Five men from Israel are being tried in Cyprus for sexually assaulting a 20-year-old British woman together.
The supposed attack supposedly happened at a hotel in Ayia Napa, which is a well-liked place for tourists to visit.
A crowded courtroom in a place called Famagusta, which is close to Ayia Napa, had many family members of the accused people present to show their support.
The people being accused are 19 or 20 years old and are from a town called Majd al-Krum in Israel. They say the accusations are not true.
During the meeting on Thursday, their attorneys expressed dissatisfaction that they had not yet been shown important evidence, such as the DNA report.
Someone said that the report could prove that his two clients were not in the room when the alleged attack happened on September 3rd.
The person in charge of enforcing laws for the government said that the test on the DNA would be finished by the end of today.
After the meeting ended, the families of the defendants hurried to hug them. One of the men was clearly crying while hugging his mother.
A previous lawmaker from Cyprus, Skevi Koukouma, went to the meeting along with members of a prominent women’s group called Pogo.
Ms Koukouma said they were there to send a message that “people who have been hurt should feel comfortable telling their story and trust that others will believe them”. “She said there are other people with them. ”
The trial will start again on 16 October.
Israel’s foreign ministry first stated that six Israeli citizens were taken into custody for their suspected involvement in the attack.
Author: Chris Kodo
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Israelis on trial in Cyprus for raping British tourist
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Sarkodie congratulates Black Sherif for winning BET award
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has lauded Black Sherif for winning an award at the BET Hip Hop Awards.
KK Rasta, the trap star renowned for his hit track ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ and other chart-topping songs such as ‘Second Sermon,’ ‘Yaya,’ and ‘Simmer Down,’ has been making waves after winning his first BET Hip Hop Award.
Black Sherif was honored with the Best International Flow award at the BET Hip Hop Awards pre-show ceremony held in Atlanta, USA, last night. An elated Blacko attended the ceremony in person to accept his award.
This achievement makes Black Sherif the second Ghanaian artist ever to receive this globally recognized accolade.
His accomplishment has drawn praise from his fans and fellow top Ghanaian music stars, including Sarkodie, who was the first artist to win in this category when it was first introduced.
Sarkodie historically clinched the Best International Flow award at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2019, becoming the first Ghanaian artist to be honored by this prestigious Hip Hop awards scheme.
In recognition of Black Sherif’s achievement, the Ghanaian rap icon posted a photo of Black Sherif at the BET Hip Hop Awards ceremony to congratulate and commend him.
In a two-worded caption that came with the post, he wrote ‘International Blacko’.
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Biden approves new border wall segment as Mexico crossings increase
The current US President, Joe Biden, plans to construct a part of a wall along the southern border of Texas. This is being done in order to prevent an increase in the number of people immigrating to the US.
They will build a road in Starr County along its border with Mexico. Officials say lots of people are crossing the border there.
Making a border wall was a very important policy of Donald Trump when he was president. Democrats strongly disagreed with it.
In 2020, Mr Biden said he would not construct any more wall if he won the election.
His government made a statement shortly after starting that said building a wall on the southern border is not a good solution.
In a statement to Associated News on Wednesday night, the US Customs and Border Protection explained that they are using funds that were already set aside for a border barrier.
The Congress gave money for building a border wall in the Rio Grande Valley. The Department of Homeland Security must use that money for building the wall as intended.
The president is very worried because there are more and more people crossing the border illegally, and this is a big problem.
Government data shows that over 245,000 crossings have been made this year. It is predicted that September will be a month with the highest number of crossings ever recorded.
Many cities in the US are saying that they are struggling because of the increase in people coming in.
The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said that it will cost $12 billion in the next three years to provide housing for over 100,000 new people who have come to the city since last year.
This week, Mr. Adams is going to Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. He wants to convince people not to leave their countries to go to other places. “We don’t have any more room,” he said on Tuesday.
President Biden’s secretary in charge of protecting the country wants to quickly build a new part of the wall to stop people from entering the country illegally.
The problem at the US border explained with just four graphs.
Cities in the United States that are geographically distant from the border are struggling with the issue of migrants coming into the country.
The Texas town is stuck in a conflict over America’s border.
Many important laws, such as the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, were set aside in order to allow its construction to happen.
Environmentalists are upset and angry about this action because they believe that building these structures will damage and disrupt the living spaces of plants and animals that are at risk of dying out.
Laiken Jordahl, a person who supports conservation at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed disappointment in President Biden’s decision to disregard important environmental laws in order to construct border walls that harm wildlife without achieving their intended purpose.
US Customs and Border Protection plans to build barriers that are made up of big poles attached to a solid base, alongside gates, cameras, and CCTV equipment.
The Department of Homeland Security said they will use money that was set aside during Donald Trump’s time as president to construct the new part.
This is the first time the Biden administration has allowed the building of new walls. The previous administration, under Mr. Trump, frequently approved the construction of walls and built 450 miles of them.
MrTrump spoke to Fox News and said that the crisis was caused by the president repealing his tough border policies and now needing to bring them back.
“He said that he has to do all the things that we were doing. ”
MrBiden is getting more and more criticism for his immigration rules after a sudden increase in migrants coming into the US.
In August, the US Border Patrol caught 181,059 people at the southern border, which is more than the 132,648 people caught in July, according to the latest information.
Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, stated that in just one week, 10,000 individuals came to the border each day. -
Kidney diseases affecting 5 million Ghanaians – Korle-Bu CEO reveals
The Chief Executive Officer of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah has expressed deep concerns over the alarming increase in kidney-related illnesses in Ghana. He revealed that an astonishing 17% of the Ghanaian population is currently grappling with kidney issues.
During an exclusive interview on Citi TV, Dr. Ampomah disclosed that their patient registry indicated the presence of approximately 700 kidney patients in need of consistent dialysis treatment. He emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications, stating that these measures can significantly prolong the lifespan of kidney patients.
Dr. Ampomah’s statement underscores the magnitude of the kidney health challenge in Ghana and the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and access to appropriate medical care for those affected.
“The average across the African continent is roughly 15%, but in Ghana, it’s about 17%. So we have 5 million of our population dealing with some form of kidney challenge. However, if diagnosed early, most of them can manage through lifestyle modifications. Early diagnosis is crucial; hence, screening is vital,” he highlighted.
Dr. Ampomah explained that kidneys were designed by nature with surplus capacity, allowing individuals to donate a kidney and still maintain good health.
He affirmed, “If you are a healthy person, half of one kidney is enough to meet your needs.”
Addressing the adjustment in fees, he attributed it to fluctuations in the cedi rate and inflation, which have eroded the costs of consumables, compelling the hospital to operate at a deficit.
“At present, the prices were set a few years ago, with GH¢380 being the most affordable option compared to other facilities. Due to exchange rate fluctuations and inflation, the value of this has diminished, so we are not covering our costs for providing the service.
“Therefore, it was necessary for us to revise the prices to break even. This service is not for profit, but simply to cover our costs and sustain it,” clarified the CEO of Korle-Bu.
Regarding the failure to submit the proposal to Parliament for approval, he criticized departmental staff for prematurely releasing the new fees without proper authorization, stating, “Unfortunately, this time, the departmental level prematurely released the figures to the public without my knowledge. It came as a surprise. We are still at GH¢380.”
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US provides Kyiv with 1.1 million rounds of ammo it seized from Iran
The US military sent about 1. 1 million bullets taken from Iran last year to Ukraine.
The US Central Command (Centcom), which is responsible for operations in the Middle East, has said that they took possession of the bullets from a ship heading towards Yemen in December.
Ukraine’s friends from the West recently said that it’s becoming hard for them to make enough bullets for Ukraine because Ukraine is using them up quickly.
Centcom states that the Iranian rounds were taken to Ukraine on Monday.
They included bullets that were 7. 62mm size and were used in rifles and light machine-guns from the Soviet era.
Although the number is important, it only makes up a small portion of the many rounds of ammunition that have been given to Ukraine by its allies.
The US has given over 200 million bullets and grenades.
The US navy took control of Iranian weapons from a ship called MARWAN 1 on December 9th.
The US government got ownership of them in July using a method called civil forfeiture. This method allows the government to take away someone’s property if they suspect the person is involved in illegal activities.
In this situation, someone made a complaint against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is part of Iran’s military and has the job of protecting their government.
The US said it is working with allies to stop Iran from sending dangerous weapons to the region, using legal methods.
Iran supports the Houthi rebels in the civil war happening in Yemen. However, the UN Security Council has prohibited the transfer of weapons to the group since 2015.
The fighting in Yemen started in 2014 when a group called the Houthis captured the main city of Sanaa and kicked out the government.
The government that was forced out of power is still seen as the official government of Yemen by the international community. It is supported by a group of countries led by Saudi Arabia, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Since the second half of last year, people have accused Iran multiple times of giving Russia weapons, especially drones, to use in the war in Ukraine.The move to send weapons to Ukraine is happening because Western allies are worried about whether they can keep giving weapons to Kyiv.
Admiral Rob Bauer, who leads NATO’s military committee, mentioned at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday that the situation has become very serious.
He said that because they hadn’t invested enough money for many years, the Nato countries didn’t have enough ammunition when the war started. -
Students prevail in college’s case of sexual assault
Two ex-students won their case against the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. They accused the staff of not properly investigating claims of sexual assault.
Alyse McCamish, 26, and Sydney Feder, 25, chose not to keep their identities a secret.
They took the college to court in Central London for not being careful.
The judge concluded that the college did not thoroughly look into or address their claims of being sexually assaulted by another student.
Two women went from their houses in the United States to go to a college in Cardiff when they were young. McCamish, from Tennessee, went to Wales at the age of 19 after passing an audition in Chicago. She claims that she was sexually attacked by another student in 2016, but he denied the accusation.In the trial, she said that when she told the college about the assaults, the college staff didn’t take her seriously. She accused the college of blaming her for being a victim and lying shamelessly. She asked the staff to keep her away from the person who assaulted her and told the court that she did everything she could to avoid him. Feder, from Connecticut in the United States, came to Wales to study at the college when she was 18. She claims that she was assaulted in a dressing room at the college in 2017 by the same person who assaulted Ms. McCamish in 2016.
On Thursday, the judge, Recorder Halford, decided that Ms McCamish and Ms Feder won their case. He discovered that the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama did not respond properly to the sexual assault allegations. Now, Ms McCamish is creating a film about the experiences of other students who have gone through similar situations in different parts of the UK. It was revealed during the trial that she has spoken with other former students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. It is anticipated that the compensation for Ms McCamish and Ms Feder will be discussed in a future court session.
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McDonald’s patron arrested after ‘burning drive-thru manager with hot coffee’
A man who was ordering food at a McDonald’s drive-thru supposedly burned the manager with hot coffee after they argued about just one cent.
Elizar Ravelo, who is 64 years old, would often go to a fast food restaurant in Miami Springs, Florida. He would order a Sausage McMuffin with an egg and a senior coffee. This was shared by shift manager Nayib Garcia with Local 10 News.
But when he went to the restaurant at 4999 NW 36th St, he didn’t like how much the breakfast cost.
Security camera video recorded Ravelo having a disagreement with a person in charge of a store. When the boss gave Ravelo a hot cup of coffee, he hit the drink out of his hand and left quickly.
A customer at the Drive-Thru of McDonald’s hurt a worker by spilling hot coffee on them because of a disagreement over a small amount of money.
Garcia said: ‘I believe it hit her on the face and then on the rest of her arm. ‘ Most of the injury was on the arm.
‘The rest of the crew told me that it was because of a penny. ‘
Stephanie Restuccia, the manager who got burned, said she was very surprised by Ravelo’s actions.
In simpler words, she said: When I handed him the coffee, he suddenly broke it and spilled coffee everywhere. It burned my arm all the way from here to here. So I said to myself, “Alright, what comes next. ”
Restuccia said that the hot drink spilled on her arm and chest, causing red burns.
“She said that you never expect someone to actually do it. ”
A police report said that Ravelo was very angry because he thought he was being charged too much money.
Ravelo went to the police station on Monday because of something that happened on August 25.
He got arrested and accused of committing a serious physical assault. As of Tuesday morning, Ravelo was still in this certain place called the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His bond was set at $5,000.
The accident occurred less than a month before an old lady filed a lawsuit against a McDonald’s in San Francisco. She got burnt on her private parts and legs when a cup of hot coffee spilled on her. The incident happened because the employee at the drive-thru didn’t close the lid properly. -
Plane falls down from sky into home killing two people
Get out the world’s smallest violin because Donald Trump is not one of the richest 400 people in America anymore.
The former president was not included in the Forbes 400 list because he had a fortune of only $2. 6 billion, which was $300 million less than what was needed to be on the list.
His overall wealth has decreased by over $600 million in the past year, mainly because the value of his office buildings has gone down.
On Tuesday, the publication reported that Donald Trump is not wealthy enough anymore to be part of the country’s most exclusive club.
According to Forbes, in New York City, Trump owns a 30% share in a building called 1290 Avenue of the Americas. This building is managed by a company called Vornado Realty Trust, which is publicly traded. Currently, the value of Trump’s share in the building has dropped by around $60 million. The building is almost completely full, but its largest renter, Equitable Holdings, is going to move next year.
Trump also owns 30% of 555 California Street in San Francisco. Over half of the office building’s leases will end in 2026.
The main reason for Trump’s net worth decreasing is his Truth Social website, which has around 6. 5 million users This is just 1% of the users that X (previously known as Twitter) has. Donald Trump’s ownership of 90% of the social media platform has decreased in worth from around $730 million to under $100 million.
Forbes said: ‘If Trump’s ideas were doing well, he would probably have no difficulty finding another way to get money. ‘ However, that is not the case, and there is not much reason to feel hopeful about what lies ahead for Truth Social.
In simpler terms: If people aren’t going on Trump’s platform to hear what he has to say right now, when he’s dealing with legal issues and competing in the Republican presidential primary, then they probably won’t ever be interested.
Trump is now involved in a lawsuit that accuses him of cheating people and could potentially ruin his business in New York.
During the first day of the trial for New York Attorney General Letitia James’ $250 million lawsuit, prosecutor Kevin Wallace claimed that Trump’s financial statements tricked banks into taking on a lot of hidden risk, costing them hundreds of millions of dollars.
Wallace said: ‘It’s okay to stretch the truth for a magazine like Forbes, but you can’t do it when doing business in New York state. ‘
Each year, the defendants lied about how much money Mr. Trump had in order to keep getting low interest rates for his loans.
Trump made rare appearances in court voluntarily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. These appearances turned the trial into something like a campaign event. Trump walked out of the trial after lunch on Wednesday and James said: ‘This was just a political trick, a way to collect money. ‘
Later on Wednesday evening, the Trump campaign announced that Trump collected over $45. 5 million in the third quarter of the year and currently has more than $37. 5 million in cash.
Donald Trump’s lawyers are requesting a review of Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision from last week. The judge stated that Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and its executives have consistently and repeatedly engaged in fraudulent behavior.
The ex-president was removed from The Forbes 400 list for the first time in 25 years in October 2021. At that time, Trump had about $2. 5 million in wealth, which was $400 million less than the amount needed to make it onto the list that year. While he was president, his total worth decreased each year, and the coronavirus pandemic also affected his real estate business. -
Donald Trump removed from rich list due of his $2,600,000,000 net worth
Get out the world’s smallest violin because Donald Trump is not one of the richest 400 people in America anymore.
The former president was not included in the Forbes 400 list because he had a fortune of only $2. 6 billion, which was $300 million less than what was needed to be on the list.
His overall wealth has decreased by over $600 million in the past year, mainly because the value of his office buildings has gone down.
On Tuesday, the publication reported that Donald Trump is not wealthy enough anymore to be part of the country’s most exclusive club.
According to Forbes, in New York City, Trump owns a 30% share in a building called 1290 Avenue of the Americas. This building is managed by a company called Vornado Realty Trust, which is publicly traded. Currently, the value of Trump’s share in the building has dropped by around $60 million. The building is almost completely full, but its largest renter, Equitable Holdings, is going to move next year.
Trump also owns 30% of 555 California Street in San Francisco. Over half of the office building’s leases will end in 2026.
The main reason for Trump’s net worth decreasing is his Truth Social website, which has around 6. 5 million users This is just 1% of the users that X (previously known as Twitter) has. Donald Trump’s ownership of 90% of the social media platform has decreased in worth from around $730 million to under $100 million.
Forbes said: ‘If Trump’s ideas were doing well, he would probably have no difficulty finding another way to get money. ‘ However, that is not the case, and there is not much reason to feel hopeful about what lies ahead for Truth Social.
In simpler terms: If people aren’t going on Trump’s platform to hear what he has to say right now, when he’s dealing with legal issues and competing in the Republican presidential primary, then they probably won’t ever be interested.
Trump is now involved in a lawsuit that accuses him of cheating people and could potentially ruin his business in New York.
During the first day of the trial for New York Attorney General Letitia James’ $250 million lawsuit, prosecutor Kevin Wallace claimed that Trump’s financial statements tricked banks into taking on a lot of hidden risk, costing them hundreds of millions of dollars.
Wallace said: ‘It’s okay to stretch the truth for a magazine like Forbes, but you can’t do it when doing business in New York state. ‘
Each year, the defendants lied about how much money Mr. Trump had in order to keep getting low interest rates for his loans.
Trump made rare appearances in court voluntarily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. These appearances turned the trial into something like a campaign event. Trump walked out of the trial after lunch on Wednesday and James said: ‘This was just a political trick, a way to collect money. ‘
Later on Wednesday evening, the Trump campaign announced that Trump collected over $45. 5 million in the third quarter of the year and currently has more than $37. 5 million in cash.
Donald Trump’s lawyers are requesting a review of Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision from last week. The judge stated that Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and its executives have consistently and repeatedly engaged in fraudulent behavior.
The ex-president was removed from The Forbes 400 list for the first time in 25 years in October 2021. At that time, Trump had about $2. 5 million in wealth, which was $400 million less than the amount needed to make it onto the list that year. While he was president, his total worth decreased each year, and the coronavirus pandemic also affected his real estate business. -
Russia to attack any British personnel deployed to train Ukrainian forces
Ukraine produces a lot of food, especially grain. To make sure it can sell its crops overseas by ship, an agreement was made.
The agreement, called the Black Sea Grain Initiative, ended in July. It was organized by the United Nations and Turkey.
A short time after, Russia decided not to continue with the deal. This had a big impact on worldwide food prices and put at risk the lives of people who were already hungry, as well as those who were struggling to afford the high cost of living.
British officials think that the Russian president‘s request to cancel the agreement caused 300,000 tons of grain to be wasted. This much grain could have fed 1,300,000 individuals.
Since then, the Home Office said, Moscow has been focusing more on attacking Ukrainian ports and civilian buildings, such as 130 harbors in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Reni.
The department said: ‘We are working with Ukraine and other partners to make shipping safer. We still strongly recommend that British ships in Ukrainian ports and waters should be extra cautious because of the danger from Russia.
The UK is using technology to keep an eye on what Russia is doing in the Black Sea. These abilities will allow us to identify and expose any additional Russian attacks on ordinary ships or buildings.
We promise to make sure Ukraine can keep sending its agricultural products out of the country using different ways, such as the “humanitarian corridor”, land routes, and the Danube River.
‘The UK will keep working with Ukraine and many other countries to accomplish this. ‘ -
UK fears Russia may attack civilian ships and then blame Ukraine
The British government is warning that Russia might start attacking civilian ships and then blame Ukraine for it.
Last month, people who are in charge of gathering information said that the Russian government’s attempt to attack a cargo ship with a missile in the Black Sea is just the start.
According to the Foreign Office, Russia may continue to use sea mines near ports to attack non-military ships carrying important items like grains.
Referring to disclosed intelligence information, the department stated that Russia probably wants to avoid openly attacking civilian ships in the Black Sea. Instead, they prefer to wrongly accuse Ukraine for any assaults on these vessels.
The UK wants to show Russia’s tactics in order to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The Black Sea is surrounded by countries like Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and Georgia.
In August, Ukraine asked the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a safe path for ships stuck in ports to pass through as a gesture of humanity.
Ukraine’s navy said yesterday that it anticipates twelve cargo ships to come through, which is more than normal.
Vladimir Putin is paying attention to this small area of the sea because he wants to stop Ukraine from selling its grain, according to the Home Office.
The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, said that Russia’s harmful actions of attacking civilian ships in the Black Sea show that Putin does not care about innocent people’s lives or the needs of those who are most at risk in the world.
The whole world is paying attention, and we can easily see that Russia is trying to unfairly accuse Ukraine for their attacks. We and our friends are together against Putin and his efforts to hurt Ukraine, which will also hurt the rest of the world.
The Home Office said that Russia’s strategy in the Black Sea involves a lot of aggression.
And they have their own explanations. Around 22 million tons of grain is trapped inside the country due to a blockade during a war.Ukraine produces a lot of food, especially grain. To make sure it can sell its crops overseas by ship, an agreement was made.
The agreement, called the Black Sea Grain Initiative, ended in July. It was organized by the United Nations and Turkey.
A short time after, Russia decided not to continue with the deal. This had a big impact on worldwide food prices and put at risk the lives of people who were already hungry, as well as those who were struggling to afford the high cost of living.
British officials think that the Russian president’s request to cancel the agreement caused 300,000 tons of grain to be wasted. This much grain could have fed 1,300,000 individuals.
Since then, the Home Office said, Moscow has been focusing more on attacking Ukrainian ports and civilian buildings, such as 130 harbors in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Reni.
The department said: ‘We are working with Ukraine and other partners to make shipping safer. We still strongly recommend that British ships in Ukrainian ports and waters should be extra cautious because of the danger from Russia.
The UK is using technology to keep an eye on what Russia is doing in the Black Sea. These abilities will allow us to identify and expose any additional Russian attacks on ordinary ships or buildings.
We promise to make sure Ukraine can keep sending its agricultural products out of the country using different ways, such as the “humanitarian corridor”, land routes, and the Danube River.
‘The UK will keep working with Ukraine and many other countries to accomplish this. ‘ -
Frontline soldiers Putin recruited from Russian jails plotting to overthrow him
A bunch of Russian fighters, who were sent to the most risky places on the frontlines, have decided not to fight for Vladimir Putin as a way to show their dissatisfaction with the terrible conditions they have to endure.
The groups called ‘Storm-Z’ squads are made up of a combination of prisoners from Russian prisons and soldiers who have been demoted as a form of punishment for being accused of being either drunk or on drugs.
Their job is not complicated, as told by five fighters and eight people who have worked closely with or next to them. These men are sent to the most dangerous war zones.
And it is very likely that they will face a certain outcome.
“Ignoring the storm, these soldiers are expendable,” said a regular army member from unit number 40318 was sent to the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine in May and June, where there was a lot of fighting.
He said he didn’t listen to a commander who told him to leave a group of injured fighters behind. The commander wanted them to get medical help on the battlefield.
The commander ordered to leave their own soldiers behind, and it’s unclear why. The commander said it shows that Storm-Z fighters are thought of as less important than regular troops by officers.
A group called Storm-Z, who were brought together from prisons in Russia, have decided that they do not want to continue fighting in Ukraine.The soldier, who didn’t want his identity revealed because he was afraid of getting in trouble in Russia for talking about the war, said he felt sorry for the men. He explained that if the commanders find out that any of the soldiers have been drinking alcohol, they will be quickly sent to the Storm squads.
But the harsh way they are mistreated caused a rebellion among a group of Storm-Z fighters who decided they had reached their limit.
Three months ago, there was a group of about 150 men who belonged to unit number. The number 22179 was badly hurt, tired and only about 20 of them were still alive.
Only a few survived and shared their story, and those men were proof of that. On June 28, they made a video to explain why they won’t keep fighting.
A soldier said: ‘After the really tough fights, after all the things we saw, these are the people who are still here.
On the place where we were fighting, we didn’t receive any bullets or weapons. We didn’t receive any water or food. The people who got hurt were not taken away. Even until now, the bodies of the deceased are decaying.
We must follow terrible orders that are not worth doing. Now, they came and told us, “Hey, we have to go to the front. ”
‘Once again we are being put in a difficult situation, just like before. ‘ And we will never come back from this.
He said more words. ‘We do not want to keep doing fights. ‘
What happened as a result of the mutiny. Some of the fighters were punished by getting beaten up by Russian military police officers, as reported by two relatives of the men.
Putin mentioned at a public meeting on television with a small group of Russian soldiers that convicts are fighting in the regular army.
He said he knew that two of their friends, who had been in prison before, were killed in action.
“Putin said that those people sacrificed their lives for their country and have completely freed themselves from their guilt. He also mentioned that the families of the convicts will receive assistance, without providing more details. ”
But the harsh truth is that these men are facing brutal conditions on the ground. At least five Storm-Z teams have been identified as fighting against the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the east and south.
Three out of the five Storm-Z fighters and three other family members shared stories about terrible battles where most of their teams were killed.
One person who was in jail for stealing and was chosen to be a fighter, said that almost all of the 120 men in his group with the 237th regiment were either killed or injured in a battle close to Bakhmut in June.
What are the Russian Storm-Z units?
Storm-Z units are controlled by the Russian defense ministry. They are made up of people in trouble with the law or the military. These people choose to fight in exchange for a promise that they will be forgiven for their crimes.
They are considered helpful because they can be used as replaceable soldiers, as stated by Conflict Intelligence Team, an independent group that is monitoring the war.
‘The Storm fighters are sent to the riskiest areas of the battlefront for both defense and offense. ‘ the group stated.
The Russian defense ministry has never admitted to creating Storm-Z units, but the first reports of their existence came out in April. The Institute for the Study of War, a think-tank in the US, mentioned a leaked Russian military report about the formation of these squads.
Russian media that is controlled by the government has said that there are these groups called Storm-Z squads. These squads have been in some very intense fights, and some of the members were given medals for being brave. However, the media hasn’t said anything about how these squads are made, or how many people they have lost in battles.Artyom Shchikin, a 29-year-old man from Mordovia in central Russia, was in jail for robbing someone. He had been given a two-year sentence in December 2021. While he was in jail, recruiters from the defense ministry visited and asked the prisoners if they wanted to go fight in Ukraine. This information comes from court documents and two of his relatives.
He decided to join because he wanted to erase his criminal record and make money for his family to renovate their home. He was supposed to be released in December, but he wanted a fresh start. His family confirmed this.
Three Storm-Z fighters claimed that they were promised to be paid around 200,000 roubles (£1,675) per month, but in reality, they were receiving only half of that amount on average.
In May this year, Shchikin was given a job in a prison unit in the 291st Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment and sent to the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine. There, Kyiv’s forces are trying to get past the Russian defenses.
Shchikin’s family last spoke to him on June 18. According to the relatives, two survivors from Shchikin’s squad told them that a few days later, their unit was attacked by Ukrainians.
According to the family, three friends who were in a trench with him passed away, one lost his hand, and Shchikin himself is now missing. They haven’t found his body.
Shchikin’s family members said that when they asked the defense ministry about what happened to him, they either didn’t get a response or received unclear answers.
‘They were part of a team called Storm. ‘ They don’t think anyone will hurry, said a family member.
After the soldiers rebelled and refused to keep fighting, two fighters informed their families that things had gotten better. However, they were uncertain about when they would be able to leave the military.
In Russia, a soldier can only be sent to a special unit for punishment if they are found guilty by a military court.
None of the people interviewed said that the soldiers involved in the Storm-Z units had gone to court.
Last week, the soldier from group number. 40318 said that there were no legal proceedings or trials involved in these transfers.
The Geneva convention is a collection of global rules for war. However, it does not include regulations for soldiers getting punished by their own group.
Several Russian individuals have been asked to share their thoughts on the matter, but they declined, including an officer from unit number. 40318 is a number, and there is a person who works for the main office of a group called the regimental headquarters.
The Kremlin didn’t answer the questions and told us to ask the Russian defense ministry. The defense ministry hasn’t replied to our request for a comment.
Russian officials have not said anything publicly about the situation involving the Storm-Z squad, who decided to stop fighting.
Ukraine’s government has mentioned that they release certain prisoners if they agree to participate in the war.
The relative of a soldier who was part of the revolt, a man from Siberia who chose to join Storm-Z while in prison, mentioned that she was very worried about updates from the battlefield.
She said, “Please let this finish quickly, oh God. ”
Last week, it was revealed that Putin has enrolled 130,000 new soldiers, including some who are only 18 years old. -
Rishi Sunak reported to police for his joke during Tory party convention
Rishi Sunak has been accused of saying things about Nicola Sturgeon that led someone to report him to the police. This happened during his speech at the Conservative Party conference.
The prime minister made a funny comment about the previous first minister while speaking to the Conservatives in Manchester on Wednesday.
But now, Mr. Sunak has been reported to the police in Scotland for his criticism towards the former SNP leader, who is currently being investigated by the police.
Ms Sturgeon, who left her government position in February, was taken into custody and interviewed by the police in June as part of a probe into the SNP’s finances.
She was let go without being accused of anything and says she did nothing wrong. However, the investigation called Operation Branchform is still continuing.
Chris McEleny, who leads the Alba Party that supports independence, has accused Mr. Sunak of disrespecting the court and reported him to the authorities.
Mr McEleny made a formal complaint to the police and told Sky News that he has requested them to look into the matter.
The General Secretary is saying why he told the police about Rishi Sunak.
He said, “The prime minister is talking about and assuming things about an ongoing investigation by Police Scotland. ”
Operation Branchform is looking into very important matters that are really significant to the people of Scotland.
This is a very important issue, and the prime minister should not get involved in this disrespectful act. Many people are waiting for the facts from the Police Scotland investigation.
‘Operation Branchform should be allowed to conduct its investigation without any interference from Rishi Sunak. ’
During his talk at the meeting, Mr. Sunak mentioned that there is another group of people who are important to all of us. The group of countries that we belong to – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Today, our group is the most powerful it has been in twenty-five years. The desire for separation is decreasing in all parts of our country.
Ms Sturgeon was taken into custody after the arrests of party treasurer Colin Beattie and former party chief executive Peter Murrell, who is also Ms Sturgeon’s husband.
They were set free without being accused or charged with any crime.
Earlier this year, the police looked through the SNP headquarters and Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s home during their investigation. -
President Andrés Manuel gains influence with Washington as Mexico tightens down on migrants
Final month, as the Biden administration mixed to oversee the most recent wave of vagrants overpowering the US southern border, best US movement specialists crossed into Mexico for an crisis assembly.
Situated around a Ciudad Juárez conference room, the authorities and their Mexican partners drafted a 15-point arrange to assist defuse the flashpoint – most of it a checklist of activities for the Mexican government. Outstandingly, concurring to a readout from Mexico’s government movement office, Mexico concurred to carry out more expensive extraditions of the vagrants gathering on their side of the border – a move that a few accepted would discourage tumultuous intersections.
The measures, which moreover indicated Mexican endeavors to clamp down on the pulverize of vagrants riding north on railcars, are the most recent in a arrangement of approach shifts in Mexico that have lightened, in the event that somewhat, the enormous political migraine in Washington caused lastingly by relocation. Examiners in both nations see a down to earth deal: as Mexico progressively carries the weight of US migration procedure, the Biden administration has allowed uncommon breathing space to the country’s divisive but prevalent pioneer.
“Mexico has genuine use within the relationship with the US. And right presently that use is around migration,” said Andrew Selee, the president of the nonpartisan Movement Arrangement Founded.
Sharing about 2,000 miles of arrive border and a history of imperative financial trade, Mexico and the US have long held interlaced migration approaches that adjusted as worldwide movement designs moved. When George W. Bush made his to begin with trip out of the US as president in 2001, it was to the farm of Vicente Fox, the Mexican pioneer, to examine a modern time of participation on border issues, like exchange, drugs, and the northward stream of Mexicans, who at that time comprised the bulk of undocumented border-crossers.
But as spiraling viciousness and frantic financial conditions fueled a long time of mass relocation out of Central America and the Caribbean to the US, overwhelming the country’s legitimate admissions framework, the extend of Mexican region in between got to be a basic “buffer state,” said Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America.
“The Mexico southern border lovely much was the US southern border,” Meyer said.
Beneath weight from a few US organizations, Mexico has over and over sent assets to its border with Guatemala over the past 10 a long time to formalize movement courses and confined record numbers of vagrants at recently introduced checkpoints as they made their way north.
At the steerage of Mexico’s most recent migration coordination with the US has been President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a radical pioneer who in 2018 campaigned on resistance to doing the US’s “dirty work” on relocation. His political calculus has changed quickly since at that point.
Beneath the danger of devastating taxes from then-President Donald Trump, López Obrador concurred in 2019 to permit refuge candidates to hold up out their claims interior Mexico beneath the “Remain inMexico” approach, roiling activists who said it constrained transients into unsafe living conditions.During the pandemic, the US used a rule called Title 42 to send back many asylum seekers at the border. López Obrador agreed to take in many of these migrants, even though Mexico usually didn’t do this. This put a lot of pressure on Mexico’s border cities. In May, when the US stopped using Title 42, López Obrador still let people come back for humanitarian reasons.
“I believe that these recent actions go too far because they not only prevent people from coming to the United States, which has been the main focus, but also exceed what is necessary,” Meyer explained.
She said that it allows people who have been deported from the United States to either stay in Mexico or go back to their home countries.
We don’t know much about the deportation plan that was announced last month. In a press conference in Washington on Friday, Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena mentioned that Mexican authorities were doing six flights every week to send migrants back to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Bárcena said that officials were looking into the idea of sending more returns to Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia.
It was not clear where the deportation flights were going and when they started. It was also unclear if the migrants going back had already been sent away from the US or if they were waiting for a decision on their asylum application. Stakeholders in Mexico recently told CNN that there hasn’t been any noticeable change in the speed of repatriation flights in the northern regions of the country.
A person who speaks for Mexico’s immigration agency didn’t give any more information about the deportations.
However, the announcement may have already made migrants less likely to try and cross into the US without the necessary appointment to seek asylum. CNN has reported that there was a 30% decrease in the number of migrants entering the US near El Paso, Texas during the weekend after the meeting.
López Obrador said he intends to have a meeting with officials from Latin American and Caribbean countries that have people who are moving to other places. The meeting will happen soon. Mexico last month agreed to ask countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, which don’t have good relationships with the US, to take back their citizens who were deported at the border.
“What we want is to find a way to deal with the issue of migration by addressing its root causes,” López Obrador said during a media briefing. “We need to come together. ”
Recently, the two countries have been working together a lot, and this has involved a lot of traveling back and forth between them. Last week, Bárcena had meetings in Washington with important people like Senate leaders and Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, who advises Biden on matters related to homeland security. Antony Blinken, who is the US Secretary of State, will visit Mexico this week. He will go there with several other important government officials and have a meeting with López Obrador.
Mexican negotiators want the US to promise to provide more ways for migrants to enter the country legally. This includes temporary work visas and a program called humanitarian parole, which has recently been expanded. The Biden administration says this program has allowed many people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to come to the US with the help of a local sponsor and get permission to work.
Last month, before the news about deportations in Mexico, the foreign minister of Mexico said in an interview with Bloomberg that the US and Mexico were almost reaching an agreement with the United Nations. This agreement would involve reviewing and evaluating tens of thousands of migrants in Mexico to determine if they can enter the US through special permission programs. The US has started centers in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala for the same purpose.
A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees told CNN that they frequently talk to the authorities in the US and Mexico about how they can help with future plans.
According to Selee, the Mexican government needs to show that they support and protect migrants and provide them with legal ways to move to the United States in order to have the authority to enforce stricter migration policies. This is important because Mexico has a history of its citizens migrating to the United States.Does Lopez Obrador have the freedom to do what he wants.
However, some analysts believe that there is a more suspicious reason for the cooperation. They argue that the Biden administration has been ignoring certain aspects of López Obrador’s plans, which would normally receive criticism.
“López Obrador realized quickly that if he agreed to support Biden, he would gain political power to limit US pressure on various issues between the two countries or within Mexico,” explained Arturo Sarukhán, a former Mexican ambassador to Washington who has been critical of the current government.
Critics say that López Obrador has been moving away from democracy in several ways. He tried to change the country’s independent election authority, often criticizes the judiciary and the press, and gave too much power to the military in policing and transportation.
The election reform that was approved earlier this year but later stopped by the Mexican Supreme Court reduced the power of the country’s independent election authority. This means that they reduced the number of people working for this authority all over the country and limited their ability to make decisions on their own. This happened right before the upcoming presidential election next year.
Tens of thousands of people from Mexico protested against the government’s policy in the biggest opposition demonstration during President López Obrador’s time in office. Critics said it was not good for the democratic system.
But in Washington, the Biden administration was surprisingly quiet. After the protests in February, Ned Price, an important advisor to Blinken, said that there is a big discussion happening in Mexico about changing the way elections work and making sure that electoral and judicial institutions are independent. This shows that Mexico has a strong and active democracy.
We honor Mexico’s right to govern itself.
If Mexico had less control in its relationship with the US, there would be more pressure from the State Department and White House to address the decline in democracy that is happening in Mexico.
I believe that the United States should support Mexico’s democracy because if they don’t, there might be a situation in Washington where people start wondering who is to blame for Mexico’s problems. -
September’s heat records put 2023 on track to be the hottest year ever
The weather is still extremely hot even though summer is ending in the Northern Hemisphere. New information reveals that last month was extremely hot, marking the fourth month in a row with record-breaking heat. This suggests that 2023 is on course to become the hottest year ever recorded.
September broke the previous record set in 2020 by a huge 0. 5 degrees Celsius, according to information shared on Wednesday by the European Union‘s Copernicus Climate Change Service. This is the hottest month ever recorded, starting from 1940.
“The temperatures in September were very high, which is unusual for this time of year. Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus, said that these temperatures broke previous records by a large amount. This happened after a summer that also had record-breaking temperatures. ”
September felt unusually hot, more like a summer month in July. The average global air temperature was 16. 38 degrees Celsius (61. 45 Fahrenheit), which is 0. 93 degrees Celsius hotter than the average from 1991 to 2020. Compared to the September average before we started using a lot of fossil fuels, it was 1. 75 degrees Celsius hotter.
That is much higher than the temperature limit of 1. 5 degrees Celsius that countries want to keep global warming below according to the Paris Climate Agreement. The agreement mainly talks about average temperatures over a long period of time. However, the abnormal heat in September, after the record-breaking hottest summer, shows us a glimpse of what we can expect in terms of extreme weather as temperatures continue to rise.
In September, there were terrible floods in Libya, Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey. These floods caused the deaths of thousands of people in Libya and dozens in the other countries. Canada had a very bad wildfire season, South America had extremely hot weather that caused fires, and New York had a lot of rain.
The temperatures of the ocean were very high in September and were considered abnormal. The temperature of the ocean reached 20. 92 degrees Celsius (69. 66 Fahrenheit) in September, which is the highest ever recorded for that month. It is also the second-highest temperature ever recorded, after August of this year. Antarctic sea ice has reached the lowest levels ever recorded for this time of year.
“This month was absolutely crazy,” said Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist, on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
Even though it’s October, it is still very hot. According to a climate expert named Maximiliano Herrera, European countries like Spain, Poland, Austria, and France have recently experienced the highest temperatures ever recorded in the month of October.
What happened in Europe during the first three days of October was one of the most extreme climate events in European history. Herrera posted this on Tuesday.
It seems very likely that this year will be the hottest year ever. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is a very high possibility, 93% or more, of reaching this milestone.
September was extremely hot, which has made 2023 likely to become the warmest year ever recorded. It is predicted to be around 1. 4 degrees Celsius hotter than the average temperature before industrialization.
The hot weather is partly caused by El Niño, which is a natural climate pattern that starts in the Pacific Ocean and makes it warmer. But underneath that pattern is the long-lasting trend of climate change caused by humans.
The temperature keeps getting hotter because we are still using fossil fuels. “It’s really easy,” said Friederike Otto, a climate science teacher at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment in the UK.
“The big difference in how much heat records are being broken is important,” she explained to CNN. People and the natural environments they live in are experiencing loss of life.
Countries from around the world will meet in Dubai for the United Nations COP28 climate summit in December. During this event, they will come together to review the progress made towards reaching climate goals. A recent report says that the world is not doing well right now.
Otto said that the big difference by which the September record was broken should alert policymakers and negotiators for COP28. He emphasized that we must all agree to gradually stop using fossil fuels. -
As at least 14 people killed by flash flooding in northeast India
A rescue mission is underway to find over 100 missing people in India’s northeast. Flash floods happened in the state of Sikkim, causing destruction and killing 14 people. Roads and bridges were also washed away.
The Himalayan region, also called the rooftop of the world, is sensitive to the environment. It often experiences sudden floods and landslides, and flooding is common in Sikkim.
Scientists are certain that very bad weather is happening more often and getting worse due to climate change caused by humans.
A heavy rainstorm happened over Lhonak Lake in the north of the state. This caused fast-moving floods in the Teesta River in Sikkim’s Lachen valley. The floods made the water levels rise 15-20 feet higher than usual. The Indian Army provided this information in a statement. A cloudburst is a powerful rainstorm that comes on suddenly and causes a lot of damage.
A video from the northern part of the state shows a lot of dirty water quickly overflowing the river, causing houses to flood with mud and debris.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) shared pictures that showed how much water was released from Lhonak Lake after a sudden heavy rain. They published these images while the search was still ongoing.
Lhonak Lake is a big, bullet-shaped lake made from melting ice at the bottom of a glacier.
An examination of the pictures reveals that over 60% of the water in the lake flowed out after a heavy rainstorm caused a glacial lake to overflow. This happens when a lake made of melted ice from a glacier gets too full, or if the land or ice around it breaks, causing the lake to burst. This sends water and debris rushing down the mountains.
In one picture, the lake was big and had 167. 4 hectares of water on September 28. But in another picture taken on October 4, the lake was much smaller and had only about 60. 3 hectares of water in it.
The lake burst and around 105 hectares of land got flooded, which could cause a sudden flood downstream in the Teesta River, according to ISRO.
The floods in Pakyong, a city in Sikkim, caused the most damage. Seven people died and 59 people are missing, according to the Sikkim government.
Many members of the Indian Army are missing and their whereabouts are not known. A big search and rescue operation is being done to find the missing soldiers. But it is difficult because heavy rain is causing floods, making it hard to use the roads and bridges have been destroyed. The army said this.
According to the army, one soldier has been saved and is doing well, but 22 other soldiers are still missing.
The government said that the flooding caused at least 11 bridges to collapse. This made it difficult for rescue teams to get to affected areas and also prevented people from reaching remote places.
In Gangtok, the biggest city and capital of the state, three people have died and 22 others are missing.
Over 2,000 people have been moved to safer places and special areas have been arranged in different parts of the state to assist over 22,000 people affected by the sudden floods.
The weather department in India has predicted that there will be a lot of rain in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, including Sikkim, for the next two days.
Sikkim’s leader Prem Singh Tamang wrote on X (previously known as Twitter) that he has sent help to the areas that have been affected by the emergency. He has also visited Singtam, a town that has been damaged by the flooding, to see the destruction and talk to the people there. Singtam is located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) away from Gangtok.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, described the situation as a terrible disaster caused by nature. He assured that he will provide any help needed to deal with the problem.
“He said a prayer for the safety and good health of everyone who has been affected,” he wrote on X.
Himalayan glaciers supply water to rivers that give freshwater to two billion people. Lots of communities rely on these glacier waters to water their crops.
A recent report said that as temperatures get hotter, the glaciers could lose up to 80% of their ice by 2100. This could cause more floods, landslides, avalanches, and drought.
As ice glaciers melt quickly all over the world, around 15 million people who live close to glacial lakes are in danger of dangerous floods caused by the bursting of these lakes. Most of these people live in four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru, and China. A study conducted earlier this year revealed this information.
Experts previously told CNN that these lake bursts are similar to an “inland tsunami” and their effects are similar to when a dam suddenly breaks.
The floods that occur afterwards happen suddenly and without much warning. In the past, when glacial lakes burst, it caused the deaths of thousands of people and damaged both property and important infrastructure.
In 2021, a big piece of ice from a mountain in the Himalayas fell down in Uttarakhand. This caused a lot of water, dust, and rocks to flow down the mountain and hit two electric power plants. Sadly, this event caused the death of at least 38 people.
In the northern part of India, people have been cautioning for many years about uncontrolled business growth, cutting down forests, and continuously constructing dams in the delicate area. These actions are making the region more prone to disasters, such as floods and landslides. -
“My kid brother O.B. Amoah doesn’t have anything sensible to say” – Alan jabs
Presidential hopeful and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has issued a robust challenge in response to comments made by O.B. Amoah, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD).
The challenge centers around the legal grounds for Kyerematen’s independent candidacy in the upcoming elections, as reported by asaaradio.com.
The issue arose following comments made by O.B. Amoah, who suggested that the NPP possessed legal means to prevent Alan Kyerematen from running as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, citing Article 13 (7) (f) of the NPP constitution. This particular article outlines the party’s rules for presidential candidate elections and includes a requirement for candidates submitting nomination forms for the party’s presidential primaries to sign an undertaking.
Expressing his disappointment with Amoah’s remarks, Alan Kyerematen, himself a lawyer, called for a legal resolution to the matter. In an interview on Kessben TV, he stated, “I am very disappointed in someone like OB Amoah. He is my kid brother, and he says he is a lawyer. You come and quote such a thing on National Television, claiming I have signed some undertaking to join the race, and now that I have resigned from the party, you want to chase me outside the party.”
Kyerematen continued, “The mischief in our party is the reason everyone is disappointed. O.B. Amoah, you are a minister and a lawyer; you didn’t have anything reasonable to say than this. He is a lawyer, I am also a lawyer; let’s meet in court.”
The announcement by Alan Kyerematen that he intends to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential elections has injected a new dimension into the political landscape. His challenge to the NPP’s legal stance sets the stage for potential legal proceedings, further adding to the complexity of the upcoming elections.
As this legal dispute unfolds, political observers and the public will closely watch for developments that will shape the dynamics of the 2024 presidential elections.
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Boyfriend of Level 300 UEW student who committed suicide arrested
A deeply distressing incident has unfolded at the University of Education, Winneba, as a male student, believed to be the boyfriend of Rita Anane, a third-year Information Communication Technology (ICT) student, has been taken into police custody in connection with her apparent suicide by hanging.
Rita Anane’s lifeless body was discovered by her friends at her hostel, her life tragically cut short. The circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching suicide are shrouded in mystery, but the arrest of her boyfriend adds a new layer of complexity to the investigation.
According to a report by UTV News, Rita’s friends made the grim discovery when they visited her hostel room. They found her lifeless body with a rope around her neck, sparking immediate shock and concern within the university community.
The arrest of the boyfriend raises questions about any possible connection between their relationship and this devastating incident. Investigators are diligently working to uncover any clues or information that might shed light on the circumstances leading up to Rita Anane’s tragic decision.
This incident casts a spotlight on the mental health and well-being of students in tertiary institutions, particularly the emotional challenges they may face in their academic and personal lives. It also underscores the importance of addressing these issues and providing the necessary support and counseling services for students in need.
While the investigation is ongoing, the university community and the public are left grappling with the shocking loss of a promising young student. The hope is that the authorities will conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry, considering all possible factors that might have contributed to this tragedy.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for mental health awareness and intervention programs within academic institutions. The emotional struggles of students cannot be ignored, and this tragic event should spark a broader conversation about how universities can better support their students’ mental health.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Rita Anane’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. As the investigation continues, the community eagerly awaits further details that may help provide some closure and understanding of this heartbreaking event.
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How a 2-month-old company won a contract and made a ‘sweet’ $130m at Ghana’s Airport
Just two months after registration with the Registrar of Companies, Frontier Healthcare Service Limited, a company owned by a Nigerian businessman won a massive contract at Ghana’s only international Airport Kotoka International Airport.
The contract allowed Frontier–owned by Peter Benedict, a Nigerian businessman who is alleged to be fugitive–to collected some $150 from international travellers for a compulsory COVID tests.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has failed to release its contract with Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited for the testing of COVID-19 at the airport, despite a fine imposed by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.
The Commission fined the company GH¢200,000 for its failure to adhere to instructions regarding the release of information.
This comes after JoyNews requested access to the contract between GACL and Frontiers Healthcare Services, the entity responsible for COVID-19 testing at the airport.
GACL declined to disclose this information, citing Section 10 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which allows for exemptions under specific conditions.
GACL’s argument rested on the claim that the contract contained exempted information, such as trade secrets and financial data with potential monetary value. They contended that disclosing this data could harm the state’s financial interests, disrupt business and trade, and potentially provide a competitive advantage or disadvantage to specific individuals by offering advanced knowledge of future economic measures.
Furthermore, GACL stated that some contract-related information and revenue details from testing were not within their possession.
JoyNews challenged this stance, asserting that the requested information did not fall within the broad exemptions outlined in Section 10 of the RTI law.
The Right to Information Commission intervened and, following a comprehensive review, conveyed its decision to GACL through a letter dated February 3, 2023.
The Commission’s findings contradicted GACL’s position, emphasizing that the contract had already been executed and did not hold any monetary or potential monetary value for the state.
Additionally, the Commission determined that disclosing the requested information would not compromise the financial interests of the state.
As a result, the Commission issued a directive to GACL, mandating the release of not only the Frontiers contract but also a summary of procurement details related to the transaction between GACL and Frontiers Healthcare Services Ltd, excluding tax information and evaluative processes.
But according to Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the GACL remains unwilling to provide the needed information.
“Not even a directive and a GHS200,000.00 fine imposed by the RTI Commission following a Joy News petition has been helpful in compelling Akufo-Addo’s appointees at the Ghana Airport Company Limited and the larger Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration to disclose the requested information on the Frontiers contract in the interest of transparency and accountability,” he wrote in a Facebook post on November 1.
JoyNews has made no report on receiving the information requested from the GACL.
Mr Ablakwa made this known when he provided an exposé to shed light on what he deems a bombshell offer letter from the Ghana Airport Company Limited to Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited for the testing of COVID-19 at the airport.
According to the MP, the information “shall ensure that this grand Frontiers create, loot and share; together with all those who fronted for Frontiers are duly exposed and sanctioned for God and Country.”
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BoG Boss Dr Ernest Addison speaks, calls #OccupyBoG protesters hooligans
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has stated that he will not resign in response to calls from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus in Parliament. He dismissed the demands for his resignation as “completely unnecessary.”
Dr. Addison, in an interview with the international business news website Central Banking, expressed his view that the Minority in Parliament has other channels to voice their grievances in a civilized society and should not resort to street demonstrations like the #OccupyBoGProtest.
“The Minority in Parliament has many channels to channel their grievances in a civilised society, not through demonstrations on the streets as hooligans,” Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest.
The protest was organized to criticize what the protesters saw as an economic crisis caused by what they deemed poor fiscal policy by the Bank of Ghana.
Dr. Addison also refuted the claims made by the Minority that he had printed money to finance the lavish lifestyle of the ruling government. He explained that the BoG provided monetary financing in 2020 and 2022 to address specific crises, which he stated was legal under Central Bank law.
The Bank of Ghana reported losses totaling GHC60.81 billion for the 2022 financial year, in contrast to a profit of GHC1.23 billion recorded in 2021. These losses were attributed to the government’s domestic debt restructuring activities and the depreciation of the cedi, among other factors.
Regarding the losses in 2022, Dr. Addison clarified that the impairment of the bank’s holdings of debt, which led to the losses, was a conditionality for the IMF program, and no debt was forgiven by the Bank of Ghana.
Furthermore, he explained that the decision to construct a new headquarters for the BoG was made in 2019, when the bank was profitable, and funds from its profits were allocated for the project. It was not a decision made during a crisis.
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Benedict Peter, the Nigerian ‘fugitive’ who made over $130m at Ghana’s Airport within 2 years
Nigerian billionaire businessman 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. A civil society group has dragged Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court, demanding Peters’ arrest and prosecution over corruption allegations. Meanwhile, 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.
Allegations and Accusations
Peters, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business world, is facing a barrage of corruption allegations. The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) in Nigeria has accused him of involvement in various economic crimes, including conspiracy to commit fraud, tax evasion, corruption, and money laundering through his Aiteo Group of Companies, which includes Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Ltd, Aiteo Energy Limited, and Aiteo Energy Resources Ltd.
In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/239/2021, CESJET filed a petition at the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the EFCC to revisit these allegations and bring Benedict Peters to justice. The petition was filed on the grounds that specific demands for the performance of statutory duties must be made on government agencies such as the EFCC before seeking a Writ of Mandamus.
The petitioners emphasized that, regardless of how highly placed an individual may be, no one is above the law in Nigeria, and there are no limitations to criminal prosecution. These allegations have significantly tarnished Peters’ reputation.
Controversy Surrounding COVID-19 Testing Contract
In Ghana, a separate controversy has been brewing over the COVID-19 testing contract awarded to Frontier Healthcare Services Limited (FHSL), a company linked to Benedict Peters. The contract involved conducting COVID-19 tests at Kotoka International Airport in Accra for a hefty fee of USD 150, a cost that has drawn sharp criticism.
One of the central issues surrounding this contract is a lack of transparency. Questions have arisen regarding who approved the contract and why it was awarded to a foreign company, FHSL, despite its incorporation only 40 days prior to the reopening of the air borders. Officials of the Akufo-Addo administration have been tight-lipped about the details of the Frontier contract, further fueling suspicions.
Ownership Suspicion and Ultimate Beneficial Owner
The ownership structure of FHSL has been shrouded in suspicion. According to Registrar-General’s documents, FHSL is owned by another Ghanaian company called Healthcare Solution Services Limited (HSSL), which was incorporated on June 3, 2020. However, HSSL itself is wholly owned by another company called The Peters Family Company Ltd, which is incorporated in Dominica, a well-known offshore tax haven.
This convoluted ownership structure raises questions about the ultimate beneficial owner of these companies. The Registrar General’s Department has no records of the actual Ultimate Beneficial Owner, leaving a trail of foreign and local directors who may be acting as fronts for the real owners.
Contract Implementation and Criticism
Despite the lack of clarity surrounding its ownership, FHSL was awarded the COVID-19 testing contract at Kotoka International Airport. However, investigations have revealed that much of the work was carried out by scientists from Noguchi and nurses from the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, with Nigerian supervisors overseeing the operations. This arrangement has raised eyebrows and led to criticism of the decision to award the contract to a foreign company.
Directors and Domain Ownership
The directors of FHSL include Jean-Laurent Louis and Samuel Bansah, with Bansah also serving as the company’s secretary. On the other hand, HSSL’s directors include Samuel Bansah, Jean-Laurent Louis, and RATKO KNEZVIC, with Chuks Chukwunwike serving as the secretary of HSSL.
Moreover, investigations into the FHSL website, where travelers were directed to pay the USD 150 fee for COVID-19 tests using credit or debit cards, have revealed copyright violations. The website is managed by First Atlantic Bank, and its domain name was purchased on August 27, 2020, by an offshore company based in Panama, expiring on August 27, 2021.
The Mysterious Peters Family Company Ltd
The mysterious Peters Family Company Ltd, located in Dominica’s capital city, Roseau, is believed to be connected to Nigerian billionaire Benedict Peters. Investigators have expressed confidence in this connection. Benedict Peters is a well-known figure in Nigeria and is the present Chairman of Aiteo Group of Companies.
Aiteo Group and Peters’ Net Worth
Aiteo Group of Companies, described as the largest indigenous oil-producing firm in Nigeria by output, is a significant part of Benedict Peters’ business portfolio. His estimated net worth stands at around USD 3 billion, making him the seventh richest man in Nigeria and the 17th richest man in Africa, according to reputable sources. Notably, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nigeria, Peters donated USD 30 million to the country’s COVID-19 fund.
Previous Legal Encounters and Exile
Benedict Peters has had previous legal encounters with Nigerian authorities. In 2017, while he was out of Nigeria, the EFCC declared him wanted in connection with alleged crimes involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Maudeke. The EFCC also imposed an Interim Forfeiture Order on his properties in the UK, which were valued at billions of dollars. However, the Supreme Court of Nigeria lifted this order, accusing the EFCC of misstatements, concealment, and misrepresentation of facts.
In 2018, a high court in Nigeria ordered Peters to be removed from the wanted list, as the EFCC had failed to obtain a warrant before listing him. Following his removal from the list, Benedict Peters did not return to Nigeria but went into self-imposed exile.
Current Exile in Ghana
Intelligence gathered by GhanaWeb indicates that Benedict Peters has been in self-imposed exile in Ghana since 2018. He is reported to have close ties with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and is known to be a friend of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.
As the allegations and controversies surrounding Benedict Peters continue to make headlines, both Nigeria and Ghana are closely watching developments, awaiting further clarity on these complex and intertwined issues.
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Kenyan infant thief sentenced to 25 years in prison after BBC Africa Eye exposé
A person who works at a hospital in Kenya was caught by the BBC while trying to sell a baby. They have been given a punishment of being in jail for 25 years.
Fred Leparan, who was employed at Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital in Nairobi, was caught on camera receiving $2,500 (£2,000) for illegally selling a baby boy who was under the hospital’s protection.
He got caught in 2020 and was found guilty of selling children, not taking care of them, and planning to do more bad things together.
Selina Adundo, the person involved in the crime with him, was given a punishment of either six years in prison or a $2,000 payment.
An Africa Eye journalist pretended to be interested in buying something from Leparan. The reporter had heard from someone that Leparan, who works at the hospital, was involved in illegally taking children.
Leparan talked to the undercover reporter who was having trouble getting pregnant. Leparan didn’t ask many questions before agreeing to sell them a baby boy.
On that day, a baby boy and two more kids were supposed to move from the hospital to a government-run children’s home. However, Leparan was caught on camera changing the transfer documents to make it seem like only two children were coming instead of three.
A Kenyan court decided that Leparan will go to jail for 25 years. After that, he will be on probation for 10 years.
Adundo, who also worked at the hospital, was found guilty of not taking care of three children, but he was not found guilty of illegally taking children.
The court warned that Leparan and Adundo should not be allowed to deal with anything involving children.
This situation has continued for over two years even though there is really solid proof against Leparan.
He had one of the best legal defenses in Kenya, but he admitted in the secret video by the BBC that it was him.
There is not a lot of trustworthy information on how many children are being trafficked in Kenya.
Between July 2022 and May 2023, over 6,000 kids were reported as missing, as stated by the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Florence Bore.
This week, Ms Bore announced that the government plans to get rid of all orphanages and children’s homes that are owned by individuals. This is because they want to stop child trafficking. They want to complete this process in the next eight years. -
Manhunt launched after five bullets fired at university in Maryland
The police are on a manhunt to find a person who they think shot and hurt five people at a university in Maryland.
A shooting happened during a celebration at Morgan State University in Baltimore and caused people to run away from each other.
Four guys and one girl, who were between 18 and 22 years old, got hurt. The police don’t know how many people were shooting.
According to Gun Violence Archive data, there have been 531 instances of mass shootings this year.
The shooting on Tuesday night at the historically black university caused a disruption to the school’s homecoming events. Homecoming is an important tradition at historically black colleges and it is usually one of the biggest events of the year.
A group of students wearing fancy clothes were going to a dance at their school. Suddenly, they heard gunshots and started running into buildings nearby.
Police officers went to the location after people reported gunshots at around 9:25 PM Eastern Standard Time (1:35 AM British Summer Time).
Baltimore’s police commissioner, Richard Worley, explained that the police at the campus heard gunshots and saw dorm windows broken. This made them think that someone with a gun was causing harm.
A rule was made that people had to stay inside their homes while police officers searched the area. Students sat or stayed in one place for a long time until they were allowed to leave around 12:30 AM Eastern Standard Time.
According to Baltimore police commissioner Richard Worley, the people injured in the shooting were taken to the hospital, but their injuries are not life-threatening.
Mr Worley said that the investigators don’t know how many people were shooting. The president of Morgan State University, Dr. David Kwabena Wilson, decided to cancel classes on Wednesday.
Dr Wilson said that the violence that happened in our community was pointless and didn’t make sense. It happened after a happy evening where we were celebrating and enjoying the students’ pageantry and beauty.
But Morgan is a close-knit family and we will continue with strong determination to keep progressing forward.
Parents of university students hurried to the place on Tuesday night after hearing about what happened.
Glenmore Blackwood came to the campus when his son, who is in his final year at the university, informed him about a shooting that took place.
“It’s really unfortunate. ” They were trying to do something positive by organizing an event to promote positivity. But then negative things happened, Mr. Blackwood told the Associated Press.
US government departments, such as the FBI and ATF, mentioned that they were helping with the aftermath of the shooting.
Morgan State University was established in 1867. It is a public school and has about 9,000 students. -
Voice referendum: Vote on indigenous rights a moment of truth for Australia
On October 14th, Australia will have a very important vote that will greatly impact how they perceive themselves as a country.
If the proposal called the Voice is approved, it will acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution. It will also create a group for them to give advice to the government about things that affect their communities.
Supporters of this change say it’s a small but important step that will enable Indigenous Australians to have a rightful role in their own country. In the past, Australia has been slow to face its history, and this change seeks to address that.
However, critics of the proposal see it as a drastic idea that will create a long-lasting separation in the country by granting First Nations people more rights than other Australians. Legal experts argue against this claim.
Is the Voice really extreme, and how have other countries dealt with recognizing Indigenous people.
According to Prof Amanda Nettelbeck, Australia is different from other countries that were settled by colonizers because it has never made an agreement with its Indigenous people.
The constitution has never acknowledged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people of the land. They were not included in the population count until 1971 and they do not have specific seats for them in the government.
By 1962, they were finally allowed to vote in elections that determined the leaders of the whole country. But the desire for more control over our own lives has been around for many years.
A document to King George V asked for a First Nations representative in parliament, and it got 1,800 signatures from First Nations people in the 1930s.
William Cooper, who fought for the rights of the Yorta Yorta people, led the effort, hoping the paper would be given to the ruler. It never was.
Nearly 40 years later, a request was made by the Larrakia traditional owners in Darwin asking for discussions about a treaty and rights to their land. This request reached Buckingham Palace, but unfortunately, it was not responded to.Australia had a vote in 1999 to decide whether to officially recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the beginning of the constitution. The change, which was one of two changes connected to the vote on becoming a republic, did not succeed.
Today, a paper called the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which contains the Voice, asks for something similar.
More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from different parts of the country created a document in 2017. This document asks for the creation of a special group that has legal support, as well as a process for making agreements and telling the truth about the past.
Since the 1970s, Australia has had different groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who give advice, but they don’t last very long.
All of these were made to help fix the big differences that First Nations communities still have in health, money, and education. But sometimes, they had problems with the people who make rules and disagreements within the group, and eventually came to an end.
Supporters of voice argue that if the organization is officially established in the constitution and exists for a long time, it will be protected from facing the same problems.
A person or thing that is very different from others is called an outlier.
The No campaign believes that the Voice is a risky and untested idea. Their main argument is that there isn’t enough information about how it would work.
If the reform is approved, parliament would have the authority to create the Voice and modify it as needed. The constitution will not provide specific information about the body.
Experts also mention that other countries have also had similar groups that give advice to Indigenous people for many years.
Each country with a history of colonization and a liberal democratic system has certain mechanisms in place, especially on a national level. According to Dani Linder, an Indigenous woman and legal expert at the University of Queensland, Australia doesn’t offer anything.
The Sami people have lived in northern Scandinavia for a very long time. They have their own governments in Finland, Norway, and Sweden since the 1980s and 1990s, and their rights are protected by the laws of all three countries.
The parliament controls the elected bodies and gives advice to lawmakers on how to solve problems that affect the Sami communities. Supporters of the Voice propose that it can work in a comparable manner.In New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed when the country was colonized in 1840. By 1867, special seats for Māoris were set up in parliament. Since 1975, there has been a committee called the Waitangi Tribunal which helps Māoris have a voice in decisions about policies that affect them.
Indigenous peoples in Canada have legal rights stated in the constitution, including agreements with the government and the ability to govern themselves. And in 1982, a group called the First Nations Assembly was formed. This group is made up of chiefs who represent their communities. They meet directly with federal lawmakers to discuss important matters.
According to Prof Nettelbeck, indigenous representative bodies have been working peacefully with national or federal parliaments for a long time and are not seen as problematic.
The fact that this proposal is causing a lot of disagreement in Australia shows that we are very different from other countries around the world.
However, one reason why people disagree about the Voice is that advisory groups are not typically made into official parts of the constitution.
Some people believe that adding the Voice to Australia’s main document could make it too powerful. They think it will make it harder for the government to make decisions and cause a lot of arguments in the courts.
But important legal experts, including the federal solicitor general, disagree with that. And the Voice won’t be able to reject laws.
According to constitutional law expert Prof Anne Twomey, Parliament and the executive government are not required to listen to the Voice’s advice.
This simply allows for a group to share their opinions with the government and lawmakers. Anyone or any group in Australia has the ability to do the exact same thing.
Effects of the vote
Australia’s constitution can only be altered through a process called a referendum. Over time, only eight out of 44 suggested changes to the constitution have been approved. Those who succeeded had support from both political parties. The Voice does not.
The only two surveys done with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voters showed that over 80% of those asked supported the change. But in surveys across the country, the amount of support is dropping quickly.
The No campaign is saying that if the Voice is not approved, it should not be seen as the end of the fight for Indigenous constitutional recognition. People have different opinions on whether there should be another vote to discuss the issue again.Warren Mundine, who spoke out against the No vote, believes that without the Voice, a treaty process might have a better chance of success.
“The Bundjalung man said that if there is a vote against something, that is when the actual work begins. ”
But people who have learned about the long journey that led to the Voice say that if the outcome is a No, it would erase all the hard work and effort that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have put in for many years.
The Uluru Statement said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples want to be recognized and have their voices heard. If this referendum doesn’t pass, it means there is no official authorization for another referendum on a different matter, according to Harry Hobbs, a legal expert who specializes in studying how treaties are formed.
The conversation has been filled with mean and false words that could hurt people for a long time.
“We are witnessing a decline in the way people communicate in public, similar to what we observed during recent elections in the US and the UK Brexit referendum,” said Prof Sana Nakata, a political theorist from the Torres Strait Islander community, in an interview with the BBC.
“The amount of false information and conspiracy theories going around is worse than anything I have witnessed in the past 20 years of closely monitoring Australian politics. ”
First Nations communities feel like they are being closely watched and talked about politically and socially.
“We have to explain why we belong in this country and why we are important. It will take us some time to feel better after this. ”
As the debate is coming to an end, the Yes campaign wants to convince millions of people who haven’t made up their minds yet that the Voice is a chance to make big changes in history.
Noel Pearson, a leading advocate for the Voice, said last week that many of us have grown up feeling like strangers.
This referendum is like a big mirror for our country. It’s a choice for us Australians – we can either move forward or stay stuck in the past. -
Grimes files lawsuit against Elon Musk over parental rights
Singer Grimes has filed a legal request about her rights as a parent to the three children she has with Elon Musk.
The court records say that Grimes, whose real name is Clair Boucher, asked the court to say that they are the parent of a child on September 29th.
Grimes, who is 35 years old, had accused Mr. Musk of not letting her see one of their sons. However, she deleted the post later on.
MrMusk, who is 52 years old, has at least 11 kids with three different women.
The information about the petition that was submitted to the Superior Court of San Francisco is not accessible to the public.
Neither Grimes nor Mr Musk could be contacted to provide a comment about the legal filing.
Grimes and Musk are parents to three kids. Their first child, X Æ A-1 (also known as X), was born in May 2020. They also have a daughter named Exa Dark Sideræl (known as Y), who was born in December 2021.
Last year in June, Elon Musk and his partner had their third child, a boy named Techno Mechanicus also known as Tau. This information was recently shared in a biography about Elon Musk written by the journalist Walter Isaacson.
In a post that was later taken down, Grimes, who had an on-and-off relationship with Mr. Musk from 2018 to 2021, wrote that he should allow her to see their son or please reply to her lawyer.
According to reports, Mr. Musk made the post in reply to a picture shared by Mr. The picture was of twins that Mr. Musk has as a result of his relationship with tech executive Shivon Zilis.
“I have never been allowed to see a picture of these kids before now, and it has caused a lot of pain for my family,” Grimes wrote in a post on September 7. This message was later shared on the website Jezebel.
Grimes said sorry on X (Twitter) on 10 September and wants to keep her children away from public attention.
Overall,Musk has had at least 11 kids in total. This includes six kids with his ex-wife, Canadian writer Justine Mack.
He was married to Talulah Riley, who is an actress in Westworld, twice. The couple got married in 2010 but broke up in 2012. However, they got back together a year later, but unfortunately, they broke up again in 2016.
The tech mogul who causes a lot of disagreement is also being sued in two other recent cases.
On October 2nd, a man from California took legal action against Mr. Musk for causing him trouble based on a false post. This post, which Mr. Musk spread further, wrongly placed him at a far-right protest in Oregon that happened in June. In a post mentioned in the lawsuit, Mr. Musk called the confrontation a “possibly fake situation”.
X Social Media, a company, filed a lawsuit in Florida on the same day. They claim that Mr. Musk has used a name for Twitter that infringes on their trademark. -
Iran hijab police allegedly thrashed girl till she fell unconscious
People who speak out for people’s rights say that Iran’s police who enforce moral rules beat up a girl because she was not wearing a hijab, and they shared a picture that supposedly shows her in a deep unconscious state.
Armita Geravand, a 16-year-old, fell down and lost consciousness while getting onto a train in Tehran at Shohada station on Sunday.
Officials said that she suddenly lost consciousness and they shared a video from the security cameras showing her being taken out of the train while she was still unconscious.
According to Hengaw, a human rights organization, they claim that she was badly hurt by police officers because of her actions.
It said Armita was getting treatment at a hospital in Tehran called Fajr. There was a lot of security around her, and all the phones belonging to her family were taken away.
On Monday, the police briefly arrested a woman journalist who works for Sharq newspaper. She had gone to the hospital to write a story about a certain incident.
Hengaw, an organization that works with the Kurdish people in Iran, announced on Tuesday that Armita lived in Tehran but was originally from Kermanshah, a place in Iran where many Kurds live.
She was hurt by the police at Shohada station. “Because they thought someone wasn’t wearing the required ‘hijab,’” the statement said. She got really hurt and had to go to the hospital.
Two well-known rights advocates told Reuters news agency that they came into conflict with government agents who were enforcing a very strict dress code.
On Tuesday night, Hengaw shared a photo on X (previously known as Twitter), claiming it was a picture of Armita being unconscious in the hospital.
The BBC couldn’t confirm if the picture is real, but it shows a girl with short hair lying down on a bed. She has a bandage on her head and seems to be connected to a tube for breathing.
The rights group also said it had found out that Armita’s parents were interviewed by the state news agency, Irna, “with important security officers there, and they were feeling a lot of pressure at Fajr Hospital”.
Irna said that Armita’s mother confirmed they watched the CCTV footage and agreed that what occurred on Sunday was an unintentional event.
“I believe my daughter’s blood pressure went down, but I’m not completely certain. I think the doctors mentioned that her pressure dropped,” her mom says in a video posted by Irna, which has been edited extensively.
The director of the Tehran subway, Masood Dorosti, said that there was no argument or problem between Armita and other passengers or subway staff.
There are some gossip going around about a conflict with metro officers. He said that the claim is false and the CCTV footage proves it.
The video shows Armita, without her hair covered, walking onto a train with two other girls at the platform.
Just a little while later, one of the girls leaves the train and bends down.
She and other people picked up Armita, who was not awake, and put her down on the platform.
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Ukrainian sniper “with 113 kills” explains his methods of doing it
A top Ukrainian sniper who says he shot and killed 113 Russian soldiers in nine months is looking for important targets in Donbas.
The ‘Ghosts of Bakhmut’ are a special group of well-trained soldiers who say they have killed 558 Russian soldiers recently.
Their leader, known as Ghost, told Insider that being a sniper is not as glamorous as American films make it seem.
We work all day and night without any distinction between day or night. There are no days off.
‘You’re extremely tired, all your energy is gone, and when you return from a task, you’re in a complete state of disarray. ‘
Ghost and his team usually hunt important Russian targets from about 230 feet away. They are frequently sent to dangerous areas as a leading unit for Ukraine’s counter-attack operations, which have become more intense in the past few months.
“He said that when we have a plan to attack or defend, our job is to be the first ones to go in and make sure the area is safe. ”
Ghost says that the unit has killed as many enemies as a whole military battalion. The commander also says that they personally killed 113 of them.
However, these numbers could not be confirmed by another source.
The squad, named after their leader, keeps track of the kills they make using electronic sights on their rifles.
The group will usually stay in one place for about 16 hours a day to keep an eye on their targets. After that, they will lie down for three to five hours to make sure their targets are eliminated.
But he said that the dangerous job is exhausting and can really affect people’s mental well-being.
The team members try to keep things normal when they come back home from missions. The leader says he spends time talking to his young daughter and making music to relax after missions.
He believes that the husky named Lola in their unit is important for boosting the team’s happiness and he even calls her the group’s ‘anti-depressant. ‘
The special team had to train for 10 months before they could go to Bakhmut.
Ghost, who used to be an entrepreneur, claims that he has been working as a sniper since 2014. He decided to join the military after Russia took control of Crimea in an illegal way. In 2016, he received training to become a sniper from instructors from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Lithuania.
The commander said that his squad’s training was helpful and none of his team members have died.
The Ghost said that he and another shooter got hurt while on a mission. A bomb exploded close to him and some small pieces cut into his leg.
He had to stay in the hospital for 12 days because of this injury.He also said that the reason why the group is successful is because they are a close and independent group who all strongly believe in Ukraine’s cause.
‘I trust every man who works with me completely,’ he said.
‘We can do everything on our own without needing help from anyone else. ‘ All parts of our task are done by our own members. We have our own drivers, truck repairers, and we handle everything ourselves.
We don’t need help from anyone outside our team. This is likely the reason why we are all still alive and together.
Bravery can be developed and cultivated over time. One needs to be strong, tough, determined, mentally tough, and obviously love their country.
This part of being patriotic is really important because a person needs to know why they are doing it. -
Why Dr Kwame Nkrumah changed his name from “Francis Nwia Kofi Ngolomah”
This is what Nkrumah wrote about his own biography;
“The only certain facts of my birth appear to be that I was born in the village of Nkroful in Nzima around mid-day on a Saturday in mid-September…According to my mother, forty-five Kuntums (the traditional festival of Nzima) have taken place since I was born, which makes the year of my birth 1912. On the other hand, the Roman Catholic Priest who later baptized me recorded my birth date as 21st September, 1909. Although this was a mere guess on his part, I have always used this date on official documents, not so much because I believed in its accuracy, but in so far as officialdom was concerned, it was the line of least resistance…I [later] came to realize how near the mark [the actual date of my birth] this guess must have been.
He was born into the Nzima tribe in Nkroful; a small village on the south western border of the then Gold Coast. Nkrumah was known as Francis Nwai-Kofi (or Nyakofi) Nkrumah until 1945 when he changed his name to Kwame Nkrumah.”
Why the name Nkrumah? According to Akan tradition, the name Nkrumah is given to the ninth born child of the family but Nkrumah was an only child of his mother so where did the name Nkrumah come from? The name Nkrumah came from the name ‘Ngolomah’, the supposed name of his father who was rumoured to have been of a Liberia citizen. Other sources say Ngolomah was from the Akan Asona family without mentioning what village or town this man came from. The fact of the matter is that, Ngolomah could not be traced to any Akan lineage and a foreign name to the Akan tribe and this man could not have been from Ghana let alone being an Akan. The name Ngolomah is not Akan name.
Even the date of Nkrumah’s birth is a mystery. He was initially known as Francis Nwia Kofi Nkrumah, Kofi being the name given to children born on Friday in Akan tradition.
Who was really Kwame Nkrumah?
Kwame Nkrumah was born in about 1909 in Nkroful, Gold Coast. Although his mother, whose name was Nyanibah, later stated his year of birth was 1912, Nkrumah wrote that he was born on 18 September 1909, a Saturday, and by the naming customs of the Akan people was given the name Kwame, that being the name given to males born on a Saturday. During his years as a student in the United States, though, he was known as Francis Nwia Kofi Nkrumah, with Kofi being the name given to males born on Friday. The name of his father is not known; most accounts say he was a goldsmith.
Other sources give a brief description of his father as Opanyin Kofi Nwiana Ngolomah from the Asona clan of the Akan Tribe. “A goldsmith by practice, he was a man of strong character, extremely kind, and proud of his children. He was a polygamist and had several wives and children besides Nkrumah. Ngolomah died in 1927.”
This I will filed off as an attempt to fill in the blank to give Nkrumah a father he never knew. If Nkrumah had half brothers and sisters, how come we have never heard of them?
I know this will attract the wrath of Nkrumah appendages and their insults but I didn’t write this to demean the first President of Ghana who I have continued to say was very patriotic to a fault that made him to believe he was the only patriotic Ghanaian and knows what is best for all of us and that was his downfall. His beliefs made him impose draconian laws like PDA, One party state and President for life and these three policies brought his regime to an end.
If People like Kwarteng and Professor Lungu want to thrash the image of their political nemesis like Danquah, they should realize that Nkrumah’s own family background is not perfect.
Justice Sarpong
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5 health benefits of farting
While flatulence, commonly known as farting, may often be seen as an embarrassing bodily function, it can actually have some health benefits. Here are five potential health benefits of farting:
- Relieves Gas Buildup: Farting helps release excess gas that can accumulate in the digestive system. When gas builds up, it can lead to discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain. Passing gas allows for the release of this pressure, providing relief.
- Indicates a Healthy Gut: The act of farting can be a sign of a healthy gut. It suggests that the digestive system is functioning properly and breaking down food effectively. A lack of farting may indicate digestive issues.
- Balances Gut Microbiota: Farting can help maintain a balance of gut microbiota. The production of gases during digestion is a natural part of the process, and passing gas can help regulate the microbial population in the intestines.
- Reduces Abdominal Distension: When gas is trapped in the digestive tract, it can cause abdominal distension, which is the swelling or bloating of the abdomen. Farting can alleviate this discomfort by releasing the trapped gas.
- May Relieve Tension: Holding in gas can create tension in the abdominal area, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Releasing gas through farting can help reduce this tension and provide relief.
It’s important to note that while farting can have these potential health benefits, excessive or foul-smelling gas can be a sign of underlying digestive issues or dietary choices that may need attention. If you experience persistent digestive discomfort or changes in your flatulence patterns, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.
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“National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us” – Mensa Otabil
Dr. Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church and Chancellor of the Central University College, has made a forthright statement regarding the condition of the National Theatre of Ghana, describing it as suffering from “severe malnourishment.”
During his speech at the Experience Conference 2023, Dr. Otabil did not hold back in his critique of government-owned structures utilized as event venues. He made these remarks while expressing his admiration for Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, the founder and leader of Maker’s House Chapel, who successfully constructed a beautiful church building where congregants gather for various church services.
“Many times, when we see God use a person like Dr. Boadi Nyamekye here, and you see him and see the amazing work that God has done with him,” said Dr. Otabil. “In this church on this campus, you have one of the most beautiful church campuses anywhere this is, this is a high-class place.”
“This is how even government of Ghana will struggle to build this and I am not in any way insulting the Government of Ghana. I’m just speaking like Jesus Christ… Let the facts be the facts. Because you know, our National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us.”
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Creative Arts Agency: Akufo-Addo’s daughter’s position as Executive Secretary is illegal – Kojo Preko
Kojo Preko Dankwa, the Convener of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), has asserted that the appointment of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, the daughter of the President, was made in violation of the law. He contends that the appointment was carried out without the involvement or knowledge of the stakeholders within the Creative Arts industry.
“She is the illegal Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency. And I am surprised we are still sitting on this matter and the President is still watching, the Ministry is still watching,” he was quoted by myjoyonline.com.
According to Preko, the appointment was shrouded in secrecy, an act he describes as disrespectful to Ghanaians.
He said: “If she has received her appointment letter we have to know. The President appoints a Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority and it is not done in darkness. We all know. Officially, you need to tell us. Then [if she’s been given her appointment letter] it means that the government does not respect us.”
The position of Executive Secretary of the Agency is reserved for the President of the Republic of Ghana.
“Article 195 of the Constitution which gave the President the power to appoint an Executive Secretary and a Board for the National Film Authority gives him the same power to do same for the Creative Arts Agency,” Preko further noted.
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Mother eats son’s head so he would ‘be with her forever’ in Egypt
A mother in Egypt killed her five-year-old son by cutting off his head with a big knife and then cooked and ate his head. The court in Egypt has decided that she is mentally ill and cannot be held responsible for her actions.
Hanaa Mohamed Hassan, who is 29 years old, went to court for being accused of killing her son Youssef. However, the judges at the Criminal Court of Zagazig decided that she was not mentally capable to defend herself.
But in a decision announced on Saturday, they declared that she had killed the boy while being mentally ill and should be kept in a safe psychiatric facility.
Hassan was caught by Youssef’s uncle. He found some of Hassan’s body parts in a bucket at their home in Faqous.
The police said that after she was arrested, she admitted to eating a part of her son’s head because she wanted him to be with her forever.
She cut up his body in the bathroom before cooking his head and other parts of his body in boiling water on the stove.
Before the decision was made, the lawyers believed that Hasan killed her son because she was scared that she might not be able to keep him with her if her ex-husband got custody.
The first doctor report said she knew what she was doing, and she planned it. She got a club and a big knife before locking up her house.
She hit her son’s head three times and killed him. Then, she cut Youssef’s body into pieces to try to get rid of the evidence.
However, the court decided to do a more thorough examination of her mental health, and a group of mental health experts chosen by the court discovered that Hasan was having false beliefs and unrealistic ideas that her family members were using magic against her son.
The report said that Hassan’s ability to understand and make good decisions was not working well, and she did not realize how serious her actions were.
She saw the disgusting killing as just a small error.
Hassan was told to stay at the Abbasia Mental and Neurological Health Hospital in Cairo. -
The story behind the trending song “Cobra”
You might have found yourself mindlessly scrolling through platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram when you stumble upon a song, often playing as background music to a skit or a dance routine. Initially, it may strike you as amusing, but then the lyrics start to resonate with you, and suddenly, it becomes relatable.
One such song that has taken over the airwaves in Ghana, particularly on social media, is “Cobra” by Obaapa Gladys, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
The phenomenon started on TikTok, where the “Cobra challenge” emerged. In this challenge, users would dance and sing along to the song, typically referencing individuals in their lives whom they believe exhibit snakelike behavior. Even celebrities like Shatta Wale and Nana Ama McBrown got in on the trend.
But what’s the story behind the song, and why did it suddenly explode in popularity? The producer of the song, Fred Kyei Mensah, also known as Fredyma, provided a detailed account of the song’s origins.
Fredyma is a legendary music producer and artiste manager, serving as the CEO of Fredyma Studios. With an impressive 39 years in the music industry, Fred Kyei Mensah has played a crucial role in training numerous producers, including JQ and Appietus.
Fredyma is the mastermind behind the trending “Cobra” song. He took to his Facebook page to share the backstory of the song, recounting his initial encounter with Obaapa Gladys. According to him, in 2022, a colleague introduced him to her, explaining that she had an idea for a song that drew parallels between human behavior and that of snakes, particularly the cobra.
“Somewhere last year, my colleague in the music production business, Flash Da Sikk Beatz, introduced this lady, Obaapa Gladys to me that, she has a very interesting lyrics about the behavioral patterns of human nature and likened it to a Cobra. I listened to it and within some few minutes, we created a rhythm for her,” he posted.
Fred Kyei Mensah went on to reveal that he initially had reservations about Obaapa Gladys’ vocals in the song. He had suggested that she consider having someone else sing the chorus for her, but she strongly opposed this idea.
Additionally, Fred Kyei Mensah shared that the song was actually released earlier in the year but went relatively unnoticed. It wasn’t until the final hours of September that he started receiving calls and notifications, indicating that the song had suddenly gained immense popularity and was spreading like wildfire on social media.
“She released the song early this year on various music portals and didn’t hear from her again only for me to be receiving tags on my Facebook, Tik tok and Whatsapp since last Friday about a trending video about a song I have produced only to realize that, it was the COBRA song,” he added.
He linked the rise of the song to the widely publisized resignation of presidential aspirant Alan Kyrematen from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the brouhaha involved. Adding that the song was used to troll significant individuals in the party.
“Boi! I think, the song resonated and connected to Alan’s resignation and his formation of his Movement for Change and Kennedy Agyepong’s unpleasant and unprintable insults on his party so, a lot of social media freaks, used it to troll them” he said.
Fred Kyei Mensah underscored the importance of the song’s lyrics, emphasizing that individuals with snake-like qualities exist in every corner of society. The song’s message evidently resonated with many people, contributing to its rapid rise in popularity.
The story behind “Cobra” is a tale of creativity, a relatable message, a stroke of luck, and, much like a cobra awaiting the opportune moment to strike, patience. Fredyma, in his Facebook post, acknowledged and disclosed all the individuals who played various roles in the creation of the song, shedding light on the collaborative effort that led to its success.
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20 people killed in catastrophic collision after bus veered off elevated road in Mestre
A bus in Italy crashed off a high street near Venice, causing the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring others, as confirmed by authorities.
The accident occurred in Mestre, which is a neighborhood near Venice.
The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, said: ‘Something very sad and terrible happened to our community tonight. ‘ I have no words to say.
Local news sources reported that the bus fell a short distance before crashing near Mestre’s railway tracks. The bus then caught fire.
A crane helped lift a tourist bus that fell from a bridge in Venice. Sadly, at least 21 people died in the accident.
Emergency workers were at the location.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sadness and regrets after the crash.
The bus was taking Eastern European tourists back to their hotel in Marghera, which was very close to where the crash happened.
It turns out that many of the people on the boat were Ukrainians going to a nearby place where they were staying.
The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, said that a bus fell 30 meters and caught fire. The situation was made worse because the bus was powered by biomethane.
After the crash, forty ambulance cars were sent to the location. The Venice railway line was closed for a short time, but it is now open again. -
Health benefits of guava leaves
Guava leaves are known for their numerous health benefits, thanks to their rich content of bioactive compounds. Here are some of the potential health benefits of guava leaves:
- Weight Management: Guava leaves can aid in weight management by preventing the conversion of complex carbohydrates into sugars, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Blood Sugar Control: Guava leaves may help lower blood sugar levels. They contain compounds that inhibit the absorption of dietary sugars, making them beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
- Digestive Health: Guava leaves have digestive properties. They can help alleviate diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Guava leaf tea can be soothing for the digestive system.
- Heart Health: Regular consumption of guava leaves may contribute to improved heart health. They can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and maintain healthy blood vessels.
- Immune Support: Guava leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that support the immune system. They help the body defend against infections and illnesses.
- Antioxidant Properties: Guava leaves are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals, which can cause cell damage and contribute to various diseases, including cancer. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Oral Health: Chewing guava leaves can help maintain oral hygiene by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing bad breath, and promoting gum health.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Guava leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain.
- Skin Health: Guava leaves can be used topically to treat skin conditions like acne and skin irritation. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that may soothe and improve skin health.
- Hair Care: Applying a guava leaf extract or decoction to the hair and scalp can promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and prevent dandruff due to its nourishing and antibacterial properties.
- Menstrual Pain Relief: Guava leaf tea is known for its ability to reduce menstrual pain and cramps in some women. It can help relax the uterine muscles.
- Vision Health: The high levels of vitamin A in guava leaves support vision health and may help prevent eye disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration.
It’s essential to note that while guava leaves offer numerous potential health benefits, individual responses may vary. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new herbs or supplements into your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, using guava leaves as part of your health regimen should be done in moderation and in conjunction with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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Two people killed after Ferrari and Lamborghini collide in Italy
This is the scary moment when a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, and a camper van crashed into each other in Italy. Sadly, two tourists died in the accident.
On Monday, 2nd October, two vehicles collided with each other in San Giovanni Suergiu, which is located in the Italian province of South Sardinia.
Two Swiss tourists, Melissa Krautli, age 63, and Markus Krautli, age 67, died in the Ferrari.
A video of the accident shows a blue Lamborghini trying to pass a white camper that is driving in front of it.
But a few seconds later, the red Ferrari, driving from behind, also attempts to pass the Lamborghini at the same time, resulting in a collision.
Then, the car was pushed and went underneath the camper. The force was so strong that the camper was tossed and turned upside down. As a result, both roads got blocked.
The Lamborghini crashed and went off the road. There was a camper in the way, blocking both lanes, and the Lamborghini ended up on its side.
The red Ferrari, which is not visible in the video anymore, turned over on the opposite side of the road and caught fire. The couple inside the car got stuck.
A man and a woman, both 61 and 62 years old, were hurt while they were traveling in a camper. They were taken to the hospital.
Two individuals who were riding in the Lamborghini also got hurt and had to go to the hospital.
According to local news, the people inside the Ferrari and Lamborghini were taking part in an event called the Sardinia Supercar Tour. This is a fancy car meetup where luxury sports cars come together and drive from Teulada to Olbia. -
Student who ‘tapped airport worker’s arm’ in Dubai sentenced to a year in prison
A student from the United States has been given a one-year prison term for touching a customs official at an airport in Dubai.
Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos, a 21-year-old student at Lehman College, was taken into custody while waiting for her next flight at Dubai International Airport in July.
De Los Santos came to the city while she was returning home from a trip to Istanbul. After getting off the plane, she was stopped by airport security.
According to the NGO Detained in Dubai, customs officials told De Los Santos to take off her medical waist trainer. She had to wear it because she had surgery earlier this year.
Detained in Dubai said that De Los Santos couldn’t remove the device on her own. Two women security guards made fun of her and talked in a different language, and they didn’t want to assist her when she was trying to remove the object and hurting.
De Los Santos said, “I softly touched her arm to lead her away, then I desperately began crying to my friend for assistance,” to the NGO.
The whole situation made De Los Santos feel embarrassed and violated, according to Detained in Dubai.
A man who worked in customs let his friend help him. But then, De Los Santos was told she was being held by this lady officer because she had touched her.
Detained in Dubai said that De Los Santos was made to sign a paper in Arabic and then she was told that she was not allowed to leave the country.
‘Elizabeth originally planned to just pass through Dubai for six hours, but she has been stuck there for several months now and has had to spend $50,000 on various expenses and paying lawyers,’ explained Radha Stirling, the CEO of Detained in Dubai.
Earlier this week, De Los Santos was given a punishment of one year in jail and told to pay 10,000 Emirati dirham for the incident that happened in July.
Officials in the UAE planned to send De Los Santos back to her home country after she paid a fine. However, customs officials objected and took legal action before she could leave.
‘Either they want to put her in jail or they want to force her to pay them money,’ Stirling said in simpler terms.
Detained in Dubai said they were in contact with De Los Santos’s representative in Congress, Ritchie Torres from New York.
The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment about the situation.
The US State Department has given a level 2 warning for travel to the UAE. They want American citizens to be more careful when visiting the country.
The agency also advises that US citizens who are planning to travel abroad should learn about the laws of the country they will be visiting.
The State Department said that the laws on how people should behave in public and what is considered right and wrong are much stricter in the UAE than in the United States.
Some examples of behavior that is against the law include making mean hand movements, using bad words, touching another person without their permission, and saying mean things about the UAE, the royal families, the local governments, or other people.
The State Department warned that travelers should remember that there are many different cultures in the UAE, and they should be aware that some actions, such as what they wear, could attract unwanted attention. -
Efia Odo Vows to fight for Ghana
Ghanaian actress and socialite, Efia Odo, has made a commitment to advocate for the betterment of her nation, irrespective of her geographical location. She emphasized her determination to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Ghanaians within the country, with the aim of compelling the government to address the concerns of its citizens.Efia Odo has been actively involved in various protests, including the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which was organized by concerned Ghanaians and celebrities to voice their grievances regarding the challenging state of the Ghanaian economy to President Akufo-Addo.
Her response came in the wake of an accusation that she had abandoned the protesters and their cause after temporarily residing outside of the country following the demonstration.
“Don’t worry I’m going to fight for Ghana, no matter what country I’m in,” Efia Odo wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The actress was part and parcel of the host of celebrities who partook in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest that gained much attention in the country due to the police’s handling of the protesters on the first day.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters were hailed by the public for their resilience and persistence during the demonstration after the police arrested some protesters at the initial stage.
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Diamond Platnumz gets nominated for the 2023 MTV EMA
Tanzanian singer and entertainer, Diamond Platnumz, has reaffirmed his status as one of East Africa’s leading talents by earning a nomination at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMA).
This year’s MTV EMA ceremony is set to take place in Paris, marking the first time since 1995 that the event will be held in the city. The prestigious awards show is scheduled to be held at Paris Nord Villepinte.
Diamond Platnumz has secured a nomination in the highly competitive Best African Act category, where he is joined by other prominent African artists such as Asake, Burna Boy, Libianca, and Tyler ICU.
Notably, in 2015, Diamond Platnumz clinched the MTV EMA award in the Best African/Indian category, triumphing over well-known figures including Yemi Alade, Davido, Dj Arafat, Indus Creed, Priyanka Chopra, and several others.
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SDK Dele raises concerns regarding the supervision of foreign funding in Ghana
Popular Ghanaian stand-up comedian, SDK Dele, has recently voiced significant concerns regarding the restricted level of due diligence exercised by prominent international organizations when allocating funds to various institutions within the country.
SDK Dele, who has been notably active in engaging with national matters, including his participation in the recent #OccupyJulorBiHouse protests, chose to express his apprehensions via the social media platform Twitter. Within his tweets, he thoughtfully questioned the extent to which these organizations meticulously scrutinize and assess the individuals or groups that they entrust with substantial financial resources.
Furthermore, he delved into a deeper line of inquiry, pondering whether these entities ever take heed and learn from past instances marked by the misappropriation of funds and the presence of inadequate accountability mechanisms among the recipients of such financial support.
“Do these foreign institutions that frequently contribute funds to Ghana ever learn? Don’t they thoroughly scrutinize the recipients before disbursing funds? You wake up and hand over more than $100 to someone, knowing well that these recipients may not utilize it appropriately,” he posted.
SDK Dele’s tweet has ignited a far-reaching dialogue about the oversight and accountability linked to financial assistance provided to Ghana and other nations facing similar circumstances. This conversation emerges against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding government expenditures, donations, and aid allocations to diverse foundations operating within the country.
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Netizens mock Shatta Wale over 2018 BET tweet
Following Black Sherif’s victory in the Best International Flow category, social media users have been quick to resurface a tweet from 2018 by the self-proclaimed Dancehall artist Shatta Wale.
In this 2018 tweet, Shatta Wale had claimed to have received communication from BET, which has now become a topic of discussion in light of Black Sherif’s recent BET win for Best International Flow.
Black Sherif secured the award for Best International Flow Act at The 2023 BET Awards held in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 23. He triumphed over other notable artists in the music scene, including AKA (South Africa), Sampa The Great (Zambia), Gazo (France), J Hus (UK), K.O (South Africa), Major Rd (Brazil), Ninho (France), Central Cee (UK), and Tasha & Tracie (Brazil).
Amidst the pouring of congratulations and accolades for Blacko’s victory, many turned their attention to the outspoken Shatta Wale due to the 2018 tweet.
On December 21, 2018, Shatta Wale tweeted, “Eii B.E.T just sent me mail ooo.”
This tweet led to speculation that he had been contacted regarding a possible award win. However, nothing further was heard from Shatta Wale concerning the email.
Five years later, this tweet has resurfaced, prompting many to question Shatta Wale about the aftermath of the mentioned email. People are curious whether he was serious or had simply been joking about the matter.
Check some of the tweets below.
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Australian towns experience fire and flooding in a row
After fire, some Australian towns are getting ready for floods.
There are currently fires in the Gippsland region of Victoria and the South Coast of New South Wales. These areas were also affected by bushfires four years ago.
The rain is giving us a break, but it’s also causing flood warnings.
The country has been severely affected by one disaster after another in recent years due to climate change.
This is one of the reasons why my government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that he is committed to taking action to address climate change.
Many fires are happening in Australia right now, and this year’s fire season is expected to be very dangerous.
In Gippsland, a countryside area in the south-east of Victoria, many firefighters have been working hard for a few days to fight against two dangerous fires. These fires have caused people to leave their homes and have destroyed at least one house.
The authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have said that a few houses were burned down by a fire in the Bega Valley on Tuesday.In both states, the fires have burned around 25,000 hectares (or 250 square kilometers) of land. This is roughly five times bigger than Manhattan Island.
However, a big area of cold air is causing a lot of rain in the south-east part of Australia on Wednesday. The authorities are advising people to get ready for possible floods caused by sudden heavy rain and overflow of rivers.
The towns in the Gippsland region that were in danger from the fires are now in danger because they might get isolated by the flood waters.
“Do not try to go through those deep flood waters while driving. It could be the final choice you ever make,” Victoria’s State Emergency Services chief officer Tim Wiebusch cautioned residents on Tuesday.
In New South Wales, it has rained on the areas affected by fires, but the main concern for flooding is farther away from the coast. In other parts of the state, there is a high risk of fires because it is very hot, dry, and windy. As a result, there are total fire bans in some areas.
Australia has had several big problems in the last few years – very long periods without rain, massive fires in the forests, years of unusually high flooding, and the Great Barrier Reef getting damaged multiple times.
The latest report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that urgent action is needed to stop climate change, or else we will face more and worse disasters in the future. -
Kidi, Camidoh captivated audience at Guinness Accravaganza 2023
The Untamed Empire was set ablaze with an intensity only the Guinness Accravaganza could kindle. It unfurled as a magnificent symphony, seamlessly blending the realms of art, music, gastronomy, football, and fashion into a spellbinding experience.
This event aimed to celebrate and spark the creative genius spanning various domains, enriching Ghana’s cultural diversity and artistic prowess. The Guinness Accravaganza aligns with Guinness’ core belief that ‘Black Shines Brightest’ in every exhilarating aspect of the lives of its beloved Ghanaian consumers.
The night was charged with a collaborative mural experience, live EPL matches, Paint and Sip sessions, and a continuous flow of music courtesy of DJ performances. Niashun’s soulful vocals set the stage for an unforgettable musical journey, while Lali x Lola’s harmonious duets wove a captivating narrative, their voices entwining with the night’s rhythm.
The crowd’s energy surged with DJ Lord and Kojo Manuel at the turntables, crafting a playlist that transcended genres. From infectious Afrobeats to nostalgic 90s Pop, each note and rhythm was meticulously chosen to keep the audience dancing and grooving as one.
Incredible Zigi and his crew left the audience in awe with their electrifying dance moves, each step and twist expressing passion and dedication. The crescendo of the night arrived when the headline artists graced the stage. Maya Blue’s powerful vocals and commanding stage presence left the crowd breathless, merging art and emotion seamlessly.
Following suit was the Ghanaian music legend, Ayigbe Edem, blending traditional and contemporary sounds that resonated with the deep cultural beats in every note. Lyrical Vibes then took the stage, delivering poetic verses that transcended words, touching on life, love, and the human experience, profoundly impacting the audience.
Camidoh, with his signature style, took the audience on a journey through his hits, weaving tales of love and passion. His dynamic performance had everyone singing along, fostering an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
Finally, the night reached its zenith as Kidi, one of Ghana’s most adored artists, stepped into the spotlight. The crowd erupted in cheers as he launched into his chart-topping hits, the energy palpable. Accra seemed to vibrate with the collective euphoria of the Accravaganzas. Kidi’s artistry and charisma were on full display, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular.
In the end, it was an evening where artist performances painted the canvas of the night with strokes of brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of Accravaganzas and ensuring that the Guinness Accravaganza would be a celebration of artistry unlike any other, not just for December 2023, but for years to come.
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Climate change: Pope Francis fears ‘the world may be close to breaking point’
Pope Francis has said that the world is in big trouble because of climate change and it is getting really close to a breaking point.
The pope expressed his disappointment with global organizations for not being able to make effective decisions, and he also criticized those who deny the existence of climate change.
His strong and clear statement has been included in a significant new version of his important 2015 paper on the environment.
He said that some harm caused by climate change is already impossible to fix.
The Pope spoke out against people who refuse to acknowledge, hide, downplay, or make excuses about climate change. He stated that it is no longer possible to deny that humans are responsible for climate change.
Pope Francis has made addressing climate change very important during his time as Pope. In 2015, the pope issued an important document called an encyclical, which marked a change for the Catholic Church.
Since that time, the pope has continuously urged politicians to actually do something to address climate change.
He also criticized “careless ways of living”, especially in the Western world.
He said that people in the US produce around twice as much pollution as people in China, and about seven times more pollution than people in the poorest countries.
The pope stated that if people in the Western world were to change their irresponsible lifestyle, it would have a big and lasting effect.
Saying that there is no hope would be extremely dangerous. It would mean that everyone, especially those who have less money, would experience the horrible effects of climate change.Carbon capture is a process that is similar to papering over cracks.
Pope Francis said that world governing bodies need a new way to make decisions because the current process that was put in place a long time ago is not enough and doesn’t seem to work well.
He says that anything people do might be seen as a trick to divert attention. He is talking about politicians, especially regarding the change from using fossil fuels to clean energy. He believes this change is happening too slowly and won’t have a big impact.
Pope Francis agreed that some progress was made during the COP summits but expressed disappointment over the absence of penalties for failing to fulfill commitments.
He said that some suggestions in the most recent global agreement, from COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, were not clear enough.
The pope cautioned that we should not rely too much on carbon capture technologies because it’s like trying to hide the problem instead of solving it.
He said that thinking all future problems can be solved using new technology is a dangerous and unrealistic mindset, similar to pushing a snowball downhill.
Pope Francis is encouraging people to take action on climate change just like he did in his 2015 encyclical. He argues that it is both a moral and scientific responsibility.
Towards the end of his plea, he speaks directly to the leaders of the world.
To the people in charge, I have a question for you: Why would someone want to stay in power, only to be remembered for not doing anything important when it was really necessary. -
MohBad death: ‘There’s no tangible evidence against Naira Marley’ – VeryDarkman
Controversial TikToker VeryDarkman has firmly stated that the CEO of Marlian Music Records, Naira Marley, bears no responsibility for the untimely death of his former signee, MohBad.
Notably, VeryDarkman gained prominence for his criticism of the Jenny’s Radiance skincare brand and has recently attracted attention for pressuring MohBad’s baby mama into conducting a DNA test for their baby, Liam.
His statement comes in the wake of reports that the Nigerian police have taken Naira Marley into custody. VeryDarkman emphasized that apart from a video in which MohBad suggested that Naira Marley should be held accountable if anything happened to him, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim. He also suggested that with competent legal representation, the case against Naira Marley would likely fall apart.
VeryDarkamn then begged any eyewitnesses who had reportedly also been the subject of Naira Marley’s abuse and who had been hired to publicize his purported drug operation to come forward and make their statements. He also asked Bella Shmurda, Lil Smart, Dj Splash, and the late singer’s mother to the stage in an effort to bring MohBad justice.
The contentious TikToker clarified that they couldn’t win the case by just appealing to the Nigerian people’s emotions and sentiments. Instead, MohBad will succeed and be given justice if they rely on the eyewitnesses.
He asserted that because Naira Marley is despised throughout Nigeria, certain individuals have a propensity to spread false facts to further the cause. In seeking justice, VeryDarkMan claimed that he thinks there are more prominent people—involved, whom Naira Marley and Sam Larry are being blamed for.
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US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies in fentanyl crackdown
The US has imposed penalties on 25 companies and people in China who are believed to have helped make drugs called fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a very strong drug that is used to help with pain or make people feel relaxed. It is causing a big problem with drug addiction in the United States.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the drug’s supply chain usually begins with chemical companies in China.
China disagreed with the sanctions and stated that the fentanyl crisis actually started in the United States.
The Chinese foreign ministry told AFP news agency that they strongly disagree with the United States’ punishment and legal action against Chinese businesses and people. They believe that this is a serious violation of the rights and interests of those companies and individuals.
The Chinese government is taking strong action against drug crimes. We closely monitor and control the chemicals that are used to make other substances.
Trying to put pressure and sanctions on someone, in this case the United States, will not solve their own problems. The text means that it will only make it harder for China and the US to work together on controlling drugs.
In April, a person speaking for the Chinese foreign ministry said that there is no illegal trading of fentanyl between China and Mexico.
This happened after the Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, asked the Chinese government for help to prevent the alleged entry of fentanyl and its ingredients into Mexico.
The US government says that Mexican criminal groups are providing fentanyl to people all over the US who use it.
Doctors are allowed to prescribe Fentanyl, but there has been a big increase in opioid addiction in the US over the last few decades. This has caused more illegal production and accidental overdoses.
In 2022, the drug caused a very high number of deaths – 109,680 in total.
The US government put restrictions on a group operating in China that makes and sells illegal drugs, including fentanyl.
Officials are saying that companies involved in the fentanyl supply chain often use incorrect addresses and false labels to prevent their products from being recognized by law enforcement.
According to the treasury, the individuals and entities affected by the sanctions are from China and Canada. There are 12 entities and 13 individuals from China, and two entities and one individual from Canada.
The sanctions will stop the entities from using their US assets and prevent Americans from doing business with them.
Merrick Garland is planning to go to Mexico with other important people to discuss ways to stop the flow of illegal drugs.
Mr Garland told reporters that we have identified the individuals responsible for harming the American people with fentanyl.
We understand that this network includes the leaders of the cartels, the people who transport drugs for them, the people who hide their money, the people who operate secret labs, the people who protect them, the people who provide them with weapons, and the people who provide them with chemicals.
“And we understand that the global supply chain of fentanyl, which results in the deaths of Americans, often begins with chemical companies in China. ”
The US justice department has revealed charges against eight Chinese companies and 12 of their workers for making and selling fentanyl and methamphetamine drugs. They are also accused of distributing opioids and making sales from precursor chemicals.
Nobody has been taken into custody and the Chinese government did not collaborate with US authorities during the investigations, according to Mr. -
D-Black reveals the real reason behind Castro’s hit song Seihor
Ghanaian musician D-Black has shared the backstory behind the popular hit single ‘Seihor’ by the late highlife musician, Theophilus Tagoe, commonly known as Castro.
According to D-Black, the song ‘Seihor’ by Castro was originally created to criticize Charterhouse for not awarding him an accolade he believed he deserved. He explained that Castro was deeply upset when he did not win an award at the Ghana Music Awards organized by Charterhouse.
During an interview with Okay FM, D-Black recounted how Castro conceived the hit song ‘Seihor’ out of frustration for not receiving an award.
“Castro started freestyling on the beat that was ‘Seihor’ but the song was a diss to Charterhouse; that’s Ghana Music awards. Because there was an award that he thought he deserved that he did not win,” he said.
“It was a song with Asamoah Gyan and Kofi Kinaata so he was angry about not winning the award. He asked me to do a song to diss Charterhouse but I told him we should make it normal then he eventually agreed.
“So we changed it from a diss song to a normal song. After we mixed it, Castro called and said this is going to be my first single and I will drop it on my birthday. Then it all got released around the same period,” D-Black narrated in an interview with Okay FM.
Watch the interview below
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Army of Colombia issues apology for killing civilians
The army in Colombia said sorry for mistakenly killing many innocent people and lying by saying they were left-wing fighters. They did this to make it seem like they were doing better in the war that happened in the country.
A study discovered that the military wrongly killed 6,402 innocent people between 2002 and 2008 and pretended they were rebels. This was known as “false positives”.
At a meeting with mothers of the victims, the defense minister called the killings “disgraceful”.
“They weren’t rebels,” he said.
The leader of the Colombian army, Luis Ospina, said that some soldiers did very bad things that should never have happened.
The people who were hurt were mostly young men who lived in poor areas near the capital city, Bogotá.
They were tempted with offers of jobs to go to the countryside of Colombia, but soldiers killed them. Then, they put on clothes like guerrilla soldiers or held weapons in their hands.
The army wanted to make it seem like they were winning against the Farc guerrilla group.
Soldiers have said that their bosses forced them to increase the number of people they killed. They were promised promotions or extra time off as a reward.
For a long time, the family members of the victims tried hard to make sure that everyone knows the true story of what happened to their loved ones.
On Tuesday, Colombia’s Minister of Defence, Iván Velásquez, said sorry to them in a gathering held in Bogotá’s main square.
“We are apologizing to the victims, to the Colombian society, and to the international community,” Mr.
Gustavo Petro, the first left-wing president of Colombia and a former member of the M-19 rebel group, arrived late but also apologized for what he described as a “genocide”.
The family members of 19 young men who were killed near the Venezuelan border and mistaken as rebels were at the event.
Each person went up on the stage and said the name of someone they loved who had been killed.
Some people were sad that it took over 15 years for the apology to be given.
Some people said it should have come from the previous president Álvaro Uribe, who was in charge when most of the “false positives” happened, and his former defense minister, Juan Manuel Santos.
Florinda Hernández, whose son Elkin was killed in 2008, said that Juan Manuel Santos should have been there in person to apologize and ask for our forgiveness.Lucero Carmona said that her family and she are not forgiving today, while Jackelin Castillo, who leads the group representing the mothers of the victims known as the “false positives,” said that their fight is not over. They will keep looking for the true culprits, the ones who ordered these crimes.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) is a special court system created as part of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and Farc rebels. It is currently investigating the “false positives” issue.
Over 700 security forces members have provided information, and in August, General Mario Montoya, the former leader of the Colombian army, was accused of orchestrating 130 “false positives”. -
‘Election-related violence’ in Liberia condemned by UN
The United Nations is worried about the violence connected to Liberia’s upcoming elections.
On Friday, in a country in West Africa, there were fights between two groups. Two people died and 20 people got hurt. One group supports the Coalition for Democratic Change party and the other group supports the Unity Party, which is against the ruling party. The United Nation’s Human Rights Office reported this information.
These deaths happened in the Foya area. There have also been episodes of violence in the Nimba, Montserrado, and Grand Cape Mount regions before the upcoming general elections on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Seif Magango said that our office has recorded eight attacks on journalists by different political people, and two of them caused injuries.
The OHCHR denounced the use of words that could be considered as hate speech. -
Study shows that couples who meet on dating apps are unhappy in their marriages
While those in search of love continue their quest for a romantic connection through dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and Hinge, a recent study has discovered that married couples who initially met online tend to report lower levels of satisfaction in their marriages compared to couples who initially met in person.
“The results provided evidence of an online dating effect … Online daters reported lower quality marriages than those who were introduced to their spouse offline,” read the September 2023 analysis conducted by researchers at Arizona State University.
For the findings, examiners surveyed 923 married adults in the U.S. over age 18. Approximately half of the study contributors had met their significant other on a dating site, while the remaining subjects met their spouses through friends, family, at work or in a nightclub.
A September 2023 study determined that married couples who meet online often report less satisfaction and stability in their marriages than partners who meet in person.
Researchers sought to determine how the venue in which couples meet, either on an app or in a real-life scenario, impacts the satisfaction and stability of their marriages.
Participants were asked “How well does your spouse meet your needs?” and “How satisfied are you with your marriage?” to determine their overall marital satisfaction, as well as “Have you or your spouse ever seriously suggested the idea of divorce?” to indicate stability.
And the outcomes might be shocking to spirited swipers.
“Participants who met their spouse in online dating reported more societal marginalization than those who met offline,” wrote the researchers, who defined societal marginalization as how much American society rejects a specific type of romantic pairing.
Nevertheless, having more dating experience may not necessarily translate into better judgment. The study authors suggested that it could also signify that individuals who date online are faced with an overwhelming array of options, potentially leading to reduced satisfaction and suboptimal choices when selecting a spouse.
Furthermore, researchers highlighted the possibility of a societal shift that could mitigate dissatisfaction and instability among couples who met online.
Additionally, the study observed that individuals who connect through online platforms tend to be in same-sex or interracial relationships, which, as indicated by the study, might exacerbate feelings of societal marginalization in the real world and contribute to lower confidence in their relationships.
“Being in an interracial relationship also exacerbated the negative effect of meeting online on marriage,” read the report. “While online dating may be encouraging more racially diverse relationships, couples may still contend with prejudice and discrimination outside of these platforms that affect the quality of their marriage.”
Despite the eyebrow-raising results — which are eerily similar to those of a November 2021 poll, which found that married couples who met on dating apps have a higher chance of getting a divorce — ASU researchers insist that couples who meet online aren’t doomed.
“On the contrary,” read the study. “[Average] levels of satisfaction and stability were still quite high regardless of how couples met.”
Happy couple using smartphones in the city park.
Researchers suggest digital dating platform developers begin improving their software to increase the chances of soul mates meeting and maintaining successful marriages.
Researchers hope their findings inspire change, both in society and in the virtual courtship space.
“Online dating could be improved by addressing barriers encountered by couples who meet on these platforms (including increased distance and societal marginalization) and unique risk factors associated with how they met,” said the study.
“Second, platform developers could use the findings of this and other studies to set couples up for success by educating the public to help normalize online dating relationships or by providing users with opportunities to match with partners within their extended networks,” the authors continued, suggesting a function that permits daters to match with friends on social media.
“Third, [relationship] counselors should be aware of the obstacles that couples who meet online may face so they are able to help them more successfully navigate these relationships,” said the study.
“Addressing issues of marginalization may go a long way toward increasing support for these couples and ensuring a bright future for relationships formed via online dating.”