Veteran actor Kofi Adjorlolo has said that being an actor in the 21st century is challenging and unattractive.
He further stated that he will discourage her children in case they express a desire to become actresses or actors.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t encourage my children to go into acting. The current situation in Ghana isn’t encouraging, attractive, or enabling for young ones to thrive in this field. Do we even have insurance to back our actors and actresses?” he stated.
Aside from acting, Mr. Adjorlolo also shared a little about his early life, revealing his deep love for music.
According to him, he had a passion for music growing up and even learned how to play a musical instrument at a very young age.
“I love music so much that as of 8 years old, I could play the trumpet so well,” Kofi disclosed.
Mr Adjorlolo has in the past expressed concerns over the quality of movies made in the country.
During the Africa Movie Academy Awards, in its 19th year, held a media soirée on October 15, 2023, at the Ibis Style Hotel in Accra, One Airport Square, he voiced his dismay at Ghana’s failure to secure a single nomination for this year’s event.
He expressed his disappointment, stating that Ghana’s inability to secure a nomination at the prestigious continental film awards ceremony was both shameful and indicative of the declining standards of the film industry in the country.
“I’m not happy. It doesn’t make me happy. And actually, I should be ashamed. Apparently, I am not a filmmaker, I am not a producer, and this is so shameful. We have done films in this country since last year, most of the films are not up to standard. It clearly shows and this is it because if they were up to standard, AMAA will definitely nominate one or two films from Ghana,” he said.
He mentioned that the present generation of filmmakers lacks the necessary skills and resources to create outstanding cinematic productions, leading to their inability to secure a place in the awards ceremony.
“Like I said, these young producers, they don’t have money to even produce quality movies. Movie making is money, they don’t have it so we don’t have any good movie and it’s true. If they’re telling us then it’s a shame,” he said.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has provided clarification on the recent cancellation of school feeding contracts, stating that the decision was reached jointly with the World Bank based on agreed conditions.
In an exclusive interview with Ghana Weekend, the Minister explained that the process wasn’t a unilateral government move but one guided by World Bank requirements.
“We are not doing this alone; we are doing it with the World Bank. There are some criteria and conditions to meet, and we didn’t want to be harsh on the caterers. In all honesty, most of them know they don’t have valid contracts,” she said.
She pointed out that after the last general elections, a directive from the then-program coordinator allowed caterers to keep cooking temporarily. This directive, issued during a transitional phase, caused some confusion.
“We are supposed to move to a digital recruitment system with the support of the World Bank, but because of the academic calendar, we could not implement it as swiftly as we would have liked. That’s why we are asking for time to transition smoothly, it doesn’t mean we should maintain the current system without reform.”
According to her, while schools were on break, most caterers had stopped cooking and were aware of their inactivity.
“School was on vacation, and they are just resuming. Monitoring reports showed that most of the caterers were not cooking, and they are aware of that. Some did cook, but not consistently. So for those saying they made purchases and investments, I do sympathize with them.”
She emphasized that while there is no plan for compensation, those who did offer services during the period will still receive payment.
“Some have sent opinion leaders to speak on their behalf, but I have always reassured them it is not out of vindictiveness. This process is to ensure standards are met and to sanitize the system.”
She further explained that all interested caterers will have the chance to reapply under a reformed digital recruitment system.
Ghanaian artiste Wendy Shay has spoken out against the backlash surrounding a viral video of a teenage girl dancing at one of her recent performances.
The video, which circulated widely on social media on April 3, 2025, captured the young girl dancing enthusiastically to Wendy Shay’s latest song, Too Late, which contains explicit lyrics.
While the girl’s passion impressed some viewers, others expressed concern about the setting of the performance, criticizing Wendy for performing such a song in front of minors. The young girl also became a target of online trolls, with some social media users mocking her moves and labeling her dance as overly sensual.
In reaction to the growing criticism, Wendy Shay took to social media to share her thoughts, highlighting how many were failing to recognize the girl’s potential and confidence. She wrote:
Wendy went on to condemn the negativity flooding the comment sections and stressed the importance of nurturing young talent rather than discouraging it.
She continued, “My performance over the weekend has put light on a little girl dancing passionately and happily in the crowd and it’s surprising how some people cannot easily identify a talented and confident child when they see one.
“I see a lot of negative comments under the post, and it is heartbreaking because what I see is a beautiful, talented, and confident young girl who could become a professional dancer or a musician if she is carefully guided,” she said.
She concluded her post by urging critics to adopt a more constructive mindset and stop tearing down young people expressing themselves creatively, “Let us advance our mindset and see positivity in things like this.
Her response has sparked a wave of support from fans and social media users who agree that young talents should be encouraged rather than attacked.
A leading global health organization has sounded the alarm over a potential crisis, warning that up to one million children could die from preventable diseases if the United States withdrawsits financial support.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, head of Gavi, an alliance that provides life-saving vaccines to developing nations, told the BBC that losing US funding would severely undermine global health security. Her warning comes amid reports from the New York Times that the Trump administration is considering halting contributions to Gavi, despite the US being its third-largest donor.
While Gavi has not yet received an official notice of termination, Dr. Nishtar confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the White House and Congress to secure $300 million in funding for 2025, along with longer-term financial commitments. The US has previously pledged $1.6 billion for the 2026-2030 period, which accounts for approximately 15% of Gavi’s total budget.
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has emphasized his “America First” approach, signaling a shift in overseas spending priorities.
The international development sector has been preparing for widespread cuts, with USAID among the first agencies affected when the Trump administration imposed a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid earlier this year. The move was part of broader budget reductions overseen by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
Dr. Nishtar warned that without US support, 75 million children could miss critical vaccinations, exposing them to deadly diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and polio. Additionally, the ability of health agencies and governments to maintain emergency vaccine stockpiles for outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and mpox would be severely compromised.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has echoed Gavi’s concerns, emphasizing the devastating impact that funding cuts could have on global health efforts.
“The consequences of this political decision will be catastrophic,” said MSF USA chief programs officer Carrie Teicher.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) “fully supports” Gavi and was “engaging” with US authorities on the disruption caused by the withdrawal of US funding for major programmes, said Africa CDC emergencies incident manager Dr Ngongo Ngashi.
He added: “We are prioritising routine vaccines but we also know how crucial vaccines for emergencies are.”
Dr Ngashi also said it was “critical that we find our own funding streams – that are not dependent on the decision of partners” and which help Africans contribute “to advancing public health”.
Gavi has said it will try to further broaden its donor base. Indonesia, a country that has previously been a recipient of Gavi’s assistance, became a donor last year.
“As a lean and efficient organisation where 97 cents in every dollar raised goes towards our immunisation programmes, it is impossible to consider that any cut in funding by the US would not have disastrous implications for global health and for the safety of people everywhere,” Dr Sania Nishtar said.
The BBC has contacted the US State Department, which runs what remains of USAID, for comment.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through its Domestic Violence Secretariat, convened a stakeholders’ meeting to assess existing laws and introduce new strategies aimed at strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence.
The event, which took place on February 26, 2025, brought together legal experts, social workers, civil society groups, development partners, and other key stakeholders to examine the effectiveness of current domestic violence legislation.
Speaking at the meeting, Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey highlighted the different forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
She pointed out that while these issues were once regarded as private matters, legal advancements have encouraged public discussions and established structured intervention measures.
The Minister pointed out the necessity of incorporating modern technology, including AI and digital tools, into strategies aimed at tackling domestic violence.
At the meeting, legal expert Sheila Minkah-Premo provided an in-depth breakdown of domestic violence legislation, covering Act 732, the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), and the National Plan of Action. She examined the legal structure, detailing its provisions and how they impact survivors and service providers.
Conversations also focused on improving assistance systems for those affected.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry introduced an upgraded Boame SGBV Mobile Application, designed to offer quick support and essential resources to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The event reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to enhance legal protections and improve the support framework for survivors.
“The advocacy from you as stakeholders cannot be overemphasized, and the Ministry is grateful for your input,” the Minister stated.
Thirteen children and one adult lost their lives after a lightning strike hit a refugee camp in Uganda, police reported.
According to authorities, the victims were gathered for a church service on Saturday evening when the strike occurred, leaving 34 others injured.
The incident took place at the Palabek Refugee Settlement in the country’s northwest, a region that has been experiencing intense thunderstorms and heavy rains.
Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke informed BBC News that the adult victim was 21 years old, though he did not disclose the specific ages of the children who perished.
According to the UN’s refugee agency, Palabek Refugee Settlement houses over 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers, most of whom have fled from neighboring South Sudan.
In another tragic incident four years ago, lightning claimed the lives of 10 children in Arua, a city also located in northwestern Uganda.
These children were struck while taking a break from playing football.
More than two million school-age children aged five to 14 are set to participate in a deworming initiative scheduled from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
The program aims to reach up to 2.6 million children enrolled in both public and private schools across 100 districts in 15 regions.
Additionally, approximately 1.6 million community-based children and adults in 57 districts within 11 regions are also included in this effort.
This initiative, known as the 2024 National School and Community Deworming Exercise, is a joint initiative by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), focusing on enhancing the health and immunity of school-age children.
The primary goals are to eliminate schistosomiasis and manage soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections.
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, announced the initiative during a media briefing in Accra.
He explained that eligible children will receive 600-milligram (mg) praziquantel and 400-mg albendazole medications.
These medications have been donated to the GHS by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and will be administered under the close supervision of specially trained school teachers and health workers.
“Preferably, medicines should be administered immediately after the first break or after children have been served food to ensure that all children have eaten. Therefore, all parents, guardians and caregivers should ensure their children eat before going to school,” he advised.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye emphasized the importance of ensuring that all children eat before taking the medicines, as this will aid in the effective absorption of the treatment.
Ghana is experiencing a notable surge in adoption interest, with the Central Adoption Authority (CAA) reporting that 158 families have sought to adopt children in the first half of this year.
Mr. Stephen Tikai Dombo, Head of the Authority, shared these figures and expressed optimism about the increasing trend in adoption applications.
While he couldn’t provide a year-on-year comparison, he confirmed a significant upward trajectory in the numbers.
“This represents a steady growth in the number of applications over the months, reflecting a strong and growing interest in adoption,” he told the Ghanaian Times in an exclusive interview.
The data shows a monthly fluctuation in applications: 24 in January, rising to 28 in March, peaking at 41 in April, and then declining to 17 by June.
Inquiries followed a similar pattern, with a high of 70 in January and a low of 18 in June.
Mr. Dombo noted that many families who have previously adopted are now looking to adopt additional children, viewing it as a profoundly rewarding act.
He shared a story from the Ashanti Region where a couple, after adopting a child, were blessed with twins of their own within the same year, underscoring the perceived blessings of adoption.
He encouraged more families to consider adoption and assured them of comprehensive support throughout the process.
Mr. Dombo also urged the public to support couples facing fertility challenges who turn to adoption.
He explained that adoption is a legal process that transfers parental rights and responsibilities to adoptive parents, with adoption orders typically being irreversible.
However, he pointed out that some applicants’ specific preferences, such as desired physical traits or age, can prolong the process if such children are not readily available.
“For instance, an applicant seeking a fair, hairy, and smart child might experience a longer wait time if such a child is not immediately available,” he explained.
He advised applicants to remain flexible to speed up their adoption.
The adoption process includes a mandatory six-month investigation to locate a child’s biological parents.
“If the parents are not found within this period, the investigation can be extended. After a year, if no biological parents are located, the child can be placed for adoption,” he clarified.
If the parents cannot be found within this timeframe, the search can be extended, and after a year, if no biological parents are identified, the child can be placed for adoption.
Mr. Dombo reassured the public about the well-being of adopted children, noting that Ghana is a member of the Hague Convention, which governs international adoptions.
“The CAA works closely with adoption authorities in other member countries to ensure that children adopted abroad are monitored and well-protected. Post-adoption monitoring is conducted quarterly, with reports including photos and videos sent to prove the children’s well-being,” he said.
The CAA collaborates with international adoption authorities to ensure that adopted children abroad are well cared for, with quarterly post-adoption monitoring including reports, photos, and videos to confirm their welfare.
Since January 2020, the CAA has visited 75 adoptive families across eight regions, offering psychosocial support, counseling, and necessary assistance to both the families and their adopted children.
“These visits provide psychosocial support, counselling, and any necessary assistance to both the families and the adopted children,” Mr Dombo said.
Dakoa Newman, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, is urging individuals to refrain from abandoning their children in hazardous places, as it jeopardizes their well-being.
She advised that, instead of putting these children in harm’s way, individuals should reach out to the Department of Social Welfare to find appropriate solutions.
The Minister provided this counsel during her visit to the Kumasi Children’s Home, part of her two-day official trip to the Ashanti Region.
Accompanied by ministry officials, she visited the facility to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges it faces, with the aim of improving conditions in public orphanages.
The primary objective is to ensure that the children are raised in a secure and nurturing environment.
Currently, the Kumasi Children’s Home, established in 1965, is home to 71 children, offering them shelter, care, protection, and education.
The Minister emphasized that, while the government is dedicated to providing resources to the facility for the well-being of the children, public support is also crucial to adequately meet their needs.
“As the government is doing all it can to provide for the children, we continue to encourage others to also support as their social responsibility,” she noted.
She expressed contentment with the conditions at the facility while acknowledging that there is room for improvement in enhancing the situation.
“The government is committed to ensuring that our vulnerable children are catered for because they also have the same rights as any other child and these rights must not be infringed on,” she added.
She assured that her Ministry would take action to tackle the identified challenges, primarily related to financial and staffing issues.
The Ghana National Coordinator for the Global Movement of Pan-African Women Leaders (PAWL) has emphasized the importance of African countries in championing the children’s rights to empower them for a brighter future and drive accelerated development.
Lamisi Adene Kumordzie highlighted that the future depends on children’s ability to leverage modern technology and knowledge to solve societal issues and stressed that fostering an environment where children can thrive and achieve their potential is essential.
“We often leave the children because we think that they do not know much, but if we put two or three children together, the kind of ideas they will bring on board will marvel us, so, we must give them the right to speak and voice out,” she said.
Mrs. Kumordzie spoke to stakeholders and students during this year’s International Day of the African Child Conference, hosted by the Global Movement of Pan-African Women Leaders in Bolgatanga, located in the Upper East Region.
It was held on the theme, “Educate an African child, fit for the 21st century”.
In addition to ensuring that every African child receives an education, Mrs. Kumordzie noted that children possess immense talents. She stressed the importance of stakeholders prioritizing the health and well-being of children, including access to nutrition, fundamental rights, and a supportive environment to help children realize their untapped potential.
“Let us celebrate the power and the community of unity and together we can create an environment where every child can dream, inspire, and achieve their full potential.
Mrs Lamisi Adene Kumordzie is the Ghana National Coordinator for the Global Movement of Pan-African Women Leaders (PAWL)
The Chief Director of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Inusah Abubakar, who was the guest of honour, lamented that despite Ghana being the first country in Africa to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child many years ago, numerous challenges still confront children in the country.
He highlighted that issues such as poverty, conflict, diseases, illegal mining, and child labor persistently hinder children from accessing education and enjoying their rights. He emphasized the necessity for clear policy direction and renewed dedication from relevant institutions and stakeholders to tackle these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
“On this day of the African child, we need to advocate for policies and initiatives that support and promote children’s welfare and development. This calls for concerted efforts which must be guided by a shared vision where every child can inspire and achieve their fullest potential.
“Government and civil society organisations will have to continuously work in a coordinated and sustained manner to gain international cooperation and solidarity,” he added.
Mrs. Patricia Anaba, Headmistress of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS), emphasized that children represent the future of every nation. She stressed the importance of a shared responsibility to support, safeguard, and enable them to thrive and excel in today’s world.
“We must break down the barriers that stand in the way of children, whether it is economic, social, or cultural and to foster a community that uplifts and supports every African child,” she added.
Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, the Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional Area, emphasized the importance for education stakeholders to acknowledge the potential of children and collaborate to support their development for sustainable progress.
In a tragic escalation,Ukrainian capital Kyiv witnessed severe damage to a prominent children’s hospital from Russian airstrikes, resulting in at least 31 fatalities across the country during an early morning barrage.
The airstrikes, unusually occurring in daylight, claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals in Kyiv alone. Among the casualties were two individuals at the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric facility in Ukraine, which suffered extensive damage from the explosion.
In central Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, the head of the military administration reported a death toll of at least 10, while three more lost their lives in the eastern town of Pokrovsk and one in Dnipro.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently in Poland where he has signed a security pact, expressed a firm commitment to respond to the attacks.
“Different cities: Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk. More than 40 missiles of various types. Residential buildings, infrastructure and a children’s hospital were damaged,” Mr Zelensky wrote earlier on social media.
Lesia Lysytsia, a doctor at the children’s hospital, told the BBC the moment the missile struck was “like in a film” with a “big light, then an awful sound”.
This image shows the extent of the damage to the children’s hospital
“One part of the hospital was destroyed and there was a fire in another. It’s really very damaged – maybe 60-70% of the hospital,” she said.
Pictures from the scene showed young children – some with IV drips – sitting outside the hospital as it was evacuated. Dr Lysytsia said Ohmatdyt is a big hospital which carries out many functions, including cancer treatment and organ transplants.
“Now we are in the process of evacuating patients to the nearest hospital.. [but] many patients are intubated and on ventilators and cannot have contact with other patients or go outside,” she said.
Hospital staff informed Ukrainian television that approximately 20 children were receiving treatment in the ward that was struck.
Following the initial attack, another explosion shook the nearby vicinity, prompting hundreds of individuals to seek refuge in an underground passageway.
President Zelensky posted on social media, expressing concern that individuals were trapped beneath the debris of the hospital.
Vitaliy Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor, told the Reuters news agency from the hospital that the bombardment was “one of the the worst attacks” on the capital since the start of the war.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported via social media that a maternity unit in Kyiv suffered partial destruction from falling debris, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to three others.
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, as announced by the Women’s Tennis Association, will wear a black ribbon during her Wimbledon round of 16 match on Monday afternoon to honor the victims.
In another part of the country, Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of Kryvy Rih’s military administration, stated on Telegram that an attack on the city had claimed the lives of at least 10 people and left 31 others wounded, with 10 in critical condition.
Kryvy Rih, President Zelensky’s hometown, has faced repeated assaults from Russia since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Sergiy Lysak, head of the Dnipro region, reported one fatality and six injuries in Dnipro city, noting that a high-rise building and a business were among the targets hit.
In Pokrovsk, located in the eastern Donetsk region, three individuals lost their lives. Russian forces have recently seized control of several villages in this area.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow for a two-day state visit,scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday for talks.
This visit coincided with Russian airstrikes that Ukraine alleges targeted civilian infrastructure, though Russia claims they aimed at military sites.
Effective July 2024, children aged six to 14 will receive Ghana Cards free of charge.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will cover the cost for approximately three million children, enabling them to link their cards with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for primary health care access.
The NHIA will allocate GH¢245 million to the National Identification Authority (NIA) for this initiative.
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the NHIA CEO, revealed this at a workshop in Kumasi, explaining that this measure is part of the authority’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
Children aged zero to five are already issued Ghana Cards at birth, and NHIS members aged 15 and above receive Ghana Cards, facilitating the linkage of NHIS cards to the Ghana Card.
Currently, nearly 900,000 of the one million active SSNIT contributors on the NHIS have linked their cards, with another 1.3 million undergoing data cleaning.
Dr. Aboagye emphasized that issuing Ghana Cards to children under 15 will enhance membership data and integrity by linking it to the NIA database, saving costs on procuring biometric cards.
The NHIS cards cost between $4 and $6, whereas the Ghana Card costs between $6 and $7, making it financially sensible to consolidate the two cards.
The NHIA Board decided to have the NIA print cards, linking NHIS subscriber numbers to the Ghana Card for primary health care access under the NHIS.
Additionally, the NHIA plans to introduce preventive healthcare programs focusing on hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index check-ups. Wellness centers and clinics will be established, and NHIS members will receive annual text messages on their birthdays, encouraging health check-ups at government hospitals at the scheme’s expense.
For non-resident Ghanaians, the NHIA is seeking advice from the Attorney-General and Cabinet approval to issue NHIS cards.
NHIA Board Chairman, Dr. Ernest Quarcoo, highlighted the importance of health insurance for national development and called for media support to enhance the scheme for vulnerable populations.
William Omane-Adjekum, NHIA Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, reported a GH¢9.5 million savings from fraudulent claims last year due to the digital payment platform, which uses Artificial Intelligence to detect fraud and errors in real time.
Deputy Director in charge of Claims, Theophilus Owusu-Ansah, stated that the NHIA handles between GH¢20 million and GH¢30 million in claims annually, covering free maternal care, breast/cervical cancers, and family planning. Hypertension, diabetes, and maternity care are the largest cost drivers.
NHIA Deputy Director of the Information Management System, Joseph Annor, noted that 30 million Ghanaians are enrolled in the NHIS, with 17.9 million active members.
The NHIS has evolved from issuing booklets to using smart biometric cards.
A well-known spiritualist from Kakpayili near Bamvim, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region, has been arrested by the police for his alleged involvement in the killing of two children.
The suspect, Afa Abdul Rahman Madaha, is accused of murdering two children who had gone missing a few days earlier in Tamale.
Residents suspected foul play when the bodies of the children were discovered in an abandoned car at the suspect’s residence, prompting them to set fire to the house.
According to DailyGuideNetwork.com, Hafiz Andani, the Assemblyman for Kakpayili Electoral Area, confirmed the incident.
He explained that twin boys and their friend had visited the suspect’s house, but only one of the twins returned home.
When the mother of the twins inquired about her other son’s whereabouts, the surviving twin revealed that his brother and their friend had remained at the suspect’s house.
After the boys failed to return, their mother raised the alarm about their disappearance. Although the suspect was questioned, he denied any knowledge of their whereabouts.
Later, an informant informed the parents that the children were inside the suspect’s house. This prompted residents to storm Madaha’s house, apprehend him, and take him to the chief’s palace.
Andani reported that residents threatened to harm the suspect, but police intervened and rescued him.
Further investigations revealed that body parts of the victims were found in an abandoned car at the suspect’s residence.
The police subsequently arrested the suspect and transported the remains of the victims to the Tamale Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation.
Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.
Tensions have escalted in Banvim, a community within the Kakpagyili electoral area of the Northern Region, following the suspected murder of two children.
The children, Arafat and Ayaa, went missing on Saturday, June 22, 2024, after telling their parents they were visiting a neighbor but never returned.
Community members searched the neighbor’s house but found no trace of the children, leading to increased agitation among the residents.
The assembly member for the Kakpagyili electoral area, Alhaji Hafiz Andani, stated that police investigations on Sunday revealed the bodies in an abandoned car behind the suspect’s house.
The bodies have been moved to the Tamale Teaching Hospital morgue.
Founder of the True Faith Revival Ministry, Pastor Benjamin Kessie, has claimed credit for halting the sustained popularity and recognition of Patapaa’s song “One Corner” in the music industry.
Pastor Kessie stated that he took action against the song because he believed its dance moves were having a detrimental effect on the youth.
He described the dance as disturbing and recalled incidents where people performed it in dangerous places like gutters and roads.
“When ‘One Corner’ was released, even children were performing inappropriate dance moves to the song,” Pastor Kessie stated emphatically during a discussion with Patapaa on the Nayas Show on Angel TV. “The gyrations were unsettling to witness. I prayed against the song because I believed it was detrimental to our youth. I opposed it spiritually, and now its popularity has waned.”
In response, Patapaa challenged Pastor Kessie, urging him to seek forgiveness for his actions. Patapaa highlighted the song’s global impact, noting its inclusion in events like the Berlin festival as proof of its significance despite its brief dominance.
Patapaa’s “One Corner,” known for its controversial dance, initially garnered immense attention within African and global entertainment circles but experienced only a short-lived period of prominence.
A recent study conducted by the Educate Africa Institute (EAI) has revealed alarming challenges faced by children with disabilities in educational institutions.
The research highlights systemic discrimination from colleagues, teachers, and non-teaching staff, compounded by inadequate governmental planning and policies tailored to the needs of these children.
EAI’s findings have prompted a call for immediate intervention from the government to address these pressing issues.
Discrimination in educational settings.
The EAI study paints a concerning picture of the daily realities for children with disabilities in schools.
These students frequently encounter various forms of discrimination, which not only hinder their academic progress but also affect their psychological well-being. The research found that discriminatory attitudes from peers often manifest as bullying and social exclusion, creating an unwelcoming and hostile environment.
Moreover, the attitudes of teachers and non-teaching staff significantly contribute to the problem. Despite some educators showing commendable support, a substantial number demonstrate a lack of understanding or empathy toward children with disabilities.
This lack of support can result in these children being overlooked in classroom activities and denied the necessary accommodations to facilitate their learning.
Education policy and program shortcomings.
A critical finding of the study is the insufficient governmental planning and implementation of policies and programs aimed at supporting children with disabilities.
Current measures are either inadequately enforced or fundamentally flawed, failing to address the unique challenges faced by these students.
The lack of specialized training for teachers on how to effectively support children with disabilities is a glaring gap. Additionally, infrastructure in many schools remains inaccessible, further marginalizing these students.
The EAI highlights that existing policies do not sufficiently prioritize inclusivity, nor do they allocate adequate resources to ensure that all children, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, receive quality education.
This neglect not only contravenes basic human rights but also stifles the potential of children who could contribute significantly to society if given the right support.
EAI’s call for government action!
In light of these findings, the Educate Africa Institute is urging the government to take immediate action. EAI’s recommendations include:
1. Comprehensive policy reform: Developing and implementing inclusive education policies that explicitly address the needs of children with disabilities. This includes mandatory accessibility standards for all educational institutions and ensuring that these standards are met.
2. Teacher training and awareness programs: Introducing specialized training programs for teachers and school staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to support children with disabilities effectively. Sensitivity training should also be mandated to foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
3. Resource allocation: Increasing funding for schools to ensure they have the necessary resources to accommodate children with disabilities. This includes adaptive technologies, accessible infrastructure, and learning materials designed for various disabilities.
4. Monitoring and evaluation: Establishing robust mechanisms to monitor the implementation of inclusive education policies and programs. Regular assessments and feedback loops should be in place to identify areas of improvement and ensure accountability.
5. Community engagement: Promoting awareness and understanding of disabilities within the broader community to combat stigma and foster a culture of inclusion.
Conclusion.
The plight of children with disabilities in schools is a critical issue that demands urgent attention.
The findings of the EAI study underscore the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to education reform.
By addressing discrimination and improving support structures, the government can help ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. The time for action is now, and the well-being and future of countless children depend on it.
Source: GhanaWeb
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
A man has allegedly killed her 40-year-old girlfriend, Alberta Armah Hagan and her two daughters after he stole twenty thousand Ghana cedis from her at the Net Link Estate community in Kasoa.
Per Angel FM’s account, the man performed the act after his girlfriend filed a complaint against him at the police station for withdrawing the said amount without her consent.
This heinous act by the suspect also left two of the deceased mother’s children critically injured; aged 9 months and 6 years old.
Presently, the 6-year-old boy and 9 months baby is in critical condition, receiving medical care under police supervision at the hospital.
According to reports from Angel FM, the perpetrator also happens to be the father of Alberta Armah Hagan’s youngest child.
The report further revealed that the father of her other three children has been living abroad for six years.
Consequently, the deceased woman had been involved in a relationship with the alleged assailant, resulting in a nine-month-old son.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has expressed his commitment to creating a future where mothers and children can thrive, acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of mothers in his Mother’s Day message.
In his statement, Mahama promised to ensure that the sacrifices of mothers do not go unnoticed and reaffirmed his dedication to building a Ghana that caters to the needs of all generations.
“I recognize the sacrifices and dedication of our mothers, and I am determined to create a future where every mother and her children can thrive,” he stated.
Mahama’s message, shared on Mother’s Day, emphasized his vision for a Ghana where mothers can raise their children in safety and security, with access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
His post celebrated the impact of mothers on society, highlighting their strength, wisdom, and resilience as the foundation of communities.
In conclusion, Mahama extended his gratitude to all Ghanaian women for their love, care, and unwavering support, wishing them a Mother’s Day filled with love and joy.
“I want to reaffirm my commitment to building a Ghana that works for all generations—a Ghana where mothers can raise their children in safety and security, where they have access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.”
Read Mahama’s post below:
Happy Mother’s Day!
Today, we celebrate and honor the incredible impact our mothers have on our society. Your strength, wisdom, and resilience are the foundation of our communities.
Today is a special day for all women, and on my part, I want to reaffirm my commitment to building a Ghana that works for all generations—a Ghana where mothers can raise their children in safety and security, where they have access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
I recognize the sacrifices and dedication of our mothers, and I am determined to create a future where every mother and her children can thrive.
Thank you for your love, care, and unwavering support. Happy Mother’s Day to all Ghanaian women. May your day be filled with love and joy.
A boy and a girl, who were eight and five years old, died in an accident on Saturday, according to a police officer in Michigan. The crash occurred at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, which is around 30 miles south of Detroit.
Many people were badly hurt in the chaotic situation, according to Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.
He said: “The first responders said the scene was very chaotic and the people involved and those who saw it were very upset. ”
Two helicopters or ambulances took three kids and six grown-ups to the hospital. Some of them were really hurt.
Some people who were hurt got help right away where it happened, and some were driven to the hospital in private cars. The sheriff in Michigan said a 66-year-old woman was driving the car when she crashed into the building and went 25 feet inside.
He didn’t know who the lady driving the car was, but he said she was arrested for driving drunk and causing a deadly accident.
He said she was working with the police and might get more charges as they keep looking into the case.
A video of the renowned Nollywood actor Pope Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, surfaced on social media shortly after reports of his passing.
He was en route to a movie shoot when he needed to cross the River Niger with a hired boat and a sailor.
During their journey on the river, Junior Pope could be heard pleading with the sailor to reduce his speed, expressing his fear of losing his life and leaving his children at home.
“I beg no vex you hear. Na only me they born oo. Na only me they born. I get 3 children, abi you go raise them? I get 3 children abi you go raise them. Bros I beg! He exclaimed. Oh Jesus! What is this?
Ghanaian boxer Braimah Kamoko, famously known as Bukom Banku, has disclosed a surprising aspect of his family life, revealing that out of his 13 children, only 10 share his physical resemblance.
In a recent interview on 3FM, the colorful boxer provided insights into his personal life, shedding light on the dynamics of his extensive family.
Known for his vibrant personality and candid remarks, Bukom Banku discussed his role as a father and the trials of managing a large family.
He shared that while he is the father of 13 children, only 10 of them bear a resemblance to him, with Abu Kamoko, who has followed in his footsteps as a boxer, being the most similar in appearance.
“I have 13 children, with 10 of them resembling me, while the remaining three take after their mothers. Among them, Abu Kamoko resembles me the most,”
“Kwerh..fast game. My blood is thick so you have to born Banku Fresh,” Bukom Banku responded to a DNA test question.
Abu Kamoko clinched a silver medal in the 86kg cruiserweight category at the recent All-African Games after losing to Algerian boxer Kanouni Ousama in the final match. His achievement surpasses his father’s 25-year-old bronze medal win.
Following his son’s defeat in the final, Bukom Bankuattributed Abu Kamoko’s performance to stage fright caused by the large crowd, affecting his performance in the ring.
“This is his first time in the game. He feared the crowd and was frightened, so he lost, but his opponent was a small match for him. I trained Abu Kamoko up until age 7,” he stated.
The plan to give money to around 30,000 kids, some of whom are now grown-ups, still needs to be approved by the court. The money is meant to make up for the province taking back some of the federal payments the kids received from 2005 to 2019.
Lawsuits have also been filed in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Elsie Flette, one of the main people suing, said on Monday that she thinks it was wrong for the province to take the money from the kids without permission or a plan. She thinks it was like stealing.
In 2005, Flette was in charge of a group that helps children when the government in Manitoba started taking away a federal benefit for kids. The money goes to organizations that help children, just like the monthly Canada Child Benefit cheques that parents get for raising their children.
The province said they were right to keep the federal money because they were using it to pay for children in their care. At the same time, more children were placed in foster care. Around 90 out of 100 kids in the system are Indigenous.
The people who brought the case said the money was meant for fun programs, arts, hockey, and other things that are not paid for with regular child welfare money.
“When a kid being taken care of by an agency needs money to visit family or take part in special events. ” Lawyer Kris Saxberg said that this money could have been used for many things for the children.
The old Progressive Conservative government stopped the clawback in 2019 but also made a bill to stop anyone from taking legal action. In 2022, a judge decided that the province was wrong to keep the money and said that the ban on legal action was not allowed.
The Tories began talking about reaching an agreement before they lost the provincial election to the New Democrats in October.
“After I was elected, my most important goal was to start negotiations in a positive way and work towards making things better for children,” explained Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine.
“This is making things right. ”
More than half of the money is going to be used to pay back what was taken back over the years, as well as interest. The total amount of money given to the children also includes an additional 20 percent as a reward for treating them unfairly compared to other children.
Ghanaian comedian Nana Yaw Benson Oduro, famously known as Funny Face, has once again taken to social media to vent his frustrations regarding custody issues involving his children’s mother, Vanessa.
Despite recent signs of recovery from several episodes of depression that had threatened his career, Funny Face has resumed his tirades.
The comic actor alleges that Vanessa, upon noticing his steady improvement in mental health, began reconnecting with him.
He claims that Vanessa, who had previously left with their children, suddenly initiated video calls, allowing him access to them.
However, in a surprising twist, Funny Face asserts that Vanessa has now revoked these privileges and adopted a cold demeanor towards him.
Perplexed by Vanessa’s sudden change in behavior, Funny Face expresses disappointment that she had raised his hopes of reconnecting with his children, only to dash them once again.
“In this life, the most dangerous person is two-faced. Someone who changes like a chameleon.
“Vanessa, it’s been four years since you took the kids away. When I went to apologize to Bola Ray and he forgave me, I forgave you too. Then you came begging me, asking me to co-parent with you, telling me that you love me, and so on. So, is this it? Did you realize I was laughing when you were saying these things? Because I knew you were fake. You made me revive my love for these kids, now I am getting closer to them and you’re pulling them away.
“Suddenly, you don’t pick up when I call you. You always tell me you’re busy, you’re asleep or ask people to answer the calls on your behalf. But my calls aren’t about you, I just want to see and speak to my kids. You know it’s been four years without seeing my children and it’s killing me. You know how crazy I am about these children. After all you put me through? You have started doing this to me again? The kids will grow and realize all that I went through for them. No amount of brainwashing from your family can change their mindset about me,” he established in an Instagram post.
Funny Face, who is fed up with the ill-treatment he usually gets whenever he requests to see his children added, “Take da children and chew dem …am tired of fighting to see my blood … I will sell my house, cars and lands and some few properties I have left …and relocate to a different country and start my life all over again!”
During an interview with Kwaku Manu, Vanessa expressed that no sensible person would criticize her choice to reconcile with the father of her children, emphasizing the bond they share through their kids.
In a recent live Instagram video, Vanessa possibly aimed to address individuals who had made negative remarks about her. She clarified that when she mentioned in a previous interview that she wouldn’t mind spending time with Funny Face if he proposed, people should refrain from meddling in their affairs to prevent potential disappointment if they reconcile.
“So, if you wake up and you see that the person you are fighting for and I are back together, what will you do? You will be a third person; you will just be a fool.
“A man with whom I have three kids. Three solid kids! There is no right-thinking person who will condemn my decision to want to reconcile with him.
“There is a difference between a man you are dating and a man you have kids with. Not just any type of kid, a set of twins and a Tawiah. We have a deep connection and so there’s nothing wrong if I want things to be better between us,” Vanessa said.
How critics pleaded with Funny Face to stay far away from Vanessa
Vanessa’s revelation didn’t sit well with certain internet users, who criticized her for allegedly contributing to the comedian’s mental health struggles.
These critics argued that Funny Face’s recovery from his mental health challenges would be jeopardized if he reunited with Vanessa.
Surprisingly, Funny Face himself, during an interview with HitzFM, validated this perspective. He announced his decision to prioritize his mental well-being by putting aside any plans to seek out Vanessa and their children.
I’m in a less stressful relationship with a new partner abroad – Vanessa
Funny Face’s Baby Mama, Vanessa, recently opened up on her current relationship with her partner who lives abroad.
According to Vanessa, whose relationship with Funny Face ended about four years ago, her current relationship has given her the utmost peace of mind she has always craved.
She said the distance between them has saved her from unnecessary insecurities likely to pop up from misunderstandings surrounding her acting career, among others.
Background
In 2020, Funny Face and Vanessa washed their dirty linen in public over claims of domestic violence meted out against each other.
This was after Vanessa fled Funny Face’s home together with the kids as according to her, she could no longer stand the maltreatment in the house.
Funny Face who could not control his anger and the fact that the kids were taken away from him, took to social media several times to insult his baby mama’s parents amidst several accusations.
This caused him several mental episodes and in one instance landed him in jail after he pulled out a gun on someone publicly.
He was later admitted to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital for a long period.
Child Rights International’s case against the state, which sought, among other things, the government to clear children from the streets and provide them with education as mandated by the 1992 Constitution, has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.
The seven-member panel, led by Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, ruled that the case was dismissed primarily because the plaintiff’s lawyers failed to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, rendering their appearance deficient despite the validity of their case.
Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah, expressed disappointment with the outcome but mentioned plans to analyze the final ruling and develop a strategy for reinitiating the case.
Despite the costs involved in pursuing the right course of action, he remains undeterred by the ruling.
Mr Appiah emphasized that the lawyers would thoroughly examine the case, and if necessary, they would return to court.
He highlighted that the Bench acknowledged the case’s genuineness but pointed out the procedural error in presenting it, and they would determine the next steps after the legal analysis.
“The lawyers will study the case and if there is a need to come back, we will do so. You heard from the Bench that it is a genuine case, just that we couldn’t come properly before them and so we will study the case and come back. When the lawyers are done studying it, we will see the way forward.”
Every morning, 11-year-old Mohammed Zo’rab goes out into the southern Gaza city of Rafah to do something important.
He brings a large plastic bowl to schools and makeshift camps where people who are like his own family are suffering. He hopes to find food for the children of strangers in these places.
Mohammed also goes to hospitals where people who are hurt come at all times, and anywhere else there might be a pot cooking on a fire.
“Sometimes I don’t have anything with me and it makes me feel unhappy. ”
Mohammed is the oldest of four kids and lives with his mom, dad, and brothers and sisters in a weak shelter made of plastic and tarp.
Khaled’s dad walks around Rafah to find small jobs to make five shekels (about $1. 38; £108) to buy diapers for their two-month-old daughter, Howaida.
Mohammed is one of many kids who have to find food for their families.
“I am good at moving through big crowds without causing trouble. Once, there were nearly 100 people in line in front of me, but I managed to squeeze my way through,” he explains.
“I have bone cancer,” she says. I am 31 years old, but people often think I look 60. I am unable to walk.
“When I walk, I feel really exhausted. ” “My whole body hurts and I need medical care and good food. ”
Samar and her family moved to Rafah from their home in Khan Younis because the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it would be a safe place to go. That happened three months ago.
Since then, the war has been getting closer to Rafah. Over 70 people died a little over two weeks ago when Israel attacked to free two hostages held by Hamas.
The Zo’rab family’s house is leaking and the floor is getting wet from the rain. Sometimes, baby Howaida doesn’t have new diapers.
Every day, a lot of people are living in a small area next to the Egyptian border, and they face a lot of problems.
85% of people in Gaza have had to leave their homes. The help that is being sent to Gaza is not enough to meet the needs of the people there.
The UN says we need 500 trucks of help every day. On average, it has been ninety each day.
The situation in northern Gaza is very difficult.
Israel believes that the United Nations is not giving out aid properly in the northern area. They also say that there are a lot of aid supplies that need to be picked up on the Gaza side of the border.
The organization stopped sending food to northern Gaza because it’s not safe for the truck drivers. They have been attacked by criminals and people are stealing the food.
A truck was hit by a shell from an Israeli boat, according to the UN.
Also, the police in charge in Gaza don’t want to protect food trucks anymore because they are scared of getting shot by the IDF.
“Return our people to us” .
In Israel, most people still support the military’s conduct of the war.
No one seems to agree on helping the people in Gaza more. A survey found that 68% of Jewish people don’t want to send aid to Gaza as long as Hamas is holding Israeli hostages.
On the other hand, Arab Israelis were 85% in favor of aid.
Zvika Mor, whose oldest son, Eitan, is being held captive in Gaza, talks about how much he and his family miss Eitan, who was the first to call him “Daddy. ” He also mentioned how Eitan’s absence has affected their family of seven other children.
Eitan was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival. Unfortunately, Hamas killed about 360 people at the festival. Eitan did not have a weapon to protect himself or others.
MrMor leads a small group of families of hostages who want their loved ones to be returned before talking to Hamas about anything. They don’t want the government to make a deal unless there is a ceasefire, more help for people in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel is causing a big problem for the people in Gaza. Mor says that we want to set our people free.
“We want our people back. Before anything else, give us our people back. ”
He said it might seem harsh, but we have to think about the babies, women, and older people in Gaza.
“It’s really easy. ” If you bring us our friends, we will give you food and medicine. That’s really easy.
In Gaza, charities are giving the little food they have left to help people.
Mahmoud Al-Quishawi from the charity Pious Projects of America was near the hot pots of beans where Mohammed got food for his family.
“We work hard every day to help these people and let them know that we are here for them and will support them,” said Mr Al-Quishawi.
The charity doesn’t have any more bottled gas to cook food, so volunteers are gathering wood and making fires to cook instead.
“He says the air feels sad. ” “The situation is really bad. ”
In northern Gaza, children are getting sick and dying because they don’t have enough food. The British charity Action Aid said a doctor in northern Gaza found that many children had died.
DrHussam Abu Safiya, who is in charge of children’s health at Kamal Adwan Hospital, said that many children are not getting enough food and are getting sick with stomach problems.
Action Aid found that out of every six young children who were checked at shelters and health centers for displaced people in January, one was very malnourished.
The charity says that there has been a big drop in the amount of food people have in just three months, which is a very unusual thing all around the world.
Another doctor at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in northern Gaza said he helped a two-month-old boy named Mahmoud Fatouh, but unfortunately, the baby died shortly after reaching the hospital.
“This baby couldn’t get milk. “Amjad Aliwa said that his mother didn’t have enough food to breastfeed him.
“He was very dehydrated and was hardly breathing when he arrived. ”
In Gaza, the people are stuck because of war and hunger.
Following a possible homicide, a 42-year-old woman has been arrested and is currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “It’s really sad that these young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, are gone. Our thoughts are with their family and anyone else affected by this tragedy. ”
“Our specialist liaison officers will keep helping and supporting the family members of the people they work with. ”
She said the road barriers in Blaise Walk were removed and a police station on wheels will open in Sea Mills this weekend.
Ms Hayward-Melen said before that this is a rare event and it won’t affect the general public.
She said: “We can only keep someone in custody after they are brought to a police station, not while they are in the hospital. ”
“Our team is working quickly to find out what happened and why someone lost their life. We are asking a lot of questions to get to the bottom of this. ”
We removed the main barriers in Blaise Walk and want to thank the local residents for being patient and supportive while we investigated the area.
The Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has affirmed his dedication to offering substantial assistance to orphaned and underprivileged children through the social welfare department if elected President in the December 7 polls.
His commitment involves revitalizing the department with essential resources to ensure the provision of crucial social services.
Kyerematen emphasized the significance of establishing market-based support centers that deliver essential services such as education, counseling, healthcare, and nutritional aid to these children.
These centers, he explained, will serve as secure and supportive spaces, addressing not only the material needs but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the children.
Mr. Kyerematen declared his unwavering determination to prioritize the welfare of neglected children if entrusted with the presidency, stating, “Let us come together to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, receives the care and support they deserve. Through compassion and action, we can build a future where no child is left behind, beginning with initiatives rooted in our markets.”
These remarks were shared by Mr. Kyerematen in a Facebook post following his encounter with orphaned children seeking alms at the Bantama market during his campaign tour.
“Let us come together to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, receives the care and support they deserve.
“Through compassion and action, we can build a future where no child is left behind, beginning with initiatives rooted in our markets,” he stated.
Six students, three teachers and a bus driver have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in south-western Nigeria.
In a statement posted online, the Ekiti state government said the victims were attacked in the town of Emure while returning from a road trip on Monday night.
State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji said the authorities are determined “to get the children and their teachers rescued”, meanwhile residents are being urged to remain and share any information that could help the search.
It is not yet clear who is responsible or whether they have demanded a ransom.
Kidnapping for ransom has worsened in Nigeria in recent years with armed gangs targeting road travellers, students as well as residents in rural and urban areas across the country.
Earlier on Monday, about 50 civil society organisations issued a joint call on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency regarding the security situation.
They said over 1,800 people had been abducted since the president assumed office in May last year.
Tumi expressed his disappointment at the lack of acknowledgment and stressed the psychological and financial costs of having his works mistakenly credited to someone else.
Ghanaian artist MzVee has unveiled a delightful picture book titled ‘Natural Me,’ designed for children aged 4–8 years.
Inspired by MzVee’s empowering “Natural Girl” persona that champions self-expression and the beauty of embracing one’s natural self, the book imparts a positive message to young readers.
Drawing from her own childhood experiences of being teased for her skin and hair, which she now embraces as part of her unique beauty, MzVee created this resource for children facing similar challenges.
The decision was reinforced by an incident involving her mentor’s daughter, who encountered comparable experiences at school.
Illustrated with enchanting watercolors by Lisbeth Checo, ‘Natural Me’ serves as a tribute to young girls embarking on a journey of self-empowerment, sisterhood, and embracing their natural selves. The book delivers a powerful message, encouraging readers to celebrate their uniqueness both inside and out.
‘Natural Me’ is conveniently available at major bookstores worldwide, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Bookshop.org. Those interested can order the book through the provided link: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/natural-me-mzvee?variant=41055467765794
Ghanaian musician, Reggie Zippy, has expressed his gratitude towards his ex-wife for her commendable role as a mother after being granted the opportunity to speak with their three children.
This gesture comes in the aftermath of Reggie’s announcement of his divorce from his wife of 15 years, where he disclosed various unflattering names she had called him.
A few months ago, Reggie shared details of the divorce, accepting the accusations against him but expressing relief at the prospect of dating someone who would appreciate him.
His ex-wife, in response, addressed the allegations and clarified that Reggie had been involved with another woman, a white woman, even during their three-year marriage.
Despite the social media exchange, the former couple has now decided to prioritize the well-being of their children. Reggie Zippy conveyed his sentiments in a lengthy Facebook post.
“I have finally been able to speak with all 3 of my children and my heart is filled with joy❤️😁😘. Just hearing them say “I miss you too and I love you too daddy” is so soul soothing and reassuring that all my hard work, sacrifices and dedication in raising all 3 of them with their mother hasn’t been in vain. Thanx for making this happen Edith, let’s keep making our children happy and continue to make them enjoy the LOVE, CARE AND POSITIVE UPBRINGING from both mum and dad no matter what, we owe them that and I appreciate your hardwork as an amazing mother of 3 in my absence 🤝🏾👍🏾. Now to the envious and wicked enemies of progress, you can go and sow your seeds of discord again, NKURASIFUOR AB3YIFUOR😂😂. #GodDid #FamilyMan #ProudFather #BraveSoldier #iloveyoukids”
In Kupiansk, Christmas is a name-only event. Just a small portion of the 26,000 people still live there after the majority of the children were evacuated.
Living near the front line brings with it a visceral tension. We heard two sirens and incoming artillery fire within the first hour of our arrival.
After being under occupation for half a year, this city was freed last year.
But the Russians started to retaliate as Western assistance began to decline.
Svitlana says, “We all live on the edge, afraid of dying.” She works at the neighborhood market in a kiosk.
The tension is strongest here. People eye us suspiciously and start recording us on their phones. All this while, loud explosions can be heard in the distance.
“When we go to work, we don’t know what will happen,” she says. “Whether Russia will hit us with rockets, or if we’ll make it home alive.”
As we moved away from the market, a decrease in pressure was met with the realization of how deserted the streets were. Mostly, elderly individuals are strolling on the sidewalks.
Through a wooden hatch, we encounter an exception, Sofia, a 17-year-old who has grown up with Russian aggression. Her father is fighting on the front, and you quickly understand how this war has toughened her.
“When the full-scale invasion began, we realised there were deaths everywhere,” she says. “Understanding this makes you stronger and more resilient in stressful situations, even during shelling.”
Sofia’s family home in the nearby city of Izium was destroyed so they moved here. All of her friends were forced to leave Kupiansk long ago.
She outwardly fears very little, but is clearly unimpressed with her country’s fate being determined by sceptical western politicians.
“I would invite them to see with their own eyes what it’s like here,” she says. “Then they would no longer question whether aid is needed or not.”
Image caption,Russian forces are around 8km in the distance, but are pushing hard
Similar to Avdiivka, another city in the east, Kupiansk is perched on a hill, and Ukrainian forces have been defending it from above. They are fighting to contain Russian advances, and you can see plumes of smoke across the Oskil River that splits it.
Although they are only about 8 km (5 miles) away, there are worries that they may retreat to the Oskil’s eastern bank.
Here, Ukraine’s goal of total territorial liberation seems incredibly far-fetched. Rather, its forces are fending off Russian attacks one after another.
With Russian drones constantly loitering above, large gatherings are dangerous. In a barn near Kupiansk, around 15 soldiers find the briefest of pauses for a Christmas prayer.
The candlelight illuminates the condensation from their breath. There’s a thin layer of snow on the frozen soil outside.
After some coercion from an officer to speak freely to us, Oleksiy, a soldier from the 14th separate mechanised brigade, explains the constant defending they’re having to sustain.
“It’s day and night, there are no breaks, it’s 24/7,” he says.
While Oleksiy fights, senior US politicians are on their Christmas breaks after failing to agree a military support package for Kyiv worth almost £50bn.
“The Russians have more targets, so we need more shells,” explains Oleksiy. “They throw a lot of men and machinery into battle, they don’t pity anything.”
Image caption,Oleksiy has been fighting near Kupiansk for nearly two years
Kyiv argues that Moscow won’t stop at Kupiansk, should it fall once more. It still wants the whole of Ukraine.
What it really wants to do is sell the idea of a Ukrainian victory. Although with the winds of battle blowing the way they are in Kupiansk, that’s become increasingly difficult.
Rather than focusing on teaching their children the proper discipline, he held certain parents accountable for their excessive use of social media.
“There is no water and no food to eat,” she told the charity ActionAid, which has shared her story.
“My little girl has a rash on her skin due to the lack of cleanliness here. Our situation is very difficult. How do you drink water? Is it enough for you and the baby? Of course not! There is no water to drink. There is no clean water. We barely quench our thirst.”
“Have been wanting to eat since the morning but there is no bread,” Khitam reported of her other four children.
She gave birth during the conflict and related how, just two days after giving birth, Israeli bombing forced her to leave her home.
“I was carrying my daughter and running. We were walking under missiles and shelling, sitting for a while to rest on the pavement and in the streets.”
Tens of thousands of pregnant women, according to ActionAid, are going without food, and mothers are so undernourished that they are unable to breastfeed their newborns.
Spokesperson Riham Jafari, said: “Mothers are being forced to watch helplessly as their children scream and cry with hunger, while they are utterly powerless to do anything.”
Geneva-based aid agencies expressed profound frustration and anger over the ongoing suffering of Gaza civilians, especially children, ahead of the UN Security Council’s vote on a ceasefire.
Unicef’s James Elder criticized the lack of attention to international law’s requirements to protect medical facilities, food, and water, stating he is “furious” and fears the Christmas period may bring “more savage attacks.”
Margaret Harris of the WHO called the situation “unconscionable” and expressed despair at the international community’s failure to address conflicts affecting the most vulnerable populations.
A devastating situation has unfolded at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, resulting in the tragic loss of 15 children due to a severe scarcity of pediatric dialysis machines and consumables.
The critical shortage has compelled healthcare professionals to resort to using adult machines, posing an imminent threat to the lives of vulnerable young patients.
In an interview with Citi News, Adam Yahaya Wanzam, the Nurse Manager of the Tamale Teaching Hospital Dialysis Unit, conveyed the severity of the crisis and issued an urgent plea for assistance.
Wanzam implored the government, individuals, and non-governmental organizations to intervene promptly and provide the essential life-saving equipment and supplies necessary to prevent further casualties.
“We have lost over 10 to 15 children who were supposed to receive dialysis,” lamented Wanzam. “But for a lack of pediatric machines, we were improvising with the adult machines, and the adult machines and consumables are not for children.”
He underlined the catastrophic effects of the shortage, stressing the immense toll it took on the bereaved children and their heartbroken relatives who are now experiencing unspeakable suffering.
“We are calling on individuals and non-governmental organizations to come to our aid by helping us acquire these pediatric machines and consumables so that when an innocent child finds him/herself in this situation, the Tamale Teaching Hospital Dialysis unit can be able to rescue them.” he said.
One half of Les Twins, Beyoncé’s backup dance duo, Laurent Bourgeois, has responded to a woman who had accused him on TikTok of fathering 37 children and leaving them behind.
In a Sunday Instagram Live speech to his fans, he refuted the accusations and said the woman should “find another target.”
“My image is way too clean,” 34-year-old Bourgeois said. “If you find my 37 kids, tell them I love them so much. If they need a daddy, I’m here.”
“Give me the baby mama’s names. Where they at? I wanna see the babies,” he continued. “I wanna see what they look like, but I need you guys to understand — let’s do 10 babies. That’s a lot! 37?!… You guys are crazy. This is where I realized the world is nuts. Now, I understand why people and big artists talk less online.”
On TikTok, the accuser is a woman going by the handle @Lil_Curvy_. She stated that she is expecting one of the twins, but she is unsure which twin is carrying the weight. She claims that whenever the twins go out on a date, they trade places.
“I’m gonna let people ‘blah blah’ as much as they want to because I love my life so much,” Bourgeois said in his video Sunday. “And guess what? With or without the crazy things you guys said, my life would not change at all. At all. Not even a second. I’m doing so well. But can you come back with something true? Something I care about.”
Larry, the other twin, has not yet commented on the rumors.
Health officials report that nearly 5,100 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have lost their lives since Israel initiated an extensive bombing campaign against the besieged enclave, following an attack by Hamas within Israel over two weeks ago.
On Monday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health disclosed that approximately 40 percent of the 5,087 casualties are children.
This revelation coincided with the Israeli army’s announcement of over 300 new air attacks carried out within a 24-hour period.
Palestinian officials stated that more than 400 individuals lost their lives during that timeframe.
In the wake of the conflict, thousands of buildings lie in ruins, and over one million people have been displaced within the territory.
Gaza, under siege and facing severe shortages of water, food, and other essential supplies, remains in a dire humanitarian situation.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “erase Hamas,” hostilities continued to intensify throughout the night, with the looming prospect of a full-scale ground invasion.
It is worth noting that Hamas’s earlier attack in southern Israel resulted in the death of at least 1,400 people, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli officials.
The Israeli military declared on Monday that it had attacked “over 320 military targets in the Gaza Strip” in the day preceding.
It said the targets “included tunnels containing Hamas terrorists, dozens of operational command centres” as well as “military compounds and observation posts” used by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another armed group.
More than 60 people were killed in the raids during the night, including 17 in a single strike that struck a house in northern Gaza, according to the government media office in Gaza. At least 10 more people were killed in fresh strikes that occurred early on Monday.
Mohammed Abu Sabalah, a resident of Rafah in the south, claimed that on Monday, “a quarter of an hour later there was a bombing” happened after he had returned home from a mosque following dawn prayers.
“We couldn’t see anything because of the thick smoke,” he said, adding, “We thank God that we’ve emerged safe and sound” with “only a few windows and doors destroyed”.
Tala Herzallah, 21, who evacuated to the south following Israel’s order to leave the northern Gaza Strip on October 13, said last night “could not be “described in words”.
“We were literally shaking due to fear. We didn’t know if we would wake up alive or not,” Tala noted, adding that she woke up in the morning to a “series of bombings” nearby.
Israeli forces have gathered near the Gaza border, and smaller units have conducted limited incursions to target Hamas and attempt to rescue captives taken by the group from Israel on October 7. Israel currently estimates the number of captives at 222.
“We were displaced from Tal al-Hawa to Rafah at the request of the Israeli army, and this is what happened to us. My son is a 3-month-old martyr,” the father of a child killed in an attack in Rafah told Al Jazeera.
Hamas confirmed the skirmishes, stating its fighters encountered an Israeli armored unit infiltrating east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The group reported that its fighters destroyed some Israeli military equipment.
For the second consecutive day, aid convoys have entered Gaza from Egypt as Israel continues its intensified airstrikes in the conflict sparked by Hamas’s attack.
On Sunday, seventeen aid trucks crossed into the Gaza Strip to provide essential assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.
The conflict has left Gaza in dire need, with extensive damage and limited access to vital supplies.
The United Nations expressed concern after the first convoy of 20 trucks passed through on Saturday, estimating that the aid delivered was only 4% of Gaza’s daily imports before the war began.
They emphasized that a significantly larger number of aid trucks, at least 100 per day, is required to meet the needs of the 2.4 million Gazans, half of whom are children, who have been deprived of essential supplies
The New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Parliamentary Candidate for La Dadekotopon Constituency, Dr. Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, has offered advice to parents and teachers. He urged them to avoid making comparisons and discriminating among the children and pupils they oversee. Dr. Nyanyofio emphasized that such actions could have negative consequences and leave lasting scars on a child’s self-concept.
Drawing inspiration from prominent figures in Ghana’s political history like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. Ako Adjei, Kwegir Aggrey, and Nii Anyetei Kwakwranya, he stressed the importance of not underestimating the foundational stage of a child’s education. He pointed out that preschool and the basic level of education significantly contribute to a child’s intellectual development.
Dr. Nyanyofio shared his own educational journey, highlighting a period of academic struggle during his early school years, where he faced disdain from families and some teachers due to his academic performance. However, he experienced a remarkable transformation from the basic level through to tertiary education, ultimately earning a Ph.D.
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, he encouraged parents and teachers to recognize and nurture the unique talents of each child for the benefit of national development. He emphasized the importance of equal investment in every child’s education.
Additionally, Dr. Nyanyofio challenged children to cultivate qualities like patriotism, discipline, honesty, and hard work while maintaining confidence in their ability to tackle academic challenges. He encouraged them to make wise choices in the present to prepare for leadership roles in the future.
“Be courageous enough to dream bigger than you can even achieve,” he charged them.
He was optimistic about the nation’s future prospects, stating that “if all sectors of our national life fail, but our education system is on track, we shall recover and succeed. On the other hand, if all systems of our state architecture are working, and our education system fails, Ghana can not survive”
He observed “The future of this nation will be determined, not only by what happens at the Ministry of Finance and other key sector ministries, or the University of Ghana and other leading tertiary institutions in the country, but also, what happens in every basic school across the nation
Due to the declining blood supply in the country’s hospitals and a rise in blood shortages, the National Insurance Commission (NIC) is partnering with various organizations in Ghana’s insurance sector to replenish blood banks nationwide on September 27, 2023.
The objective is to safeguard the lives of pregnant women in labor, children, accident victims, and others who may require blood for their survival.
In a statement released by the insurance regulator, the blood donation initiative has become a necessity, urging the insurance industry to contribute to restocking the nation’s blood banks.
“The insurance industry does not work in isolation from the people they are expected to insure either by way of their lives or by the assets that are insured,” the statement read.
“This gesture by the Insurance industry followed a request to the NIC by the National Blood Service (NBS) to the industry in 2021 to help re-stock the country’s blood banks which were fast running out of stock. As part of the Industry’s Corporate Social Responsibility, the entire insurance industry kick-started this annual campaign and donated 801 units of blood in 2021. The numbers increased exponentially in 2022 with a record 2,015,” it added.
The NIC also announced that the industry is preparing for another nationwide blood donation campaign this year, with higher expectations.
Dr. Emmanuel K. Srofenyoh, Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge, will deliver the keynote address at the launch of the 2023 Blood Donation Campaign on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the NIC’s headquarters in Accra.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Donate blood; save a life – as you do it for someone, you do it for yourself.”
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officers of insurance companies will be the first to donate blood to support the Oncology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in observance of Childhood Cancer Month (September).
Leader of Guinea’s junta, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has argued that the Western model of democracy is not suitable for Africa while defending the use of military intervention.
During his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, he asserted that the continent is grappling with a “model of governance that has been imposed on us” and is facing challenges in adapting to its unique circumstances.
“It is time to stop lecturing us and stop treating us with condescension like children,” he added.
Colonel Doumbouya seized power in a coup in 2021, removing President Alpha Condé from office. During his address to the UN assembly, he justified his actions by stating that they were necessary “to rescue our nation from utter chaos.”
When news of the coup emerged, the capital city of Conakry witnessed jubilant crowds, relieved by the removal of President Condé.
However, following the military takeover, the country faced suspension from the regional organization, Ecowas, as regional leaders demanded a return to civilian governance.
Last year, Colonel Doumbouya did provide a timetable for a transition to an elected government following discussions with Ecowas. However, there has been limited progress in organizing the anticipated vote, according to Reuters.
Guinea is among several nations in Western and Central Africa that have experienced coups in recent years, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon.
These coups have garnered strong condemnation from Ecowas, the African Union, and the United Nations.
An inmate at the Afram planes in the Eastern Region, Kwesi Donkor, has disclosed that his wife and children are not aware of his imprisonment.
He explained that he had traveled from another village to visit his friend, Baba Iddrisu, who was involved in the charcoal trade.
During his visit, he found his friend accused of charcoal theft and joined him at the police station to offer support.
Unfortunately, both he and his friend were implicated and detained for 18 months despite their efforts to prove their innocence.
Remarkably, none of the people he resides with or his immediate family members are aware of his imprisonment.
“They are not aware at all that I am in prison. Even the people living in my neighbourhood currently are not aware of my whereabout. My wife and children living far away from me are also not aware that i am in prison,” Kwesi Donkor told host, Mr. Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, on Crime Check Tv’s “Time with the prisoner show.”
Crime Check Foundation was incorporated on 6th November, 2015 under the Companies Act 1963, Act 179 as a company limited by guarantee.
A crime prevention advocacy organization that uses Life in Prison Documentaries to sensitize the public to the dangers of crime.
“Time with the prisoner show” over the years has not only served as a crime deterrent tool, but has been instrumental in highlighting major infractions of the law in Ghana’s Justice Delivery System, abuse of the rights of Prisoners, deplorable conditions in Ghana’s forty two prisons and the need for a review of Ghana’s Criminal Justice System.
Elmi Bile Mohamed, a 25-year-old man with albinism, reflects on the harsh stigma he faces in Somalia. He laments, “People label me as a cannibal and fear that I will harm their children. The prevailing terror surrounding me is relentless.”
Elmi has encountered immense difficulty in securing a place to live in Mogadishu, the capital city, after leaving his rural home in Hiraan’s central region. His brothers share his condition and have suffered alongside him.
“Our own community subjected us to relentless insults and torment,” he recalls. “We endured physical violence and ridicule because of the pale complexion of our skin, hair, and eyes.”
Initially hopeful for a better life in Mogadishu, Elmi’s optimism waned as he faced rejection while searching for shared housing. He eventually settled for a storage shed in the historic Hamar Weyne district, paying $30 (£23) per month for shelter.
“People perceive me as cursed,” he sighs. “They frequently toss saltwater and raw eggs onto my doorstep, believing this will shield them from me.”
Elmi managed to secure a job as a cleaner at a restaurant, earning a modest daily wage ranging from $1.40 to $4 (£3). Unfortunately, his employment was short-lived, as customers stopped visiting the restaurant, fearing they would contract albinism—a misconception, as it is a genetic condition and not contagious.
“I went from one restaurant to another in search of employment, but no one would hire me,” he recounts. “I resorted to begging on the streets, displaying a sign with my phone number for people to make mobile payments.”
Income from begging scarcely covers his basic needs, including meals and rent, let alone the essential sunblock and glasses required to shield his sensitive skin and eyes. Individuals with albinism lack or have minimal melanin, the pigment that provides natural protection from the sun and determines eye, hair, and skin color.
“I cannot afford sunglasses,” Elmi laments. “The market where I beg is filled with dust and heavily polluted traffic. My eyes are in constant pain, and my vision is deteriorating rapidly.”
“At times, people offer me their leftover food, but there are moments when I have nothing to eat.”
Mr Mohamed’s dreams of running away to Mogadishu to earn money to send back to his family, especially his albino brothers, have been shattered.
The head of Somalia’s albino association, Mohamed Abukar Abdiqadir, with his children
It is not clear how many people with albinism live in Somalia as there is no data available. The country has been affected by conflict and instability for more than three decades so it is impossible to gather reliable information.
Earlier this year, about 80 families living with albinism in Mogadishu came together to form an association, Somali Albinos, which they hope will raise awareness about their plight and help reduce stigma.
So far, they have been sent 86 bottles of sun cream from Somali women living in the diaspora.
It is recommended that people with albinism wear high-factor sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses to reduce exposure to sunlight.
Their lack of melanin means they are at increased risk of getting sunburn and skin cancer. It also leads to eye problems as melanin is involved in the development of the retina, the thin layer of cells at the back of the eye.
“Other Somalis with disabilities have formed organisations which lobby for help from the government and international organisations,” says the group’s chairman, 40 year-old Mohamed Abukar Abdiqadir. “They now have rights. We don’t.”
“I was elected as the leader of our association because I am a hero and I never give up,” says Mr Abdiqadir, who has six children. Like him, they all live with albinism.
He scrapes together a living by selling dried and tinned food from a trolley in Hamar Weyne market. He always wears a hat to protect himself from the harsh sun.
“The reason people hate and fear us is ignorance,” he says.
“The evil and discrimination we face must not stop us from fighting for our rights and feeding our families. If Somalis learn about albinism, they will realise we are people just like them.”
Asha Gele Mother of children with albinism
Currently, discrimination against individuals with albinism is so deeply entrenched that children with this condition rarely have the opportunity to receive an education.
Asha Gele, a mother of two sons living with albinism, shares the heartbreaking decision she had to make: “I had to withdraw my children from school because they were subjected to daily stoning incidents,” she reveals. “The delicate nature of their skin suffered extensive damage from the stones thrown at them. Now, I keep them indoors all day, every day. While they may miss out on an education and the chance to interact with other children, at least they are safe.”
The family resides in a makeshift two-room dwelling in the Huriwa district of north Mogadishu, paying $40 a month for accommodation. Their home is constructed with old fabric and weathered, rusted corrugated iron sheets, providing insufficient protection against the harsh sunlight that relentlessly burns the children’s skin.
Mrs. Gele reminisces about her previous livelihood, selling vegetables in the market, which she was forced to abandon to care for her children. The family now grapples with survival on the meager income of $4 to $6 that her husband earns daily as a rickshaw driver.
The strain on Mrs. Gele’s marriage is palpable, as her husband holds her responsible for giving birth to children with albinism, blaming her for bringing misfortune to the family.
“The people I cherish the most – my husband and my own relatives – ostracize my children,” she shares with a heavy heart. “Even my own brother keeps his distance, fearing that they might somehow transmit albinism to him.”
“But I will forever stand by their side and defend them, regardless of the circumstances,” Mrs. Gele asserts. “I will remain patient and unwavering in my commitment to them. They did not choose to live this way.”
A heated legal dispute has arisen among the offspring of the late Supreme Court Justice, Dr. Seth Twum, regarding the legitimacy of a purported will attributed to their deceased father.
Among the six surviving children of the late Justice, Abena Twum and Esther Twum, have raised objections to the validity of the will, sparking a legal conflict within the family.
This legal contention has arisen just a year after the passing of their father on May 25, 2022, and his subsequent interment on July 2, 2022.
As reported by The Chronicle, Dr. Seth Twum initially had seven children, with the first child having passed away. Among the children still living, namely Esther (second), Abena (third), and Evelyn (sixth), two are contesting the legitimacy of the will.
The plaintiffs are challenging the authenticity of the will against their half-siblings, namely Audrey Twum (fourth), Seth Kwame Twum (fifth), and Leonora Nana Yaa Twum (seventh), in addition to their mother Julie Twum.
The core of the dispute stems from the argument that the mothers of the plaintiff children were not legally married to their father at the times of their births, whereas Madam Julie was the legal spouse of the deceased.
The contested will, currently undergoing examination at the High Court, reportedly excludes any mention of the plaintiff children in the allocation of the late Justice Twum’s assets. These assets encompass diverse holdings, including land, investments, and funds maintained in his Barclays Bank accounts in both Ghana and the United Kingdom.
The properties in question consist of a Cantonments property leased to the Free Zones Authority, an adjacent ICON property to the American Embassy, a dual plot at Trassacco Valley, a residential estate in East Legon, and a tract of land in Abelenkpe – all situated within Accra.
The plaintiffs, via their legal action initiated with a writ of summons filed in January of the current year, contend that the defendants, purported executors and trustees of the disputed will, might have tampered with its content.
The plaintiffs assert that the circumstances surrounding the deposition of the alleged will at the High Court Registry on June 7, 2022, and its subsequent reading on December 21, 2022, were tainted by forgery, rendering the will null and void.
Within their legal recourse, the plaintiffs request an injunction to prevent the defendants, along with their associates, agents, and other parties, from engaging with any assets belonging to Dr. Seth Twum’s estate until Letters of Administration have been granted.
Furthermore, they seek an order for a comprehensive account of the assets held by the defendants and a reimbursement of the costs incurred in the legal action, including legal fees.
The 2023 United Nations’ State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report has disclosed that approximately 783 million individuals across the globe are grappling with hunger.
While this figure remains relatively unchanged from 2022, various factors like conflict, poverty, climate issues, economic shocks, and the impact of Covid-19 have made it improbable to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goal of eradicating hunger without significant transformations in both global and local food systems.
Released on July 12, 2023, the report also explicitly points out that food insecurity disproportionately affects women compared to men in all regions of the world.
However, the gender disparity in food insecurity, which had widened at a global level in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, narrowed from 3.8 percentage points in 2021 to 2.4 percentage points in 2022. This suggests that the unequal impacts of the pandemic on women’s food security have lessened both on a global scale and in some specific regions.
The gender gap notably decreased in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, but expanded in Africa, Northern America, and Europe.
“Hunger has been on the rise in Africa since 2010, with a sharp increase in all sub-regions in 2020 followed by a gentler rise in 2021. In 2022, the prevalence of undernutrition in Africa continued to rise from 19.4 per cent in 2021 to 19.7 per cent – the equivalent of 11 million more people in one year and nearly 57 million more since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, hunger increased throughout all Sub-regions of Africa in 2022,” the report partly read.
“It’s time for all stakeholders to ask themselves if the systems created to feed the planet are working. It is very clear they are not. We need to shift our mindsets around ending hunger—it’s time to invest in people and in communities to transform these global systems that only benefit some,” said Rowlands Kaotcha, Vice President of Programs, Africa and Mexico with the Hunger Project.
Comparing East African countries based on the latest data from the live WFP hunger map as of August 11, 2023, reveals notable differences in their hunger and malnutrition statistics.
In Uganda, out of a population of 42.7 million, a significant 9.5 million individuals experience insufficient food intake. Among children under five years old, 3.5 percent are grappling with acute malnutrition, while a concerning 28.9 percent in the same age group are afflicted by chronic malnutrition.
Shifting to Kenya, which has a population of 51.4 million, approximately 12.1 million people are facing inadequate food consumption. Among children under five, 4.2 percent are currently dealing with acute malnutrition, and 26.2 percent of this age category are experiencing chronic malnutrition.
Turning to Ethiopia, with a population of 109.2 million, a substantial 23.2 million people are dealing with insufficient food intake. Among children under five, 7.2 percent are facing acute malnutrition, while a significant 36.8 percent are suffering from chronic malnutrition.
In South Sudan, which has a population of 11.0 million, around 3.5 million individuals are struggling with inadequate food consumption. Among children under five, a high 22.7 percent are experiencing acute malnutrition, and an equally concerning 31.3 percent in the same age group are contending with chronic malnutrition.
In Sudan’s four-month battle, at least 498 children “and probably hundreds more” have perished from famine, according to a report released on Tuesday by the NGO Save the Children.
The organization’s director in Sudan, Arif Noor, diclosed in a news release that “children are dying of hunger when it could have been completely avoided” in a nation where one in three citizens experienced starvation before to the war.
“At least 498 children in Sudan and probably hundreds more have died of starvation” since the start of the war on April 15, he adds. “We never imagined seeing so many children dying of starvation but this is the new reality in Sudan.”
And things could become worse because Save the Children had to cease treating “31,000 malnourished children” because they were unable to run their programs in the midst of the war. May saw the destruction of the factory that generated 60% of the nutritional therapy for kids.
According to a survey by the NGO Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), the fight between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (FSR, paramilitary), which experts predict might endure for years, has resulted in about 5,000 deaths since April 15. More than four million people had to escape as a result of it.
Confronted by the harrowing situation, the international community is grappling with the challenge of securing funding for assistance to displaced individuals, refugees, the wounded, and victims of sexual violence. Meanwhile, international justice remains concerned about potential “war crimes.” Humanitarian efforts have been hindered by authorities preventing entry and movement, along with instances of attacks. These aid organizations stress that they have only managed to acquire 27% of the necessary funds.
As of Tuesday, the violence has persisted, primarily affecting Khartoum and Darfur—a vast western region equivalent in size to France and home to around a quarter of Sudan’s approximate 48 million inhabitants. Within Darfur, the epicenter of conflict lies in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. Since August 11, reports indicate “60 fatalities, 250 injuries, and 50,000 displaced individuals,” as reported by the UN.
Tragically, the local military commander was reportedly “assassinated” there on Monday. The ongoing hostilities impede the passage of humanitarian aid-laden trucks. In Nyala, the Turkish hospital—the sole operational medical facility—has declared itself overwhelmed by the influx of wounded individuals.
Recent developments have seen the conflict extend to el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. This follows a grim pattern where, as outlined by the humanitarian research laboratory at Yale University, at least 27 localities in Darfur have been subjected to burning by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their Arab militia allies.
The head of this facility, which works with the Conflict Observatory, AFP Nathaniel Raymond, confirms that “nobody stops the FSR, they move freely while the army is entrenched in its bases.”
There is a concerning surge in the number of men inUganda seeking paternity tests, sparking fears of potential family breakups and lasting psychological effects on children.
The topic has become a major subject of debate in the country, triggered by a tabloid newspaper’s publication alleging that a prominent business tycoon, with multiple wives and mistresses, had a dispute with one of his spouses.
The alleged disagreement led the tycoon to request paternity tests, reportedly revealing that he was the biological father of only 15 out of his 25 children.
The tycoon and his family have chosen not to address the issue publicly, and the accuracy of the report remains unverified. Nonetheless, the story rapidly spread, causing significant controversy over the past months.
Lawmakers have been compelled to make heartfelt appeals, urging men to reconsider putting their families and children through the emotional trauma of such tests. The situation has prompted concerns about potential family discord and the lasting psychological impact on the affected children.
“Let’s live like our forefathers lived. The child born in the house is your child,” Minister of Mineral Development Sarah Opendi said in parliament. Although she qualified her statement by adding that if a man wanted a paternity test it should be done when a child is born – not when they are grown up.
Most concerningly, the privately owned Monitor daily stated that testing has resulted in domestic violence, with police detaining an Israeli national who lives in Uganda for allegedly killing his wife after DNA results revealed he was not the father of his six-month-old child. The individual isn’t yet facing any charges.
Speaking in mid-July, Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesman Simon Mundeyi claimed that the number of requests for testing, which need collecting the father and child’s DNA, had increased tenfold.
“We used to have on average 10 applicants daily at our government analytical lab. We are now averaging 100 daily and the numbers are still increasing,” he added.
Private clinics also cashed in on the trend, putting up advertisements on the back of taxis and on billboards offering tests.
Image caption,The government is cracking down on DNA testing in private health centres
This raised concern that results may turn out to be wrong, especially after reports surfaced that suspected fake testing kits had been smuggled into Uganda.
The Ministry of Health stepped in to restrict testing to just three state-run laboratories – though the director of public health, Daniel Kyabayinze, said there was more social media hype than a surge in testing.
Nevertheless, steps were being taken to ensure that families received counselling and psychological support when tests were done.
“We have seen social media messages where people think paternity tests are disruptive to families and can cause gender-based violence. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen because of the result which is given,” Dr Kyabayinze told the BBC.
Public opinion has been split in the debate that has raged across Uganda – from bars to Parliament; taxis to Twitter, now known as X.
Expressing his support for tests, Kampala resident Bwette Brian told the BBC: “I think the man has the right to know whether the children are his or not. Children are responsibilities and every child must know the family they are attached to.”
Disagreeing, another resident, Tracy Nakubulwa, said: “I have seen happy marriages and families separate all due to the issue of paternity testing – and children are becoming victims.”
Human rights activist Lindsey Kukunda said the fact that wives sometimes secretly have a relationship with another man, to give her husband a child, “is not new”.
“Our ancestors did it, our grandparents did it, our mothers did it,” she said.
She points out that when couples have difficulty having children, it is often the man who has fertility problems, whereas “in African culture, if a woman can’t provide a man with children, she will be divorced or thrown out of the house”.
“So what these men don’t realise is that the woman that has provided them with children has slept with another man – to give you the child you desire.”
Ms Kukunda accused husbands who seek paternity tests of double-standards.
“It is common for men to have affairs and bring home children – but the wives raise these children as their own,” she said.
Image caption,Most paternity tests in Uganda confirm a biolgical link between fathers and their children
Microbiologist Freddie Bwanga said the state laboratory where he works has not seen a major increase in requests for testing, but greater awareness now exists around the issue.
His experience over the years shows that 60-70% of tests prove a biological link between the father and child.
As for the 30% to 40% who found they were not, the outcome was often beneficial in “helping children to be settled where they are born”.
And, some would argue, testing is better than relying on age-old cultural practices – like smearing cow fat on the umbilical cord, and putting it in a woven basket filled with water.
If it then floats – a cultural researcher pointed out to Uganda’s Monitor newspaper – it means the child belonged to the family.
But Uganda’s state minister for primary health care said there was no need for men to seek paternity tests.
“Anything that you don’t know can’t kill you. If you don’t know that this is not your child, it won’t break your heart. But when you find out your heart will be broken,” Margaret Muhanga said.
An officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES) reportedly recommended teachers to apply for loans to buy computers to teach their children, shocking the group of educators who had come for a session on innovative methods of teaching several topics, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
This comment from the GES official reportedly came up when teachers attended a session on new ways to teach ICT in schools, according to a former ICT teacher at the Akrofuom District Assembly Primary School in the Ashanti Region.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Teacher Kwadwo, a guest on the Kokoase portion of the Angel Morning Show, claimed that because their classrooms lacked computers, his fellow educators insisted on knowing how to teach the course.
“That was when the GES officer at the workshop replied that we can go for loans to buy at least one laptop to teach the kids.…,” Teacher Kwadwo said.
A shocked Teacher Kwadwo who was also present at the workshop asked whether the GES official was indeed serious with his comment to which he responded “Don’t we even go for loans to acquire plots of land…?”
This and other factors, according to Teacher Kwadwo, helped him organize a movement to save the country’s education system.
However, he was expelled in December 2021 for taking a total of 55 unapproved absences from the classroom.
The advent of Mobile Money platforms has significantly enhanced the convenience and efficiency of cash transactions in the digital payment landscape.
Over time, mobile service providers have implemented various security measures and transactional protocols to ensure accurate identification of cash transfers and other important customer details during registration.
While some Mobile Money users may not readily provide information about their chosen ‘Next of Kin’ during the registration process, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of this information.
The term ‘Next of Kin’ typically refers to a person’s closest living relative(s). This can include immediate family members with a blood relation, such as children, or individuals with a legal status, such as spouses or adopted children.
In recent times, it has become imperative to know this status as many subscribers at the time of registry could not readily provide one, while there are some who relied on the telco agents to provide them with one.
GhanaWeb Business in this article provides some three easy steps in checking one’s ‘Next of Kin’ status via MTN’s Mobile Money.
How to check:
1. Dial *170# 2. Select option 6 for My Wallet 3. Select option 10 for Next of Kin and wait for the prompt
It is important to note that should one find a different name for this prompt, a change can be effected manually on the platform.
In what is believed to be the largest mass grave discovered since Sudan was plunged into war, numerous bodies have been found, allegedly victims of a Sudanese paramilitary group.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, there is “credible information” indicating that last month, 87 bodies, including women and children, were buried in a shallow grave in West Darfur.
The victims include members of the Masalit tribe, an ethnic African group that has become a target in the escalating conflict between rival military factions, resulting in ethnically motivated massacres.
These revelations come as Egypt initiates a new mediation effort between the warring factions. Previous attempts at truces and ceasefires have proven unsuccessful, leading to ongoing violence.
Since clashes between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group erupted in the capital city of Khartoum in April, the conflict has spread to the fragile regions of Darfur and Kordofan.
History repeating itself
More than three million people have left their homes, while basic services such as healthcare have broken down. The UN said the first 37 bodies were buried in the grave outside Geneina on June 20. Another 50 were dumped the following day.
Darfur has become a centre for the conflict as the violence has spread, with RSF troops and allied Arab militias accused of rampaging through the area and attacking African ethnic groups.
The killings have raised fears of a repeat of mass killings two decades ago, when the Sudanese government was accused of genocide crushing a rebellion by mainly non-Arab groups in Darfur, killing some 300,000 people.
The RSF denied involvement in the mass grave. A senior official in the force told Reuters it “completely denies any connection to the events in West Darfur as we are not party to it, and we did not get involved in a conflict as the conflict is a tribal one”.
Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: “I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of civilians and hors de combat individuals, and I am further appalled by the callous and disrespectful way the dead, along with their families and communities, were treated.”
