CNN’s International Correspondent, Larry Madowo, and his crew, who have visited Ghana to work on a report on illegal mining activities in the country faced a minor setback.
On their way to a location in the Western Region, they encountered a road path that appeared unmotorable. A part of the road was submerged by water.
Shocked and scared, a crew member disembarked from the tricycle that was commuting them. The tricycle spent some minutes in the muddy water before finding its way out.
“We went to rural Ghana to report on galamsey – illegal small scale gold mining. When the full report airs on CNN, you’ll know how hectic it was to get there,” Larry Madowo posted on X in reaction to the incident.
Many Ghanaians have hurled criticism against the Akufo-Addo-led government over its failure to fixing the bad roads in the country and ending illegal mining. Prior to assuming office, then presidential candidate for the NPP – now president, Nana Akufo-Addo put his presidency on the line to address illegal mining activities.
Several initiatives such as halting operations of small-scale miners, Operation Halt and laws to ban mining in restricted areas were implemented, however, none of these have been able to address the underlying issues.
In recent years, Ghanaians have witnessed brutal destruction of water bodies such as Pra River, River Oti and forest reserves by audacious illegal miners. Such actions have hindered the continuous supply of water to some areas in the country and the situation could worsen should galamsey not be addressed, according to the Ghana Water Company Limited.
Amid public criticism, some Ghanaians hit the streets to protest against the government to finally take pragmatic steps to address galamsey. Some sections of the public called for the suspension of mining of small-scale miners to enable affected water bodies recover. This request has however been shot down by the government due to the economic benefits in foreign exchange that Ghana derives from gold production and exportation.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has filed a lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk and his social media company X, previously known as Twitter.
Lemon’s legal action claims that Musk and X unjustly ended their agreement and failed to compensate him, despite leveraging his name to attract advertisers to the platform.
The lawsuit, submitted to the California Superior Court in San Francisco, accuses Musk and X of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unauthorized use of Lemon’s name and likeness. According to Lemon’s legal team, Shegerian & Associates, the agreement included a $1.5 million payment and a share of advertising revenue from content featuring Lemon. “
The lawsuit asserts that X made misleading promises to secure Lemon’s participation, only to cancel the project after he had invested significantly in its production.
The planned show, “The Don Lemon Show,” was supposed to debut on X but fell apart in March following the recording of its inaugural episode, which included an interview with Musk. Musk later criticized the show’s concept on X, suggesting that it was merely a replication of CNN’s format and thus doomed to fail.
Lemon had been a CNN fixture for 17 years until his dismissal in April 2023 after controversial remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Following his departure, Musk approached Lemon on X in an effort to revitalize the platform’s advertising appeal, which had suffered due to various controversies since Musk’s acquisition in 2022.
In related news, X has been grappling with advertiser pullbacks, including a recent withdrawal by Paris Hilton’s entertainment firm, 11:11 Media, which had previously partnered with X but later pulled its campaign amid ongoing concerns about the platform’s content moderation practices.
Madowo, a passionate Arsenal fan, attended the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal on May 12, 2024.
During the game, which Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to Leandro Trossard’s goal, heavy rain exposed significant leaks in the stadium’s roof.
Madowo captured a video of the incident, sparking widespread condemnation among football fans who deemed it unworthy of Manchester United’s stature.
The Kenyan broadcaster captioned the video, “If I hadn’t filmed the Old Trafford waterfall myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. I’ve seen nicer stadiums in Africa.”
If I hadn’t filmed the Old Trafford waterfall myself, I wouldn’t have believed it.
Manchester United have been condemned for their poor maintenance of Old Trafford, with Arsenal legend, Martin Keown, describing the leakage as worse than the Manchester United defence.
Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United has kept the Premier League title race alive until the final day of the season.
While Manchester City remains in pole position to clinch the title with wins in their last two matches, Mikel Arteta’s side has kept the pressure on them throughout the campaign.
The match saw Rasmus Hojlund squander a golden opportunity to put United ahead, but Arsenal capitalised on their chances.
Kai Havertz seized on a defensive lapse from Casemiro to set up Leandro Trossard for the decisive goal.
Although Arsenal looked comfortable in the first half, they faced increased pressure from United after the break. However, substitute Gabriel Martinelli threatened on the counter-attack, and Arsenal’s defence held firm despite United’s late onslaught.
The result means that Arsenal must secure awin against Everton on the final day and hope for a slip-up from Manchester City against either Tottenham or West Ham to have a chance at claiming the title.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has lauded the minister-designate for finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam for taking a bold stance amidst what he perceives as an intimidation from CNN journalist, Richard Quest.
During a recent interview, the CNN journalist inquired about Mr Amin’s thoughts on the anti-LGBT+ Bill passed by Parliament.
In response, the minister-designate stated it is not in his place to instruct or meddle in the judgement of the Supreme Court while there’s an injunction on the Bill.
He asserted his commitment to abiding by the laws of the country, stating that if the Supreme Court rules on the case and the president assents to it, he will comply.
“The most important thing is to discuss the effects of the law when passed… Having said that, it is not for me to give the determination to the Supreme Court of our country.
“Let me state my point clearly again, there is a case before the Supreme Court and I am not going to prejudice the determination of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Watch video below:
I must commend Hon. Amin Adam for keeping his cool and maintaining his stance on him being subject to the laws of Ghana. As for the very gay @richardquest, it is unsurprising his emotional tantrums. Would he dare such uncouth behaviour with any of the Arab Sheikhs he interviews? https://t.co/o7e71Azc6z
However, taking to the X platform, Sam George expressed administration for the minister-designate, highlighting his intelligence in handling the situation.
“I must commend Hon. Amin Adam for keeping his cool and maintaining his stance on him being subject to the laws of Ghana. As for the very gay
@richardquest, it is unsurprising his emotional tantrums. Would he dare such uncouth behaviour with any of the Arab Sheikhs he interviews?,” he wrote.
According to him, Richard Quest would not dare to employ his “uncouth behaviour on any of the Arab Sheikhs he interviews”.
The anti-LGBT+ Bill was passed by Parliament in February, but President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has deferred his decision on signing it until the Bill’s constitutionality is determined by the Supreme Court.
Currently, two cases challenging the Bill’s constitutionality have been filed in the Supreme Court.
A video circulating on social media has revealed how Finance Minister-designate, Mohammed Amin Adam was ‘unethically’ questioned by CNN’s Richard Quest about the anti-LGBT+ Bill recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament during an event in the United States.
Mr Quest asked for Amin Adam’s personal view on the bill, considering his roles as both a Member of Parliament and a senior government official.
Amin Adam responded by emphasizing the importance of discussing the effects of the bill when passed into law and stated that it is not his role to determine the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision.
He reiterated that he would abide by the laws of Ghana if the Supreme Court rules on the case and President Akufo-Addo assents to it.
“The most important thing is to discuss the effects of the law when passed… Having said that, it is not for me to give the determination to the Supreme Court of our country.
“Let me state my point clearly again, there is a case before the Supreme Court and I am not going to prejudice the determination of the Supreme Court,”
However, Quest became visibly frustrated and raised his voice, demanding a ‘human answer’ regarding Amin Adam’s thoughts on the anti-LGBTQ bill.
He slammed his hand on the table, and his voice continued to grow louder.
After Hon. Amin Adam clearly stated that he would subject himself to the laws of his country, Richard Quest, a CNN journalist, lost his cool and raised his voice at Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, demanding a 'human answer' regarding his thoughts on the… pic.twitter.com/9GuD5YFJzK
The recent passage of the Anti-LGBT+ Bill in Ghana has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from international media outlets and organizations, who fear its implications for human rights and inclusivity.
The legislation, which seeks to proscribe and criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to marginalize and endanger vulnerable communities.
The bill, which was approved on February 28, 2024, awaits presidential assent to come into effect. Its provisions include imposing hefty penalties on individuals engaged in same-sex relations, with a six-month to three-year jail term for offenders and a three to five-year jail term for promoters and sponsors of such acts.
International media coverage of the bill’s passage has largely focused on expressing concern over its potential impact on the rights and freedoms of LGBT individuals. News outlets have highlighted the discriminatory nature of the legislation, which seeks to restrict fundamental liberties based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Moreover, prominent international organizations have joined the chorus of criticism, denouncing the bill as a violation of human rights principles. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other advocacy groups have issued statements condemning the legislation and urging [Country]’s government to reconsider its stance. They warn that the bill’s enforcement could lead to widespread discrimination, persecution, and violence against LGBT individuals, further exacerbating social divisions and undermining efforts to promote equality and tolerance.
In addition to concerns about its human rights implications, international commentators have also questioned the motivations behind the bill’s passage. Some have speculated that political maneuvering and pandering to conservative elements may have influenced the decision to enact such legislation, rather than a genuine commitment to upholding societal values.
The passage of the Anti-LGBT+ Bill in Ghana has reignited debates about the rights of LGBT individuals and the role of governments in safeguarding their freedoms. As the bill awaits presidential assent, pressure continues to mount on Ghana’s leadership to reconsider its approach and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera reported that the Bill, considered one of the harshest of its kind in Africa, could lead to imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for those participating in LGBTQ+ activities and three to five years for those promoting or supporting such activities.
Reuters
Reuters emphasised the intensified crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
According to the Reuters report, the bill, sponsored by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders, received favour from the majority of lawmakers and if signed into law by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, it would further restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and those advocating for their rights.
BBC Pidgin
BBC Pidgin highlighted the local context, noting the widespread support for the bill in Ghana despite opposition from human rights groups and civil society organizations.
The report underscored the concerns that the law could potentially abuse the rights of sexual minorities and the controversial nature of criminalizing private activities.
CNN
CNN pointed to the unanimous passage by parliament, describing it as a comprehensive measure that not only criminalizes LGBTQ+ relationships but also targets individuals supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
The news outlet referenced the three-year prison term for identifying as LGBTQ+ and the five-year sentence for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
New York Times
The New York Times zoomed in on the severity of the legislation, stating that if signed into law, it would be among the harshest on the African continent.
The report highlighted the potential three-year jail term for identifying as gay and the five-year sentence for promoters of LGBTQ+ issues.
DW
The German broadcaster reported on the bill’s background, noting that the legislation has been the subject of discussion since 2021.
The report highlighted the support from a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders and the potential jail terms that engaging in, promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities came with.
A member of the production crew for the highly anticipated Marvel series “Wonder Man” lost their life on Tuesday in a tragic on-set accident, as confirmed by Marvel Studios.
The studio expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, 41-year-old Juan Carlos Osorio from Temple City, California, identified as a rigger who fell from rafters.
Marvel Studios issued a statement to CNN, saying, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident.”
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the incident at 4024 Radford in Studio City, California, which is the address for CBS Radford Studios, around 6:55 am local time on Tuesday.
Officer Charles Miller, a spokesperson for the LAPD, confirmed the ongoing death investigation, assuring that no foul play is suspected.
“Wonder Man,” featuring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, known for his roles in “Aquaman” and HBO’s “Watchmen,” was slated to stream on Disney+.
The show, introducing the relatively lesser-known Marvel character from the ’60s, currently does not have a release date.
The production team’s focus is now on cooperating with the investigation and providing support to the grieving family.
Ghanaian healthcare professional Osei Boateng, currently pursuing his Master’s in Business Creation at the University of Utah in the United States, has been selected as one of ten finalists for this year’s CNN’s Hero of the Year award.
Mr Boateng stands as the sole African among the finalists.
As the CEO of the non-profit organization OKB Hope Foundation based in Ghana, he utilizes a mobile van to deliver primary and preventative healthcare services to rural communities with limited access to health facilities and financial constraints.His innovative approach involves converting a van into a mobile healthcare clinic, resembling a doctor’s office.
Equipped with solar panels, the van ensures operation in areas without electricity. While primarily serving the Ashanti Region, it extends its free services to parts of the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions as well.
“We go to rural and underserved communities to provide them with primary and preventative healthcare. They get to see a doctor, they get their labs done, they get medications, and they’re out of there,” Osei told US-based KSL TV.
Boateng shared that his inspiration for the initiative stemmed from observing the challenges faced by people in his hometown of Bomfa-Achiase in the Ashanti Region, including his grandmother and aunt, who had to travel long distances for medical care.
He said, on average, people walk 17-24 kilometres to visit a clinic.
“Even if they got there, there’s no guarantee that they will see a doctor,” an experience that took the lives of some of his family members.
“If we could have gotten the care at an earlier time, or even seen the healthcare provider, they could’ve prevented that,” he said.
“It wasn’t a disease they should have died of, so that’s why I’m trying to get the van to these communities.”
In an interview with MyJoyOnline, Mr Osei Boateng expressed that every vote in his favor for the ultimate prize would significantly impact healthcare for numerous rural communities in Ghana. His aspiration is to secure both funding and a platform for his initiative by winning the CNN Hero of the Year award.
“Supporting us in winning this award is not just a vote; it’s a vital contribution to the urgent cause of delivering timely healthcare to rural and underserved communities. Your involvement is instrumental, as every delay in reaching these individuals with healthcare could mean someone paying with their life. Your support can make a profound difference in ensuring swift and life-saving interventions for those who need it the most.”
“It’s really important for me to get this particular support to expand the work I’m doing because right now we don’t have any significant support,” he said.
“Securing this award will be a catalyst for obtaining the necessary resources to broaden our efforts. Our aim is to bring timely healthcare not just to my community, but also to the doorsteps of additional rural and underserved communities, fostering a more widespread impact” Osei Boateng said.
“All of the professors, my preceptors, colleagues, they are all supportive of the work I’m doing,” Mr Boateng added.
If Mr Boateng wins, he earns $100,000. You can vote for Boateng by clicking here every day until December 5, 2023. The winner will be announced on December 10.
About Osei Boateng
With over five years of experience in hospital administration and operations, gained from roles at the New York Presbyterian Hospital and Henry Ford Health System, Osei Boateng brings a wealth of professional expertise.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Osei is the founder of the OKB Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering healthcare services to marginalized and remote communities in Ghana.
Osei is an alumnus of Kumasi Anglican Senior High School, holding a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society with minors in business and gerontology. He further pursued and earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Cornell University.
About the award
The CNN Hero of the Year award recognizes exceptional individuals making significant humanitarian contributions within their communities. Established in 2007, the program has been hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa since 2016.
Each fall, the honorees are introduced, and the audience is invited to vote online for the CNN Hero of the Year. Ten recipients are acknowledged, each receiving a $10,000 grant. The ultimate recipient, named the CNN Hero of the Year, is granted an additional $100,000 to further their impactful work.
During the celebratory broadcast highlighting their achievements, these honorees are introduced by supportive celebrities who actively champion their charitable endeavors.
In a special nod to the 10th anniversary, the 2016 edition included an extra segment where five previous Hero of the Year winners were nominated for the Superhero of the Year award, determined through an online poll.
Chris Licht, the troubled CEO and chairman of CNN, whose brief one-year tenure at the network was marred by a series of significant missteps, will be departing from the company.
“I met with Chris and he will be leaving CNN,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, during the network’s daily editorial call on Wednesday.
Licht’s departure follows a scathing 15,000-word profile in The Atlantic and concludes a turbulent year for CNN, characterized by layoffs, historically low ratings, and plummeting employee morale.
In response to The Atlantic article, Licht issued an apology to staff on Monday, expressing his remorse in a somber tone. He acknowledged that certain aspects of the story did not align with his self-perception and expressed regret for diverting attention from the newsroom’s important work.
Describing the experience as “incredibly humbling,” Licht pledged to “fight relentlessly” to regain the trust of CNN employees.
But it became increasingly clear that Licht’s tenure as the chief executive was quickly coming to an end. Licht has not commented on his departure and he did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Zaslav said Licht’s job was “never going to be easy” and praised the “amazing career” he has had, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
“For a number of reasons things didn’t work out and that’s unfortunate,” Zaslav said. “It’s really unfortunate. And ultimately that’s on me. And I take full responsibility for that.”
Zaslav told CNN employees that the company is “in the process of conducting a wide search,” both internally and externally, for a new network chief. He cautioned that it will “take a while.”
In the interim, Zazlav said the leadership team will be comprised of Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; Virginia Moseley, executive vice president of editorial; and Eric Sherling, executive vice president of U.S. programming. David Leavy, who was recently installed as chief operating officer, will continue overseeing the company’s commercial activities.
“We have great confidence in this group and will fully support them until a new CEO is named,” Zazlav said in an emailed statement to CNN staff. “We are in good hands, allowing us to take the time we need to run a thoughtful and thorough search for a new leader.”
Chris Licht, former Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide
A tumultuous tenure
Licht’s brief and rocky tenure as the head of the network came after he found tremendous success in morning news, producing MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” before he revamped “CBS Sunday Morning.” Prior to joining CNN, Licht was the executive producer of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” leading the program as it became the highest-rated late-night show on television.
But at CNN, Licht stumbled and quickly faced criticism. Replacing Jeff Zucker, the former CNN leader who was beloved by staff, Licht’s first action at the network was to dismantle CNN+, which had been hailed by previous network leadership as the streaming future of CNN. Zucker was ousted in February 2022 for failing to disclose a relationship with a subordinate.
Unlike Zucker who held an office on a newsroom floor in CNN’s Hudson Yards office in New York, Licht separated himself from the network’s journalists, a move that isolated the chief from his staff.
Licht announced mass layoffs at CNN in December. But the town hall with former President Donald Trump last month that Licht orchestrated was widely criticized as a mistake.
Licht faced a fury of internal and external criticism for the town hall, including from iconic anchor Christiane Amanpour during a Columbia Journalism School commencement speech.
The actor of the Apple TV+ feel-good comedy series, Jason Sudeikis, has explained why his TwitterDMs are open in a new interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“You try to spend as much time and be as present with people,” Sudeikis said of the show’s loyal viewers. “I read everybody’s messages.”
He added that because of the themes of the show, the cast has been met “with such kindness and grace” from viewers. Sudeikis said that he keeps his DMs open because the stories that people share with him are “incredibly moving.”
“People share their stories or explain where they’ve held the ‘Believe’ poster, where they have it. Like, in a parent’s hospital room or in classrooms or where-have-you,” he said.
Optimism, mental health and simply just being kind to one another are just a few of the themes that “Ted Lasso” has tackled. And perhaps the biggest overarching theme, illustrated by a bright yellow poster that hangs in AFC Richmond’s lively locker room, is to just “Believe” that anything is possible.
Sudeikis’s inbox is likely full of an unimaginable amount of messages, but he says that he puts forth a real effort to read what he can.
“I want ‘em to know that, sincerely, that they’re seen, they’re heard, they’re read,” he said, going on to add that the sentiments from viewers that he and those involved in the show read aren’t something they “take lightly or take for granted.”
“Ted Lasso” is set in the UK and follows an American football coach who jumps the pond to coach AFC Richmond, the struggling English Premier League soccer team. The series’ third season, which could be its last, began streaming in March and is chock full of feel-good moments, moving subplots and, of course, biscuits.
The critically acclaimed show became an instant classic when it premiered in 2020 and has since won 11 Emmy Awards, including consecutive best comedy series wins in 2021 and 2022.
CNN anchor and morning show host Don Lenon has been fired by the news network.
According to BBC, he was fired over “misogyny and misbehavior.”
“I am stunned,” Lemon wrote on Twitter, saying he was told by his agent he had been let go.
CNN said it “parted ways” with Lemon, who co-hosted its morning show, saying “we wish him well”.
It follows on-air remarks by Lemon in which he said Republican Nikki Haley, 51, was not “in her prime”.
The dismissal also comes on the heels of another major US media departure. Just moments before Lemon’s announcement, Fox News announced it was parting ways with primetime host Tucker Carlson.
A long-time fixture of the network, Lemon was most recently a co-host of CNN’s This Morning programme.
But he landed in hot water earlier this year after comments he made about Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, a former UN ambassador and governor of South Carolina.
Ms Haley was not “in her prime”, Lemon said in February, a remark widely decried as sexist.
“When a woman is considered to be in her prime – in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s,” he said.Media caption,
Watch: Nikki Haley fires back at CNN’s Don Lemon on age
“I’m just saying what the facts are – Google it,” he added, in response to objections from his female co-hosts, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins.
Lemon issued a statement on the same day saying he regretted his “inartful and irrelevant” comments. He also apologised to the newsroom and agreed to partake in “mandatory training” to address the incident.
But the remarks sparked widespread criticism, including from actress Michelle Yeoh, 60, who appeared to reference the comments in her Oscar’s acceptance speech last month, saying: “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”
In a tweet on Monday, Ms Haley appeared to address the firing, calling it a “great day for women everywhere” adding “#StillInMyPrime”.
Lemon’s reputation was further clouded by a report from Variety earlier in April, which detailed accusations of misogynistic behaviour toward his CNN colleagues.
He called a producer fat to her face, Variety reported, mocked and mimicked one colleague and allegedly sent threatening texts to another. A representative for Lemon denied the reports.
Lemon has also faced controversy last autumn for saying that the US men’s soccer team should be paid more than the women’s, saying that the men were “more interesting to watch”.
The 57-year-old had appeared on CNN on Monday during the morning programme as normal, before reports of his dismissal were publicised later that day.
“After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon wrote on Twitter.
“At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network.”
He continued: “It is clear that there are larger issues at play.”
The network did not elaborate on the reason for his dismissal. But in a second statement issued on Monday afternoon, it called Lemon’s description of events “inaccurate”, saying he had been given an opportunity to meet with management.
Image caption, Lemon hosted CNN This Morning alongside Kaitlan Collins (left) and Poppy Harlow (right)
Lemon has hired entertainment lawyer Bryan Freedman to address his contract with CNN, which was signed to last until 2026, the New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the deal.
CNN This Morning will continue with Lemon’s former co-hosts, Ms Harlow and Ms Collins, the network said.
Lemon came to CNN in 2006 after working for a local NBC station in Chicago. For over eight years, he hosted the primetime show Don Lemon Tonight. He left the slot to help launch CNN This Morning last November alongside Ms Harlow and Ms Collins.
After Lemon’s comments about Ms Haley, CNN producers discovered guests did not want to appear on the show with Lemon, the New York Times reported.
The show has struggled with ratings in recent months, lagging behind Fox’s Fox & Friends and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
In a post on his social media site Truth Social on Monday, former President Donald Trump referred to Lemon as the “dumbest man on television”.
A recent poll conducted by the CNN, has ajudged Peter Obi President at the end of the 2023 presidential election.
The report Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, would prevail in the Saturday election.
This online newspaper is aware that Nigerians will cast their votes in a closely watched presidential election on Saturday. The greatest democratic election on the continent will take place in the most populous nation in Africa.
Ghanaian socialite and actress, Moesha Buduong has said the media in Ghana misconstrued her interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour some years back.
In the said interview, Moesha Boduong stated that the only way for a lady like herself to survive in Ghana is to date a man who can take care of her even if he is a married man.
The video then generated a lot of fury among Ghanaians. The Media discussion about the video got everyone talking about Moesha Buduong. She was stereotyped, criticised and lambasted from that period.
Years on, the new Moesha Buduong has clarified what she really said and meant in that interview.
In an interview with Sammy Kay, Moesha explained that she never said that she was dating married men for money.
According to her, what she said during that interview was, she was in a serious relationship with a married man. She indicated she loved him dearly.
She said: “I never sat on TV to say I was dating married men for money. I was in a serious relationship with a married man that I loved and I was talking about the reasons why women date married men and how I loved this married man.”
The actress further continued by saying she spoke about reasons why young ladies date married men.
Yet, the media twisted her words and made her look so bad in the eyes of the public.
A CNN Africa reporter called Larry Madowo received confirmation from the unnamed lawyer that the business had “finally agreed to talk with the laid-off Africa staff.”
In a tweet on November 22, Madowo, who has been closely following the topic, repeated that the laid-off employees “weren’t offered severance until CNN highlighted” their predicament and that they “weren’t allowed to discuss their separation conditions until” CNN article was aired.
They initiated legal action against the new owner of the platform, Elon Musk, over discrimination and the imbalance in the severance pay they were offered compared to others who were laid off in the United States and Europe upon his takeover.
Madowo revealed the contents of their termination emails in his earlier reports, which read in part: “The company is reorganizing its operations as a result of a need to reduce costs. It is with regret that we’re writing to inform you that your employment is terminating as a result of this exercise.
“Your last day of employment will be 4th December 2022. You will be placed on garden leave until your termination date,” the November 4 letter read.
“It is clear that Twitter, under Elon Musk, is either deliberately or recklessly flouting the laws of Ghana, is operating in bad faith and in a manner that seeks to silence and intimidate former employees into accepting any terms unilaterally thrown at them.
“Without pressure from higher authorities, they are clearly not willing to provide a fair or just package in order to minimize the hardship of this takeover and the resulting loss of jobs on their workforce in Africa.”
CNN’s coverage of New Year’s Eve could look very different this time around.
According to Variety, network CEO and chairman Chris Licht announced at a town hall discussion with CNN employees on Tuesday that anchors and correspondents cannot drink on camera this NYE. Or off camera, in fact.
Licht seemingly implied that the sight of Anderson Cooper battling uncontrollable laughter or a viral, loosened-up Don Lemon resulted in a loss of “respectability” among viewers, and hurt CNN’s credibility as a whole.
In fact, it may be the opposite.
Licht took over as the new head of CNN earlier this year following the merger between Discovery and parent company WarnerMedia. While his new edict applies to correspondents and anchors, it’s unclear if Cooper’s usual New Year’s Eve co-host Andy Cohen will also need to abide by this same rule.
Days after the Andy hosted their latest NYE broadcast, Cohen appeared on the Howard Stern Show, where he was unapologetic about his behavior on-air, despite admittedly being “a bit overserved.”
“I won’t be shamed for it, I had a blast, Anderson has a blast. We left and we were like ‘That was fun, what a fun New Year’s Eve,’” he said. “No apologies for my drinking on New Year’s Eve, none.”
US news outlet CNN has issued an apology for its coverage of the attack on a Thai childcare facility last week, which resulted in the deaths of 37 people, including 23 children.
Two CNN reporters entered the building where the attack took place and filmed on the premises.
They were accused of trespassing and filming a crime scene without permission.
Both of them were later cleared of the charges but fined for working as journalists while on tourist visas.
CNN International’s executive vice president and general managerMike McCarthy said in a statement that his reporters had sought permission to enter the building, but understood that “officials were not authorised to grant this permission”. He added that CNN had since stopped broadcasting the report and removed the video from its website.
The journalists – reporter Anna Coren and cameraman Daniel Hodge – have agreed to leave the country. They have also apologised in a video that has since been widely circulated by local news outlets. It appeared to be taken inside a police station.
“My deepest apologies… especially the families of victims of this tragedy – we are so sorry to have caused you more pain and suffering,” said Ms Coren, who along with Mr Hodge were fined 5,000 baht ($133; £120).
“We know your country is going through a painful time and we never came here to cause more grief.”
Thai police investigated the incident after journalists raised concerns. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand and Thai Journalists’ Association issued statements criticising the CNN crew for ” a serious breach of journalistic ethics in crime reporting”.
“Would one of their crews have behaved in the same way at a serious crime scene in the United States?” the statement asked.
There was also a widely shared picture on social media from the weekend that showed a CNN crew member climbing over a low fence to leave the compound.
Ms Coren and Mr Hodge were later taken to the police station in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, where the attack took place, for questioning.
Two Thai ministers have said that the CNN crew did not have official permission, but the police accepted that they believed they had permission and decided not to prosecute them.
CNN said in a tweet that their crew was told by three public health officials that they could film inside. They said the premises had been cordoned off while they were inside, so they needed to climb over the fence to leave. Police found that village health volunteers had granted the team entry despite having no authority to do so, according to local news outlet The Nation.
Police say the 34-year-old attacker – a local named Panya Kamrab – killed his wife and his stepson, before killing himself after a manhunt. The motive for the attack is not yet known.
Donald Trump has sued cable TV network CNN, claiming defamation and seeking punitive damages of $475m, according to a Florida court filing on Monday.
The US cable news station has attempted to smear the former US president “with a series of ever-more scandalous, false, and defamatory labels of ‘racist,’ ‘Russian lackey,’ ‘insurrectionist,’ and ultimately ‘Hitler’,” Trump’s lawyers claimed. The lawsuit has been filed in federal court in Fort Lauderdale.
“Beyond simply highlighting any negative information about the plaintiff and ignoring all positive information about him, CNN has sought to use its massive influence, purportedly as a ‘trusted’ news source, to defame the plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically,” the filing states.
Trump claimed that CNN had used its considerable influence as a leading news organization to defeat him politically. CNN declined to comment on the case.
Trump, a Republican, claims in the 29-page lawsuit that CNN had a long track record of criticizing him but had ramped up its attacks in recent months because the network feared that he would run again for president in 2024.
“As a part of its concerted effort to tilt the political balance to the left, CNN has tried to taint the plaintiff,” the suit said.
The lawsuit lists several instances in which CNN appeared to compare Trump to Hitler, including a January 2022 special report by host Fareed Zakaria that included footage of the 20th-century German dictator.
Trump, who in 2020 lost a re-election effort to Democrat Joe Biden, has not said officially whether he would seek re-election, though has dropped many such hints.
The lawsuit comes as the 76-year-old former president faces considerable legal woes, including a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for retaining government records at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after leaving office in January 2021.
Trump was sued last month by the New York state attorney general, Leticia James, who has accused him of lying to banks and insurers about the value of his assets.
And a congressional committee and the DoJ are separately investigating last year’s January 6 assault on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.
He is also being sued by writer E Jean Carroll in a case involving alleged rape.
CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour said Thursday that she backed out of an interview with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi after one of his aides said it would not happen unless she wore a headscarf.
In a Twitter thread, Amanpour chronicled how her scheduled interview with Raisi on Wednesday night in New York fell apart, characterizing the aide’s request as an “unprecedented and unexpected condition.”
Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, said she planned to ask Raisi about the protests that have swept across Iran after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman held by the country’s morality police for allegedly violating its strictly enforced dress code, died in custody last week.
Raisi was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly.
Amini’s family has denied that she had health issues.
People protest over the death of a woman who was detained by the morality police in downtown Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)
In recent days, Iranian security forces have clashed with anti-government protesters furious over Amini’s death, with some women burning their headscarves in defiance of the morality police and the country’s wider atmosphere of social repression. The deadly unrest has been documented on social media.
Amanpour said she and her CNN team planned the interview over the course of weeks and spent eight hours Wednesday setting up translation equipment, lights and cameras.
“[W]e were ready,” she wrote in part. “But no sign of President Raisi.”
Newly elected Iranian President Raisi throws doubt on restoring nuclear deal
As the international community works to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Israel is warning that newly elected Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi could further stall talks to limit the country’s nuclear capabilities. NBC News’ Tehran bureau chief Ali Arouzi breaks down President Raisi’s conservative political views and what the election means for the future of the nuclear deal.
Forty minutes after the interview was scheduled to begin, an aide to the Iranian president came over and said the president was “suggesting” that Amanpour wear a headscarf in recognition of the holy months of Muharram and Safar, she wrote. (Amanpour did not identify the aide.)
“I politely declined,” Amanpour wrote. “We are in New York, where there is no law or tradition regarding headscarves. I pointed out that no previous Iranian president has required this when I have interviewed them outside Iran.”
“The aide made it clear that the interview would not happen if I did not wear a headscarf,” she wrote. “He said it was ‘a matter of respect,’ and referred to ‘the situation in Iran’ — alluding to the protests sweeping the country.”
Amanpour wrote that she told the aide that she could not agree to what she described as an “unprecedented and unexpected condition” to the interview.
“And so we walked away. The interview didn’t happen,” Amanpour wrote in the Twitter thread’s concluding post. “As protests continue in Iran and people are being killed, it would have been an important moment to speak with President Raisi.”
Amanpour’s final tweet in the thread was accompanied by a photo of her facing an empty chair.
NBC News could not immediately reach Raisi for comment because the president’s office is closed until Saturday.
Again, I said that I couldn’t agree to this unprecedented and unexpected condition. 6/7
In a statement, a spokesperson for CNN said: “We fully support the decision of Christiane and her team to politely decline the interview with President Raisi.”
In an address to world leaders at the U.N. on Wednesday, Raisi did not address the escalating unrest in his country, instead using his time to assail the West and what he characterized as the “double standards of some governments regarding human rights.”
Two Saudi sisters found dead in their Sydney apartment in “unusual” circumstances last month have been identified by police, as authorities appealed for more information.
Police discovered the bodies of Asra Abdullah Alsehli, 24, and Amaal Abdullah Alsehli, 23, on June 7, following a concern for welfare report, according to a statement on Wednesday from New South Wales Police.
“Despite extensive inquiries, detectives have been unable to ascertain how the women died,” the statement said. “However, it is believed the women had been deceased for some time prior to being located.”
The sisters arrived in Australia from Saudi Arabia in 2017, NSW Police confirmed to CNN. “The circumstances of their death were unusual because they have no signs of injury,” police said.
NSW Police detective inspector Claudia Allcroft said any information from the public could hold the key to solving the investigation.
“Detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or who may have information about the women’s movements in the days and weeks prior to their deaths — which we believe occurred in early May,” Allcroft said in the NSW Police statement.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Saudi Consulate in Sydney said it was in contact with Australian authorities about the case. “The Consulate also expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” it said.
CNN has reached out to the Saudi Embassy in Canberra for comment.
The CEO and Publisher of 3G Magazine and entrepreneur, Mr Charles Nimmo Ntiamoah Mensah aka (Mr CNN) accompanied by a high powered delegation of US-based media practitioners, an industrialist, a traditional queen mother and philanthropist in the United States paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of Ghana to the USA, H.E Baffour Adjei Bawuah on Thursday, March 5th.
The purpose of the visit was among others to congratulate Ghana on their 63rd Independence Anniversary, appreciate the Honorable Ambassador for his exemplary service in the US and also to officially inform him of the 20th anniversary of Mr CNN’s service in the media and showbiz industry which will be celebrated with various activities in the United States.
Mr CNN is planning a triple celebration of his success code-named 20.12.10 representing 20 years in the media and showbiz industry, 12 years of publishing 3G magazine, and 10 years of organizing the 3G media Awards.
In appreciation of the Ambassador’s service, the delegation presented him a photo album as well as a Life time achievement award from 3G Media a US-based media conglomerate.
This came as a surprise to the Ambassador who expressed his profound appreciation to the delegation and commended them for the support and commitment to promoting Ghana in the diaspora.
On behalf of the Ambassador Mr. Bernard Kwame Acquah , first Secretary (Political) at the Embassy also expressed the Embassy’s gratitude to media personnel and applauded their continues engagement with the Embassy as it has proven to be beneficial to the Ghanaian community.
Members of the delegation were Obaahemaa Nana Nkrumah Adasa III-Queen mother of Nkawie Abofrem, Mr. Isaac Kusi of Krismark a US based Industrial company, Mr. Frederick Nnoma Addision; President and CEO of AMIP News and Mr. George Kwasi Bright, Editor and Publisher of the Afrikan Post.
