the Army Super Camp, Baga, recorded the success in a decisive intercept offensive operation.

    He disclosed that the terrorists, who were armed with mortars, rocket propelled grenades and small arms were heading to attack villages surrounding Baga when the troops attacked their convoy with overwhelming firepower.

    According to him, the troops captured six AK 47 Rifles, 520 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and five 36 hand grenades.

    “However, nine of our gallant soldiers were wounded in action with no loss of life.

    “The wounded were evacuated to Sector 3 hospital for treatment.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute toward eradicating the criminals from the North East,” he said.

     

    Source: Pulse Nigeria  

  • I was close to joining Liverpool – Michael Essien

    Ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien has made the stunning revelation that he came very close to joining Liverpool in 2002 but opted to remain with his former club Bastia.

    Essien had attracted a lot of interest from stellar European sides after establishing himself as a firm staple for the French Ligue 1 outfit.

    Head coach Robert Nouzaret’s decision to move from defence to central midfield paid dividends.

    The ex-Ghana international’s partnership with Nicolas Dieuze and Cyril Jeunechamp helped the Corsica Island-based side finish in the the top 10 of the 2001-02 season and reach the final of the Coupe de France.

    Liverpool’s French manager at that time, Gerard Houllier, was an admirer.

    Essien confirms holding talks with Houllier at Melwood but felt the time was not right for a move.

    “I had lot of offers. I was close to signing for Liverpool when Gerard Houllier was their coach,” the now 37-year-old, who plays for Azerbaijani side Sabail, said on ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com

    ”I even went to Melwood to meet the coach. We had a talk and I returned to France but the offers were still coming.

    ”PSG, Olympique Marseille et al, but I told Bastia I don’t want to move and they also didn’t want to sell me at that time because they wanted me to stay for another year which was fine with me because I also didn’t want to leave the club so I stayed for another season, that’s my third year with the club.

    ”Olympique Lyon joined the three aforementioned clubs to enquire about me but I thought it was too early to move to England.”

    In 2003, Essien eventually joined two-time defending league champions Olympique Lyon in a €7.8 million transfer.

    He spent two seasons at the Stade Gerland where he scored seven goals in 71 appearances.

    Essien was voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) and also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

    He got nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award where placed 22nd.

    “Lyon were my favourite team when I went to France because they were winning everything I told my agent that if Lyon has come into the picture I’d like to join them.

    ”PSG were then serious about signing me to the extent that they made an offer. I was back home at that time and the call came that PSG had made a bid for me. It was even on the national television that I had signed for PSG which I had not because I was still in Ghana.

    ”There was a lot of controversy going on between the board and my agent so when I came went back to Bastia, we met with the board members and the president, and I told them I’d prefer to join Lyon though I liked Paris.

    ”I was really caught between PSG and Lyon but my preference was always Lyon. I had then spoken the president and their coach.

    ”I gave them my word that when I return from my holiday in Ghana I’ll do everything to sign for them but It was not easy.”

    In the summer of 2005, Essien was signed by Jose  Mourinho’s Chelsea in a £24.4 million fee which made him the club’s most expensive signing of all-time at the time.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Why Michael Essien rejected PSG in 2003

    Ex-Ghana star Michael Essien has blamed Vahid Halilhodži? for his decision to pull the plugs in joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2003.

    Essien blamed the Bosnian trainer for handing him a raw deal and rejecting him as a trialist when Halilhodži? was in-charge at Lille.

    So when Les Parisiens came calling after an explosive three seasons with Bastia, also in the Ligue 1, he decided to pay back Halilhodži?.

    “I turned down PSG because of their coach [Vahid Halilhodži?]. He was coaching Lille when I was with Bastia and I remember going to Lille but after four days I called my agent and told him I don’t want to be here,” Essien said on Carol Tsabalala’s ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com

    “They didn’t give us the opportunity to train and he later told my agent that he had about twenty Michael Essiens in the reserve team. I moved to Bastia and I was doing well and he went to PSG and he wanted me there.”

    Paris Saint-Germain made Bastia the best offer and it was accepted but the midfield icon had no love for the capital club.

    ”The PSG president was a big fan of me and he really wanted me so I told the board of my reasons for not wanting to sign for PSG but rather Lyon and they were like okay but we’re going to have a big problem,” he added.

    “The next day the PSG president had a lunch with me and asked why I don’t want to join his team. He’s a very nice man and I respect him up till date, he was so nice but I was straight and honest with him.

    ”I told him your coach didn’t want me when I was about 18, 19 years old so how come all of a sudden he want me. For me it didn’t make sense.

    ”Maybe I was young but I remember speaking to the coach on the phone when I went to trial at Lille but the manner in which we ended the conversation was a No for me.

    ”So I explained to the president and he understood me. After that, I packed my bags straight to Lyon.”

    Essien did not regret to decision to sign for the then two-time defending league champions in €7.8 million transfer.

    He spent two seasons at the Stade Gerland where he scored seven goals in 71 appearances.

    Essien was voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) and also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

    He got nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award where placed 22nd.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Why are people doubting Ghana’s coronavirus recovery figures – Nsiah Asare

    The presidential advisor on health, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare has expressed concerns about doubts raised by some persons in relation to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recovery figures in Ghana.

    To him, instead of raising doubts, he thinks people should rather express happiness that many people affected by the disease were recovering.

    In a radio interview with Accra based Citi FM Monday morning, Dr Nsiah Asare expressed shock at the people casting doubts over the genuineness of the surge in the recovery figures.

    During the weekend, the Ghana Health Services (GHS) released its latest figures on the disease and it showed over 1000 more people recovering from the disease in Ghana.

    Although some have expressed relief over the development, others have expressed skepticism about it. This has generated debate, especially on social media.

    Dr Nsiah Asare would rather want the populace to be excited and continue to support efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

    more to follow soon…

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Two escape death at Akyempim

    A 55-year-old taxi driver, Peter Asare, and a passenger narrowly escaped death when the vehicle they were traveling in rammed into a container store at Akyempim.

    The driver and passenger however did not sustain any injury after the accident.

    An investigator of the Tarkwa Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD), Chief Inspector George Kwabena Osei, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency at Akyempim.

    He said on Wednesday, May 13, at about 1330 hours, Asare was driving a Toyota Matrix taxi cab with registration number GR-9260-17 and had a passenger on board from Tarkwa Township towards Akyempim.

    Mr. Osei explained that when he got to a section of the road near Crown fuel station at Akyempim on the Tarkwa-Takoradi Highway, he veered off the road and bumped into a container store.

    He said the vehicle was tested by the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) and released to the owner, adding that, the driver was assisting the police to investigate the case.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Bars, beaches and cafes packed as Europe eases coronavirus lockdowns after record-low deaths

    BARS and beaches were packed across Europe yesterday as the Continent looks to get back to normal after lockdown.

    Italy and Spain are further easing coronavirus restrictions today after both countries recorded their lowest daily death tolls for two months.

    A packed beach in Alimos, Greece, yesterday as lockdown measures were eased across Europe

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    A packed beach in Alimos, Greece, yesterday as lockdown measures were eased across EuropeCredit: AP:Associated Press
    A beachside cafe on the first day it was allowed to open this morning at Malvarrosa, Valencia

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    A beachside cafe on the first day it was allowed to open this morning at Malvarrosa, ValenciaCredit: EPA
    Waiters are wearing face masks and spacing tables to ensure social distancing

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    Waiters are wearing face masks and spacing tables to ensure social distancingCredit: Reuters
    Cafe owners measure the distance between tables in Malaga

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    Cafe owners measure the distance between tables in MalagaCredit: Rex Features

    Italy recorded 145 new Covid-19 deaths yesterday, the lowest since the nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 9.

    And in Spain it was 87, the first time in two months it has been below 100.

    Both countries had more than 900 deaths a day at the height of the outbreak.

    The UK’s 170 deaths was also its lowest daily toll since March, but lockdown measures here are not being lifted yet.

    In Italy today, more businesses including shops, bars and hairdressers will be opening their doors for the first time in two months, and churches will be holding services.

    The government had wanted them to stay shut until the end of May but backed down under pressure from regional governors who threatened to begin reopening anyway.

    Sardinia, Veneto and Calabria – have said they will push for maximum easing of measures as soon as possible.

    However travel between regions and into Italy is stall banned until at least June 3.

    Spain is set for a shopping bonanza as the annual sales are set to go ahead despite social distancing fears.

    Even in Madrid and Barcelona – which have not yet fully entered the Phase 1 of exiting lockdown – smaller shops will be allowed to welcome customers without an appointment.

    And outside the two big cities, people will be allowed to gather outdoors in groups of ten.

    Crowds of shoppers in Rome yesterday as bars and beaches are set to reopen for the first time in over two months

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    Crowds of shoppers in Rome yesterday as bars and beaches are set to reopen for the first time in over two monthsCredit: EPA
    Shopkeepers preparing to reopen today in Turin, Italy

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    Shopkeepers preparing to reopen today in Turin, ItalyCredit: EPA
    Outdoors tables at a cafe in Brescia, Italy

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    Outdoors tables at a cafe in Brescia, ItalyCredit: EPA
    People enjoy the sunshine in Trocadero Square in Paris

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    People enjoy the sunshine in Trocadero Square in ParisCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Crowds enjoy the sunny weather yesterday in Malaga, Spain

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    Crowds enjoy the sunny weather yesterday in Malaga, SpainCredit: Rex Features
    Residents out on the streets last night in Athens

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    Residents out on the streets last night in AthensCredit: AFP or licensors

    In Malaga, cafe owners were seen measuring the distance between tables as they prepared to welcome customers back today.

    And the islands of Formentera and Cabrera in the Balearics, and La Graciosa, El Hierro and La Gomera in the Canary Islands, will be allowed to skip ahead to Phase 2 which allows the reopening of shopping centres and gatherings of up to 15 people.

    But PM Pedro Sanchez said he will ask Parliament to extend the state of emergency until late June.

    The tourist industry is set to lose its critical summer season with foreign visitors still not allowed.

    Mr Sanchez said: “Spain needs tourism. But tourism needs security. It needs health guarantees.”

    Meanwhile Belgium is to begin reopening primary and secondary schools today under strict conditions to keep children and teachers apart.

    Portugal, Greece, Denmark and Ireland are also easing their lockdown measures by degrees.

    It comes after people across Europe headed to parks and the coast at the weekend to enjoy their new freedoms as the worst-hit continent emerges from the tough restrictions.

    Beaches were packed in Greece, and surfers flocked to newly reopened Lacanau in France which had been shut for two months.

    Parks around Paris and Annecy were also heaving with sunbathers, while outdoor cafes were busy with customers in Germany.

    Over the weekend parasols and sun-loungers started to appear on coastlines in Italy ahead of expected reopening.

    Despite the falling death figures, Dr Hans Kluge of the World Health Organisation warned countries should be planning for a second wave of infection.

    He said: “This is not a time for celebration, it’s a time for preparation.”

    Authorities in many countries have asked people to show restraint and not to throng public spaces like beaches as they are made accessible again.

    People exercising in the sunshine yesterday in Annecy, France

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    People exercising in the sunshine yesterday in Annecy, FranceCredit: AFP or licensors
    Sunbathers in Vincennes wood near Paris

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    Sunbathers in Vincennes wood near ParisCredit: AFP or licensors
    Face masks are an essential accessory with a bikini in Nice, France

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    Face masks are an essential accessory with a bikini in Nice, FranceCredit: AFP or licensors
    A restaurant owner disinfects ahead of reopening today in Brescia, Italy

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    A restaurant owner disinfects ahead of reopening today in Brescia, ItalyCredit: EPA
    A pavement cafe with tables spaced out in Mainz, Germany

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    A pavement cafe with tables spaced out in Mainz, GermanyCredit: AFP – DPA
    A shopkeeper cleans the windows ready for reopening in Turin, Italy

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    A shopkeeper cleans the windows ready for reopening in Turin, ItalyCredit: EPA
    The busy beach yesterday in Alimos, Greece

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    The busy beach yesterday in Alimos, GreeceCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Workers sprayed disinfectant between the sunbeds on the sand

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    Workers sprayed disinfectant between the sunbeds on the sandCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Sunseekers flocked to the coast as authorities eased lockdown measures

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    Sunseekers flocked to the coast as authorities eased lockdown measuresCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Surfers and horse riders headed to newly reopened Lacanau, France

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    Surfers and horse riders headed to newly reopened Lacanau, FranceCredit: Rex Features
    Beaches in Lacanau saw crowds for the first time after they were closed for two months

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    Beaches in Lacanau saw crowds for the first time after they were closed for two monthsCredit: Rex Features
    Shops are preparing to welcome shoppers again in Turin, Italy

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    Shops are preparing to welcome shoppers again in Turin, ItalyCredit: EPA
    Social distancing in effect as a school reopened today in Bordeaux, France

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    Social distancing in effect as a school reopened today in Bordeaux, FranceCredit: EPA
    Schools also reopened today in Belgium

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    Schools also reopened today in BelgiumCredit: Reuters
    Children spaced out in a classroom in Austria

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    Children spaced out in a classroom in AustriaCredit: EPA

    Source: thesun.co.uk 

  • Winning 2005 Ligue 1 Player of the Year was shocking – Michael Essien

    Ex-Olympique Lyon midfielder Michael Essien says winning the 2005 French Ligue 1 Player of the Year came as a real shock to him.

    The ex-Ghana international had taken the top-flight by storm in his second season at the Stade Gerland.

    Essien featured in all but one league match as Lyon were crowned champions for the fourth straight season- his second league title.

    He complimented his assertive performances with three goals as a defensive midfielder.

    Essien toppled his teammate Juninho Pernambucano to win the coveted prize in a ceremony which was broadcast live on Canal+

    “I was not paying attention to winning individual awards because I only wanted to enjoy my football. I remember being invited to the Players Awards night but I didn’t want to go until Juninho [Pernambucano] came to talk to me. A few of my teammates were going so I had to go with them and I was very surprised when I won it,” he said in a chat with Carol Tsabalala on Instagram.

    “I didn’t know they had gone to Ghana to interview my mum and sisters. They only played the video to me when I was on the stage receiving the award.

    ”I was a bit emotional but happy. Winning the best player in France at that time was huge.

    ”I was in competition with my own teammate Juninho who was a magician because he could do anything with the ball so to beat him to the award was quite an achievement.”

    In that summer, Essien made a move to Chelsea in a £24.4 million fee which made him the club’s most expensive signing of all-time.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Sandra Ankobiah celebrates her 37th birthday in stunning photo

    Young Ghanaian Lawyer and entrepreneur Sandra Ankobiah turns 37 years today.

    Most of her friends have celebrated her day with her. Nana Aba Anamoah who was the first to post her photo wished her well. She wrote on her Instagram page…” Happy birthday @sandraankobia. You are truly loved God bless you.”

    Ghanaian Actress Yvonne Okoro has also taken to her twitter to wish Sandra Akobiah a happy birthday with a sensational message. She also twitter…” Happy birthday to this sexy gorgormi..You have really aged well..65years and still wearing sequin hotpants..U go oldie”.

    Many other celebrities like Lydia Forson, other media houses and blogs have also wished her a happy birthday as well.

    See her post below…..

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Thankful for life. +1 🎂🎂🎂

    A post shared by Sandra Ankobiah (@sandraankobiah) on

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Apple tree spotted in Asante Region against popular belief it can’t grow in Ghana

    An apple tree that was reportedly planted just five years ago at Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region has produced fruits bountifully as a recent trending video has shown. The video was sighted by YEN.com.gh on Twitter as a gentleman who was clearly stunned by the discovery spoke at length about the tree and urged various stakeholders to come and have a look.

    News about the tree has been interesting to most people due to the fact that the apple tree is known and believed to only do well in parts of the world with cold temperatures and high humidity. READ ALSO: 39-year-old nurse painfully narrates how husband dumped her, their kids after she went blind See video below:

    Yet, just after five years of being planted in a very dry environment as seen in the video, the tree has grown so comfortably and yielded countless fruits as though it was in its favourable conditions.

    Unfortunately, reports have indicated that the person who planted the tree passed on shortly after it germinated and never got to see it grow.

    As sad as that may sound, it appears to also give an important life lesson to plant good seeds anywhere one goes in life as they could bear fruits bountifully for all, even in the most adverse circumstances.

    Many social media users have been reacting to the story. HangingFyah strongly opines that the fruits should be preserved as natural as possible.

    According to Glory days, there has always been a kind of apple in Ghana.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Union Berlin 0-2 Bayern Munich: Lewandowski hits 40-goals mark as champions cruise

    Bayern Munich recommenced their Bundesliga title defence with a 2-0 win at Union Berlin, with Robert Lewandowski reaching the 40-goal mark for a fifth successive season on his return from a knee injury.

    Hansi Flick’s men had been put under a little pressure by Borussia Dortmund’s 4-0 thrashing of Schalke on Saturday to go within a point of the pacesetters, but Bayern picked up where they left off before the coronavirus pause Lewandowski and Benjamin Pavard securing the points.

    Although Bayern were guilty of a somewhat slow start, once they found their groove the champions played some fine football and were deserving of the lead when Lewandowski who likely would have missed most of the rest of the season were it not for the lengthy hiatus rolled home his penalty with 40 minutes played.

    Although the visitors failed to pile on the misery against a Union side who offered little in attack after the first 10 minutes, they did eventually wrap up the victory late on with Pavard’s header, Flick’s side restoring their four-point cushion.

    Union looked the sharper of the two sides in the early exchanges, with Marius Bulter testing Manuel Neuer and Anthony Ujah sending a rasping drive just over.

    But Bayern grew into the encounter Thomas Muller having a goal disallowed for offside in the 19th minute, before Union goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz got just enough on Alphonso Davies’ low cross to prevent Lewandowski a tap-in.

    Their dominance eventually paid off late in the first half, as Neven Subotic clumsily caught Leon Goretzka in the box while attempting to clear and Lewandowski confidently slotted in the spot-kick.

    The contest followed a similar pattern after the restart and Bayern nearly got a second Goretzka lashing a fierce strike just wide of the bottom-left corner after a one-two with the excellent Thomas Muller.

    Union’s hopes of rescuing a late draw were ended when Pavard headed in Joshua Kimmich’s right-wing with 10 minutes to go.

    What does it mean? Bayern have little problem producing a response

    Dortmund win on Saturday was impressive and will have given Bayern a reminder that they are up for a fight, but Die Roten’s performance on Sunday was laudable for different reasons.

    Despite having over two months off and coming back against a physical side, some of Bayern’s football was gorgeous. While they only managed two goals, you never got the impression they were playing at full tilt.

    Muller a delight

    While he will not necessarily get the plaudits, Muller was in fine form on Sunday. The experienced forward regularly popped up in dangerous spaces and his use of the ball was excellent, summed up by his two key passes one being a clever improvised effort to tee up Goretzka in the second half.

    Subotic pays the price

    Players could be forgiven for a little rustiness given the circumstances, but it cost Subotic and Union dear. The former Dortmund centre-back gave away the penalty that allowed Bayern the lead as he failed to react quickly enough to clear.

    What’s next?

    Bayern return to the Allianz Arena next weekend when they host Eintracht Frankfurt. Union travel to local rivals Hertha for only the second Berlin derby between the clubs in Bundesliga history.

    Source: goal.com

  • Coronavirus has given us reasons to take digital distribution serious MzVee

    Dancehall artiste, MzVee believes the Coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions has shown the need for them as musicians to get their content shared across the globe.

    Prior to this period, most Ghanaian musicians had not embraced the digital distribution channels in distributing their music.

    However, the COVID-19 season has served as an eye opener for a number of musicians to appreciate that digital distribution is the new norm and there is a need to take advantage of the opportunities available there

    Speaking in an interview with Joy News, MzVee noted that Coronavirus has come to teach people in the creative industry that they can reach out to the masses not just through human interaction but also virtually and that has taught them a number of lessons they will apply when the world is free.

    “I believe this period has given us the opportunity to think deep to find ways of creating works on various online platforms to sustain interest and keep our audiences entertained and I believe once we are hopefully back to mainstream activities, this new aspect will be a bonus in preparing us for the future.”

    The singer commended Ghana for how the country is handling the pandemic but like Oliver Twist, she asked that more education reaches the hinterland in order to ensure that they also protect themselves from the deadly disease.

    “I think we are doing well as a nation in educating the public on the coronavirus. Education does not end. We just have to keep making more noise about it especially to our brothers and sisters in the rural areas who do not have access to TV and all these gadgets that will bring the news to them. So we need to just keep reminding people because we tend to forget how serious this is but I think we are doing well as a nation in controlling the spread of the virus.”

    Source: My News GH

  • Coronavirus: Hospitals in Brazil’s São Paulo ‘near collapse’

    The mayor of Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, has said its health system could collapse as demand grows for emergency beds to deal with coronavirus cases.

    Bruno Covas said the city’s public hospitals had reached 90% and could run out of space in about two weeks.

    São Paulo is one of the country’s worst-hit regions, with almost 3,000 deaths so far.

    On Saturday, Brazil overtook Spain and Italy to become the nation with the fourth-largest number of infections.

    The health ministry reported 7,938 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total above 241,000. Only the US, Russia and the UK have higher numbers.

    The death toll in the Latin American nation over 24 hours was 485, meaning that the total number of deaths is 16,118 – the world’s fifth-highest figure.

    Health experts in Brazil have warned that the real number of confirmed infections in the country may be far higher than the official records, due to a lack of testing.

    Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has been strongly criticised both at home and abroad for his handling of the country’s escalating coronavirus crisis.

    He defied global health advice on social distancing on Sunday when he posed for photographs with supporters and children in the capital, Brasília.

    What did São Paulo’s mayor say?

    Mr Covas said he was now in crisis talks with the state governor over introducing a strict lockdown to try to slow the contagion before hospitals were overwhelmed.

    The governor of São Paulo state controls the police, and his support will be essential if a lockdown is to succeed.

    São Paulo has the population of about 12 million, and official figures show that the majority of residents have been flouting social distancing rules.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: European countries set to further ease lockdowns

    Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries that are set to further ease their coronavirus lockdown restrictions from Monday.

    Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, will be free to reopen after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.

    Spain is set to relax its restrictions outside of Madrid and Barcelona, with groups of up to 10 people free to meet.

    The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.

    On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.

    It said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March.

    In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.

    But officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.

    What’s happening on Monday?

    Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops will be allowed to reopen in Italy providing social distancing is enforced.

    Catholic churches are preparing for the resumption of Mass, but there will be strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths will also be allowed to hold religious services.

    But health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.

    In Spain, a majority of people will have emerged from lockdown by the end of the week.

    Outdoor seating in bars and restaurants will be allowed from Monday, as well as family reunions and meetings between friends providing no more than 10 people gather.

    In Madrid and Barcelona, along with parts of the north-west, the majority of restrictions will remain in place, but some small shops will be allowed to reopen.

    The country is now “very close” to stopping the transmission of the virus, the head of the emergency health centre, Fernando Simon, said on Sunday.

    But he warned that the risk of a second wave of cases was “still very big”.

    Elsewhere in Europe, Belgium is to begin reopening primary and secondary schools under strict conditions on Monday.

    Portugal, Greece, Denmark and Ireland are among a number of countries which are also set to relax their lockdown measures.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Space Plane: Mysterious US military aircraft launches

    The US Air Force has successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission.

    The rocket launched on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, a day after bad weather halted plans for a Saturday launch.

    The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), will deploy a satellite into orbit and also test power-beaming technology.

    It is the plane’s sixth mission in space.

    The launch was dedicated to front line workers and those affected by the pandemic. A message including the words “America Strong” was written on the rocket’s payload fairing.

    X-37B is a classified programme and very little is known about it. The Pentagon has revealed very few details about the drone’s missions and capabilities in the past.

    “This X-37B mission will host more experiments than any other prior missions,” Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett said earlier this month.

    One of the experiments will test the effect of radiation on seeds and other materials.

    The X-37B programme started in 1999. The aircraft resembles a smaller version of the manned space shuttles that were retired by the US space programme in 2011. It can glide back down through the atmosphere to land on a runway, just as the shuttle did.

    Built by Boeing, the plane uses solar panels for power in orbit, measures over 29ft (9m) long, has a wingspan of nearly 15ft and a weight of 11,000lbs (4,989 kg).

    The first plane flew in April 2010 and returned after an eight-month mission.

    The most recent mission ended in October 2019, after 780 days in orbit, bringing the aircraft’s time in space to more than seven years.

    The length of this mission is currently unclear.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Adekunle Gold shares adorable photos with heavily pregnant wife

    Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has taken to social media to share adorable photos with his heavily pregnant wife, Simi.

    In the photo, the sweet couple could be seen standing at a serene environment, while Adekunle crossed his hands around his wife, who is also a musician.

    The photos just comes to confirm how strong their relationship is. Since their private wedding ceremony last year, the vibes from the couple have been nothing but good.

    See photos below:

    Source: www.Ghgossip.com

  • One dead after Canadian Snowbirds jet crashes into home

    At least one person has died after an aerobatic Canadian air force jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood while doing a flyover.

    Another crew member was seriously injured when the plane hit a house in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia.

    One pilot was able to eject before the crash on Sunday, video showed.

    The Snowbirds jet had been on a tour “to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of Covid-19”, according to the team’s website.

    The Snowbirds perform aerobatic stunts for the public, similar to Red Arrows in the UK or the US Blue Angels.

    The crash happened on Sunday morning, shortly after the jet took off.

    “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that one member of the CF Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained serious injuries,” the Royal Canadian Air Force said in a tweet.

    Video posted on Twitter showed two jets climbing into the air from what is believed to be the Kamloops Airport before one catches on fire.

    Witness Annette Schonewille told CBC News: “The one plane continued and the other one, there was two puffs, it looked like puffs of smoke and one… was a ball of fire,” she said.

    “No noise, it was strange, and then the plane just did a cartwheel and fell right out of the sky. Just boom, straight down, and then a burst of black, black smoke.”

    After it hit the front garden of a home in Kamloops, residents ran outside in an attempt to put out the fire.

    “I just started running down the street. And I got there maybe a minute after it crashed and there was a couple of residents that had their hoses out and they were trying to put the flames out because it hit a house,” neighbour Kenny Hinds told the Associated Press.

    “It looked like most of it landed in the front yard, but maybe a wing or something went through the roof.”

    Meanwhile, resident Nolyn McLeod told CBC he saw the plane curve into the street and hit the bedroom window of his neighbour’s house.

    Photos published in Canadian media appeared to show a parachute on the roof of the house.

    The city of Kamloops is around 200 miles (320km) northeast of Vancouver in the West Coast Canadian province. It has a population of 90,000.

    In October, a Snowbirds jet crashed into an uninhabited area before an air show in the US city of Atlanta, after the pilot ejected.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Japan’s economy slips into recession amid coronavirus woes

    Japan has fallen into recession as the financial toll of the coronavirus continues to escalate.

    The world’s third-biggest economy shrank 3.4% in the first three months of 2020 compared to a year ago, its biggest slump since 2015.

    The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on the global economy with an estimated cost of up to $8.8tn (£7.1tn).

    Last week, Germany slipped into recession as more major economies face the impact of sustained lockdowns.

    Japan didn’t go into full national lockdown but issued a state of emergency in April severely affecting supply chains and businesses in the trade-reliant nation.

    The 3.4% fall in growth domestic product (GDP) for the first three months of 2020, follows a 6.4% decline during the last quarter of 2019, pushing Japan into a technical recession.

    Stimulus package announced
    Consumers have been hit by the dual impact of the coronavirus and a sales tax hike to 10% from 8% in October.

    While Japan has lifted the state of emergency in 39 out of its 47 prefectures, the economic outlook for this current quarter is equally gloomy.

    Analysts polled by Reuters expect the country’s economy to shrink 22% during April to June, which would be its biggest decline on record.

    The Japanese government has already announced a record $1 trillion stimulus package, and the Bank of Japan expanded its stimulus measures for the second straight month in April.

    Prime minister Shinzo Abe has pledged a second budget later this month to fund fresh spending measures to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic.

    Other economies see gloom

    Last week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned the global economy could face a hit of between $5.8tn and $8.8tn due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The US economy, the world’s largest, suffered its sharpest decline in the first quarter of 2020 since the Great Depression, falling 4.8%.

    China, the world’s second-largest economy, saw economic growth shrink 6.8% in the first three months of the year, its first quarterly contraction since records began.

    Both of those economies haven’t yet been confirmed as having fallen into a technical recession, which is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth, but most economists expect them to in the coming months.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Government likely to use GHC 600 million stimulus package for “illegal activities” Alex Mould

    A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Alex Mould has opined that the government is likely to siphon the GHC 600 million COVID-19 stimulus package meant for distressed businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic for illegal activities.

    The Energy and Finance expert has explained that he cannot fathom why the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), an institution run by political appointees has been assigned to oversee the disbursement of the package instead of reputable financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank.

    With this, he explained that the NBSSI is not a qualified institution to undertake the disbursement of the stimulus package since it is not a regulated financial institution but a mere bureaucratic one controlled by political appointees.

    On the basis of the above arguments, Alex Mould is of the view that there is the likelihood for the government to divert the stimulus package into what he described as a “political slush fund” which will be siphoned for illegal and corrupt activities.

    In a statement released by the former GNPC boss, he explained that “I can emphatically state the NBSSI is not qualified to disburse loans. Unlike Financial institutions that are regulated, have credit underwriting standards and credit approval procedures, the NBSSI is a bureaucratic institution controlled by politicians. What safeguards has the NBSSI put in place to ensure that the funds disbursed are used for the approved purpose?”

    “Financial institutions should be the channel for disbursing the GHS600m earmarked for the SMEs under CAP, or it could become a political slush fund otherwise. Clear risk-sharing allocation protocols must be agreed between Government and Financial institutions,” Alex Mould said.

    He, therefore, called on Ghanaians to demand transparency in the disbursement of the package since the fund is not free money and hence the criteria for approval must obviously be made public and transparent.

     

    Source: ABC News

  • Sista Afia & Freda Rhymz attempt fighting each other on TV3 premises; Here is what happened (Video)

    Sista Afia is very angry at young rapper, Freda Rhymz who after dissing her in her new song, called her “Aberewa” (Old lady) later on. Sista Afia then said she would deal with her properly later on.

    Again during their beef, Sista Afia asked Freda Rhymz if she can insult her in the face when they meet, and Freda Rhymz said yes.

    Well, it happen that Sista Afia and Freda Rhymz met at TV3, and here is everything that happened;

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Man cuts off sons ear, burns his fingers for stealing ¢250

    Fifty-five-year old Osmanu Mumuni has been arrested by the Weija Divisional DOVVSU for physically abusing his 10 year old son.

    On May 17, 2020, at 10 am the police received a report from the mother of the child that the day before, her ex-husband Osman Mumuni whom the boy stays with, cut off part of the right ear of her son with a blade and also placed his fingers in an open fire after suspecting him of stealing ¢250.00.

    The incident occurred at at Obuom-Domeabra.

    The victim who was going through severe pains at the time of the report and with marks of assault all over his body was sent to the Amanfro Poly Clinic where he was treated and discharged.

    He has been handed over to his mother as investigations and further prosecution continues.

    The suspect Mumuni Osmanu who is in police custody confessed to the crime but claimed the victim is disobedient.

    The police have advised parents, guardians and child care givers not to mete out violence on their children for wrongdoings, especially now that they are at home, “as the harm that is usually caused leaves lasting effects on them; physically, psychologically, mentally, emotionally, and a wide range of effects and these effects can be very devastating.”

    Meanwhile, Osmanu is being processed for court for the law to take its course.

     

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com  

  • Celestine Donkor explains why Patience Nyarko attacked Joe Mettle like that

    Gospel musician, Patience Nyarko says Joe Mettle is not there yet because he sings Methodist Church and the Church of Pentecost songs, and so we should stop hyping him.

    Well Gospel singer, Celestine Donkor has reacted to these Patience Nyarko-Joe Mettle drama. According to Celestine, all the attacks from Patience is a subtle way of telling Joe Mettle she is single and seriously searching for a man so he should take note.

    It is believed Celestine Donkor cracked the joke to calm down tempers as they all try to resolve the beef rising between the two gospel musicians.

    Celestine Donkor posted on Facebook that;

    Celestine Donkor explains why Patience Nyarko attacked Joe Mettle

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Chelsea legend Michael Essien reveals his toughest opponent in football

    Former Chelsea legend Michael Essien has said Paul Scholes and Steven Gerard were his toughest opponents in his career.

    Now, 37, Essien enjoyed a hugely successful career at Chelsea, becoming one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world.

    During his nine years stay at the Stamford Bridge, the former Ghana international faced uncountable best players, but only two stood out in his eyes.

    “It’s between Steven Gerard and Paul Scholes. Those two players were quite tough to play against. They were not only good on the ball but they could tackle really hard. They were really tough but the Premier League was much more tough compared to now.”

    “Every team you come up against was difficult so you have to try to be tougher.”

    Essien has played for a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Lyon and Panathinaikos.

    He played for Bastia in France after leaving Ghanaian outfit Liberty Professionals.

    At Chelsea, he won the Premier League on two occasions (2005-2006 and 2009-10), four FA Cup titles, one League Cup, two Community Shields and the prestigious Uefa Champions League in 2012.

    At international level, he represented Ghana at the 2002, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2006 and 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • TP Mazembe closing in on Hearts of Oak defender Raddy Ovouka Okemba

    DR Congo giants TP Mazembe have shown interest in signing Hearts of Oak defender Raddy Ovouka Okemba, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    Ovouka, the Congolese left back has been a revelation for the Phobians in the Ghana Premier League this season.

    Following his outstanding display this term, Ovouka has earned his very first national team call up for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications which was suspended due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

    TP Mazembe are looking to strengthen their back line for next season and have already opened up negotiations with Hearts of Oak over the 20-year-old talented player.

    Ovouka has made 12 appearances with scintillating performances for the Phobians in the Ghana top-flight before its suspension in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus crisis.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Help players and officials to understand football laws Ref. Sey advises clubs

    In a bid to curb crowd violence and hooliganism in football, clubs have been advised to employ the services of active or retired referees to teach players and supporters about the laws of the game.

    This way, all will be abreast of the laws and its interpretation and it would go a long way to help various units of the clubs to understand the game better and not jump up in arms at every decision taken by referees.

    This is the submission of Ghanaian retired referee Jacob Sey, who officiated in the ill-fated Premier League tie between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on May 9, 2001 that saw more than 126 fans perished in a stampede.

    According to the retired referee, clubs must take keen interest in helping their players, officials and followers know the rudiments of the game in order to help raise the game to the level it belongs.

    “I believe the lack of proper education on the new laws of the game and its interpretations is the major cause of crowd violence and this must be looked at if as a football nation we are to depart from violence in our game,” he said.

    To him, it is sad to note that after what occurred on May 9, 2001 people still go to the stadium to misbehave, taking the law into their own hands to do what they feel is right.

    “I was in charge of that game in 2001 and to be frank if the fans had been educated well enough on the rules and regulations of the game, they would have had a better understanding of all that happen on the pitch rather than having the feeling of officials trying to shortchange their club.”

    He stressed that constant education on the changes in the laws of the game would bring some beauty to football in the country.

    “I believe the Football Association also has a role to play in educating clubs, players , officials and fans about the laws and the new trends in the game to help us get to where we all want to see our football, he told FOX Fm.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Ex-Ghana midfielder Micheal Essien discloses how he fought his way to Chelsea

    Former Ghana midfielder Micheal Essien has opened up on how he fought Olympique Lyon to transfer him to Chelsea in 2005.

    Essien left Lyon to join Premier League side Chelsea for a £24.4 million transfer fee and, at the time of his signing, he was the most expensive African footballer in history.

    The Ghanaian had then attracted a lot of interest from top European sides after establishing himself as a firm staple for the French Ligue 1 outfit.

    But according to the midfielder, the move to Chelsea could not have happened had he not put in effort to depart Lyon after he rejected overtures from Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain in the previous years.

    “Moving to Chelsea was not difficult but my third year at Lyon we had Gerard Houllier as coach who wanted to sign me few years before when he was at Liverpool, and this man was a big fan of me, he loved me, he like how I played. So when he came to Lyon he was happy,” the 37-year-old said on ConvosWithCarol.

    “We had a meeting and he expressed how happy he was to have the chance to work with me and then we went to South Korea for pre-season, and then Chelsea came in strongly with an offer. Obviously the president [Michel Aulas] was playing his transfer game but this man [Houllier] will come and talk to me, saying he knows my love for the Premiership but at the same time he was thorn between me going to England and staying at Lyon to work with him.”

    “I wanted to go to England. I remember our first pre-season game, we played against a Mexican side and after the game I was so angry. I was angry because I was happy with how the president was handling the transfer at the time so I was angry that I took it into the game. I lost my head and went in hard for a tackle and I was sent off.”

    “I always train with a smile on my face but I became so angry to the extent that I wasn’t talking to anyone, I was just getting on with whoever came my way in training but the coach was very good with me. He will be one of my best coaches I’ve had in my career even though I worked with him for a short time. he was always talking to me.”

    “I remember I didn’t play two games and then the final game we had to play against Tottenham or so, and the coach came into my room and said Michael I want to talk to you. He said Michael please I want you to play this game for me [Houllier]. I was shell shocked because I respect him so much, he was like my father so I said coach no problem, I’ll play the game for you. I went into the game with the confidence of the coach because he told me he’d do whatever he can to help me secure my transfer to Chelsea. I was one of the best players on the pitch.”

    “After the game, he came to me and in a nice way he asked, do you really want to go to England. I replied with a big smile that coach I’d like to go so we made a little joke out of it. We went back to Lyon but still the whole saga was going on so I told my agent I was not going to play any official game for the club until the whole thing is sorted out. I told him I’ll work my head around it and see if I’m going to stay at the club and the coach and the president respected my decision. I was going to training without any problem and then one day it just happened…I went to Chelsea.”

    At Chelsea, Essien won the Premier League on two occasions (2005-2006 and 2009-10), four FA Cup titles, one League Cup, two Community Shields and the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2012.

    He has played for a host of elite European clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Lyon and Panathinaikos.

    Essien, who currently plays for Azerbaijani side Sabail FK, played for Bastia in France after leaving Ghanaian outfit Liberty Professionals.

    At international level, the Accra-born represented Ghana at the 2002, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2006 and 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • I went to Real Madrid with one jeans and a shirt – Micheal Essien reveals

    Former Ghana international Michael Essien has revealed that he went to Real Madrid with only a pair of jeans and a shirt.

    Essien left Chelsea to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid on a loan deal in 2012.

    The Sabail FK midfielder made these revelations in an interview with South African sports journalist Carol Tshabalala.

    “I was with Chelsea in Monaco for the Super Cup match and a strange number called me but I didn’t want to answer it but my cousin who was in the room with me that day told me to pick it up. The number kept calling so I picked and as soon as I said hello and another hello came from the other end and I realised who was on the phone so I told my cousin it’s Jose Mourinho.”

    “We started talking and he said I heard you’re on way to Arsenal but I told him it’s not true. I had not heard anything from Arsenal. Then he said don’t go to Arsenal, come to me and I asked him where, and he said Real Madrid so I told him I’m ready.”

    “It was the last day of the transfer and he said okay give me your agent’s number. I told him I’m ever ready even if it means I have to leave in the midst of the Super Cup game and he said Lassana Diarra was supposed to move to Russia so if he accepts to go then they will process my transfer and I told him okay, I’m waiting, just chilling in my room. He said give me a couple hours I’ll call back and I said cool.”

    “My agent called after some few hours and said what happened and I told him I spoke to Jose about moving to Madrid and said he gave Jose my number. He told me to relax because Madrid will come and I just said okay.”

    “Lassana accepted to move to Russia so then we had to change our plans because we were about to leave the hotel to the stadium to play Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid were doing their with my agent and I was in the bus as we were about to leave to the stadium. It was even going and my agent called me and said where are you, and I told him we’re on our way to the stadium. He said comeback to the hotel I’m coming there. He said he had to send some fax to some people so I had to shout at the bus driver to stop like some mad man. All my teammates were looking at me like Michael what’s going on. I told them I needed to get off the bus and I’ll see you guys later.”

    “So anyway the bus stopped and I went back to the hotel to wait for my agent. My agent came and sent the fax and thankfully everything got finalized on time. I told him I have to go to the stadium because at least I had to pick my boots so we got to the stadium but then they had finished the match. I joined my teammates on the pitch but some of them had heard the news that I was going to Madrid. Some of them also asked what was going on so obviously I had to tell them. I explained to them that this deal came up and I had to return to the hotel to finish the paperwork. So in coming back to pick my boots I had to tell them goodbye.”

    “After the ceremony we went back to the dressing room where I properly wished them goodbye. I just took my shin pad and boots and that’s it. I said bye to everyone including Abramovic [Roman] and he wished me good luck and then I went back to the hotel. The next day I was on a plane to Madrid.”

    “I went to Madrid with just my boots, shin pads, one jeans and one shirt and my Chelsea tracksuit. I got to the airport Jose was there waiting for me. He greeted me and I went to the hospital to undergo my medical and the next day I started training.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Michael Essien speaks on Ronaldo and Messi GOAT debate

    Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien was quite diplomatic when speaking about the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate on who is the greatest player of all-time.

    Ronaldo and Messi have ruled football for more than decade with the two winning 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or awards – with the Argentina ace winning six of them.

    When asked who he thinks has been the better player, Essien refused to commit to an answer, indicating that both are at the same level.

    “I won’t pick one and leave the other because they’re both top players. They’re both exceptional in whatever they’re doing,” Essien said on ConvosWithCarol.

    “It’s hard to pick one because I’ve played with Ronaldo and played against Messi and I can tell you they are both excellent players. It’s hard to pick to be honest because they both possess different characteristics.”

    Essien made 21 appearances and scored twice for Real Madrid during the 2012/13 season, playing alongside Ronaldo as the Whites lost the Spanish Copa Del Rey 2-1 to city rivals Atletico Madrid.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Eastwood Anaba shows his football knowledge, mocks Chelsea

    CEO of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, Reverend Eastwood Anaba has exhibited his knowledge in football during a virtual sermon on Sunday, revealing his love for English giants Manchester United.

    Football in Germany is leading the way as its Bundesliga became the first of Europe’s major leagues to swing back into action since the coronavirus lockdown.

    The games will mostly be remembered for the surreal circumstances as strict social distancing protocol was observed.

    There were no mascots around the pitch and no children holding hands with players in the tunnels. Ballboys, reduced to four at each match, wore gloves and had to be tested for the coronavirus beforehand. TV reporters wore masks and plastic sheets over their microphones.

    Strict hygiene routine saw players arrive on multiple buses, use several changing rooms and then enter the pitch by different routes.

    Elite-level football is however expected to be back in Europe, but it certainly has a different feel about it than it did two months ago.

    In the wake of Saturday round of games in the Bundesliga, Rev. Eastwood Anaba did not hide his delight with the return of football during an online church service on Sunday, claiming he has missed the beautiful game so much.

    The holy man of God continued by disclosing his like for English Premier League outfit Manchester United and went deep by naming his favourite players of the side.

  • Why Michael Essien rejected PSG in 2003

    Ex-Ghana star Michael Essien has blamed Vahid Halilhodži? for his decision to pull the plugs in joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2003.

    Essien blamed the Bosnian trainer for handing him a raw deal and rejecting him as a trialist when Halilhodži? was in-charge at Lille.

    So when Les Parisiens came calling after an explosive three seasons with Bastia, also in the Ligue 1, he decided to pay back Halilhodži?.

    “I turned down PSG because of their coach [Vahid Halilhodži?]. He was coaching Lille when I was with Bastia and I remember going to Lille but after four days I called my agent and told him I don’t want to be here,” Essien said on Carol Tsabalala’s ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com

    “They didn’t give us the opportunity to train and he later told my agent that he had about twenty Michael Essiens in the reserve team. I moved to Bastia and I was doing well and he went to PSG and he wanted me there.”

    Paris Saint-Germain made Bastia the best offer and it was accepted but the midfield icon had no love for the capital club.

    ”The PSG president was a big fan of me and he really wanted me so I told the board of my reasons for not wanting to sign for PSG but rather Lyon and they were like okay but we’re going to have a big problem,” he added.

    “The next day the PSG president had a lunch with me and asked why I don’t want to join his team. He’s a very nice man and I respect him up till date, he was so nice but I was straight and honest with him.

    ”I told him your coach didn’t want me when I was about 18, 19 years old so how come all of a sudden he want me. For me it didn’t make sense.

    ”Maybe I was young but I remember speaking to the coach on the phone when I went to trial at Lille but the manner in which we ended the conversation was a No for me.

    ”So I explained to the president and he understood me. After that, I packed my bags straight to Lyon.”

    Essien did not regret to decision to sign for the then two-time defending league champions in €7.8 million transfer.

    He spent two seasons at the Stade Gerland where he scored seven goals in 71 appearances.

    Essien was voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) and also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

    He got nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award where placed 22nd.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Fantana out for blood, spills more secrets about Wendy Shay and RuffTown Records Video

    Fantana has come out once again to spill more secrets about Wendy Shay and RuffTown Records.

    This is all due to the current banter going on between her and Wendy Shay, her Record label mate.

    In this recent revelation, Fantana opened up about how RuffTown Records made her lie that Wendy Shay introduced her to Bullet when nothing like that happened.

    According to her, it was a planned thing to make Wendy Shay look like a better person but the truth is she has known Bullet since 2017.

    She went ahead to describe Wendy Shay as jealous and evil always wanting everything for herself.

    Watch video below;

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Ghana Health Service releases full details of dead coronavirus patients; check the ages and regions

    Details of the 28 people who have so far died of Coronavirus in Ghana has been released by the Ghana Health Service on their official website.
    Due to reasons best known to them, the name of the deceased people was not published, however, they made available their gender, region, age, and the underlying health condition that they were battling with before their death.

    The majority of the people who have lost their lives in the battle, according to the list, died from Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.

    Three persons on the list, however, died without any underlying health condition.

    The three are a 9-year old, 32-year-old and 20-year-old who are 2nd, 12th and 23rd on the list.

    It is however not clear if the list is in order of time of deaths.

    17 of the victims, representing 61% of the number are male with the remaining 11 (39%) being female.

    12 persons on the list representing 43% of the total deaths were above 60 years of age, persons who were from ages 30 to 60 years were 12 in number, representing another 43%.

    The remaining 4 victims which make up 14% of the total number were below age 30 at the time of their death.

    See the full list below:

    Source: smartandstuck.com

  • Stacy Amoateng allegedly confirmed new boss of Angel TV after her friend, Akua GMB was sacked over infidelity allegations

    TV personality, Stacy Amoateng has allegedly taken the reigns of Angel TV owned by Ghanaian millionaire Dr Kwaku Oteng following the sacking of Sally Akua Amoakowaa, popularly called Akua GMB.

    Akua who happens to be the 4th wife of Dr Kwaku Oteng, was allegedly kicked out of the company and her matrimonial home after her infidelity scandal which was fuelled by madam-know-all, Afia Schwarzenegger.

    According to Instagram Blogger, Gh Hyper, Stacy Amoateng has now been confirmed the substantive boss of the station.

    Gh Hyper on Instagram wrote; “Stacy Amoateng takes over management of Angel TV after Akua GMB was kicked out by Dr. Kwaku Oteng over infidelity issues. 😳😳”.

    For now, we can only treat this as a mere rumour as we await for an official confirmation from the man himself.

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Steve Linick: Democrats probe Trump’s firing of inspector general

    US Democrats have launched an investigation into President Donald Trump’s firing of the state department’s internal watchdog.

    Inspector General Steve Linick was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for suspected abuse of office, reports say.

    But he was sacked late on Friday after Mr Trump said he no longer commanded his full confidence.

    The move prompted angry criticism from senior Democrats in Congress.

    They accused Mr Trump of retaliating against public servants who want to hold his administration to account. Mr Linick was the third official responsible for monitoring government misconduct to be dismissed in recent weeks.

    The former prosecutor was appointed by Mr Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, to oversee spending and detect mismanagement at the state department.

    On Saturday, top Democrats on the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees questioned the timing of Mr Linick’s removal and announced an immediate investigation.

    “We unalterably oppose the politically-motivated firing of inspectors general and the president’s gutting of these critical positions,” Congressman Eliot Engel and Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement.

    They said Mr Linick had “opened an investigation into wrongdoing by Secretary Pompeo himself”, adding that his firing was “transparently designed to protect Secretary Pompeo from personal accountability”.

    Mr Linick had begun investigating allegations that Mr Pompeo had improperly used staff to run personal errands, US media report.

    Mr Engel and Mr Menendez have requested that the White House and State Department hand over all records related to his dismissal by next Friday.

    Meanwhile, on Saturday, the White House said the decision to oust Mr Linick was prompted by Mr Pompeo himself. “Secretary Pompeo recommended the move, and President Trump agreed,” an official said.

    What happened on Friday? Mr Trump sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in which he declared his intention to fire Mr Linick.

    Under federal law, the Trump administration must give Congress 30 days’ notice of its plans to fire an inspector general. It is expected that Mr Linick will leave his post after this time, with some reports suggesting a political ally of Mr Trump is being lined up to replace him.

    “It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general. That is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general,” Mr Trump said in the letter.

    Not long after Mr Linick’s dismissal was announced, Mr Engel, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Mr Linick had opened an investigation into Mr Pompeo.

    “Mr Linick’s firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation,” he said in a statement.

    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Mr Linick was “punished for honorably performing his duty to protect the constitution and our national security”.

    It was the latest in a series of dismissals of independent government watchdogs.

    Last month, Mr Trump dismissed Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the intelligence community.

    Mr Atkinson first alerted Congress to a whistleblower complaint that led to Mr Trump’s impeachment trial.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Pakistan girls shot dead over mobile video

    Two teenage girls have been murdered in a so-called “honor killing” in north-west Pakistan following a video circulated on the internet.

    They are said to have been shot dead by a family member earlier this week in a village on the border of the North and South Waziristan tribal districts.

    The killing occurred after a short mobile video of them with a young man surfaced on social media, police said.

    Police have been sent to the remote area to investigate the case.

    The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday afternoon at Shaam Plain Garyom, a border village of North and South Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a police report quoted by Pakistani daily Dawn.

    It said the reason behind the killings of the two girls, aged 16 and 18, was believed to be a video, provided to Dawn, which shows a young man recording himself with three young girls in a secluded area outdoors.

    It appeared the video was shot nearly a year ago and most probably went viral on social media a few weeks ago, a senior police official told the newspaper.

    “At the moment, our topmost priority is to secure the life of the third girl and the man before taking any action,” the officer said.

    Human Rights Watch says that violence against women and girls remains a serious problem in Pakistan.

    Activists believe about 1,000 such “honour killing” murders are carried out across the country every year.

    What is an ‘honour killing’?

    It is the killing of a member of a family who is perceived to have brought dishonour upon relatives.

    Pressure group Human Rights Watch says the most common reasons are that the victim:

    But killings can be carried out for more trivial reasons, like dressing in a way deemed inappropriate or displaying behaviour seen as disobedient.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ill choose Italy for my healthcare and Ghana for music Ogidi Brown

    Music star and CEO of OGB Records, Ogidi Brown was the latest guest on Front View by TMGHLIVE.

    He suffered a life-threatening accident in Italy a few years ago which has sent him into the wheelchair, however, he has continued to make good music, sign other musicians onto his label and help them gain limelight.

    The entertainer revealed that it will be tough to choose between Ghana and Italy because both countries have become his home.

    However, if pushed to the wall, then he will opt for Italy when it comes to his healthcare and then Ghana for his music career.

    Ogidi Brown currently stays in Italy but visits Ghana often as he owns and operates other businesses in the country.

    Watch Ogidi Brown on Front View below:

    Source: tmghlive.com

  • Okudzeto Ablakwa pays salaries to all private schools in North Tongue constituency

    The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has paid the salaries of 570 teaching and non-teaching staff of 45 private schools in his constituency. He said after an interaction with the heads of the schools, he found out that unlike the public school teachers, the private school ones had not been paid since March.

    Ablakwa indicated that it was a pity for the teachers to be left out in this pandemic times, therefore, he took the initiative to help.

    Many people have praised him for his initiative.

    Source: Yen.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Brazil overtakes Spain and Italy as new cases grow

    Brazil has overtaken Spain and Italy to become the country with the fourth largest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the world.

    Officials on Saturday reported 14,919 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 233,142. Only the US, Russia and the UK have higher numbers.

    The daily death toll in the Latin American nation rose by 816 to 15,633 – the world’s fifth highest.

    Experts warn that the real figure may be far higher due to a lack of testing.

    Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been strongly criticised both at home and abroad for his handling of the country’s escalating coronavirus crisis.

    The far-right president continues to oppose lockdown measures. He has downplayed the virus as “a little flu” and has said the spread of Covid-19 is inevitable.

    Last week, Brazilian Health Minister Nelson Teich resigned after less than a month in the job. Mr Teich stepped down after he had publicly criticised a decree by Mr Bolsonaro allowing gyms and beauty parlours to reopen.

    Mr Teich’s predecessor was sacked after disagreeing with Mr Bolsonaro.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Shatta Wale offers prayers before dropping hit songs – Socrates Sarfo

    Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale is undisputably one of the favourites and successful artistes in Ghana and beyond the country’s shores.

    The lyrics of his songs inspire music lovers with some believing the secular artiste provides some sort of spiritual therapy to them.

    Movie Producer, Socrates Sarfo has disclosed the force behind Shatta Wale‘s songs.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ”Best Entertainment”, Socrates Sarfo told host Halifax Ansah Addo that Shatta Wale offers prayers before he drops his hit songs.

    Socrates Sarfo said this in response to gospel musician Philipa Baafi, who disclosing how she writes her songs, told the host she gets her lyrics from God.

    Socrates Sarfo called on gospel musicians to spare Ghanaians their popular saying that God drops a song in their spirit to sing because God is the one who also gives secular arts talents.

    Source: Peace FM