TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • People find it difficult to leave Israel once flights halted

    People find it difficult to leave Israel once flights halted

    It has become harder to find direct flights from Israel to the UK because more airlines are cancelling flights due to the recent attacks by Hamas.

    Virgin Atlantic currently operates one flight to and from Tel Aviv each day, instead of the previous two flights. On the other hand, British Airways still operates one round trip to Tel Aviv.

    EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates have all stopped flying to the UK.

    Few flights are available because most of the seats are already reserved.

    An example would be the first flight from BA to the UK on Sunday 15 October. It costs over £1,300 for a one-way ticket.

    Virgin Atlantic and Israel’s national airline El Al have no flights to the UK until next week.

    Flightradar24, a website that keeps track of flights, informed the BBC that many airlines have cancelled their journeys because of safety worries. However, they also mentioned that the airspace above Israel is not completely closed. This means that the decision to fly to or from Tel Aviv is now up to each airline.

    The amount of direct flights leaving the country is getting smaller. James Cleverly, who is the Foreign Secretary, is telling UK citizens in Israel to use regular transportation options to leave, since there are no plans for the UK government to arrange an evacuation.

    The Foreign Office is saying it’s not a good idea to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, unless it’s really necessary. They also say it’s not safe to travel to some specific areas in that region.

    “There are planes that fly in the sky, and of course, there are borders on land that connect with friendly countries – like Egypt and Jordan,” Mr Cleverly mentioned. “If you want to leave Israel, we are collaborating with the airlines and Israeli air traffic control to make sure the flights continue to operate smoothly. ”

    Some airlines now let customers change their travel dates for free.

    Mr Cleverly stated that the government’s decision to not help UK citizens leave Israel might change because the situation there is constantly changing.

    “I cannot guess or predict what may happen in the future. ”

  • Jewish schools increase in security makes parents anxious

    Jewish schools increase in security makes parents anxious

    Jewish schools are increasing their safety measures because they are worried that there might be more hatred and discrimination against Jewish children.

    More police are watching over certain schools in London and Manchester. Parents are worried about their children’s safety.

    Some students have been told that they don’t have to wear blazers in public places, so people won’t know they are Jewish.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that protecting the safety of the Jewish community in the UK is of utmost importance.

    He said to the BBC that in the past, Jewish people in the UK have been unfairly targeted because of things happening in the Middle East.

    Three days after Hamas attacked Israel with the intention to kill, over 900 people have been reported dead. Almost 690 people have been killed in retaliatory attacks on Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities.

    Students at the Jewish Free School in Kenton, north London, were informed that there will be no after-school punishments and they can choose whether or not to wear a blazer with the school’s logo.

    Headteacher David Moody said in an email to parents that the main priority is to make sure students are safe when traveling to and from school. It is also important to ensure that the school can take care of our children during the school day.

    Suzi, whose son is 14 years old and goes to the school, said: “The effects of what’s happening are not just limited to the school, they also impact the community. ”

    As a parent, it can be difficult because you want to keep your children safe and make sure they are okay in their feelings and bodies.

    Her older daughter, who is 18 years old, used to go to the same school as Nathanel Young. He was killed in the attack by Hamas on Saturday.

    “He was walking in the same hallways as her,” Suzi said, but we are not using her full name.

    She mentioned that it was unfortunate that, as a Jewish community, they were accustomed to having strong security measures in public places.

    This has become more important because of what happened. “We are all feeling very shocked and sad,” she said.

    In another Jewish school in Manchester, fewer students are coming to school and there are more police officers in the area.

    The headteacher of King David School, John Dalziel, said that the police came to the school on Tuesday morning in order to make the students and parents feel safer.

    He is telling students to think about removing their blazers or hiding the crest on their uniform when they are out in public.

    He said that he told students to be happy with themselves and to tell someone if they experience any attacks against Jewish people.

    Another mother named Michal has three children who attend Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School in Salford. She mentioned that there has been an increase in patrols in her neighborhood.

    She said that they have added more security, canceled school trips, and are making sure all doors are locked while school is in session.

    The scariest part is that there are people in Manchester who are celebrating the killing of Jewish people.

    Michal, who we won’t say her last name, said that although the school is trying hard to keep the children safe, she’s still worried about their wellbeing.

    The local police and an organization called Community Security Trust, which supports Jewish people in the UK with security and antisemitism issues, are working together to increase security.

    It said that it was working together with the government to help organize and plan security, particularly in schools.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of the UK’s Jewish community.

    He said on Tuesday that he wanted to remind everyone that Hamas was a banned terrorist group, and anyone caught helping them would be held responsible.

    The Home Secretary Suella Braverman has sent a letter to police chiefs in England and Wales, asking them to increase the number of patrols and use their authority to stop actions that cause trouble and worry to our communities.

    She said that British streets should not have any demonstrations, convoys, or people waving flags that support terrorism or bother the Jewish community.

    On Monday, the police arrested three people after a protest in support of Palestine happened near the Israeli embassy in Kensington, which is in west London.

    At the same time, British Jewish people came together in Downing Street to hold a vigil. They lit candles to remember the victims and prayed for the people who were missing and those who were being kept captive.

    The phrase “Free Palestine” has been written on bridges in the popular Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green in north London. The authorities are currently looking into this graffiti.

    “British Transport Police stated that it is wrong to hurt or bother someone because of their identity. ”

    During the BBC interview, the foreign secretary advised British citizens in Israel who want to leave to use regular transportation options. He also stated that the UK government was not currently organizing any special evacuations.

    When asked if the policy could change, Mr. Cleverly said that things are changing quickly and he doesn’t want to guess what might happen in the future.

    He said the situation in Israel is different from many other diplomatic issues because there are a lot of British-Israeli citizens who consider Israel their permanent home or are in the military.

  • 29 people killed in strike on a camp for refugees in Myanmar

    29 people killed in strike on a camp for refugees in Myanmar

    At least 29 people, including children, have died in a bomb attack on a camp for people who had to leave their homes in north-east Myanmar, close to the border with China.

    The camp is located in an area controlled by the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), which is one of several groups fighting for self-rule in the region for a long time.

    According to a KIO spokesperson, all the people who were hurt were ordinary citizens and not military personnel.

    This attack is one of the deadliest in the long conflict that has lasted for 63 years in Kachin State.

    Kachin officials say that the military has increased their attacks on areas controlled by the KIO in the past year because more Kachin people are supporting other rebel groups who are fighting against the government.

    A lot of Myanmar has been caught up in a bigger fight between different groups since the military took control in 2021 and removed the elected government. The military is using air attacks more often against towns and villages controlled by the opposition after taking control.

    The National Unity Government (NUG), which is currently living in a different country because they were forced to leave their own, has accused the military junta for the assault on the camp. They consider it to be a terrible act of war and a crime against people.

    The spokesperson for the military, Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, said that the military did not carry out the attack.

    He said the army didn’t do anything in that place and thought that the damage was likely caused by explosives that were being stored there.
    Pictures shown by local news showed dead bodies being taken out from the collapsed building and many body bags laid next to each other.

    The attack occurred on Monday night in a camp called Mong Lai Khet. The camp is located on the outskirts of Laiza, a town near the border of China. The camp houses people who have been forced to leave their homes. This town is where the KIO (Kachin Independence Organization) has its main office.

    Some of the camp was destroyed by big explosions around midnight, according to KIO officials who spoke to the BBC.

    Video of what happened after the event shows that a lot of houses were completely destroyed and many people got hurt or killed.

    Kachin officials think that at least 11 kids are among the ones who died. In the recent attack, 56 additional people got hurt, and out of those, 44 ended up in the hospital for medical care.

    The United Nations in Myanmar expressed serious worries about news on people dying in the camp.

    “IDP camps are safe places for people seeking shelter, and it is unacceptable to harm civilians, regardless of their location,” stated on Facebook.

    The British embassy in the main city Yangon expressed shock and anger over the news of a Myanmar military attack that resulted in the death of innocent people.

    For a long time, there has been fighting near the camp because it is close to where Kachin troops and government forces are in battle.

    But people who live nearby the camp say that there hasn’t been any fighting happening close by recently.

    The attack might have happened from the sky, but Col Naw Bu of the Kachin Independence Army said the group didn’t hear any planes.

    Nearly a year ago, the Myanmar air force dropped targeted bombs on an outdoor concert at a Kachin base, causing the death of over 80 individuals.

    The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is a big and strong rebel group in Myanmar. It is the army part of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). The group has been fighting the main government sometimes since 1960 and regularly since a ceasefire ended in 2011.

    Since the takeover, the army thinks the KIA is a big danger because they are providing weapons and training to new groups that formed to fight against the military.

    KIA has been in a partnership with the Arakan Army for a long time. The Arakan Army is a rebel group that was first established in Kachin State. But starting from 2016, it has been working in Rakhine State, which is far away from the rest of the country. It has been able to compete with the military and gain control over a large part of the land.

    The latest report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that there is a continuous cycle of violent acts happening in the country, mainly perpetrated by the military.

  • Escaped elephant killed at Virunga Park

    Escaped elephant killed at Virunga Park

    A village near Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo ate an elephant that had escaped from the park.

    “It’s like a gift from above for us,” said happy people from Katwiguru village, according to conservationist group Conserv Congo.

    The group, which helps protect the animals in the Congo, said they were not sure if rebels or villagers were responsible for killing the animal.

    According to AFP news agency, a fence that was put up around the park a few weeks ago got broken by some young people. As a result, two elephants were able to wander away from the park on Monday. The ICCN stated this information.

    We do not know what will happen to the second elephant.

    Virunga is a well-known park with animals in an area of fighting, where many groups of soldiers operate near the border of Rwanda and Uganda.

    Conservation efforts have successfully removed rebel forces from the park – which covers 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) – and have made a protected space for elephants.

    The park’s website says that in 2020, around 580 elephants moved into the park, and now there is a group of about 700 elephants.

  • 92-year-old philanthropist Chuck Feeney passes away

    92-year-old philanthropist Chuck Feeney passes away

    Chuck Feeney, a successful American businessman and generous donor, has passed away at 92 years old.

    Mr Feeney, using his own foundation called the Atlantic Philanthropies, gave more than $8bn (£6. 5bn) to different causes in five different continents.

    Over the past forty years, the foundation donated $570 million (£465 million) to various causes in Northern Ireland.

    It focuses on health, education, fixing problems, and people’s rights.

    In 2020, Mr. Feeney closed the foundation. Before that happened, the foundation gave away over $8 billion in grants. The grants were mostly given in the United States, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Vietnam, Bermuda, and Cuba.

    Charles F Feeney was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1931, during a tough time when money was scarce, to parents who were Irish-American.

    His mom had a job at a hospital helping sick people, and his dad worked in an office dealing with insurance policies.

    The kind person discovered his family’s past in County Fermanagh. This is where his grandmother grew up near the village of Kinawley.

    The business owner earned his money by selling expensive duty free items to people who travel to different places. However, he chose not to show off his wealth.

    He created the Atlantic Philanthropies in 1982, which is a global organization that uses his money to support various charitable causes and projects worldwide.
    For the first 15 years of his charitable work, Mr. Feeney secretly donated money without anyone knowing, which is why he was called the James Bond of philanthropy. He only revealed himself to the public in 1997.

    He really liked helping universities on both sides of the Irish border and gave them a lot of money.

    In 2012, Mr. Feeney got a special degree from the universities in Ireland.

    Helping people live together peacefully.

    The Irish deputy prime minister, Micheál Martin, expressed his sadness in a statement.

    He said Mr. Feeney was very generous and his donations had made a big difference in the lives of people in Ireland, both in the north and south, of all ages.

    Mr Martin said that he had worked closely with Mr Feeney and wanted to give special recognition to Chuck’s consistent support for peace and bringing people together in Northern Ireland for a long time.

    Queen’s University Belfast received a lot of money from Mr Feeney’s grants from 1993 to 2015. They were given a total of $132m (£107m).

    It also got the biggest donation from the Atlantic Philanthropies, receiving $24m (£19m) in 2012.

    It was for the university’s health science research center called the Center for Experimental Medicine.

    Mr Feeney also supported integrated education in Northern Ireland to encourage reconciliation and peace.

    Over the years, around £8m was given to the Integrated Education Fund for different projects. This area was the first to receive funding from the Atlantic Philanthropies in Northern Ireland in 1991.

    Atlantic Philanthropies quoted Mr. Feeney as saying that he always believed in using his money to help others.

  • First French forces have reportedly left Niger

    First French forces have reportedly left Niger

    France is removing its soldiers from Niger because the junta ordered them to, according to the AFP news agency.

    “The spokesperson for the French chief of staff said that the initial group of soldiers has departed. ”

    Before, the army of Niger said that they would start leaving on Tuesday with the help and protection of Nigerien forces.

    The two countries started having problems in July because of a takeover that removed the president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected by the people and was an ally of France.

    Around 1,500 French soldiers are helping to fight against Islamist militants.

  • Delay assures fans that she will get pregnant before the end of the year

    Delay assures fans that she will get pregnant before the end of the year

    Deloris Frimpong Manso popularly known as Delay has promised her followers that she will become pregnant this year.

    The media mogul made a rather subtly worded prediction that she would become pregnant by year’s end in a post on her Facebook page. Delay expressed her desire to have children earlier this year.

    After revealing her desire to become pregnant, Delay’s fans and followers were giddy.

    The radio and television show host made the claim in a tweet on January 28 that immediately caused the discussion to pick up.

    Many could understand her desires after seeing her cleavage not long ago and her alleged amorous relationship with Amerado.

    However, after making the claim once more, some have speculated that she might already be expecting.

    Fans questioned her about the father of her unborn child in the comments section.

    See a screenshot of her post below;

  • People in Cameroon forced to sleep outside after landslides

    People in Cameroon forced to sleep outside after landslides

    A man’s child was one of many people who died in landslides in Cameroon‘s capital, Yaoundé. The man and his family could not find a place to stay after their house was destroyed, so they had to sleep outside in the cold.

    Ymele Guy lives in a poor area called Mbankolo. Due to heavy rains on Sunday, many houses, which were poorly constructed on a hill, got destroyed.

    He, his wife, and their three children who are still alive were given a mattress by people who came to visit. These visitors also told them that all the other houses in the area will be destroyed.

    Housing Minister Célestine Ketcha Courtès announced on Monday that people without a place to stay would be given temporary accommodations in halls and other public places.

    “We have many problems. The authorities said they need to destroy everything, so we are forced to sleep outside. I didn’t have anywhere to stay. ” Guy expressed

    Many people from rural areas move to the capital to find jobs and live there.

    Mr Guy said that a person in charge in the area told him very clearly that if it was their decision, he should go back to his village.

    “He said that if I can go back home, I can go to his office and get money for transportation to the village. ”

  • Davido and Chioma reportedly welcome twins

    Davido and Chioma reportedly welcome twins

    Ghanaian media personality Adu Safowaa, has made the assertion that Nigerian superstar Davido and his wife, Chioma, have reportedly become parents to a set of twins.

    Safowaa shared her claim in an Instagram post, stating, “My beloved Chioma & her husband Davido have welcomed twins, a boy and girl.” It’s important to note that Davido and Chioma have not yet confirmed these reports.

    It will be recalled that last November, the couple lost their 3-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.

    However, unverified accounts suggested that he had drowned in a swimming pool at their residence in the Banana Island neighborhood of Lagos State. After being retrieved from the pool, he was rushed to a hospital in the Lekki area of the state, where he was ultimately pronounced deceased by one of the attending doctors.

    The birth of the twins was further confirmed by Evangelist Gospel Agochukwu on Tuesday morning.

    The cleric uploaded his chat with Davido to the official Facebook page of his church.

    If Chioma has indeed given birth to twins, we extend our warmest wishes to the family.

  • Church group seeks shelter inside hotel as bombs heard

    Church group seeks shelter inside hotel as bombs heard

    A group from a church was staying in a hotel in Israel and they could hear bombs exploding nearby.

    People from Birmingham’s Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prince Lazar were in Jerusalem hotel, waiting for a flight to go back home.

    The team went to the country on October 1st to explore sacred places as part of their trip.

    On Saturday, they were in Bethlehem, a place in the West Bank that is controlled by another country. During this time, there was an attack by Hamas on Israel.

    They travelled together in a group of vehicles for five miles to get to Jerusalem.

    Father Nenad Popovic, who is 44 years old, mentioned that there were a total of 40 individuals on the journey, with around 30 of them being British citizens.

    “We can hear loud car horns and frequent loud explosions, sometimes from bombs,” Mr. Popovic informed the Press Association.

    “We have kids and elderly people who require medicine because we didn’t intend to remain in Israel. ”
    Many airlines have canceled flights to Israel or warned that travel may be difficult because the security situation is getting worse.

    Ljiljana Stojsavljevic, a mother of six from London, said on Monday night that the government has not reached out to them after they provided their location information.

    “She said that we are feeling stressed because the British government is not helping the citizens who are trapped here. ”

    She said it was not possible to find a flight out of Israel.

    “It’s not nice, but we’re trying to stay happy and positive – we’re not sure for how long. ”

    “I have six kids waiting for me to come back. I don’t want them to get concerned, so I don’t share anything that’s important with them. ”
    A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said they won’t talk about specific cases, but they are talking to multiple people in Israel.

    “The safety of all British people is our biggest concern, so we strongly encourage everyone to keep following our travel advice, which is regularly updated,” the statement said.

  • HOT: How a Nigerian ‘fugitive’ Benedict Peters ‘hijacked’ Ghana’s Airpot

    HOT: How a Nigerian ‘fugitive’ Benedict Peters ‘hijacked’ Ghana’s Airpot

    While we are yet to unravel the details Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) sweet ‘secret deal’ with Frontier Healthcare Service Limited, a company owned by Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters, we get hit by another explosive deal with a company named Heaven Builders Limited linked to the same Benedict Peters.

    Ghanaians are beginning to wonder how of the country has been ‘captured’ by this same man who was on Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) WANTED LIST corruption and money laundry allegations

    Benedict Peters, the owner of Aiteo Group of Companies in Nigeria, finds himself entangled in a web of controversy as allegations of corruption and questions surrounding the COVID-19 testing contract in Ghana continue to swirl. The lack of transparency regarding the USD 150 COVID-19 test at Kotoka International Airport in Accra has left travelers and Ghana’s political landscape in turmoil.

    As if this is not concerning enough, in a developing story that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political and business circles, a contentious land transaction involving prime state lands near Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is causing widespread concern and debate.

    The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) is at the center of this controversy as it allegedly prepares to hand over these valuable airport lands to Heaven Builders Limited, a Nigerian-owned company with reported connections to high-ranking figures in Ghana. Critics have accused Heaven Builders Limited of using Ghanaians as fronts in this deal.

    One of the primary sources of contention is the vastly differing valuations of the land in question. The Ghana Institute of Surveyors, as far back as 2019, priced just 1.7 acres of the airport lands at over US$6.3 million each. However, Heaven Builders Limited has set the current average value of an acre of this land at a mere US$1.3 million.

    Benedict Peters, the owner of Heaven Builders Limited, is alleged to have close ties to the Akufo-Addo family, particularly Edward Akufo-Addo, known as “Bumpty,” the younger brother of the President.

    This situation has given rise to a fierce battle within the GACL. The management, led by Managing Director Pamela Djamson-Tettey, has garnered support from the workers’ union to safeguard the state’s interests. In contrast, the board of directors, chaired by Paul Adom-Otchere, appears divided on the matter, with some members siding with the management.

    The heart of the dispute lies in the extent of land being offered to Heaven Builders Limited. While Ghana Airports initially intended to lease 38.41 acres of the land to anchor holders for US$85 million over a 45-year period, Benedict Peters has insisted on securing a more substantial 62.14 acres for a 99-year lease, a move many analysts have criticized as detrimental to Ghana’s interests.

    According to reports, the 62.14 acres of land, by valuation standards set by the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, should command a price far exceeding US$139 million. However, the proposed deal’s cost aligns with the valuation of the smaller 38.41-acre portion, priced at US$85 million.

    These prime airport lands were originally part of a 272-acre tract of land vested in the state and leased to GACL for 99 years during the tenure of the Tony Lithur-led board under the John Mahama administration.

    Despite mounting concerns and multiple valuation reports suggesting that Heaven Builders Limited’s counteroffer is significantly undervalued, Paul Adom-Otchere, along with Minister for Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, are reportedly pushing forward with the transaction, favoring Heaven Builders Limited as anchor holders who will subsequently lease the prime lands to private developers.

    Inside sources within the Presidency have reportedly revealed Heaven Builders Limited’s connection to Benedict Peters, the same individual who owns Frontier Healthcare Services Limited, known for deploying a costly COVID-19 testing facility at KIA during the pandemic.

    Critics argue that Benedict Peters, a Nigerian national with strong ties to the Akufo-Addo family, appears to be leveraging his connections to secure prime KIA lands for a fraction of their true value.

    Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is closely monitoring the transaction, has raised further concerns. He claims that Heaven Builders Limited does not have a physical office at the locations listed in its incorporation documents. Ablakwa’s investigation revealed that one listed address in Tema was an abandoned residential structure, while another address in Accra’s Central Business District did not yield any trace of the company.

    This controversy continues to unfold as more details emerge, with allegations of irregularities and questionable practices surrounding the deal. Ghanaian citizens and observers are closely watching developments, and calls for transparency and accountability in this high-stakes land transaction are growing louder by the day.

  • I’ve contacted Burna Boy for a  feature – Mzbel reveals

    I’ve contacted Burna Boy for a  feature – Mzbel reveals

    Ghanaian singer Mzbel has revealed that her team has been in contact with Nigerian music sensation Burna Boy for a possible collaboration. 

    She expressed assurance that even though the collaboration is still in the planning stages, the agreement will be completed in due course.

     Mzbel shared this information during an interview on the Celeb Biz show, which airs on Joy Prime.

    “I’ve always been trying so hard to get Burna Boy to work with. If I get him or not, I’m trying to get Don Jazzy to work with me. So, fingers crossed. My team and theirs are in touch… Hopefully, it’s 70/30 from the way it looks now. So, something from Nigeria and Mzbel may come out soon,” she teased.

    Mzbel mentioned some reasons why Ghanaian female musicians face challenges in breaking through the music industry. 

    She pointed out that female artists do not engage in collaborations as frequently as their male counterparts, even though the industry is male-dominated. She also shared her experiences of attempting to collaborate with other female artists, only to have them not show up for the projects.

    “Mostly, we like to do it solo. I don’t know why. I’ve tried several times to get some girls to work with, and they’ll always give you excuses, but they never showed up. But when you call the guys, they’re willing to come,” she said.

    However, the “Asibolanga” hitmaker is convinced that the future is promising for female singers, but only if they open up and work together like males do.

  • Over ten Britons missing in Israel

    Over ten Britons missing in Israel

    More than 10 people from the UK are believed to have died or disappeared after the Hamas attack on Israel, according to a UK official who spoke to the BBC.

    The people who were hurt include a young 20-year-old soldier and an older Scottish grandfather.

    The UK government thinks that there are around 60,000 British people in Israel or Gaza. They are helping families, but they are not planning to evacuate them.

    According to the latest information from Israel, 900 people have died. Palestinian officials say that 260 people have been killed in airstrikes.

    This is what we know about British people who were affected so far.

    Nathanel Young

    The person, who is 20 years old, went to JFS Jewish School in North London before they went to Israel to join the military.

    The principal of the school feels very sad and broken-hearted about the news of his death, and the whole school community feels the same way.

    He said, “We remember Nathanel very well in the school and we only have love for him. ”

    Mr Young’s burial ceremony at Israel’s main cemetery Mount Herzl was disrupted by loud noises heard throughout Jerusalem.

    The officials wanted to make sure that no more than 50 people came to the outdoor event. This was to keep it safe from potential attacks by militants.

    Finally, over 1,000 people showed up and listened as Mr. Young’s younger brother, Elliot, honored him.

    But when his sister began to recognize him, a loud emergency siren suddenly interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. This caused the mourners to quickly drop to the ground and seek protection by hiding under trees or among the gravestones.

    Loud booms happened over and over again. Some people started saying prayers, while others started using video calling to talk to their loved ones.

    After a short time, the alarm stopped making noise, and the funeral kept going.

    Bernard Cowan

    Bernard Cowan, who was born and raised in Glasgow, moved to Israel with his wife and three children. Unfortunately, he was killed in the attack, as confirmed by his family.

    They told us that they are very sad because their son and brother, Bernard Cowan, was killed in a terrible way on Saturday during a sudden terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.

    We are requesting privacy right now as we deal with a big loss to our family, both at home and in Israel. Our community in Glasgow will greatly miss him.

    Sammy Stein, who leads an organization called Glasgow Friends of Israel, said that Mr Cowan, who was a grandfather, often came back to the city and regularly visited his peace advocacy stand in the city center.

    He said to BBC Scotland that Mr. Cowan lived very close to the Gaza barrier. He also said that it was calm, peaceful, and in a rural area. He really enjoyed it.

    Jake Marlowe
    ]

    Mr Marlowe worked as a security guard at the Supernova music festival. Unfortunately, militants attacked the festival, and as a result, 260 people lost their lives.

    The 26-year-old person went missing from the event that happened in a place called Re’im kibbutz, which is around 3. 7 miles (6km) away from the Gaza barrier.

    He also went to JFS Jewish School in North London.

    The principal, David Moody, said that we have heard that Jake Marlowe is missing and we all hope that he is found soon.

    Daniel Darlington

    Daniel Darlington’s family believes that he is one of the people who died.

    His sister called him Danny and “baby brother” on Instagram. She said that he and a friend were killed at the Nir Oz kibbutz.

    She wrote: “Just a few days ago, he was riding his bike, laughing, taking pictures of beautiful sunsets, and enjoying the small joys of life. ”

    Daniel had planned to leave for Tel Aviv the day before the violent attack happened, she explained. However, he decided to stay an additional day to give his friend a tour of the kibbutz.

  • Rights group charges Rwanda with murdering detractors

    Rights group charges Rwanda with murdering detractors

    Human Rights Watch (HRW), a group that defends people’s rights, has accused Rwanda of using oppressive methods to go after its critics outside of the country, even if those critics have asked for help from other countries.

    The text is saying that there are acts of violence, such as killings and disappearances, as well as surveillance and misuse of law enforcement. These actions are meant to isolate people who may criticize the government.

    A report has been released as the highest court in the UK listens to the government‘s appeal. The government wants to send asylum seekers back to Rwanda, but a previous ruling prevented them from doing so.

    The UK said that Rwanda is not a safe country.

    Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director of Human Rights Watch, said that the findings show that Rwanda is not a country that the UK should depend on to follow international standards or the rule of law when it comes to asylum seekers.

    Rwanda says the allegations are not true. Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo says HRW is not telling the truth and is trying to push a political agenda.

    The HRW talked to about 150 people from different parts of the world since President Paul Kagame won the election in 2017.

    The text says that it has recorded cases of mistreatment against people from Rwanda who live in different countries like Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, and the US. It also includes their family members living in Rwanda.

  • South Africa’s Tyla makes historic entry on US Billboard

    South Africa’s Tyla makes historic entry on US Billboard

    The popular song “Water” by Tyla, a 21-year-old singer from South Africa, has entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week. This achievement comes after the song gained a lot of attention and became trendy on TikTok for several weeks.

    This is the first song by a musician from South Africa to reach the US singles chart by themselves since Hugh Masekela’s song “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968.

    I am a girl from South Africa who was born and grew up in Johannesburg. “This is nuts,” Tyla posted on Twitter Monday evening.

    The musician’s song first appeared at 67th place and has caused the TikTok water dance challenge to become popular. As a result, the song has been used in over 500,000 videos on the app.

    Amapiano is a type of music from South Africa that you can dance to.

    The Billboard Hot 100 is a list of the most popular songs in the US that is published every week by the magazine called Billboard.

    Billboard revealed that Tyla is joining the list on Monday night, before the complete list for this week comes out on Tuesday.

    Water has already made a lot of achievements on Spotify and YouTube.

  • Do not do these if your blood group is O

    Do not do these if your blood group is O

    Your blood type can provide valuable insights into your health and how your body responds to various factors. People with type O blood, often referred to as “universal donors,” have unique characteristics and vulnerabilities that can impact their well-being. In this article, we’ll explore some precautions and considerations for individuals with type O blood to safeguard their health.

    1. Managing Stress: People with type O blood are more susceptible to producing cortisol, a stress hormone. Excessive stress can lead to health issues, so individuals in this category should prioritize stress management through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise.
    2. Regular Meals: Blood type O individuals are believed to have higher stomach acid levels, which aid in digestion. Skipping meals can lead to increased stomach acid production, potentially causing discomfort and acid-related problems. It’s essential to have balanced, regular meals to maintain digestive health.
    3. Limiting Red Meat: Type O individuals are often advised to reduce their consumption of red meat, as they may face challenges digesting certain proteins found in it. Instead, opt for leaner protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based alternatives.
    4. Dairy Products: Some studies suggest that individuals with blood type O may be more prone to lactose intolerance. If you experience digestive discomfort after consuming dairy products, consider lactose-free alternatives or consume smaller portions of dairy.
    5. Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity is crucial for individuals with blood type O to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being. Engage in a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training to stay fit and reduce the risk of health issues.
    6. Avoiding Processed Foods and Sugars: Blood type O individuals may be more sensitive to the insulin response triggered by processed foods and excessive sugar consumption. Prioritize a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and opt for natural sweeteners when necessary.
    7. Moderation in Caffeine and Alcohol: Some individuals with blood type O may be more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine and the adverse impact of alcohol on their digestive system. Monitor your caffeine intake and consume alcohol in moderation to avoid potential health issues.

    In Conclusion:

    While the concept of a blood type diet and its specific recommendations remains a subject of debate within the medical community, it is essential for individuals with blood type O to prioritize their health and well-being. People in this category can enhance their overall health and reduce blood-related health risks by paying attention to their diet, effectively managing stress, staying physically active, and meeting their specific dietary needs. It’s also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

  • I lost businesses because of my involvement with politics- Mzbel

    I lost businesses because of my involvement with politics- Mzbel

    Ghanaian songstress Mzbel has openly admitted that getting involved in politics had a negative effect on her career and personal life.

    She expressed regret over her involvement in politics, stating that she did not seek guidance on how to navigate the political landscape as a celebrity. This lack of guidance led her to use inappropriate language that resulted in significant public backlash and damage to her reputation in the country.

    Mzbel, a prominent supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made the decision to step away from politics and redirect her focus toward her businesses and music career. During an interview on JoyPrime TV’s CelebBiz program, she shared her perspective, saying,

    “I supported my party [NDC], and It was my first time coming out to say this and that, but I didn’t consult anybody about how it’s done if it’s okay the way I’m doing it. I just went all out,” she said.

    “I just went all out and people misunderstood me once again. And I believe some choices of words I used were not appropriate in that space. So I had a lot of backlash, a lot of hate.

    “I lost a lot of businesses, a lot of friends. Yes. So this time around, I’m trying to be very careful. I still love my party [NDC]. I will still support my party. I’m not going to come out.”

    Mzbel clarified that her previous statement about not releasing a song until former President John Dramani Mahama returned to power was made in jest and should not be taken seriously.

  • French forces to start leaving Niger – Junta

    French forces to start leaving Niger – Junta

    The military government in Niger says that French soldiers will start leaving their country on Tuesday.

    The two countries have had problems since a group took control in July and removed the elected leader, who was a friend of France, Mohamed Bazoum.

    The military leaders said they would accompany the first group of French soldiers as they leave the country. We don’t know how they will be leaving.

    The borders between the country and Benin and Nigeria are closed.

    However, the markets in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, which are also controlled by the military, are still available for business.

    Around 1,500 soldiers from France are assisting the Nigerien forces in their fight against militants connected to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

    The military leaders asked the French to go away in August, saying they believed the French were trying to use force to bring back President Bazoum.

    For many weeks, people have been protesting outside a military base in the capital city, Niamey, where French soldiers are staying.

    The French President, Emmanuel Macron, didn’t want to bring the troops back at first, but he later agreed to the request last month. He said that the troops would leave by the end of the year.

    Niger was considered as one of the West’s remaining friends in the Sahel area in the fight against terrorism.

    France’s power has been decreasing in those places after there were many times when the governments were suddenly and illegally taken over in some countries that used to be controlled by France.

  • The last words of Kikibees CEO surface online

    The last words of Kikibees CEO surface online


    Details surrounding the death of Mr. Bennet Adomah Agyekum, the owner of Kikibees and Noire Lounge, are gradually emerging.

    Many individuals, including influencers and celebrities, are in a state of confusion as they search for answers and possible clues regarding his sudden passing.

    In their quest for more information, a recent Snapchat post by Mr. Agyekum has come to light. In this purported last post on the app, he shared a cryptic message in a video where he discussed how some individuals would have judged and condemned their fellow humans if they were in God’s place.

    “Just imagine say if God na man, like by now them order execution, Order for Ona. “Jehova bu Eze,” which translates to “Jehovah, King of Glory,” his last words on Snapchat read.

    This statement was accompanied by a video of Mr. Bennet Adomah Agyekum enjoying himself at his lounge in East Legon, shortly after his impromptu return from Amsterdam on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

    Numerous tributes have been pouring in for the departed businessman, whose sudden death has left many showbiz personalities in shock.

    George Britton, Camidoh’s manager, shared a eulogy on Facebook while drawing attention to Mr. Agyekum’s last Snapchat post.

    “This is one of my friend’s (BEN Owner of KikiBees and Noire, East Legon) last snaps before he got murdered on his way home from his pub/Restaurant this dawn. Crazy world innit?” he posted.

    Background

    According to reports, the prominent businessman was discovered lying in a pool of blood at a residence in Madina Ogbojo, Accra, on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

    The Accra Regional Police Command, confirming his death, stated that a woman believed to be a key suspect in the incident has been arrested in connection with Agyekum’s death.

    Based on the preliminary police report, the deceased was rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    Mr. Bennet Adomah Agyekum is survived by his wife and five children.

  • Police arrest girlfriend of Kikibees restaurant owner in connection with his death

    Police arrest girlfriend of Kikibees restaurant owner in connection with his death

    A suspect, identified as Yandeh Joof, has been arrested in connection with the murder of businessman Bennet Adomah Agyekum, the owner of the renowned restaurant Kikibees in Accra.

    The police have identified the suspect as the girlfriend of the late Agyekum.

    According to a statement issued by the police on Monday, October 9, the deceased was found in a critical condition, lying in a pool of blood at a residence in Madina on Sunday, October 8.

    After the discovery, he was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    The body of the deceased has been transferred to the police hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, and an investigation into the circumstances of his death is underway.

    The police also mentioned that the suspect, Yandeh Joof, is actively cooperating with investigators.

    Read the statement from the police

  • Ghana Music Awards UK 2023: Full list of winners

    Ghana Music Awards UK 2023: Full list of winners

    On a Saturday night, the Royal Regency in London shimmered with the glitz and glamour of Ghana’s music industry during the grand event of the 2023 Ghana Music Awards UK. Taabea Herbal Mixture proudly sponsored this spectacular occasion to celebrate exceptional musical talent and artistic excellence.

    Dancehall sensation Shatta Wale emerged as the night’s brightest star, clinching the highly coveted title of Artist of the Year amid a night packed with electrifying performances.

    Shatta Wale’s victory was a significant achievement, given the stiff competition from a roster of immensely talented artists, including Black Sherif, Piesie Esther, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and King Promise.

    Shatta Wale’s triumph didn’t end there; he secured additional wins in significant categories, such as Reggae/Dancehall Artist of The Year, Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year for his chart-topping track “On God,” and the prestigious Most Dominant Fan Base of the Year award, a testament to the immense and unwavering support of his dedicated fan base.

    See the full list of winners below:

    Artiste of the Year

    • Shatta Wale

    Uncovered Artiste of The Year

    • Essi

    New Artiste of The Year

    • Lasmid

    Most Popular Song of the Year

    • Fa No Fom – DJ Azonto

    Best Rapper of the Year

    • Sarkodie – Country Side ft. Black Sherif

    Best Collaboration of the Year

    • Sarkodie – Country Side ft. Black Sherif

    Producer of the Year

    • Nacee

    Songwriter of the Year

    • Piesie Esther – Wayε Me Yie

    Instrumentalist of the Year

    • Dominic Quarchie – Wayε Me Yie by Piesie Esther

    Best Music Video of the Year

    • Piesie Esther – Wayε Me Yie

    Most Dominant Fan Base of the Year

    • Shatta Movement

    UK-Based Awards:

    UK Based Artiste of the Year

    • Charles Kalah

    UK Based Live Performance Band of the Year

    • The Compozers

    UK Based Best Collaboration of the Year

    • Samuel Sey – Agyenkwa Hene ft Efe Grace

    UK Based Producer of the Year

    • Ephraim Beatz

    UK Based Songwriter of the Year

    • Ohene – Say I Do

    UK Based Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year

    • Charles Kalah

    UK Based Afrobeats/Afropop Song of the Year

    • My Girl (Remix) – GoldKay ft. David Jay

    UK Based Highlife Artiste of the Year

    • Ohene

    UK Based Highlife Song of the Year

    • So Much Love – Black Kat Gh feat. Kwabena Kwabena

    UK New Artiste of The Year

    • Mayqueen

    UK-Based Uncovered Artiste of the Year

    • Yaw Bossman

    UK Based Gospel Artiste of the Year

    • Alice McKenzie

    UK Based Gospel Song of the Year

    • Blessed – Joseph Matthew

    UK Based Best DJ

    • DJ P Montana

    Ghanaian Contemporary Act of The Year

    • K.O.G (Kweku Of Ghana)

    Special Awards:

    Best Touring Band

    • Santrofi band
  • Infrastructural problems hamper waste management – WSP

    Infrastructural problems hamper waste management – WSP

    The lack of sufficient infrastructure has been identified as the primary impediment to Ghana’s sustainable waste management efforts.

    According to a recent desk study conducted by the Water and Sanitation Programme (WSP), inadequate sanitation practices cost Ghana a significant GH¢420 million or $290 million annually.

    In Ghana, of the one million tonnes of plastic waste generated each year, only 10 percent is recycled, while nine percent ends up in the ocean.

    Environmental expert Venan Sondo, speaking at the launch of a two-day Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) German Academic Exchange Services Alumni hands-on training program in Accra, suggested that the country’s waste management challenge could be addressed with the provision of adequate infrastructure and waste management practices that adhere to best practices.

    The training program, organized to promote sustainable waste management practices in Ghana, had the theme: “Upstream sustainable management of plastic pollution in Accra with expertise from DAAD Alumni.” It brought together DAAD alumni, including researchers and professionals in the waste management sector, as well as students, teachers, and school administrators from schools in the Weija community.

    The program aimed to raise public awareness through practical demonstrations, discourage the use of single-use plastics, and promote waste collection initiatives in communities and schools.

    Waste management infrastructure encompasses all the systems and facilities required for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste.

    According to Mr. Sondo, this infrastructure should include facilities that enable the segregation of waste at the community, industrial, and all levels to facilitate the safe and cost-effective management of waste.

    He expressed concern about the poor sanitation conditions in many parts of the country, emphasizing that this situation not only imposes an economic burden but also poses a threat to public health.

    Mr. Sondo, who is also the Country Director of Chaint Afrique Ghana, a company that collects and recycles fishing nets, highlighted the alarming rate of plastic waste entering the ocean as a global crisis that requires immediate attention.

    He cited a study conducted at the estuary of the River Ayensu in Winneba, which revealed that over 275,000 kilograms of plastic waste entered the sea annually.

    The findings from the recent study underscore the urgent need for action to address poor sanitation and plastic pollution in Ghana and worldwide.

    “We must work together to find sustainable solutions to mitigate these environmental and economic challenges.

    There is lack of infrastructure and that makes it virtually impossible for those who really want to segregate or recycle their waste to have difficulties, It’s crucial that we address these issues promptly,” he said.

    Mr. Sondo expressed hope that the development of the plastic action roadmap under the Ghana Plastic Action Partnership would intensify efforts aimed at achieving the goal of eliminating plastic waste in Ghana by 2040.

    The lead organizer of the training program, Derick Tanka Vershie, advocated for the introduction of plastic waste management challenges in communities to encourage innovation and the adoption of effective waste management practices.

    He also emphasized the need for increased awareness regarding the adverse environmental effects of plastics and responsible waste disposal practices in communities.

  • Aid organisations warn of destruction from the earthquake in Afghanistan

    Aid organisations warn of destruction from the earthquake in Afghanistan

    International organizations that provide assistance from other countries are urgently trying to send aid to people who survived an earthquake in Afghanistan. The earthquake killed over 2,000 people and caused many more to be injured. This is a big problem because Afghanistan is already in a terrible state due to ongoing war and an economic crisis.

    The big earthquake with a magnitude of 6. 3 happened on Saturday, not far from Herat city in Afghanistan. It occurred in the western province of Herat, which is the third largest province in the country.

    It was a very powerful earthquake that happened in Afghanistan last year. It caused a lot of death and destruction, especially in the provinces of Paktika and Khost in the east, which share a border with Pakistan. Over a thousand people lost their lives during that tragic event.

    Pictures taken by aid and rescue teams on the ground showed very large piles of broken pieces of buildings and rubble after they fell down.

    Some people were digging in the remains to look for survivors while others gathered on the streets to stay safe from falling objects after the main earthquake.

    Thamindri de Silva, who works for World Vision Afghanistan, said that the situation is even worse than we had thought. People in the destroyed villages are still trying very hard to save survivors from under the rubble, using only their hands.

    Extra help from a team in Kabul came to assist, but there was only one hospital and it was very busy dealing with critical patients who were being sent to other private facilities.

    We are doing our best to respond. People need immediate help with their health, water, food, shelter, and safety,” added de Silva.

    Mark Calder, who works for World Vision Afghanistan and speaks up for their needs, told CNN that the recent earthquake was another terrible event for the Afghan people. This is especially difficult for them because they have already experienced many years of fighting, periods of no rain causing dryness, and an economy that has become very weak.

    Calder said that the financial support from other countries has not been enough.

    He said that organizations like ours can help people in need and assist with recovery. However, without support from international governments and donors, more people will need help, displacement will worsen, and lives will be lost.

    We cannot ignore Afghanistan right now.

    The spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Sunday that 2,053 people were killed. Additionally, 1,240 people were injured, and 1,320 houses were either completely or partially destroyed. However, some people are worried that the number of deaths might increase even more.

    The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said that he stands with the Afghan people affected by the earthquake. He urged other countries to unite and help those who were already struggling before the disaster.

    UN agencies and partners are providing more help and doing more work after the earthquake on Saturday. They are sending more teams to help with humanitarian efforts.

    “We are working together with the governing authorities to quickly evaluate what they need and offer immediate help,” said spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

    UNICEF, which is a part of the United Nations and helps children, has sent out 10,000 packages with hygiene supplies, 5,000 packages with things for families, 1,500 sets of warm clothes and blankets for winter, 1,000 big sheets of strong material, and basic items for homes to help the ongoing humanitarian work.

    Teams are checking things on the ground and giving extra medicine and shelters to busy health clinics.

    Siddig Ibrahim, who works for UNICEF in Afghanistan, told CNN that this is the worst earthquake the country has experienced in a long time.

    Not having enough water is a big problem, especially for women and children.

    “He said that Afghanistan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian and child rights problems in the world. ” “The whole world must not ignore or divert attention from the children in Afghanistan, especially at this critical time when they need assistance the most. ”

    Save the Children said that the damage in Herat was very bad and expects that more people will die as bodies are found under the rubble.

    Save the Children’s Afghanistan director, Arshad Malik, said that this situation is very bad and it adds more problems to the existing problems. “Even before this terrible event, Afghan kids were already going through a very difficult time because they didn’t have enough to eat. ”

    We are working hard to help more children who are in need. We are providing things like healthcare, food, education, protection, shelter, clean water, and sanitation. We also help with food security and helping people make a living. But, we need help from donors to give the necessary aid to save lives.

    Existing humanitarian programs will be affected and unable to continue if they do not receive immediate money, because the current funding they have is already stretched thin.

    Afghanistan has been a very poor country in Asia for a long time and has experienced a lot of fighting for many years.

    In August 2021, the Taliban took control again after being removed from power by US soldiers 20 years ago. This caused a lot of aid groups and NGOs to leave and stopped important aid programs.

    The Taliban’s control made Afghanistan even more alone and made Washington and its allies stop giving money to the country. This made the economy even worse as it relies heavily on aid.

    Last week, the World Bank said that two-thirds of families in Afghanistan are currently going through a lot of difficulties in sustaining their way of life. This makes it even more difficult for Afghan people to recover from earthquakes.

    International aid organizations are saying that their ability to help during big disasters has been greatly affected by the Taliban taking control. They are asking for more immediate help from around the world, but only a few countries have said they will help publicly.

    “Even before this earthquake, with recent floods and instability within the country, more than 29 million people in Afghanistan needed help from humanitarian organizations,” said Salma Ben Assia, director of the IRC.

    The earthquake made things worse for communities that were already vulnerable. The upcoming winter will make things even worse for people who have been forced to leave their homes. This is especially dangerous for women and children, who are most at risk of being taken advantage of and mistreated when they are displaced.

    Many people have lost their homes and belongings, leaving them without a place to live. – Arshad Malik from Save the Children.

    The whole world must help the children and families in Herat who urgently need assistance.

  • Leaked tape to oust IGP: COP Mensah believes he will be vindicated after parliamentary committee probe

    Leaked tape to oust IGP: COP Mensah believes he will be vindicated after parliamentary committee probe

    COP (retired) Alex George Mensah, a key witness in the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has expressed confidence in being vindicated once the parliamentary committee completes its investigation.

    During his recent appearance before the committee, COP (retired) Alex George Mensah suggested that the IGP lacked the necessary capacity to lead the Ghana Police Service.

    A leaked tape, widely circulated on social media and other platforms, reportedly contains conversations among three senior police officers discussing plans and strategies related to the potential removal of the current IGP, in conjunction with the former Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu.

    In an interview with TV3 News before the committee resumed its session on October 10, 2023, COP (retired) Alex George Mensah expressed his hope that the truth would emerge soon.

    “I will be vindicated, I know what happened. Some things on the tape are lies, what I said, I said the truth and I will say it again anywhere, but I’m not ready to discuss it here as I said, because it’s before a committee. And I hope, we will wait until the committee comes out with their report, then everybody will know the truth,” COP retired Alex George Mensah said.

    The Police Service on September 7, took decisive action by interdicting COP retired Alex Mensah, and other two high-ranking officers, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi.

    In a twist of events, the Ghana Police Service suspended the interdiction of the three senior officers.

    The police, in a statement dated September 7, indicated that the decision to suspend the interdiction of the three police officers was to ensure it does not affect the ongoing probe by Parliament.

    COP Mensah

  • Liberia to elect their president today

    Liberia to elect their president today

    Liberians will be voting on Tuesday in important elections for president and parliament. These are the first elections since 2018 when a UN mission left the country after helping to maintain peace for over ten years. Liberia has been deeply affected by two very destructive civil wars.

    In addition to the 14-year long civil war, which resulted in the loss of 250,000 lives before ending in 2003, Liberia has also faced other major health crises. These include the Covid pandemic and a severe Ebola outbreak in 2014, which caused the death of over 4,000 people.

    The current President George Weah, who used to be a famous football player, wants to be elected again for another six years. His first term was troubled by corruption and claims of poor leadership.

    The World Bank says that there is a lot of poverty in Liberia. They estimate that half of the people in the country live on less than $2 per day.

    Over 60% of the population in Liberia is under 25 years old. However, many young people in the country are unemployed, including some who were child soldiers during the civil war.

    Nineteen people are running against Weah, who is in the Coalition for Democratic Change party. But he will have a tough competition with Joseph Boakai from the Unity Party.

    There were disagreements and arguments between the supporters of the two political parties before the elections, according to Liberia’s police on Facebook. The country’s voting committee said that many people died and things were destroyed.

    According to a representative from the UN Human Rights Office in Liberia named Seif Magango, there were some conflicts where two individuals lost their lives while 20 others got hurt.

    Weah, who is the only African to have won football’s top award called Ballon d’Or, won more than 60% of the votes against Boakai in a second round of elections in 2017.

    Both Weah, who is 57 years old, and Boakai, who will be 79 years old next month, did not get more than 50% of the votes in the first round of voting.

    Boakai accepted that he lost after he tried to go to court and it didn’t work out.

    Boakai said to CNN that his young followers really want things to be different now.

    Liberians are seeking something different or new. The young people on the street are admitting that they voted for Weah in 2017 but now realize it was a mistake. They are asking for forgiveness and expressing their desire to fix the mistake. This is what they are saying wherever I go. ”

    “This time, Weah knows that he is not as popular as before and he doesn’t have a chance in this election,” Boakai said.

    Approximately 24 million Liberians, mostly young individuals, have signed up to vote in the election. Experts believe that the election is primarily between Weah and Boakai, with no clear third candidate in the competition.

    “Joel Cholo Brooks, the publisher of Global News Network Liberia, said that many believe Boakai will become the next president. They think Boakai will save Liberians from President Weah, who they say has not done a good job in his six years as president. ”

    However, Weah’s supporters believe that he should be voted for again in order to finish all the projects he has started but not yet completed.

    Before the elections, Weah spoke up for his administration’s achievements. He told his supporters at a rally that his record of progress during his first six years as president is better than that of previous leaders, according to a statement from the president.

    He praised the progress made in improving infrastructure and mentioned that his government has made public university education free in Liberia.

    Weah said that he is better than his opponents at a different meeting last month. “I am a person who creates software and applications, and that’s why I am working to improve the country,” he said while asking for people to vote for him.

    Weah was criticized last year for spending almost two months in another country. He went to Qatar to watch his son, who is American, play in the FIFA World Cup for the United States.

    Liberia’s finance minister, Samuel Tweah, said that the president had the right to receive $2,000 each day for his trip. However, he did not mention how much the entire 48-day tour by President Weah cost. The tour is said to be the longest one taken by a Liberian leader in recent years, according to local media.

    “Since the beginning, they’ve been a dishonest government and everything they do is for their own benefit,” accused Boakai, Weah’s main competitor. Boakai also explained to CNN that if he is elected, he intends to reduce government spending and address the mishandling of limited public funds.

    Weah’s campaign manager, Eugene Nagbe, told CNN that President Weah has been working hard to get rid of corruption in Liberia’s institutions.

    “The president has formed the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and has given it the authority to independently punish those who are guilty of corruption,” Nagbe explained.

    Some experts don’t believe that Weah has done enough to get rid of the corruption in his government.

    Brooks said that the president didn’t do a good job in stopping corruption. He also mentioned that a lot of the people who work for him and were accused of being corrupt have not been punished yet.

    Last year, three people who were close friends of Weah, including his assistant, Nathaniel McGill, were punished by the US because the US believed they were involved in ongoing corruption in Liberia.

    McGill and Twehway, who held important positions in Liberia, were accused by the US Treasury Department of accepting money illegally, taking away government money, and changing government agreements for their own benefit.

    The three people quit their jobs but they did not face any legal consequences, even though people wanted them to be charged.

    Brooks said that the president allowed two people who were punished by the US government for lots of stealing to run for the Liberian parliament.

    McGill and Twehway were chosen by Weah’s CDC party to be on the ballot for the country’s senate.

    Weah’s campaign manager told CNN that there is no law in Liberia that stops them from running for office. He also said that the government is waiting for evidence from the United States to start prosecutions.

    Liberia’s Corruption Perception Index score has dropped a lot since Weah became the president in 2018. It has fallen by 22 points in just five years and is now at 142. This list, created by Transparency International, ranks 180 countries based on how much corruption is believed to exist in their government.

    Nagbe said that people think corruption is a big problem, and although our ranking has gone down, the president is working hard to fight it.

    Oscar Bloh, who leads the biggest election observing group in Liberia called ECC, said to CNN that this election is not like the ones before.

    This election is very important compared to the ones before. This is the first time we have switched from using a manual system to a biometric voter registration system,” he said.

    This is the first time that elections will happen in Liberia without the UN mission providing outside security. So Liberia’s security agencies will be responsible for security.

    The UNMIL was a group of people who helped make Liberia a more peaceful and stable place. They finished their job in 2018 and left.

    Bloh was also concerned that the training for poll officials started just a few days before the elections.

    A person who speaks for the electoral commission, Henry Flomo, said to CNN, “Everything is on time,” as the law dictates.

    The Supreme Court said that putting up the voter roll should happen at least two days before the election. Flomo mentioned this, but he did not give a reason for the election officials being trained late.

    The voting will start at 8:00 in the morning. The time right now is Tuesday and we will be closing at 6:00 p. mAccording to the law, the election officials have to announce who won within two weeks after the voting is over.

    In order to become president, a candidate needs to get more than half of all the votes. If no candidate gets more than half of the votes in the first round, there will be another election two weeks later with the top candidates.

    Bloh predicts that there will probably be a runoff this time.

    “He told CNN that it is unlikely for any of the candidates to win completely in the first round. ”

  • Road contract fraud: Judge issues bench warrant for civil servant

    Road contract fraud: Judge issues bench warrant for civil servant

    The Accra Circuit Court Four has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a civil servant, Mercy Lillian Danquah, who is accused of obtaining GHC100,000.00 from a businessman with the false promise of securing a road contract for him.

    Mercy Lillian Danquah, aged 38, failed to appear in court when summoned, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant. She is expected to be brought before the court on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

    According to Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, who presented the facts, the complainant, Mr. Bright Asante-Appiah, sought assistance from Renaissance African Group in funding his projects in May 2021.

    However, it was determined during discussions that he did not meet the minimum funding requirement and needed an additional contract to qualify. Renaissance African Group introduced him to Mercy Lilian Danquah, the accused, who claimed to be in charge at the Ghana Mining Sector Road Rehabilitation Secretariat and assured him she could secure a Cocoa Road contract worth USD10 million.

    In September 2021, the accused allegedly collected GHC100,000.00 from the complainant as a contract fee under the pretense of securing the contract. Despite receiving the money, she reportedly failed to fulfill her promise and repeatedly made excuses. Subsequently, a complaint was filed with the Adabraka Police station on July 31, 2022, leading to the accused’s arrest.

    During the investigation, the accused person reportedly admitted to receiving the specified amount from the complainant. However, she claimed that the money was paid to facilitate the establishment of the Ghana Mining Sector Road Rehabilitation Secretariat as a new office to secure the contract for the complainant.

    Inspector Alorwu stated that the investigation revealed that there was no such Secretariat under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, as alleged by the accused person, and it was not registered with the Registrar General.

    The accused person allegedly requested some time to refund the collected amount. Subsequently, on January 24, 2023, the accused reportedly refunded GHC 10,000.00, which has been retained as evidence.

  • Festival goers in Israel were shot at close-range – Video shows

    Festival goers in Israel were shot at close-range – Video shows

    Gaza fighters who launched an attack on a music festival in southern Israel shot and murdered people who were enjoying themselves up close, and then stole their possessions. CNN has confirmed this through a new video taken from a car’s dashboard camera.

    The video started being shared on social media on Sunday. It shows terrifying kidnappings from the same event. The video has been closely examined by families who are very worried about their loved ones. These people have been missing since a bunch of attacks happened and Israel declared war on Sunday.

    Israeli officials found 260 dead bodies near the location of the Nova festival, which took place outside Re’im. Before this, there was footage of people happily dancing at the party in the desert early on Saturday morning.

    According to friends and family members who have seen videos on social media, some people who managed to stay alive are being held captive by the militant group Hamas in Gaza.

    The video recorded by a dashboard camera, which has been confirmed by CNN, shows how frightened people were when the terrorists attacked the festival. These militants used extreme violence to stop some people from being able to leave the festival.

    The video starts at 9:23 in the morning. About three hours after the first explosions were reported at the Nova festival, based on the timecode.

    The video doesn’t have any sound, but a person who fights aggressively is shown shouting and then aiming their powerful gun at a man who is hiding close to the car. We don’t know if the person with the gun shot to scare or if they actually hurt someone. The person they shot is then seen being taken away. We do not know what will happen to him.

    In the video, someone else is laying on the ground behind another car. The person starts to move and all of a sudden, another armed person shows up on the screen. They point their weapon at the person, shoot, and then leave. The person laying on the floor doesn’t move anymore.

    Another video recorded by the dashboard camera, at 12:09 p. m, shows two fighters coming towards the dead body of the second person. They search through the person’s pockets, and one of them takes something from the person’s body and puts it into his own back pocket.

    Less than three minutes later, armed fighters forcefully pulled a woman out of the back seat of the vehicle. She is taken away, and the militants start to open the trunk of another car and pour out the contents of a suitcase onto the ground to be stolen.

    The video starts at 12:14 p. mand shows the woman running back into the camera’s view. She is raising her hands and it looks like she is saying hello to the festival area.

    Dirt and dust go flying when bullets hit the ground near her. Beside the empty suitcase and open trunk, she hides again. We do not know what happened to her.

    The mom and dad of Alexandre Look, a 33-year-old person from Canada, said to the news station CBC that they were talking to him on the phone while he was trying to run away from the gunshots. Look and others went to a safe place without a door to hide from the violent attack, his parents said.

    “And then I heard him say to his friends, ‘They’re coming back. There are many of them. And then I only heard many gunshots, many rounds, and then we couldn’t hear anything anymore,” said Look’s mother, Raquel Ohnona Look, to CBC.

    Look’s parents said that he died while trying to protect others from the bullets.

    He left as a hero, wanting to protect the people he was with, just like a brave warrior. Alex’s father, Alain Haim Look, wrote on Facebook that Alex was a very special and generous person. The world will be different without you. Farewell my child, I care about you and protect us from up in the sky.

    “I’m thinking about the family and loved ones of a person named Alexandre Look from Quebec. Unfortunately, he died in a terrorist attack caused by Hamas in Israel,” Legault wrote on a social media platform called X, which was previously known as Twitter. “I feel very sad about how he died. ”

    Ricarda Louk saw her daughter Shani lying down in the back of a truck that was going to the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip is a small area by the coast where almost 2 million people live in a crowded space.

    She talked to her daughter after hearing loud noises and alarms in southern Israel. She called her daughter to check if she was in a safe place. Shani said to her mom that she was at the festival, which took place in a field that didn’t have many places to hide.

    Videos shared on social media showed many cars parked by the road near the festival entrance. Some of the cars were on fire, while others had broken windows and open doors.

    She was going to her car, but there were soldiers near the cars shooting to stop people from getting to their cars or leaving. “Then they grabbed her,” Ricarda said to CNN.

    A mother talks about watching a video of her daughter, who had been taken away, on social media.

    The worrying video of her daughter in the back of a truck and someone trying to use Shani’s credit card twice in Gaza after the attack are the only clues she has about where her daughter might be.

    In the video, she is not moving. A person with a weapon is sitting close to her with one leg on her waist and holding onto her hair. They cheer, saying “God is great” in Arabic.

    Ricarda wants to see her daughter again, but the situation looks really bad.

    It seems really negative, but I still feel optimistic. I hope that they don’t use people’s bodies as bargaining tools. I wish that she is still alive somewhere. She said, “Since we don’t have any other things to hope for, I am trying my best to believe. ”

    Tomer Shalom said to CNN that he talked to his 20-year-old daughter Noam the last time she called. She sounded scared and was crying, and she called from the festival at around 8:30 a. mHe said he heard the sound of guns in the distance.

    Shalom, a paramedic, talked to a friend on the phone at 9:15 a. m, according to Noam. from inside an ambulance, where another friend was getting medical attention for a gunshot injury to their leg. He said that no one has heard from her since then.

    It is too difficult to understand or comprehend. Shalom said that it is hard to imagine a situation where kids are going to dance and have fun but they do not return home.

    A person named Noa Argamani, who is 25 years old, is asking for assistance from the back of a motorcycle that is being driven by Hamas fighters at the festival location.

    Her sad father had a hard time finding words to express how surprised and sad he felt after watching the video. “I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it,”

    Noa and her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, were at a festival. Some militants took Avinatan away with them.

    Noa’s friend from childhood, Shlomit Marciano, was there to support her family when they spoke to CNN. Shlomit said that the text messages they received indicated that their friends were hiding for a long time while the attackers caused chaos at the festival location.

    Or Noa’s dad received a text message at approximately 10 in the morning. The couple were okay after almost four hours since the first reports of an attack. Marciano said that other friends sent text messages, pleading for assistance.

    After that, we haven’t kept in touch. We think they were taken away at 12 o’clock. They were most likely hiding for around three or four hours and asking for help. They began to hide once they heard about the killings and gunshots. “And then the militants discovered them,” explained Marciano.

    He thinks that God exists. He’s hoping that she is fine. And she will return to him, to the family, and to us without any harm. She is the only child they have.

  • ET Mensah’s remains will arrive today

    ET Mensah’s remains will arrive today

    The grieving family of the late former Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency, E.T. Mensah, has disclosed that the remains of the late MP will arrive in Ghana today, October 10, 2023.

    Following its arrival, the body will be transported to the morgue after a brief ceremony. This information was conveyed in a statement issued by the Kley Abodo family on Saturday.

    E.T. Mensah, the former sports minister, passed away at the age of 77 in South Africa the previous week, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

    He was born on May 17, 1946, and served as the Minister for Education and a Member of Parliament in Ghana from January 1997 to January 2017.

    Read the full statement below:

    KLEY ABODO FAMILY OF PRAMPRAM, GREATER ACCRA REGION

    Saturday, 7th October 2023. Prampram-Accra
    PRESS STATEMENT: DEATH OF HON. ENOCH TEYE MENSAH

    The head of the KLEY ABODO Family of Prampram, formally announces the demise of Hon. Enoch Teye Mensah popularly known as E.T. Mensah which sad event happened on Monday, 2nd October 2023 at 1:30 am in the Republic of South Africa aged 77-years.

    The late Hon. E.T. Mensah until his demise was a member of the Council of State, he was also the first National Youth Organizer of the NDC and a former Member of Parliament-(MP) for Ningo-Prampram Constituency from January 1997 to January 2017, a former Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, a former minister for Youth and Sports, Employment and Social Welfare, Water Resources, Works and Housing.

    His mortal remains will be received in the Country on Tuesday, 10th October 2023 at 9:15 pm at the Kotoka International Airport by the family to be conveyed to the morgue after a brief ceremony.

    Further details will be duly communicated.
    End.
    Hon. Simon Kweku Tetteh,
    (Family Spokesperson)
    0277180720, 0243180720
    CC:
    All Media Houses

  • Three technicians suffocate to death in fuel reservoir in Koforidua

    Three technicians suffocate to death in fuel reservoir in Koforidua

    The Koforidua Effiduase District Police Command is currently conducting an investigation into the tragic deaths of three technicians who suffocated in a reservoir located at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) office in Koforidua, Eastern Region, on Monday.

    These three technicians, identified as Mr. Ashie, Octopus, and Jonathan, were part of a team of five technical experts hired by the PBC workshop to carry out maintenance work on the fuel reservoir situated at the COCOBOD office.

    The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but it is known that two workers, in an attempt to rescue a colleague who had entered the reservoir and subsequently suffocated, also succumbed to suffocation while trying to save their fellow worker.

    Two witnesses, who were coworkers of the victims and present at the scene, reported the incident to the authorities.

    A response team, comprising personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Municipal Secretariat, Effiduase Police Command, Ghana Ambulance Service, and Ghana National Fire Service, arrived at the location to assist in recovering the bodies of the victims from the underground tank.

    Kankam Twumasi Daniel, the Deputy Municipal Director of NADMO for New Juaben North, confirmed the incident to Citi News and stated that the police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

    He further disclosed that the bodies of the deceased individuals have been transported to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Mortuary in Effiduase for preservation and autopsy.

    “Around 11 o’clock, NADMO received a call about an incident at PBC yard. So we had to rush there. When we got there, per our investigations, five gentlemen were contracted by the management of the facility to do some maintenance work on their reservoir tank containing fuel and unfortunately, three of them had drowned.”

    “So we had to call other departments, thus the Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, and Ambulance Service so that we could extricate the bodies from the tank.”

  • Israel prioritises destroying Hamas – Ambassador says

    Israel prioritises destroying Hamas – Ambassador says

    Israel kept bombing Gaza with extremely dangerous attacks on Tuesday, forcing over 100,000 people to leave their homes and overwhelming hospitals with injured Palestinians. This happened because Hamas threatened to kill innocent people it had taken as hostages and show their murders on TV if Israel targeted Gaza with airstrikes without giving any warning.

    After the militant group made a threat, the ambassador of Israel to the United Nations said in an interview on CNN that their main goal is to destroy the terrorist abilities of Hamas.

    “We want everyone who was taken to come back home, but right now, our main goal is to destroy Hamas’ ability to carry out terrorist acts,” Gilad Erdan said, as violence continued on the fourth day, Tuesday.

    Around 900 people died and many others got hurt in Israel during a sudden and destructive attack by Hamas. The attack started on Saturday morning when the militant group launched thousands of rockets and sent fighters into Israel. In simple words: Israel has officially declared war on Hamas and has placed a complete blockade on the crowded coastal strip.

    Erdan said that around 100 to 150 people are believed to have been taken hostage in Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said they had more than 100 people they were keeping against their will in Gaza. Some of these people are important officers in the Israeli army.

    Erdan said that even though there are hostages in Gaza, it will not stop Israel from doing what they need to do to protect their future.

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that the Israeli military will launch a powerful attack on them. He also said that this attack on Hamas in Gaza is just the start, implying that there will be more destruction to come.

    “This enemy desired war, and that is what they will receive,” Netanyahu said on Monday, also mentioning that challenging times are still ahead of us.

    CNN reporters heard loud explosions and rumbling sounds in Gaza, suggesting that more bombing is happening. They also saw fighter jets in the sky.

    Israeli warplanes kept bombing Gaza throughout the night and into Tuesday, attacking more than 200 places in the Rimal and Khan Yunis neighborhoods, as per the Israeli Defense Forces.

    Up to now, the bombings have caused the death of at least 687 individuals, including many children and women. In addition, thousands have been injured, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

    It is expected that Israel will launch a big attack on Gaza, possibly with soldiers going in on the ground. However, we do not know exactly how large their response will be.

    Israel has sent a lot of soldiers to its border in the south. They have also put tanks and planes along the fence that separates Gaza from Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN about this. The Israeli army has moved people away from the border to keep them safe, and they have asked over 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers to come and help.

    Despite more soldiers being sent to help, Hamas fighters have tried to cross the border between Israel and the south to carry out suicide attacks and harm innocent people and soldiers. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lieutenant Colonel, has given this information. Jonathan Conricus spoke.

    We will wait and see what happens on the way and how we do the task. But for now, we keep attacking from above. “And, of course, we have plans to make it bigger,” said Conricus. The soldiers, backup forces, and the normal groups that are coming together at the edge of the southern area are preparing for what they need to do.

    The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have increased the number of soldiers along its border with Lebanon. They have added many more troops in case Hezbollah decides to attack, according to Conricus.

    Hezbollah told CNN that three of its members were killed in an Israeli air attack in southern Lebanon on Monday.

    The IDF previously stated that it killed armed people who entered Israel from Lebanon. This happened because Hezbollah admitted to attacking three Israeli locations in Shebaa Farms, which Lebanon believes belongs to Israel.

    In Gaza, Israel has been using airstrikes as a response. Now, they have ordered a “complete siege” which will stop the delivery of electricity, food, water, and fuel to the Palestinian area.

    This place has a lot of people living in a small area. There are about 2 million people living in a space of 140 square miles.

    For almost 17 years now, this place has been mostly isolated from the rest of the world. It happened when Hamas took over, and as a result, Israel and Egypt placed strict limits on what can go in or out of the area. This situation is continuing to this day. Israel stops and controls the movement of things like planes and ships going to or from Gaza.

    The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced on Monday that it had to shut down all 14 of its food distribution centers in Gaza. This means that around 500,000 individuals are no longer receiving necessary food assistance.

    Over half of the people in the country are poor and do not have enough food. Almost 80% of the population depends on help from others.

    The Israeli army attacked the Shati and Jabalia refugee camps in Gaza on Monday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. They called the attack a “massacre” against the whole area.

    More bombings on a house in Gaza hurt two journalists and one more was injured, said the Government Media Office controlled by Hamas.

    According to the head of the media office, Salama Marouf, Saed Al-Taweel and Mohammed Sabah were reporting on the evacuation of a building when they were hit by an Israeli strike. Marouf said that the press members were easy to recognize because they were wearing special clothes and safety equipment with markings that showed they were journalists.

    CNN saw a video where Sabah’s body was on a bed, wearing a blue bulletproof vest that said “Press. ” Other journalists were around him. The IDF told CNN they are investigating the report.

    At the same time, the ministry said that the Israeli forces intentionally targeted areas where civilians live, medical facilities, and especially people who work to save others, as well as vehicles used for emergencies.

    The ministry said that five medical workers were killed in planned attacks in Gaza.

    Colonel Jonathan Conricus was asked if the Israeli military was able to tell the difference between civilian places, government sites, and military objectives. Colonel Richard Hecht explained that the difference was not easy to understand.

    He said on Tuesday that in buildings where people live, there might be a store for weapons or a person who is in charge of the Hamas group.

    Getting medical care has become more difficult because Israel has stopped the electricity in the area. The ministry said that the only hospital in Gaza’s Beit Hanoun neighborhood had to stop all its services because of ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Nine ambulances have been attacked since Saturday, according to the ministry.

    Many people who come to hospitals in Gaza have very bad burns and lost limbs, according to a spokesperson from the Palestinian Health Ministry who talked to a Palestinian news agency called Shihab Agency on Monday. Many people have gotten hurt by pieces of metal and other objects that exploded, said Ashraf al-Qidra.

    According to al-Qidra, mostly women and children are going to hospitals for treatment because Israeli forces are specifically attacking homes and buildings.

    The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) mentioned that its emergency shelters in Gaza are almost full with over 137,000 individuals seeking safety from Israeli attacks. The text mentions that a UN school where families who had to leave their homes were staying was hit, but doesn’t provide more information about it. We don’t know how many people were in the shelter when the attack happened.

    Reporting for CNN was done by Richard Allen Greene, Lauren Izso, Nada Bashir, Ibrahim Dahman, Kareem Khadder, Abeer Salman, Eyad Kourdi, and Amir Tal.

  • “The others used money to intimidate people” – Ken Agyapong on why Alan lost the delegate election

    “The others used money to intimidate people” – Ken Agyapong on why Alan lost the delegate election


    Kennedy Agyapong, flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has provided insights into why his fellow contender, Alan Kyerematen, faced challenges in the NPP super delegates election held on August 26, 2023.

    During an interview on Neat FM on October 5, 2023, Agyapong asserted that Alan Kyerematen‘s choice to maintain a low profile within the party for extended periods had consequences for his campaign. He explained that during the years when Kyerematen remained relatively inactive in politics, a new generation of voters had emerged.

    Many of these young voters were now eligible to participate in the election, but they were unfamiliar with Alan Kyerematen due to his prolonged absence from the political scene.

    “He (Alan) and I were engaging in a fair campaign, but the others were on the other side and using money to intimidate people.

    “They were going to win because of their intimidation tactics, wealth, and power, but Alan and I were going to win because of our popularity among the general public.

    “Alan has been a part of the system for a while, but there came a point where it appeared he stayed quiet and was silent. The majority of the children who were young at the time are now adults who are able to vote, so if you think back to when Kufour was in power when someone was 10 years old, they are now 25 years old and don’t know about Alan at the time,” he said.

    Kennedy Agyapong further elaborated that one of the significant missteps made by Alan Kyerematen could have been his decision not to become a Member of Parliament.

    Agyapong suggested that his own continuous presence, both in the media and as a Member of Parliament, had been instrumental in preserving his visibility and popularity within the political landscape.

    “Many of them don’t know Alan because he withdrew from society and went quiet over the years, but I have consistently served in Parliament, and I believe that honorable Alan made the mistake of not being forced to become a Member of Parliament. For me, my consistency on radio and television in good and bad times has made me well known,” he added.

    In the super delegates election, Bawumia secured a total of 629 votes, which amounted to 68.15 percent of the overall votes, making him the top candidate.

    Kennedy Agyapong secured the second position with 132 votes, equating to 14.30 percent of the vote share. Alan Kyerematen garnered 95 votes, accounting for 10.29 percent of the total votes cast.

  • Kanye West’s secret marriage with Bianca Censori confirmed – Report

    Kanye West’s secret marriage with Bianca Censori confirmed – Report

    Months of marriage speculation surrounding Kanye West and Bianca Censori have finally been confirmed by the Daily Mail, revealing that the couple did indeed married in secret. Their union took place under a confidential marriage license in California, emphasizing the private nature of their ceremony.

    While prior reports had suggested the possibility of a non-legally binding wedding ceremony, as there was no concrete evidence of their union, the Daily Mail exclusively reported their official marriage status. Kanye West and Bianca Censori exchanged vows in a confidential marriage on December 20, 2022, just a month following West’s divorce from Kim Kardashian.

    The secretive nature of their marriage had fueled speculation, but the acquisition of confidential marriage documents substantiates their legal union. According to the marriage license, the couple wed in Palo Alto, California, in Silicon Valley, opting for an undisclosed location. The documents were filed using their full names, with Kanye West’s name officially changed to ‘Ye’ in October 2021 from Kanye Omari West.

    Ye and Bianca’s marriage was officiated by James Mayfield, a California-based officiant known for offering marriage ‘packages’ that start at $385 and do not require a courthouse ceremony. Notably, the confidential marriage license they obtained did not necessitate any witnesses. According to the documents, their marital residence is listed as West’s Wyoming ranch.

    Kanye West acquired the $14 million ranch four years ago, but there has been limited development on the property since then. In July 2020, West initiated the construction of unfinished domes on the land, but he has not been seen at the location for several years.

    A close friend of the couple shed light on their choice of a confidential marriage license, explaining that Ye’s enduring fame and his previous marriage to someone constantly in the public eye influenced their decision.

    The source also highlighted the deeply private and affectionate nature of Bianca and Ye’s relationship, characterized by their strong devotion to each other.

    “They prioritize creating moments exclusively for themselves, which explains their discretion regarding their wedding details, the source told the Daily Mail, adding that it is likely that only the two of them have the full knowledge of how their wedding unfolded.

  • Money laundering, bribes; Why Benedict Peters, the man who made $130m at Ghana’s Airport was declared wanted criminal in Nigeria

    Money laundering, bribes; Why Benedict Peters, the man who made $130m at Ghana’s Airport was declared wanted criminal in Nigeria

    The owner of Aiteo Group of Companies in Nigeria, Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters finds himself entangled in a web of as allegations of corruption and questions surrounding the COVID-19 testing contract in Ghana continue to swirl.

    The lack of transparency regarding the USD 150 COVID-19 test at Kotoka International Airport in Accra has left travelers and Ghana’s political landscape in turmoil.

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who revealed some details of the Frontier contract with the Ghana Airport Company, (GACL) stated that GACL made $10 out of every $150 collected for COVID test at Ghana’s Airport.

    According to him, Frontier is estimated to have made a colossal $130m from the 2-year contract

    “It is as though somebody has put a gun to their head and they are just making all kinds of offers to frontiers which are skewed, imbalance, which are against their own interest. Will you believe that this offer letter says that though we know you are going to charge $150 per test, we are only interested in $10. We will take only ten dollars. Can you believe that? he quizzed host during an interview over the phone. Per our calculation Frontier made not less that $130m dollars.”

    But before long before this deal, Mr Peters has always been in the news in Nigerian of several corruption allegation.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared the businessman and Managing Director of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters, wanted in 2016 for his alleged role in the $115m (N23bn) bribe given to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the build-up to the 2015 election.

    The EFCC said in an official gazette signed by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, that Peters was wanted for criminal conspiracy, diversion of funds and money laundering.

    The notice read in part, “Dark-complexioned Peters is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy , diversion of funds and money laundering. He hails from Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His last known address is 8B Agodogba Avenue, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

    Peters is alleged to have given Diezani about $60m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

    The EFCC had alleged that the MD of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, helped Diezani convert $115m to N23bn after which it was disbursed to INEC officials.

    Some of the money was said to have emanated from some oil companies including Northern Belt Gas Company Limited which allegedly gave $60m to Fidelity Bank on behalf of Diezani.

    An EFCC source told our correspondent that Peters was the person behind Northern Belt Gas Company Limited.

    The source said, “We have launched investigations into the companies that gave Diezani money in the form of kickbacks. About $60m came from Northern Belt Gas Company Limited. We have not been able to ascertain the directors of the company. However, we found out that Mr. Benedict Peters is the sole signatory to the account at Fidelity Bank.

    “All attempts to get him have proved abortive. We currently do not know where he is and he is hardly ever in one place because he has a private jet.”

    The oil magnate, who owns oil facilities in several countries, is said to own tank farms in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peters acquired an 85-per cent stake in block OML 29 from Shell Gas Company for $2.56bn. OML 29 potentially holds up to 2.2 billion barrels of oil and about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas.

    He was also alleged to have taken part in the controversial crude oil swap deal involving the exchange of crude oil for refined petroleum products in which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gave out 445,000 barrels of crude per day to nine companies through the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC.

    However, Peters had in an advertorial in Sunday PUNCH of May 8, 2016, denied the allegations levelled against him.

    The statement read in part, “In order to put the facts clearly and correctly in the public domain, both AIETO Group and Mr. Peter would like to state categorically that Mr. Peters has not been officially invited by the EFCC on this matter.

    “As a law-abiding citizen and a significant participant in Nigeria’s key oil and gas sector and an accomplished global businessman with significant interests in different parts of the world, Mr. Benedict Peters will upon receipt of an official invitation from the EFCC, cooperate with such relevant authorities.

    “Mr. Peters who is currently out of the country will certainly attend to an invitation from the EFCC upon return to Nigeria.”

    Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency has also declared one Mr. Johnson Salako wanted for allegedly defrauding the Bank of Industry of N1.424bn.

  • The ‘in toto’ of how a Nigerian ‘fugitive’ Benedict Peters wants to hijack Ghana’s Airpot lands

    The ‘in toto’ of how a Nigerian ‘fugitive’ Benedict Peters wants to hijack Ghana’s Airpot lands

    While we are yet to unravel the details Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) sweet ‘secret deal’ with Frontier Healthcare Service Limited, a company owned by Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters, we get hit by another explosive deal with a company named Heaven Builders Limited linked to the same Benedict Peters.

    Ghanaians are beginning to wonder how of the country has been ‘captured’ by this same man who was on Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) WANTED LIST corruption and money laundry allegations

    Benedict Peters, the owner of Aiteo Group of Companies in Nigeria, finds himself entangled in a web of controversy as allegations of corruption and questions surrounding the COVID-19 testing contract in Ghana continue to swirl. The lack of transparency regarding the USD 150 COVID-19 test at Kotoka International Airport in Accra has left travelers and Ghana’s political landscape in turmoil.

    As if this is not concerning enough, in a developing story that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political and business circles, a contentious land transaction involving prime state lands near Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is causing widespread concern and debate.

    The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) is at the center of this controversy as it allegedly prepares to hand over these valuable airport lands to Heaven Builders Limited, a Nigerian-owned company with reported connections to high-ranking figures in Ghana. Critics have accused Heaven Builders Limited of using Ghanaians as fronts in this deal.

    One of the primary sources of contention is the vastly differing valuations of the land in question. The Ghana Institute of Surveyors, as far back as 2019, priced just 1.7 acres of the airport lands at over US$6.3 million each. However, Heaven Builders Limited has set the current average value of an acre of this land at a mere US$1.3 million.

    Benedict Peters, the owner of Heaven Builders Limited, is alleged to have close ties to the Akufo-Addo family, particularly Edward Akufo-Addo, known as “Bumpty,” the younger brother of the President.

    This situation has given rise to a fierce battle within the GACL. The management, led by Managing Director Pamela Djamson-Tettey, has garnered support from the workers’ union to safeguard the state’s interests. In contrast, the board of directors, chaired by Paul Adom-Otchere, appears divided on the matter, with some members siding with the management.

    The heart of the dispute lies in the extent of land being offered to Heaven Builders Limited. While Ghana Airports initially intended to lease 38.41 acres of the land to anchor holders for US$85 million over a 45-year period, Benedict Peters has insisted on securing a more substantial 62.14 acres for a 99-year lease, a move many analysts have criticized as detrimental to Ghana’s interests.

    According to reports, the 62.14 acres of land, by valuation standards set by the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, should command a price far exceeding US$139 million. However, the proposed deal’s cost aligns with the valuation of the smaller 38.41-acre portion, priced at US$85 million.

    These prime airport lands were originally part of a 272-acre tract of land vested in the state and leased to GACL for 99 years during the tenure of the Tony Lithur-led board under the John Mahama administration.

    Despite mounting concerns and multiple valuation reports suggesting that Heaven Builders Limited’s counteroffer is significantly undervalued, Paul Adom-Otchere, along with Minister for Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, are reportedly pushing forward with the transaction, favoring Heaven Builders Limited as anchor holders who will subsequently lease the prime lands to private developers.

    Inside sources within the Presidency have reportedly revealed Heaven Builders Limited’s connection to Benedict Peters, the same individual who owns Frontier Healthcare Services Limited, known for deploying a costly COVID-19 testing facility at KIA during the pandemic.

    Critics argue that Benedict Peters, a Nigerian national with strong ties to the Akufo-Addo family, appears to be leveraging his connections to secure prime KIA lands for a fraction of their true value.

    Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is closely monitoring the transaction, has raised further concerns. He claims that Heaven Builders Limited does not have a physical office at the locations listed in its incorporation documents. Ablakwa’s investigation revealed that one listed address in Tema was an abandoned residential structure, while another address in Accra’s Central Business District did not yield any trace of the company.

    This controversy continues to unfold as more details emerge, with allegations of irregularities and questionable practices surrounding the deal. Ghanaian citizens and observers are closely watching developments, and calls for transparency and accountability in this high-stakes land transaction are growing louder by the day.

  • Mahama Ayariga to drag BoG governors to OSP

    Mahama Ayariga to drag BoG governors to OSP

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has made known his intention to refer the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison, and his deputies to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for investigation and possible prosecution.

    The complaint will focus on corruption and corruption-related offences in relation to the award of a contract for the construction of a new head office building for the Bank of Ghana, the MP indicated in a letter to the Governor dated October 2.

    Mr Ayariga indicated that the BoG failed to provide a proper response to his request for information pursuant to the Right to Information Request regarding the project’s cost, scope of work, bill of quantities and contract start and completion dates.

    “I suspect that your team, in collusion with the contractors, overpriced the project with a possible view to obtaining personal gain. I reject your use of “national security considerations” as a reason to refuse to answer my questions properly,” part of the letter reads.

    Mr Ayariga noted that although the bank provided information on the number of blocks and other facilities to be built in the new facility, they stopped short of providing information on the scope of work.

    He noted that BoG had initially proposed a project cost of US$100.857,924.48 but the Public Procurement Authority reduced the estimated cost to USD81.882,640.00.

    However, the project estimation moved from the initial cost to USD121,078.517.94 and then to US$222,799,760.55, he stated.

    “Per your statement, the unit cost of a square meter of your scope of work is USD2,068.00. The project cost is now US$222.799,760,55. So, by simple arithmetic, we can easily calculate the scope of works and define it to be about 107.737sq.m. The briefing on the CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS PROJECT states clearly that the cost per square meter is the basis for determining the project cost.”

    “When the scope of works of the project moved from 73,000sq.m to about 107.737sqm, we expect a corresponding change in the cost of the project. However, the variation in scope of work was about 36.9% but the project cost changed by 84%. The price moved from USD121,078,517.94 to USD222,799,760.55.”

    Mr Agayriga believes that this un-corresponding change in the cost of the project, relative to the change in scope of works, is unreasonable adding it “can only be explained by suspected padding of project cost and corruption.”

    “Your refusal to provide details to aid any understanding of the pricing reinforces my belief that massive corruption explains the shift in office project price from US$81.882640.00 to US$121,078.517.94 and then to US$222,799,760.55. Even more so when you yourselves initially proposed a price of US$100,857,924.48.”

    “On the basis of the above analysis of the project cost change and given your cowardly decision to hide under the banner of “national security considerations” to refuse to provide adequate information which would have laid bare obvious corruption and overpricing of a public project. I am left with no other option but to report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) what I believe to be a case of suspected “corruption and corruption-related offenses” under section 2(a) and 79 of The Office of Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).”

    The Bawku Central MP stated that he is determined to pursue the issue until the BoG comes clean. “This we do for the love of country and in pursuit of A Better Ghana.”

  • “Mind Your Language” cast then and now

    “Mind Your Language” cast then and now

    Do you still recall the beloved TV series “Mind Your Language”? It’s a British sitcom that first graced our screens on ITV back in 1977. This show beautifully portrayed a diverse group of individuals hailing from various countries, each with unique social backgrounds, religions, and languages. They all found themselves sharing a classroom with one common aim: mastering the English language.

    The cast of this sitcom, with their incredible talent and humor, had us captivated, providing us with endless laughter. Now, fast forward 46 years, it’s natural to wonder where these talented stars have ventured.

    Allow me to take you on a journey to discover the whereabouts of your favorite TV stars from “Mind Your Language.”

    Ricardo Montez  (Juan Cervantes): He was 54 years old when he started his role 

    a Spanish Catholic bartender with an optimistic outlook. Juan is always laughing at himself, confident of his answers even when they are completely wrong. Early in the series, Juan speaks almost no English (apart from episode 2 where he describes Miss Courtney as “Plenty awesome, very good!”) and answers everything with “por favor” (please). He sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 87 in Spain.

    Barry Evans (Jeremy Brown): Barry Evans played the role of the English teacher, Jeremy Brown. He was 34 years old when he acted in the sitcom. Mr. Brown, the English teacher and central character of the series, was a good-natured and earnest single man in his thirties who lived alone. He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford University. Mr. Brown’s introduction to the series occurred in the pilot episode when he was warned that the previous teacher had been driven insane by the students. Despite the challenges, Mr. Brown courageously accepted the role as their teacher.

    He sadly passed away on February 9, 1997 at the age of 53.

    Unfortunately, Barry Evans passed away in 1997 at the age of 53.

    Zara Nutley (Miss Courtney): Zara Nutley, the remarkable actress who played the role of the stern Miss Courtney, was 53 years old when she delivered her memorable performance in the sitcom. Miss Courtney was characterized by her strong aversion to the male gender, firmly believing that women were superior to men and preferring female teachers. Her initial reluctance to hire Mr. Brown led to her reluctantly giving him a one-month trial.

    Miss Courtney had a habit of making unannounced visits to the English classroom to assess Mr. Brown’s students’ progress, often leaving disappointed. Unfortunately, Zara Nutley, the talented actress behind this iconic character, passed away on October 9, 2016, at the age of 92 in England, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

    Françoise Pascal (Danielle Favre): Françoise Pascal, who played the French character Danielle Favre. She was an amorous young French Catholic au pair who instantly grabbed the attention of all the men, including Mr Brown. Her good looks often distracted Giovanni and Max from their answers, while Mr Brown was often found in seemingly incriminating positions with her, and she was strongly attracted to him. She was annoyed when an attractive young Swedish blonde, Ingrid Svenson, joined the class, instigating a rivalry for Mr Brown’s attention. She continued her acting career after the show. She appeared in various TV shows and films, including “The Professionals” and “The Iron Rose.” She is currently 73 years old.

    Anna Bergman (Ingrid Svenson): She was 30 years old when she acted in the series. She was a Swedish au pair who joined the class at the beginning of series 2. She was an attractive young woman who openly expressed her romantic interest in Mr. Brown, leading to a rivalry between her and Danielle. Ingrid’s primary challenge with English is word order, frequently mixing up words in sentences, such as saying “you for I question answer.” She is currently 75 years old.

    Robert Lee (Tarō Nagazumi): He was at the age of 64 when he acted in the series. He portrayed a Japanese electronics executive representing the London branch of the fictional Japan-based electronic company, Bushido Electronics. While he spoke English fluently, he had a peculiar habit of adding “-o” to nearly every word he uttered (e.g., “thank-o,” “England-o”). Additionally, he often responded with a cheerful “Ah So!” while bowing whenever called upon. He also passed away at the age of 73 on December 1, 1986.

    Gabor Vernon (Maximilian Papandrious): Gabor Vernon, the talented actor who portrayed the cheerful Greek student, Maximilian Papandrious, was a youthful 34 years old when he brought this character to life in the sitcom. Max’s character was particularly drawn to Danielle and had a tendency to misinterpret metaphors and use large words in amusing ways. His distinctive heavy accent led him to add ‘h’ to nearly every word he uttered.

    Remarkably, Gabor Vernon is now 80 years old. Over the years, he continued to grace our screens with his presence, making appearances in other renowned series such as “Doctor Who” and “The Sweeney.”

    Jamila Massey (Jamila Ranjha): Jamila Massey, the talented actress who brought the character Jamila Ranjha to life, was 43 years old when she graced the sitcom. Jamila Ranjha was portrayed as a stereotypical Indian housewife hailing from Shimla. Her initial struggles with the English language were evident, as she would often rant in Hindi. When asked for her name by Mr. Brown, she initially responded in Hindi, and when she finally understood the question, she opted to write her name on the blackboard in Urdu, as she couldn’t write it in English.

    Following her role in the sitcom, Jamila Massey enjoyed a successful career in British television, making appearances in popular shows like “The Bill” and “Coronation Street.” Today, at the age of 89, she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the world of entertainment.

    Juan Cervantes (George Camiller): He was 35 years old when he first appeared in the sitcom.

    Typical Italian Catholic chef, loudest person in the class, and de facto class monitor. Giovanni’s main problem with English is understanding metaphors and large words, though he often answers wrongly on purpose to amuse the class. 

    He often calls Mr Brown Professori. When shocked or surprised, he often remarks and he says the catchphrases like “Santa Maria”, “Santa Daisy”, “Okey Cokey”, “Buona Sera” or “Holy Ravioli”. When he doesn’t understand something he says scusi.

    George Camiller, the Maltese actor who portrayed Juan Cervantes, continued to act in various TV productions and theater after the show. He is currently 80 years old and is living a healthy life.

    Albert Moses (Ranjeet Sing ):

    The talented actor who brought the character of Ranjeet Singh, a London Underground employee from Punjab, India, and a devout Sikh, to life was 40 years old during his time on the sitcom. Ranjeet Singh’s character had a memorable encounter in the first episode when Mr. Brown mistakenly identified him as a Pakistani and asked him to sit next to his “fellow countryman,” Ali Nadim, a Pakistani Muslim.

    Throughout the series, Ranjeet and Ali had frequent disagreements, and despite having a good vocabulary, Ranjeet often mixed up his general knowledge. Whenever corrected, he would humbly put his hands together and say, “a thousand apologies.”

    Unfortunately, on September 15, 2017, this talented actor passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances for fans to cherish.

    Dino Shafeek (Ali Nadim) :He was 47 years old when he took part in the sitcom.

    He was a Pakistani initially unemployed at the beginning of the first season, who later gets a job as a door to door salesman. and the first student to make an appearance. He is originally from Lahore, Pakistan, although he once stated he grew up in Delhi 

    He often misinterprets the English for a comical sense, but has a very fair command of it. 

    As a Pakistani Muslim, he has a vocal and occasionally physical rivalry with Ranjeet, who is an Indian Sikh. Ali’s typical catchphrases are “yes please” (in situations where he should say “yes, thank you” or “yes indeed”), “oh blimey!”, “Squeeze me please” (which is how he pronounces “Excuse me please”), and “jolly good“. On March 10, 1984, he passed away at the age of 53.

    Pik-Sen Lim (Chung Su-Lee): She portrayed a stereotypical Chinese communist woman working as a secretary at the Chinese Embassy. She always carried her Little Red Book of Mao and frequently quoted from it. She had a habit of mixing up her “r” and “l” sounds. Initially, she had a strong ideological rivalry with Taro, her Japanese classmate, but as the series progressed, he often defended her when others insulted her or China. Whenever she quoted Chairman Mao, Mr. Brown typically responded with, “That’s a matter of opinion.”. According to the British Film Institute, Lim was “the most familiar Chinese actor on British television screens in the 1970s and 80s.”She is currently 79 years old.

    While some of the cast members are no longer with us, others continued to contribute to the world of entertainment. “Mind Your Language” remains a classic sitcom that brought laughter and cultural insights to viewers around the world.

  • Israeli military reports hitting thousands of Hamas targets

    Israeli military reports hitting thousands of Hamas targets

    One of the “largest ever air strikes against Hamas in Gaza” was conducted by the Israeli Air Force, according to Israel’s military.

    In a social media post, the Israel Defence Forces claimed to have hit 2,400 Hamas targets alone today.

    This included weapons storage and manufacturing facilities as well as command and control centres, the IDF claimed. This was more than twice the amount of targets struck between Saturday and this morning.

  • “If Bawumia wins in the Central Region, you will see what will happen to you people in 2024″ – Ken Agyapong threatens Chairman Kutin

    “If Bawumia wins in the Central Region, you will see what will happen to you people in 2024″ – Ken Agyapong threatens Chairman Kutin

    Flagbearer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, made a startling threat to wreak havoc and hire troublemakers if the region’s delegates chose Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party in the 2024 elections.

    Agyapong directly challenged the Central Regional executives during a speech at a political event. He threatened them with dire consequences if Bawumia won the upcoming elections.

    He asserted that the area would descend into chaos if the vice president is elected.

    “I’m daring Chairman Kutin. If Bawumia wins in the Central Region, you will see what will happen to you people in 2024…I dare them. I am daring Chairman Kutin and the Central Regional executives,” stated Agyapong.

    Agyapong also made a hint that he might have something planned that would jeopardise the political stability of the area.

    He made a subliminal threat, implying that if he does not win everyone’s support, he will set up a showdown for his rivals.

    “What I have in my head, if they know, they would have made steady progress. It will be better for them to make sure I get 100% support. Otherwise, I will give them showdowns,” Agyapong declared.

    Agyapong proudly declared that he had the means to cause trouble and that he would pay people to act disruptively while highlighting his financial resources.

    “I am a man and have the money to play mischief. I will pay people to do mischief,” Agyapong boasted.

    These incendiary remarks have caused a stir among political observers and community leaders in the Central Region.

    They view Agyapong’s threats as highly inappropriate and a gross violation of democratic principles.

    Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of such rhetoric on the political landscape in Central Region. Critics argue that Agyapong’s statements undermine the electoral process and could incite violence or unrest within the region.

    It remains to be seen how the local authorities and political parties will respond to Agyapong’s provocative statement. Many people are requesting that the proper steps be taken against him in order to protect the legitimacy of the electoral process and guarantee peace and stability in the Central Region.

    Political leaders must conduct themselves honourably during the election season and avoid using inflammatory language that could jeopardise Ghana’s democratic advancement.

  • Over 1,000 people have died in Israel – Israel Ministry of Defense

    Over 1,000 people have died in Israel – Israel Ministry of Defense

    Israel’s army placed a full blockade on the Gaza Strip on Monday. This means they stopped any food, fuel, and supplies from entering the area, which is home to about 2. 3 At the same time, they launched many airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled territory as a response to the violent attack carried out by militants over the weekend.

    More than two days after Hamas attacked unexpectedly from Gaza, the Israeli military reported that it had mostly taken control of the southern towns where they had been fighting against Hamas fighters. Israel’s highly praised military and intelligence operations were caught completely by surprise by Hamas, leading to intense fighting in its streets for the first time in many years.

    Tanks and drones were used to protect the holes in the border fence to stop any new unauthorized entries. Many Israelis had to leave their homes in many towns near Gaza. The army called for 300,000 people who were not working for the army at that time and asked them to come and help in a very big and fast way.

    Israel has started attacking Hamas more aggressively, which could cause a lot of damage in the crowded and poor Gaza Strip.

    On Sunday, there were attacks that destroyed a big part of the town called Beit Hanoun in Gaza. The Israeli government claimed that Hamas was using this town as a base for their activities. On Monday, the Israeli army loudly told people in Rimal, a neighborhood in the middle of Gaza City, to leave. This is where The Associated Press and other foreign news companies have their offices. It was a warning that there would be a lot of strong attacks.

    The big question is if they will attack the small area near the Mediterranean Sea, which could cause a lot of people to get hurt. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, promised to completely dismantle the military and leadership abilities of the militant group.

    Israel attacked over 1,000 places in Gaza, while Palestinian fighters kept launching lots of rockets that made air raid sirens go off in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. A video on the internet showed that there was a line of smoke near a section of Ben Gurion International Airport. There is still no information about any people getting hurt or anything getting damaged from the most recent bombing.

    Regular people have already suffered a lot and have had to give up a lot because of something. Nearly 700 individuals, including 73 soldiers, have died in Israel. This information comes from Israeli news sources and rescue services. This number is incredibly high when compared to previous conflicts. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that a total of 493 people died in Gaza. Among them were 78 children and 41 women. Many people have been hurt on both sides.

    Groups of fighters from Palestine said they have kidnapped more than 130 individuals from Israel and taken them forcefully into Gaza. The fighting group of Hamas said on its messaging channel that four of their people died in airstrikes from Israel. That information could not be checked by someone else to make sure it is true.

    The Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has ordered a total blockade on Gaza. This means that they will stop the flow of electricity and prevent food and fuel from entering the area.

    Gallant said that Israel was in a war with “human animals,” using harsh language that both sides often use when tensions get high.

    Israel and Egypt have put restrictions on Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007. In the past few years, Israel has given a small amount of electricity and allowed the import of food, fuel, and some things people buy, but they have made it difficult for people to go in and out of the country.

    The Israeli seal means that Gaza will mostly rely on the crossing into Egypt at Rafah for import and export, but this crossing has lower limits on how much can be transported compared to crossings into Israel.

    An official from the Egyptian military, who wants to remain anonymous because he is not allowed to talk to the media, said that more than 2 tons of medical supplies from the Egyptian Red Crescent were sent to Gaza. They are also trying to arrange for food and other deliveries, but they have not yet decided if they will allow fuel to be brought in.

    Israeli Rear Admiral Rear Admiral is a high-ranking military officer in the Israeli Navy. Daniel Hagari said that Israel was using bombs to destroy houses and buildings in different districts that they believe are being used by Hamas. Israel is planning to attack many places, he said. He said that a lot of Hamas fighters were trapped underneath the debris of buildings that were destroyed by Israel in the last two days. It was not possible to confirm what he said about the numbers or that he said the dead were Hamas.

    In the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, an attack by Israeli planes on Monday morning killed 19 people. Among them were women and children, according to Dr. Talat Barhoum from the local Al-Najjar Hospital. Barhoum said a plane crashed into the house where the Abu Hilal family lived, and one of the people who died was Rafaat Abu Hilal, who was in charge of a local armed group. The strike broke nearby houses.

    During the weekend, a house in Rafah was hit by an airstrike. Sadly, 19 members of the Abu Quta family, including women and children, were killed, along with five neighbors. Nasser Abu Quta, who survived the attack, stated that there were no militants present in their home.

    The UN is an abbreviation for the United Nations. Over 123,000 people in Gaza have left their homes because they were told the Israeli military would soon attack. The United Nations (U. N) The United Nations agency that helps Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, stated that a school where more than 225 individuals were staying was struck directly. It didn’t say where the fire started.

    After fighting for about 2 days, Hagari said that the military now has “control” over the communities near the border in southern Israel. There were a few small fights on Monday, but overall there is no fighting going on in the communities right now.

    He said that 15 out of 24 communities near the border have been cleared out, and the remaining ones will be emptied soon.

    Earlier, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua spoke to The Associated Press and said that the group’s fighters are still fighting outside of Gaza. He also mentioned that they have recently captured more Israelis, as recent as Monday morning.

    He said the group wants to release all Palestinian prisoners that Israel is holding. In the past, Israel has agreed to unfair deals where it released many prisoners in exchange for just one captive or even the remains of soldiers.

    Among the people who have been captured are soldiers and regular people, including women, children, and older adults. Most of them are from Israel, but there are also some people from other countries. Egypt’s government-owned Al-Ahram newspaper reported on Monday that officials from Egypt are attempting to negotiate the release of Palestinian women who are currently imprisoned in Israel, in return for the release of Israeli women who have been captured by militants.

    Mayyan Zin, who is a mother that is no longer married and has two children, found out that her two daughters were taken away when a family member sent her pictures from a Telegram group. The pictures showed her daughters sitting on mattresses while being held captive. Afterwards, she discovered videos on the internet of a frightening situation at her ex-husband’s house: Some armed men had entered the house and were talking to him while her two daughters, Dafna (15 years old) and Ella (8 years old), cried nearby. Another video showed the dad being brought into Gaza.

    Please bring my daughters back home to our family. Everyone, Zin said.

    The Hamas group took control of Gaza in 2007, after pushing out the Palestinian Authority. Since then, no one has opposed their rule, even during the blockade and four wars with Israel.

    A large group of about 1,000 gunmen from Hamas broke through Israeli barriers early on Saturday. They spent several hours causing chaos by shooting and killing innocent people. They also kidnapped individuals in towns, along roads, and even at a music festival in the desert that was attended by thousands of people. According to the military, Palestinian fighters have fired approximately 4,400 rockets at Israel.

    Hamas claimed that it carried out the attack because Palestinians are suffering due to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, blockade of Gaza, discriminative policies in east Jerusalem, and tensions surrounding a disputed holy site in Jerusalem that is important to Muslims and Jews.

    The Palestinians want to have their own country in the territories that Israel took control of in the 1967 war. However, there haven’t been successful peace talks for more than 10 years, and the current right-wing government in Israel is against the idea of a Palestinian state.

    On Sunday, the United States (U. S) Sent a group of warships to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, and promised to send more help from the military.

  • Foreign ministry of Qatar confirms mediation efforts

    Foreign ministry of Qatar confirms mediation efforts

    Qatar’s foreign ministry said it is trying to help Hamas and Israeli officials talk peacefully to each other.

    Talking to Reuters news agency, a spokesperson said that the negotiations, which may involve trading prisoners, have been ongoing since Saturday night and are going well.

    “Our main goals are to stop the violence, free the prisoners, and prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring regions,” explained Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

    It is not clear how many Israeli people are being held captive in Gaza. Many people believe that Hamas took women, children, elderly individuals, and soldiers as hostages.

    Hamas spokesperson Hossam Badran has stated that the group is not willing to negotiate a prisoner swap while fighting is going on.

  • 2024 Shadows “Showdowns” and “Hooliganisms”

    2024 Shadows “Showdowns” and “Hooliganisms”

    A distinct feature of electoral democracies is a charged atmosphere of hyper-political participation during the year preceding the election year and the election year as well, which may be fertile grounds for democratic relapse.

    After those two years, people get laid back on participation until political power is up for grabs again.

    Ghana’s young democracy is no different

    While it is highly deemed as the beacon of democracy, Ghana’s democracy remains largely deficient in broad participation beyond elections. A good observation of 2021, and 2022 will bring to bear that Ghanaians were in a far worse economic situation than they are now in 2023. It will also show that people had more cause to demonstrate as inflation kept soaring.

    However, as an electoral democracy, such high political participation is maimed until the election year lurks around.

    The high periodic participation has birthed many political vocabularies like “All Die Be Die”, “Boot to Boot”, and this time round, “Showdown”, “Hooligans”, etc.

    The opposition gets politically aggressive, aiming to charge its base and entire citizenship to get ready to kick out the government. The waiting government (opposition) will take every chance to hit the government with criticisms through facts, propaganda, parliamentary probes, and demonstrations, among others. Call them opportunistic, call them great communicators, and call them patriots, whatever!

    This is the time when momentum to win an election begins for the opposition.

    Particularly for the Nana Addo’s government which has popularly sought to ambitiously break the cyclical eight-year party rule of the 30-year uninterrupted democratic transfer of power, the pressure of the opposition could not only mean a loss of a dream but an unprecedented loss of an incumbent.

    Making matters worse for the incumbent party, research by Global Info Analytics indicates that the NPP will not win the 2024 General elections with massive impacts from the Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s breakaway amidst a fierce race for the next flagbearer. Most, obviously, one did not need Global Info Analytics to predict this. However, Global Info Analytics’ research only scientifically affirmed what many foretellers of political folktales had already said.

    “For the 2024 general election, the poll shows JDM leading with 48.3%, followed by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) with 28.0%, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen with 11.3%, the other candidates attract 3.4%, 3.7% will prefer someone else and 5.4% are undecided. However, in the race between JDM, KOA (Kennedy Ohene Agyapong), AKK, and others, John Mahama leads with 48.0%, KOA attracts 27.2%, AKK, 11.4%, others, 2.8%, someone else, with 3.5% and undecided 7.1%”.”

    Global Info Analytics

    Should this happen, it will be the ever-worst loss of an incumbent party in the 4th republic.

    Against this background, the charged political atmosphere in Ghana is evident in the promise of “showdowns”, personal attacks, resorting to violent means for redress of issues, and politics of insult that characterize such years.

    Many well-meaning Ghanaians were particularly surprised when the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison called demonstrators of the OCCUPYBOGPROTEST “hooligans”. While most of his actions hitherto have been unwelcoming for the Minority, especially his refusal to receive their petition in person, tagging them as hooligans was by far the worst he should have ever reached.

    A sharp response from the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George added salt to the injury. Samuel George Nartey in his response counterattacking the Governor called the Governor a “coward”, “thief”, and “murderer”.

    “I’d rather be a hooligan fighting for the right things to be done in his country and being a voice for the youth and voiceless than to be a coward, thief, and murderer! Yes! I am a hooligan!”

    Samuel Nartey George, MP

    He went on to promise the governor and the government more hooliganism until their desire for the governor to resign was realized.

    How far will the minority go to meet this end remains a mystery given the history of the potency of demonstrations and probes under this government. Many believe the Governor will not resign just as the Finance Minister did not.

    Notwithstanding the Minority in Parliament has pledged not to stop until he is out.

    Before this happened, a much respected Member of Parliament, Francis Xavier Kojo Sosu goofed on a video that trended on social media. In the video, the Member of Parliament was heard insulting the government in unsavory language during the OCCUPYBOGPROTEST. He apologized following the condemnation of his choice of words by many citizens.

    Then came the attacks by some supposed NPP youth who attacked a live show on UTV requesting for a reform to the show. According to them, the reform will allow the NPP to have a representation of the show to defend the party’s position.  

    All these instances and many more including #OCCUPYJUBILEEHOUSEPROTESTS, cannot be viewed in isolation of one another. They announce the political season.

    It is therefore imperative that Ghanaians, increase their awareness and maintain decorum to protect its democratic gains. Within the sub–region, now more than ever, the threat of a democratic relapse is so high that more tolerance and measured speech and act are in high demand to maintain the country’s democratic position.

    Commendably, Mr. Sosu apologized when he goofed. There is no assurance of an incident-free process before, during, and after the elections in 2024, however, quick turnarounds like Mr. Sosu’s will be helpful to keep heads above water.

    But as it is said, prevention is far better than cure, hence all may have to be more proactive in ensuring that speeches and acts are more accommodating and foster national cohesion.

    It is also a big deal for the Electoral Commission to ensure that the processes are free and fair, before, during and after. Thus far, their decisions, especially on the guarantor system, are very commendable. The security personnel will also play a major role in consolidating the country’s democratic gains.

    It is time for all stakeholders and gatekeepers; traditional leaders, religious leaders, opinion leaders, global observers, civil society, amongst others, to activate campaigns to ensure that Ghana witnesses the 7th January 2025 passing on the democratic baton, without bullets, to the 6th President and 9th Parliament of its Fourth Republic, having defeated every threat of “showdowns” and “hooliganism”.

  • Thai employees discuss surviving Hamas bombings

    Thai employees discuss surviving Hamas bombings

    We have talked to Thai people who stayed in Israel and managed to survive the Hamas attacks on Saturday. Twelve people from Thailand have been murdered and another 11 have been taken by extremists.

    Workers at a farm in Mivtahim, a town close to the Gaza Strip, said that fighters shot rockets and attacked their farm early on Saturday.

    One person named Udomporn Champahom said that a Thai person who was with him got shot in the leg and is now getting better. The gunshot wound was described as being as big as a bottle cap.

    Someone else said “I was running and crawling under a truck when the shooter grabbed me and aimed their gun really close before shooting at the ground. ”

    The worker, who doesn’t want to give their name, was eventually able to get away.

    Around 30,000 people from Thailand are currently working in agriculture in Israel. Some of them, around 5,000, are specifically working near the Gaza border.

    Wanida Maarsa said that her husband Anucha Angkaew, who has been working on an avocado farm for almost two years, was one of the people captured by the militants.

    He was seen in a video that Hamas posted recently, but she hasn’t been able to reach him since Friday night. They last talked before she put their daughter to bed.

  • Laundering ‘dirty money’ in Ghana’s real estate sector

    Laundering ‘dirty money’ in Ghana’s real estate sector

    When a country houses an uninvited guest who has nothing but evil intentions of literally washing his dirty linens, thereby staining the credibility and threatening the survival of genuine ‘landlords’, it is certainly time to clean house.

    Development is obviously a good indication of a country’s growth prospects and everyone welcomes it wholeheartedly, and housing by no small means, plays a critical role in changing the scenes of a country’s landscape and Ghana’s real estate sector is offering the needed relief.

    Accra has certainly become a sight for sore eyes with respect to the springing up of high-rise buildings dotting prime locations of the city.

    However, beneath the beautiful facade of perfection are clandestine activities of money laundering in the country’s burgeoning real estate sector – essentially burning a hole in its survival prospects.

    Ghana last year, was removed from the European Union’s (EU) list of high risk third countries with strategic deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes.

    This was after Ghana had strengthened the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime by addressing related technical deficiencies including strengthening the legal and regulatory framework to meet the commitments in the FATF action plan, with a view of removing strategic deficiencies identified under the Article 9 of 4th Anti-money Laundering Directives.

    Nonetheless, this hasn’t deterred unscrupulous people from cleaning their ‘dirty monies’ and make them legal by all means.

    Shedding light on this sinister act perpetrated in the real estate sector, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, in July this year disclosed that real estate businesses operating in the country are engaged in money laundering. He asserted that the real estate industry is often used as a front for money laundering activities.

    “The cost of real estate in Ghana is not justifiable by any stretch. You keep seeing all these new high-rise buildings going up and they are selling them for half a million, a million dollars and they keep buying and buying amongst themselves…

    “I have dirty money to clean, I put up a real estate property, you have dirty money you come and buy the property from me and then automatically your money becomes clean, then tomorrow you also start building your own then I come back and buy, and we are just cleaning the money.” Sam Nartey George said.

    Despite the genuine intentions of the legislator, the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), the umbrella-body of property developers, threatened legal action against Sam George for his comment.

    However, four months down the line, GREDA is eating humble pie as it bemoaned the influx of illicit money into the real-estate sector, describing it as alarming and with dire repercussions for the economy.

    GREDA’s Executive Secretary, Sammy Amegayibor, revealed that the disturbing phenomenon was reported on by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) at a recent conference attended by actors in the real-estate sector across West Africa.

    “If you look at how the banks and other financial institutions operate these days, you will realize that they have tightened their systems; so, it is not easy for laundered money to pass through. This leaves the real-estate sector as the next frontier; we have noticed that people buy properties in the names of relatives and friends, making it difficult to trace the source and true beneficial owners.”Sammy Amegayibor said

    Now that the cat is finally out of the bag, creating a pathway through the rubble of money laundering is vital to the thriving of the sector.

    Tightening anti-laundering regime

    Curtailing a problem of money laundering in Ghana’s real estate sector is all the more pressing as the country struggles with issues of corruption, mismanagement and housing deficits.

    Indeed, the housing deficit for last year reduced by 33% but beyond providing an arguably affordable housing market to offset this trend and create a robust sector, real estate which has become a very lucrative business venture has the potential to thrive even more.

    Per the Ghana Statistical Service, the performance of the real estate sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a 10.5 percent of the overall performance of the real GDP growth for the period of 2021.

    This must certainly call for celebration, but the country has to chop more woods to raze down the building of money laundering within the system first.

    The growing diversification and complexities used in perpetrating financial crimes within the real estate sector requires government to improve the effectiveness of prevention and detection systems into regulatory governance and supervision of sectors at risk of abuse.

    Now more than ever before, well improve law enforcement tools and systems to trace and prosecute illicit activities that have been detected, although it must be consciously effected to restore sanity in the sector.

  • Israel declares ‘complete siege’ on Gaza in response to ongoing rocket attack

    Israel declares ‘complete siege’ on Gaza in response to ongoing rocket attack

    Israel’s defense minister has commanded a “complete blockade” of the Gaza Strip, which means stopping the delivery of food, fuel, electricity, and water to the area.

    It comes two days after a surprising attack in Israel by Hamas soldiers, which caused the death of many innocent people.
    9 people from the United States have been confirmed dead, and it is believed that over 10 people from the United Kingdom are either dead or missing.

    Rocket attacks are happening from Gaza and they are targeting Israel. People in Jerusalem can hear the explosions.

    Israel has taken back control of its communities close to Gaza, but there are still some fighters who continue to be active.

    Over 700 people have died in Israel since Saturday. Among them, 260 people were killed by Hamas gunmen during a music festival.

    Many people were taken captive and Hamas says that four of them were killed by bombings in Gaza.
    Over 500 people have died in Gaza since Israel started attacking the area.

  • ECG boss apologizes for staff selling unapproved meters at high prices

    ECG boss apologizes for staff selling unapproved meters at high prices

    The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, issued an apology for the unjust sale of unapproved meters by certain ECG employees to potential customers.

    He expressed his awareness of this misconduct by unscrupulous staff, which deeply saddened him. Samuel Dubik Mahama also expressed disappointment that customers had to endure such dishonest and unjust transactions with these individuals.

    In an interview with Joy News, he said,“It’s so sad that customers have to go through something like this. It’s so sad staff of ECG will collect money like this and not even a quarter of that money comes into ECG’s coffers.

    “I must categorically apologize to our customers who’ve gone through this, this is not supposed to be how we do business. We are very sorry, and we intend to fix this problem.”

    Mr. Mahama stated that after identifying the problem, one of the first things he did was to start the loss reduction programme. He explained that the procedures for obtaining a metre have been structured under the loss reduction programme so that they are electronic.

    “… The human interface has been reduced drastically, where it is only the point where the certified Energy Commission electrician and the estimator goes to the area to verify the location of the property. But it is clear that once you close one loophole, another one comes up.

    “Because from one of the videos, you can clearly see the electrician, who is certified by the Energy Commission, now having to create his own group of people and they now collect ahead of to see how they can fast-track your service delivery. It’s sad, it’s difficult but it’s not something we cannot do.”

  • In-laws of Scottish first minister ‘trapped in Gaza’

    In-laws of Scottish first minister ‘trapped in Gaza’

    Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has said that his wife’s parents are unable to leave Gaza right now.

    Yousaf’s family members went to Gaza last week to see their relatives.

    “He said that my wife and I are very worried about them. ”

    There are some people who are innocent and they are going through a difficult time. And we can never find any valid reason to support or defend the act of causing the death of innocent people.

    Yousaf told the BBC that he strongly disliked and criticized the “unfair” actions of Hamas.

    During the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May 2021, Yousaf’s wife Nadia El-Nakla, who comes from a Palestinian background, mentioned that she has relatives in Gaza, including her brother.

  • Mother of 22-year-old festival massacre victim missing

    Mother of 22-year-old festival massacre victim missing

    A 22-year-old woman from Ireland and Israel is one of the people who cannot be found after gunmen from Hamas attacked the Supernova music festival close to the border of Gaza. Sadly, the attack caused the death of almost 300 individuals.

    During an interview with ABC News, Jennifer Damti explained that her daughter, Kim, called them right after the attack started.

    “Kim didn’t know that there were around seven or eight vans full of terrorists. They started shooting in all directions,” she explained.

    “They killed them, like ducks being hunted. That’s why I’m here, because I want the world to criticize this behavior. ”

    The quote says that you cannot sleep. All I can think about is where she is, if she’s in pain, if she’s still breathing. I only want to have her with me again.

    “You are not able to rest. ” All I can think about is where she is, if she is in pain, if she is still living. I just want her to come back.

    The Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, said that the government knows about the situation and that officials from the embassy are talking to the family.

  • Obesere educates artiste on what to do before signing contracts

    Obesere educates artiste on what to do before signing contracts

    Abass Akande, the renowned fuji singer widely recognized as Obesere, has offered valuable advice to artists, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the long-term consequences of their contracts before committing to them.

    In light of the unfortunate passing of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, the iconic ‘Egungun be Careful’ singer shared his insights with Punch. He stressed the significance of young artists contemplating their future prospects before entering into contractual agreements.

    Obesere encouraged these aspiring artists to seek guidance from individuals who possess a deeper understanding of the industry before making any commitments, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making when it comes to their careers and contracts.

    According to him, “Young people need to think about the future of the contract they sign. They should know that their actions today determine tomorrow’s outcome, except God decides to turn things around (for them). But, not everybody will be that lucky. That is why they must carefully peruse the terms of their contracts with someone who knows better, even if they cannot afford a lawyer. Most importantly, young artists should always ask for God’s guidance in whatever they do.”

    He urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the late Mohbad gets justice,

    The singer cautioned that artists should leave no detail unexamined when it comes to their contracts, underlining the need for thorough scrutiny.

    Furthermore, Obesere expressed his regret that Mohbad was receiving greater fame and recognition after his passing, a sentiment that highlights the irony of how sometimes an artist’s true worth is fully recognized only after their demise.

    “I feel bad about it. I did not even know him until his death. I might have come across his songs being played and didn’t know they were his. It is sad that his death has brought him and his works more fame. There are lots of lessons to be learnt from this saga,” he added.

  • More than 10 British nationals missing

    More than 10 British nationals missing

    Ongoing fighting in Israel and Gaza after the attack by Hamas.

    Speaking at an event in Nottinghamshire, Sunak said the things happening in Israel were very scary and Hamas were creating chaos.

  • British prime minister to lead emergency meeting on Israel-Hamas impasse

    British prime minister to lead emergency meeting on Israel-Hamas impasse

    UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will have an urgent meeting called Cobra on Monday due to the continuing violence in Israel and Gaza after the Hamas attack.

    Sunak, who was speaking at an event in Nottinghamshire, said that what was happening in Israel was very scary. He also mentioned that Hamas was doing acts that can be considered as acts of terrorism.

    Sunak mentioned that he was working closely with Israel to assist British citizens in the country.

    He said he would help Israel in any way they needed, because he thinks Israel is a good friend.

    The UK Foreign Office suggests not traveling to the region unless it is necessary.