In an intelligence-driven operation, the Police have apprehended Raymond Asoke, Noeyelle Bridget, and Raheem Fasilat for stealing medicine boxes from Bolgatanga Regional Hospital.
Raymond Asoke, a driver at the hospital, was caught on August 4th, 2023, loading medicine boxes from an unmarked house into a saloon car. A subsequent search of the car revealed twelve medicine boxes, while twenty-two more were found in the house.
The investigation led to the arrest of Noeyelle Bridget, the Assistant Dispensary Officer, and Raheem Fasilat, the Regional storekeeper, who admitted to providing the stolen medicines to the driver.
The three suspects are in custody and will face legal proceedings. Ongoing investigations aim to identify other accomplices and determine the purpose of the stolen medicines.
Five maritime police officers from Uganda who were sent to Lake Victoria to recover bodies after an accident that occurred last week were saved after their rescue boat crashed on Sunday, according to the police.
At least 20 people died in the accident on last Tuesday involving a boat that was overcrowded and perhaps carrying 34 people. Nine people were saved, while others were classified as missing.
Only five bodies—all women—had been discovered by the police on Saturday, according to sources.
They stated that they were “facing challenges” because of the dry lake and the huge amount of rain.
The event on Sunday, according to the police, “underscores the unpredictable nature of the lake and the difficult circumstances that our dedicated marine officers face while performing their life-saving duties.”
It states that the accident investigation is ongoing and that more information will be supplied as soon as it becomes available.
The report states that the hunt for the drowning victims’ bodies is still ongoing in the meantime.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has stated that the Attorney General’s office was not furnished with the full details surrounding the missing cash from the home of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, by the Police Service.
A recent report by JoyNews has shed light on new documents indicating a comprehensive investigation conducted by the police in 2022. This investigation led to the filing of various charges both in the Juvenile Court and the Circuit Court.
According to these documents, on October 4, 2022, Cecilia Dapaah issued a warning to a member of her domestic staff, cautioning them against accessing specific rooms within the residence during their employment.
Despite this warning, on October 6, 2022, the staff member breached these instructions and was apprehended by Dapaah’s husband, Daniel Kuffuor.
Subsequently, Kuffuor reported the incident to the Tesano Police Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, initiating an official complaint.
Upon Dapaah’s return on October 10, she conducted an inventory to identify the missing items from her room. The items included Kente cloth, women’s clothing, jewelry, and an undisclosed sum of money.
Subsequently, the police gathered a statement from the young suspect and proceeded to file appropriate charges. Later, on October 26, 2022, the suspect was presented before the Circuit Court. However, due to inconsistencies in determining her age, she was released and subsequently re-apprehended, with fresh charges being pressed in the Juvenile Court.
In spite of the initial charges being relatively minor, such as unlawful entry and entering premises for unlawful purposes, the suspect faced more serious accusations including the theft of unspecified funds, as per the documented list of missing items.
Curiously, the obtained documents did not make reference to the alleged theft of 1 million dollars, suits, and other sums in Ghana cedis. These allegations came to light in court filings against the same suspect and four accomplices in July 2023, all related to the original theft that took place in October 2022.
According to Mr Alfred Tuah Yeboah, the situation raises concerns about why the police did not include the case’s full details.
“The docket that was submitted to us had nothing about a case pending in any juvenile court. The only hint that we had was about the report at the Tesano Police Station. And so in terms of any prosecution going on at the Juvenile or Circuit Court (previously) we are not aware,” he stated on JoyNews’ News File programme.
Recent developments reveal that the lifeless remains of the daughter of Bekwai’s Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon Kwaku Kyei Baffour, was discovered behind their residence in Atwima Bebu, situated within the Ashanti Region.
Upon the arrival of the police at the scene, it was observed that both the communal spaces and private bedrooms had been subjected to a search. Notably, a television set was reported missing. Despite the absence of indications of forced entry, the investigation remains underway.
In an official statement issued by the Ghana Police Service and obtained by MyNewsGh.com, it was detailed that an inquiry into the circumstances encircling the demise of Akua Serwaa Kyei, an adult female, was initiated on August 3, 2023, in Atwima Bebu within the Ashanti Region.
The spouse of the deceased conveyed that upon returning home around 5:30 pm on August 3, 2023, he encountered his wife lying unconscious behind their residence.
Swiftly transporting her to a medical facility, her arrival at the hospital was accompanied by the pronouncement of her demise. Furthermore, the spouse asserted that their living quarters and sleeping area had been subjected to intrusion, with a television set being among the items missing.
Initial observations undertaken by the Police Crime Scene unit divulged that no points of entry, such as doors or windows, exhibited signs of forced access. Furthermore, during the medical examination of the deceased’s body, no evident signs of physical violence or gunshot injuries were discerned.
As the investigation persists, the deceased’s body has been conveyed to a mortuary for preservation, awaiting an autopsy. In collaboration with the bereaved family, the police have initiated consultations to unearth the truth and ensure the culpable parties are held accountable.
To provide support during this arduous period, the Inspector-General of Police communicated with the family through a telephonic conversation, pledging a thorough inquiry into the matter. Additionally, a Police clinical psychologist has been appointed to extend assistance to the family in navigating these challenging times.
The Central Regional Police Command has initiated an investigation into the alleged participation of a 14-year-old boy in a robbery incident that resulted in him suffering significant machete wounds.
The suspect was apprehended while undergoing medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital located in Accra.
The events unfolded in Potsin, within the Gomoa East District of the Central Region, causing apprehension among residents.
The victim, identified as Philip Dadzie, a second-year junior high school student, was discovered in a wooded area, drenched in blood, on July 26, 2023. He had sustained severe machete injuries across various parts of his body.
Initial reports indicated that he had been assaulted by unidentified attackers who had sought directions from him while he was on an early morning jog along the Potsin Dominase stretch.
The public responded with sympathy, prompting even community members abroad to contribute funds to support his medical expenses.
However, recent revelations have astonished the community. It has now been revealed that the teenager incurred the machete wounds as a consequence of an altercation with security personnel at the Dominase Onion Market, where he attempted theft.
According to reliable sources from Citi News, on the day in question, the suspect visited the market in the company of four older individuals aged between 25 and 30.
As per reports, upon being confronted by a market security guard, the suspect brandished a knife in an attempt to attack the guard. In response, the guard defended himself by inflicting multiple machete strikes on the suspect.
Subsequently, the injured suspect managed to flee the scene and was later rescued by his companions. They left him on the fringes of the Potsin township and coerced him to provide a misleading account of the incident.
After media coverage of the matter, the market’s security personnel approached the Potsin police station, where they disclosed the accurate sequence of events.
Upon police interrogation, the suspect conceded his involvement in the attempted theft at the market. Following treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, he was released and is presently cooperating with the police inquiry. Simultaneously, law enforcement is pursuing the remaining suspects involved in the case.
An investigation has been initiated by the Police to uncover the circumstances surrounding the demise of Akua Serwaa Kyei, the daughter of Kweku Kyei-Baffuor, Bekwai, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), on August 3rd, 2023, in Atwima Bebu, situated within the Ashanti Region.
As narrated by the husband of the deceased, he arrived home around 5:30 pm on August 3rd, 2023, only to discover his wife lying unconscious at the rear of their residence. He promptly transported her to the hospital, but sadly, she was declared deceased upon arrival.
The husband also claimed that their living room and bedroom had been thoroughly searched and a television set had been stolen.
During the preliminary evaluation of the scene by the Police Crime Scene unit, it was ascertained that no windows or doors of the residence had been forcibly accessed.
Furthermore, a medical assessment of the deceased’s body at the hospital did not reveal any signs of physical violence or gunshot wounds.
The body has been taken to the morgue for preservation and will undergo an autopsy as the investigation progresses.
The Police have made contact with the deceased’s family and are collaborating closely with them to uncover the truth and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Inspector-General of Police personally reached out to the family via telephone, offering assurance of a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
In this challenging period, a Police clinical psychologist has been designated to support the family through their difficulties.
A series of police raids targeting drug gangs across three Brazilian states have resulted in a reported death toll of at least 43 individuals.
In Rio de Janeiro, the most recent operation took place in the Complexo da Penha area, where police engaged in a shoot-out and reportedly killed at least 10 individuals.
Earlier, clashes during a five-day police raid in São Paulo state, known as Operation Shield, resulted in the deaths of 14 people.
In the state of Bahia, in the north-eastern region of Brazil, officials stated that 19 suspects have been killed since the start of the operations on Friday.
The São Paulo state operation led to the arrest of 58 individuals and the seizure of 385kg of narcotics, alongside firearms.
Despite these actions, the response of Brazilian authorities has faced criticism. Justice Minister Flavio Dino expressed concerns that the police’s reaction in Guarujá, São Paulo, was disproportionate to the crime committed.
Throughout these operations, clashes between heavily armed gang members and the police have caused disruption and casualties. The violence has also impacted communities, leading to the closure of schools and suspension of health services due to security concerns.
The raids signal a continuing effort to combat drug-related crime in Brazil, but they have also raised questions about the proportionality of the responses and the broader impact on affected communities.
The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced the unfortunate passing of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. John Kobina Baidoo.
ASP Baidoo served as a legal prosecutor in the legal and prosecution unit of the Upper West regional police headquarters, and he also took on the role of acting Wa district police commander.
According to a statement issued in Wa on August 1, 2023, and signed by the Upper West regional police commander, ACP Prince Gabriel Waabu, ASP John Kobina Baidoo passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
He had been receiving medical treatment at the Upper West regional hospital in Wa for an undisclosed ailment when he sadly succumbed to it.
In light of this loss, the police administration has scheduled Saturday, August 5, 2023, for the one-week funeral observation to honor the late senior police officer.
ASP Baidoo’s contributions and service to the police force and the community will be remembered during this solemn occasion.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has stated that it would have better approach for the Police to consult the Attorney General before investigating Madam Cecilia Dapaah over her ‘stolen’ funds from her home.
He emphasized that considering the nature of the case, the complaint, the substantial amount of money involved, and the high level of public interest, seeking the Attorney General’s input would have been prudent.
During a discussion on the topic, “CECE DAPAAH $1M: Lifestyle Audit, Money Laundering, Code of Conduct Bill,” on an Accra-based television station, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah expressed his opinion.
He clarified that although the Police had the authority to conduct investigations, involving the Attorney General in the process could have been beneficial in handling the matter more effectively.
“The AG has exclusive authority by the constitution to initiate all criminal prosecutions on behalf of the republic. However, He is not able to prosecute all the cases and in view of that various entities or bodies have been given the permission to prosecute cases on its behalf and one of such institutions is the Police.”
“The AG office does not investigate cases-that lie with the Police and other security bodies so in the event that a complaint is lodged with the Police, they would have to investigate and after that go to court and prosecute on behalf of the AG,” he said.
He said the AG’s request for the case docket would not interfere with the work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah highlighted that upon reviewing the docket, the Attorney General (AG) could provide valuable advice on the charges related to the case. The AG’s guidance might recommend maintaining, dropping, or amending the charges.
This means that the charges could either stay as they are, be removed, or modified, potentially leading to an increase or decrease in their severity. Additionally, the AG might suggest new charges if relevant evidence supports it.
Furthermore, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah pointed out that the AG could advise the Police to conduct further investigations in areas that may have been overlooked during the initial inquiry. This way, any crucial information or evidence that was missed could be properly addressed to ensure a more comprehensive and accurate investigation.
“The OSP Act allows the OSP to investigate corruption related matters, procurement, lifestyle audit, etc. We are rather looking at stealing, dishonestly receiving, conspiracy amongst others. So, there is no attempt whatsoever to be in conflict with the work of the OSP,” he said.
“Officers at the AG are still reviewing the docket and afterwards, any one of these options may be activated. Possibly, within about a week or two, the AG would issue a letter to give advice on what should be done,” he said.
After the terrible event, a post-mortem examination revealed that Ms Devi had died from blunt force head injuries.
Before retiring, the pair is believed to have managed the post office in neighbouring Rainham for many years.
Despite being from India originally, they have both lived in Britain for more than 50 years.
The investigation’s chief detective, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, stated: “This is a tragic case and one that has left the couple’s three children utterly distraught.”
Nobody should ever lose their mother in such a way, and we will keep them in our thoughts and provide them with support at this trying time.
Singh has never acknowledged what led to his violent behaviour that evening, so we are happy that he has pleaded guilty and will now be facing a lengthy prison term.
On Friday, September 29, he will get his punishment in the same court.
A father who killed his wife and two small children by strangling them was sentenced to 40 years in prison earlier this month.
A head-on collision between a car and a van has claimed the lives of two young men.
The two perished when the red Ford Escort they were riding in collided with a silver Ford Panel van moving the other way.
Although emergency personnel flocked to the A20 near Farningham, Kent, they were both declared dead there.
The incident injured two additional guys who were riding in the vehicle, and they were brought to the hospital for medical attention.
Their wounds are not thought to be severe.
Around 4 o’clock on Monday, police and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident.
Police are currently asking any witnesses to come forward.
‘Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are conducting enquiries and are also requesting witnesses and anyone with pertinent CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them,’ a Kent Police statement said.
A woman who was under the influence of drugs attempted to remove her wisdom teeth and died.
In July of last year, Kiera Kent, 29, passed away at her house in St. Ive, close to Liskeard.
At a recent inquest, it was revealed that Ms. Kent, a mother of five, had long struggled with tooth problems before the tragic night she took the medicine.
DC provides proof According to Lindsay Cork, Ms. Kent’s mouth had scrapes and abrasions consistent with her pulling at her own flesh, according to the post-mortem report.
The injuries, which were deemed severe, also demonstrated that she had put her hand in her mouth while attempting to take her teeth out.
Liam Crabtree, Ms. Kent’s partner, had called the police because he was worried about her “bizarre and erratic” attitude, according to DC Cork.
Acute behaviour disturbance following cocaine use was listed as the official cause of death for Ms. Kent. This could have worsened a chemical imbalance already present in her body, which could have had fatal consequences.
According to a police report read aloud during the inquest, Ms. Kent and Mr. Crabtree hosted friends for a cookout the day before she passed away.
Ms. Kent took the medication and then walked upstairs. When she failed to return, Mr. Crabtree became worried. He went looking for her and found her laying on the bed covered in blood.
When Mr. Crabtree phoned the police, they came and asked for an ambulance, which they claimed took a long time to come.
Following that, officers handcuffed Ms. Kent in an effort to prevent her from hurting herself any more.
Prior to paramedics showing up and announcing her dead, the police gave her CPR for around 30 minutes after she stopped breathing.
During the hearing, assistant coroner for Cornwall Guy Davies remarked, “[The police] found Kiera in an extremely disturbed state, covered in blood, with injuries to the red raw skin on her hands from being put into her mouth. To attempt and preserve her life, [they] bravely struggled.
Kiera was a loving mother of five beautiful children, according to a fundraising campaign created by the family. Everybody here will sadly miss her.
The centre of our family’s existence was Kiera. One who was so nice to everyone she knew.
Haiti has expressed great interest in Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational force to restore order in the country.
Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Jean Victor Geneus, conveyed his appreciation for the expression of African solidarity.
Amidst a surge in gang violence and facing a deep security, political, and humanitarian crisis, Haiti seeks assistance in stabilizing the situation.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua acknowledged that an immediate resolution to Haiti’s problems might not be feasible. However, the mission aims to bring stability to the nation and facilitate the training of a competent Haitian police force.
Mr. Mutua emphasized that the people of Haiti have endured significant suffering, and Kenya feels a sense of responsibility to support their brothers and sisters in the African diaspora.
A law lecturer, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has said that in the investigation of the significant amount of cash stolen from the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s bedroom, it is not necessary for the police to know whether the money came from her deceased relatives or funeral donations.
Their primary duty was to probe the alleged crime of theft and not the origin of the money taken.
Dr. Srem-Sai explained that as the money was found in the possession of the Minister, it was reasonable for the police to infer that she was the owner of the money at that particular time.
He emphasized that the police acted appropriately by disclosing the information about the stolen money without delving into how the Minister might have acquired such a substantial amount.
“Now as to whether what she is saying – that the money has been transferred or transmitted to her – that will not even matter in the job of the police; what they are doing.
“It won’t matter because the police are not investigating the source of the funding. At this point, what the police are doing is to say that, “look someone owns a property and another person takes it. It’s stealing.”
Let’s avoid any confusion. Currently, the police are focused on investigating theft allegations involving several individuals. They are not concerned with the source of the money in question, as their primary objective is to resolve the theft cases.
“So there is nothing wrong with what the police have put on record. As far as they are concerned, the money was lawfully in the possession of her. There she is the owner at the time,” Dr Srem-Sai explained on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme Saturday, July 29, 2023.
The embattled former Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, raised concerns about the police releasing information with “noticeable inconsistencies” regarding the amount of cash involved in the case. However, she has not provided her own account of the exact amount lost. In this situation, Dr. Srem-Sai has asserted that the police cannot be blamed for any discrepancies since they were not provided with an accurate figure from the complainant.
Following her false claim that her friend had been abducted, an 11-year-old girl was detained.
The young girl contacted police, reporting that her 14-year-old friend had been taken by “an armed male driving a white van” in Florida, USA.
At roughly 9.45 a.m. local time, she claimed to be following the van in a blue Jeep while sending the message.
According to ABC7, her false alert prompted a massive police search operation for the vehicle, involving the activation of numerous units and air backup.
The youngster texted updates for the next hour and a half, including a description of the male suspect and the fact that he was carrying a gun, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
However, when no suspect was located, police located the original location of the phone used to send the texts.
At 10:23 a.m., it led them to a house in Poppy Lane, Port Orange, where police approached her father, who said she was there with her family.
Upon leading police on a 90-minute spoof kidnapping case, an 11-year-old girl is placed in handcuffs.
The teenager was walking out to meet the deputies while clutching her cell phone, which was ringing, according to the police.
“Volusia Sheriff’s Dispatch was on the line when the call was answered, and deputies confirmed they were on the scene.”
According to reports, the youngster informed deputies that she got the idea to prank 911 from a YouTube challenge and carried it out because she “thought it would be funny.”
She can hear an officer instructing her to “stay calm” and “talk to your parents” on bodycam video of her arrest.
“We can open the window so you can speak with them,” someone said. You won’t experience anything. Do you comprehend that?”
Before her father says, “I’m telling you this right now, you’re going to take this as a lesson at 11 years old, that if you do something stupid in the future, you’re going to enjoy those cuffs,” she nods her head to indicate that she agrees.
I’m not going to do this again, the girl answers.
She is then given the chance to convert this into a learning experience, the officer said. Please understand that this is not something you should carry with you forever.
The five-year-old allegedly shot his younger brother to death in the US while high on cocaine and with marijuana in his blood, according to theprosecution.
Approximately 60 miles north of Indianapolis in the city of Lafayette, Indiana, Isiah Johnson, 16, was shot in the head on March 28. In the family’s flat, his brother reportedly found a gun.
According to them, Isiah tested positive for cocaine and had marijuana in his blood.
Police also discovered marijuana, paraphernalia and 93 fentanyl tablets inside the flat after the incident, they added.
Parents Deonta Jermaine Johnson, 27, and Shatia Tiara Welch, 24, of Lafayette have been charged with neglect and drug use.
Following their detention in LaPorte the day before, the charges were made public on Tuesday, according to news sources.
According to officials, Johnson was dozing off inside the flat when the shooting occurred, and Welch wasn’t there.
Welch admitted to owning the weapon to the police, but she typically kept it stored in a box beneath her bed.
Johnson is also accused with obstructing justice because, according to the prosecution, he removed marijuana from the flat before the police showed up to respond to the shooting.
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
The Police have launched an investigation into a troubling viral video showing a Police officer dragging a suspect on the floor during an arrest in Dadease, near Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.
Upon the video’s appearance, the concerned Police officer has been swiftly detained and subsequently placed on interdiction while the investigation is ongoing.
To address the gravity of the situation, the Inspector-General of Police has taken immediate action by dispatching a team from the Ashanti North Regional Police Command to meet with the victim’s family.
Furthermore, the Inspector-General personally reached out to the victim’s mother over the phone to provide reassurance that a thorough and unbiased investigation will be conducted into the incident.
Police assault in Ghana
In March 2019, a distressing incident occurred in Accra Central, where three journalists from the Ghanaian Times newspaper were subjected to assault by 10 police officers. The assault took place as the journalists were filming the police officers’ wrong practices.
The journalists had captured on camera a traffic offence and an accident involving a police officer using an unregistered motorcycle. The police officers became agitated and unhappy that the journalists were attempting to document the accident.
As a result, the police officers launched a physical attack on the journalists, causing severe injuries. Malik Sullemana, a court reporter, Raissa Sambou, a general reporter, and Salifu Abdul Rahman, an assistant editor, bore the brunt of the officers’ brute force. Two of them had to be taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
This incident sparked outrage among Ghanaians and sparked further discussions on the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists’ rights in the country.
The Police have apprehended fourteen individuals in connection with a fatal clash near Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, resulting in the deaths of two people at Mpameso Forest.
The suspects, namely Hafiz Mohammed, Fuseini Mohammed, Abass Abukari, Alhassan Razak, Fuseini Shaibu, Addai Gyebi, Abubakari Issahaku, Seidu Sulemana, Kwabena Yeboah, Sulley Alhassan, Enoch Opoku, Ibrahim Issah, Obeng Richard, and Ibrahim Adams, allegedly shot the victims while they were guarding a timber concession.
Upon their arrest on Tuesday, July 25, a search of the suspects led to the recovery of eight pump action guns, a cutlass, and a knife in their possession.
Currently, all the suspects are in Police custody and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Thursday, July 27, 2023, they are scheduled to appear before the court to face justice for their alleged involvement in the clash and the resulting deaths.
Following the emergence of a distressing viral video showing a student violently attacking another in a dormitory, the Adisadel College student involved has been apprehended by the Police in Cape Coast.
The arrested student has been charged with causing harm and assault and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Meanwhile, the victim, who was initially suspended, has been called back to the school and is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support to aid his recovery from the traumatic incident.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, leading the school to take prompt action by suspending all students involved pending further investigations.
Adisadel College’s administration is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and addressing any form of violence or misconduct.
A young woman was jailed after a newborn was found in a bag at her suburban Paris home, dead and maimed.
The unnamed 21-year-old woman reportedly gave birth in the commune of Stains, which is situated in the Seine-Saint-Denis area in the northern suburbs of the French capital.
The young woman, who lives with her parents, informed two of her acquaintances that she had given birth.
In front of her friends, she allegedly claimed that the infant was stillborn and threatened to dismember it.
The young woman may have given birth on July 17, according to police.
She was reportedly detained on Sunday for committing voluntary homicide on a child under the age of 15.
Doctors labelled her mental state as “fragile” and after being released from the hospital on Monday, she was admitted to a mental health facility.
According to reports, French prosecutors said that they had discovered the newborn “dismembered, in a rucksack, in her room.”
Authorities are looking into whether or not the young woman was aware that she was pregnant and whether she had denial of pregnancy, a condition where a woman is subconsciously aware of her pregnancy but denies it.
Police are looking into whether the young woman’s parents knew about her pregnancy or the possible infanticide.
The inquiry, according to police, is still ongoing.
Just seven stocks – Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOG), Amazon (AMZN), Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA) and Meta Platforms (META) – make up close to $11 trillion in market value and contributed about 75% of returns of the S&P 500 in the first half of 2023, according to a recent Bank of America report.
Big Tech is soaring to new heights – largely by quickly gobbling up any potential competition.
That worries the Federal Trade Commission and the Biden administration. The so-called “magnificent seven,” they fear, could become monopolies that buy and squash any new innovation so they can remain on top.
The question is whether the FTC and White House have the power to stop that.
What’s happening: Two years ago, Lina Khan, 34, became the youngest and perhaps most progressive leader of the FTC’s 100-plus year history.
Khan’s tenure was heralded as the start of a new era of antitrust governancein the US that would challenge decades of loosepolicytowards mergers and acquisitions, which allowed tech titans to swallow up their competition and emerge as companies with trillion-plus dollar market caps.
So far, those challenges haven’t made a huge impact.
Apple is now worth $3 trillion, the only company ever to reach that milestone. Khan, meanwhile, was unable to successfully block Microsoft from closing its $69 billion purchase of videogame publisher Activision Blizzard last week. The FTC is appealing, but lost a similar case earlier this year when it was unable to prevent Meta Platforms from purchasing virtual reality startup Within Unlimited.
Earlier this month, Khan sat before Congress for more than three hours while facing a barrage of criticism from Republican policymakers who accused her of “harassing” businesses during a House Judiciary Committee hearing.
“You are now zero for four in merger trials,” Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California, said to her. “Why are you losing so much?”
But Khan appears undeterred, and late last week, the FTC and President Joe Biden released a set of long-anticipated draft updates to the nation’s merger guidelines, introducing potentially comprehensive changes to the way the US government reviews mergers and acquisitions for the first time in more than a decade.
The proposed changes could lead to major shifts in how the US government identifies — and tries to block or alter — deals it believes are anticompetitive, reports my colleague Brian Fung.
Some members of the business community aren’t happy about that.
But on Monday, Khan defended her record and actions at The Economic Club of New York.
“In federal court, we have lost two merger cases. We have brought somewhere between 13 and 20, depending on how you count,” Khan said. “In the scheme of our merger enforcement program, losing two is OK.”
The FTC, she said, doesn’t have any specificity about how big or small a business should be. “Congress, when passing the antitrust statutes, was setting out a policy preference, in many cases, for competition over monopoly,” Khan said. “That said, the statutes don’t prohibit being a monopoly. They only prohibit becoming a monopoly through illegal tactics. And so that’s the sort of thing that we look at.”
What’s next: Khan, who first garnered attention when she wrote a 98-page article about Amazon’s anticompetitive behavior for the Yale Law Journal, is undeterred. She’s preparing to take on Amazon headfirst in the coming months with a big antitrust suit.
Khan’s FTC has already put forward three cases against Amazon, but according to a Bloomberg report, they are getting ready to take them on once again. The suit, reported Bloomberg, will focus on Amazon’s core marketplace business – alleging that Amazon uses its power to reward merchants that use its logistics services and punishes merchants that don’t.
Tech earnings also begin this week. Alphabet and Microsoft report on Tuesday afternoon followed by Meta on Wednesday.
From CNN’s Samantha Delouya
Lazarus Limo usually starts his day at 10 a.m. ET, driving passengers and delivering food for Uber around Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“I tend to set a minimum target of how much I should get by the end of the day. As soon as I get my target, that’s it; I’m done for the day,” he said. His goal is usually to make between $200 and $300 and, depending on the day, achieving it may take him between 8 and 10 hours, he told CNN.
But that’s just his weekday job.
On weekends, Limo, who is 28 years old, works as a “Dasher,” delivering food orders for DoorDash.
He is one of millions of people in the United States who participate in the so-called “gig economy,” a term that has grown in popularity over the last decade to describe the rise in freelancing work through apps like Uber, Lyft, Doordash and Instacart.
Government data on this group of workers is elusive. The last time the Bureau of Labor Statistics officially tracked workers with alternate job arrangements was 2017. But workplace experts say the number of gig workers is growing, and their impact is being felt throughout the economy. It could even be distorting government economic data, they say. For example, easy-to-access work through mobile phones may be keeping the national unemployment rate lower than it would be without the rise of these workers. It may also be a factor helping more people avoid bankruptcies, providing a fallback option for those who have been laid off from work in recent years, they say.
“People who have access to the gig economy borrow less money than people who don’t. You can think of it as an alternative to debt for some people — as a way to get through volatile times,” said Louis Hyman, a professor of labor and business at Cornell University. “Society needs to account for these different kinds of experiences.”
Read more here.
Have you tried to get tickets to go see the Barbie movie? I have and it’s nearly impossible – there are only front row tickets available for more than a week out.
That’s something I haven’t seen in a while, since well before the pandemic began. Insiders are hoping that this isn’t a fluke and that after years of declining box office profits, cinema is staging a comeback.
Summer blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have given the troubled film industry a big shot in the arm, reports my colleague Anna Cooban.
The films raked in a combined $511 million in box office sales over their opening weekend, according to Boxoffice.com, which cited data from Warner Bros., the producers of “Barbie,” and Universal Studios, which is behind “Oppenheimer.”
It was “Barbie” that came out on top, earning $337 million globally, compared with “Oppenheimer’s” $174 million. That gave the pink-drenched film the largest opening weekend of 2023 so far and the biggest-ever debut for a female director. (Warner Bros., is owned by CNN’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery.)
The unlikely pairing seems only to have fueled interest in both. AMC, the world’s largest movie theater chain, said last week that 60,000 people had bought tickets to see both films on the same day.
“The Barbenheimer phenomenon was the catalyst to something we hadn’t seen for years in this industry: rather than driving the cultural conversation around seeing a movie, it became a global viral campaign around going to the movies,” Daniel Loria, editorial director at Boxoffice.com, told CNN.
But whether the success of both films will translate into a sustained revival of the movie industry remains to be seen. Big budget films like DC’s “The Flash” and Disney’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” have underperformed this summer, and an ongoing strike by Hollywood actors and writers over pay and working conditions has temporarily stopped production on most films.
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
In a residence in Leicestershire, a 41-year-old man and a 5-year-old boy were found dead.
A 5-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man were found unconscious in Hopyard Close last night at around 9 o’clock.
Despite the best efforts of the East Midlands Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, both patients were all declared dead at the scene.
The facts behind the fatalities and the incidents that preceded them are currently the subject of an investigation, according to the police.
Authorities aren’t currently looking for anyone else in connection with the fatalities, a spokesman said.
Despite the ongoing inquiry, “a scene preservation remains on at the property.”
Following the heartbreaking news that a father and a kid had passed away, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit serious crime squad stated that “detectives are working to understand what happened inside the address last night.”
I understand that this incident would lead to other inquiries, but ours is only getting started.
The public is not at risk, and as of right now, we don’t think anyone else was engaged in the incident, I can assure everyone of that.
“Officers are providing support to the families of the two deceased during this extremely trying time.”
There will be more on this breaking news item soon. Sooner or later, check back for more updates.
CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has called on Ghanaians to approach the recent allegations against former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, with caution.
The accusations pertain to the alleged theft of funds amounting to US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from her residence. While acknowledging that keeping such substantial amounts of money at home is inappropriate, Dr. Kokofu advised against rushing to judgment and prematurely passing verdicts in the court of public opinion.
He stressed the importance of allowing the proper investigative processes to unfold before arriving at any conclusions.
“For me, that should not give way to a court of public opinion where people will be roasted and sentenced, judged before the actual investigations have begun,” he said.
Speaking on a panel discussion on TV3 over the weekend, he highlighted the opportunity to legally amass such wealth, particularly through the sale of land in some pricey regions of the nation.
“The practice of keeping money at home is not to be encouraged, I for one, I don’t know how I will be able to do that because I can’t sleep even though I don’t have [such funds].”
He added “The point is until investigations prove otherwise, we are here in this country and you go to East Legon and other lands are being sold for $150,000 per plot…and even more, so $200,000 per plot, so if somebody has five plots and sells them, $1,000,000 is on hand easily…I am trying to say that, how you can realize money in the scheme of things, legally without necessarily engaging in corruption…”
The former minister indicated in her letter of resignation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that she had made the decision to leave because the problems with the money could have a negative impact on the administration.
She did point out that many media have greatly overstated the theft that has occurred in her home.
“Since yesterday, Friday, July 21, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter. The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home. Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.
“I am resigning therefore because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time,” parts of the letter read.
Background
As per an official charge sheet from an Accra Circuit Court, audacious thefts took place at the residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, spanning three months from July to October 2022.
The accused individuals, identified as Patience and Sarah, are facing grave charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing, involving staggering amounts of money.
Not only were significant sums of money stolen, but the accused also allegedly made off with Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s personal belongings, such as valuable clothing, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry, amounting to an astonishing value of GH¢95,000 and US$95,000.
In addition, Patience stands accused of acting alone in the theft of cultural treasures, which include six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, belonging to the minister’s husband.
The court has also pressed charges against three other individuals connected to the thefts, indicating the complexity of the case.
It is alleged that the stolen funds were utilized by the accused to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, acquiring vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow ongoing investigations to continue.
The Police have launched a manhunt for a group of individuals who opened fire on a Kumasi-Bawku bound bus on the outskirts of Walewale.
The attack during the early hours of Friday, July 21, resulted in the death of one person and leaving seven others injured.
Authorities suspect that the attack is linked to the ongoing chieftaincy-related conflict in the North East Region.
In February 2023, at least four persons were killed in a chieftaincy dispute at Wenchike, a farming community in the Chereponi District of the North East Region.
Another five including an officer of the Ghana Armed Forces were injured with many houses set ablaze.
In response to the recent violent act, the Police say they are conducting an intelligence operation to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
“The Police is on a manhunt for a group of people who shot into a Kumasi-Bawku bound bus at the outskirt of Walewale this dawn killing one person and injuring seven others.”
“The attack is believed to be in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy-related conflict within the enclave.”
“An intelligence operation is currently ongoing to get the perpetrators arrested.”
In spite of a top rights organization calling their response to recent opposition protests “an act of terrorism,” Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the police for maintaining order.
Several people have died throughout the four months of protests, including 10 who were shot dead by police last week. Six individuals were reportedly killed on Wednesday after battles with the police, according to local media.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which is an NGO, said there was “a troubling pattern to show that [the] police’s actions and use of lethal force were premeditated”.
But Mr Ruto characterised the response as the police protecting people and property.
“I congratulate the police for standing firm, for ensuring peace prevails and ensuring that all criminals are dealt with,” Mr Ruto said.
The official death toll has not been released, but according to Amnesty International, at least 30 people have been killed by the police since the start of the anti-government protests in March.
A member of a civil society network that monitors the police’s response to protesters in Kisumu and Migori, two western counties, reported that security forces appear to be under a “shoot-to-kill order.”
This anonymous activist revealed having photographic evidence showing individuals shot in the back with live ammunition.
“Last week on Wednesday, one police officer refused to follow the order to shoot at protesters and was beaten up by his colleagues and was hospitalised,” the person added.
The opposition has called a series of rallies against the introduction of new taxes and the rising cost of living. Currently the country is experiencing the second day of a three-day protest.
Local and international groups and foreign diplomats have expressed deep concerns over the situation in Kenya and are urging both sides to seek a negotiated solution.
The trial of a construction worker accused of murdering two of his former girlfriends is scheduled to begin in 2019.
Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48, are accused of being killed by 65-year-old Carl Cooper.
Both women had been in his life at various points.
Cooper was initially detained following Ms. Hunte’s death on February 14 at her Congleton Grove, Woolwich, residence.
She had a single stab wound to her chest and was discovered only partially dressed.
Cooper was arrested four days after her body was found on suspicion of her murder, and bailed pending further inquiries before being released under investigation.
Ms Holm, described as a ‘vulnerable’ person in court, was reported missing on June 29 of this year having not been seen for nine days.
Latest London news
Her family became concerned after finding mouldy food in her fridge and mouldy linen in her washing machine. Her bank records showed no activity since June 20.
Police launched a murder investigation due to the out-of-character nature of her disappearance. Officers are still trying to find Ms Holm’s body and are searching in the south-east London area.
Thameside prison was unable produce Cooper in person or by video link for his first scheduled appearance at the Old Bailey today.
Judge Richard Marks KC continued the hearing in his absence, setting a plea hearing on October 3 and a four-week trial from June 4 2024 before a High Court judge.
The judge ordered arrangements should be made for the defendant to appear in court on Wednesday so he can find out what had been said about his case.
Cooper, of Broadfield Road near Hither Green, south-east London, was further remanded into custody.
This week, police in Nevada have confirmed that they executed a search warrant in relation to the unsolved murder of rapper Tupac Shakur.
The search took place at a residence in Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas, where Shakur was tragically shot and killed in September 1996.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, while acknowledging the search, did not provide further details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation into Shakur’s murder. At the time of his death, Shakur was 25 years old.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and there are no suspects currently in custody in connection with the case.
It is worth noting that the searched residence is situated less than 20 miles (32km) from the Las Vegas strip where Shakur was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting.
The investigation into the murder remains open as authorities continue their efforts to bring justice to this long-standing unsolved crime.
“LVMPD can confirm a search warrant was served in Henderson, Nevada on July 17, 2023, as part of the ongoing Tupac Shakur homicide investigation,” a Las Vegas police statement said.
“We will have no further comment at this time.”
Las Vegas Police Lt Jason Johansson told the Las Vegas Review Journal that detectives were working on the cold case once more.
“It’s a case that’s gone unsolved and hopefully one day we can change that,” he told the newspaper.
Renowned rapper Tupac Shakur, known by his stage name 2Pac, made his debut in the music industry in 1991, captivating audiences with his talent. He achieved remarkable success on the charts with hits like “California Love,” “All Eyez on Me,” “Changes,” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha.”
Tragically, on September 13, 1996, Shakur’s life was cut short when he was shot four times while waiting at a red light in his car. He succumbed to his injuries a week later.
With over 75 million records sold worldwide, Shakur left an indelible mark on the music industry. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying his enduring legacy.
Police claim that a one-year-old girl was shot and killed by her elder sibling.
A three-year-old toddler discovered the unlocked firearm at a home in Fallbrook, a county north of San Diego, at 7.30am local time yesterday, according to US authorities.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, when deputies arrived, they discovered the youngster suffering from a “head injury” and took her immediately to Palomar Hospital.
Sadly, the girl could not be saved and died an hour later.
Further details about the shooting are currently scant.
It is not yet known who reported the shooting or where the children’s parents were at the time.
The girl’s name has also not been released by the homicide unit who have launched an investigation.
In Rawtenstall, Lancashire, the man struck the back of the stopped truck after exceeding the posted 40 mph speed limit while driving at 60 mph.
When police received a call on Friday reporting that a car was “trapped under a lorry,” they “prepared for the worst,” according to police.
Pictures of the wrecked car are horrifying. Its bonnet was ripped off, the windscreen was broken, and the bodywork was severely crushed.
But incredibly, the driver only suffered ‘minor injuries’ and also passed all ‘impairment tests’ after officers arrived at the scene.
The red Mercedes was left crumpled after the smash (Picture: Lancashire Constabulary / SWNS)
Police said the lorry driver had been sleeping in his cab at the time of the accident while adding the Mercedes owner had been reported for several driving offences.
A spokesperson from Lancashire Police said: ‘As a responder, when you hear ‘car trapped under a lorry’, you prepare yourself for the worst.
‘This lorry was parked up in Rawtenstall with the driver soundly asleep in his cab when the Mercedes collided with the rear of it, becoming trapped underneath the tail mounted forklift.
‘Incredibly, the Mercedes driver suffered relatively minor injuries despite travelling at around 60mph (in a 40mph limit) when the collision occurred. He also passed all impairment tests.
‘The Mercedes driver has been reported to court for driving without due care and attention, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.’
Social media users who saw the photos said they were stunned the driver had walked away from the horror crash.
One wrote: ‘He is one very lucky person that he is not pushing up daisies.’
Another simply said: ‘Very very lucky’
While a third added: ‘Wowzers- lucky to come out of that unscathed.’
The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered at a shooting school, prompting the opening of a murder investigation.
At around 3.40 pm on Friday, Humberside Police were called to the White Lodge Shooting School on College Road close to Thornton Curtis.
Officers were alerted to reports of potential danger.
Man and lady were found dead at the site when they arrived.
Senior investigating officer Chief Inspector Al Curtis said: ‘Inquiries are in the very early stages to establish the circumstances of the man and woman’s death.
‘A homicide investigation has commenced, and both deaths are being treated as suspicious at this time until we establish the facts.
‘We can confirm we are not looking for any else in relation to this inquiry.
‘A scene guard will be in place while we carry out our investigation, and residents will likely observe an increased policing presence in the area as we carry out all lines of inquiry.’
He said next of kin of both victims have been notified and are being supported.
Several police vehicles were seen in the grounds and a tent was erected as forensic teams scoured the areas and inside the main building.
The lane leading down to White Lodge was also cordoned off with police guarding the entrance.
A coastguard helicopter also circled the area.
‘We would like to reassure local residents there is no risk to the wider public and that we will be conducting house-to-house visits to provide reassurance,’ Mr Curtis added.
White Lodge Shooting School is located near the medieval ruins of Thornton Abbey in North Lincolnshire and eight miles south of the Humber Bridge.
One of the suspects involved in the robbery of the Ablekuma Fan Milk bullion van, Blessing Njoma, which resulted in the tragic death of a police escort, has been apprehended by the Aflao District Police Command.
The arrest of the fourth suspect was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Police Service and Togo Interpol. The Nigerian suspect was apprehended at Asigame market in Togo’s capital city, Lome.
With this arrest, a total of four suspects have now been taken into custody in connection with the Ablekuma Fan Milk bullion van robbery.
The incident took place on June 14, 2023, leading to the shooting and fatal loss of Lance Corporal Callistus Amoah. The robbers attempted to escape with the van’s contents but were intercepted by the police.
Lance Corporal Amoah was laid to rest on Saturday, July 15, 2023, as the nation mourned his loss.
In the meantime, the other suspects, namely Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul, along with a third individual whose identity remains unknown, have been remanded to police custody by the Kaneshie District Court.
The accused individuals are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Lance Corporal Callistus Amoah.
The University of Ghana School of Law, under the leadership of Dean Prof. Raymond Atuguba, has taken a bold step by dismissing 23 students for poor academic performance.
Among those affected is the ward of a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) official who currently holds a key position in a State Energy Company.
This move by the school has sent a strong message that no one, regardless of their connections or influence, is exempt from the consequences of academic underachievement. Even senior police officials and associates of the Ghanaian parliament, who reportedly tried to prevent their dismissal through various means, were unsuccessful in their attempts.
Last week, MyNewsGh.com reported on the University of Ghana School of Law’s decision to dismiss these students for failing to meet academic requirements. Unusually, the school publicly disclosed the names and ID numbers of the affected students, potentially subjecting them to stigmatization.
The list obtained by MyNewsGh.com reveals that four regular law students and 19 weekend students, admitted within the past one to two years to pursue the Postgraduate LLB Degree, were among those dismissed. The affected students were informed of their dismissal several weeks ago, but they were given the opportunity to reapply and undergo a new admission process if they wished to continue their studies.
As Ghana’s premier institution for legal education, the School of Law at the University of Ghana has a longstanding reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the legal profession. Upon graduation, students from the University of Ghana School of Law typically apply to the Ghana School of Law Makola for further training to become practicing lawyers.
The UG School of Law’s journey began in the 1958/59 academic year as a department within the Faculty of Social Studies. It later evolved into a faculty in the 1960/61 academic year before ultimately becoming a fully-fledged school in the 2014/15 academic year.
In Dumfries and Galloway, a four-year-old child was discovered ‘unresponsive’ and later died.
Police were called to a residence in Stranraer on Sunday and are now looking into the unidentified fatality.
After being transferred to the hospital, the small girl passed away.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: ‘Around 6.10am on Sunday 16 July, officers were called to a report of an unresponsive child at an address on Eastwood Avenue, Stranraer.
‘Emergency services attended and the four-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
‘Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.’
A pre-burial service has been organised for Ghanaian police officer, Callistus Amoah, who was killed in his line of work in a bullion van robbery incident at Ablekuma.
The service was held today, July 14 at the St. George Catholic Church in Tesano, Accra.
During the ceremony, the slain officer was posthumously promoted from General Lance Corporal to General Corporal.
The announcement of his promotion was received with profound reverence, serving as a testament to his unwavering commitment and selflessness.
Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Callistus Amoah and expressed sympathy to the organizations with which he was affiliated throughout his service.
Dr. Dampare further assured the public that every possible measure would be taken to apprehend and ensure that the perpetrators of this abhorrent act face the full force of the law.
“On behalf of my colleagues and the leadership of the Police, I extend my condolences to Amanda, the parents of my brother and the institutions that when my brother was alive was involved in. Since the incident happened, I have been in an unmeasurable pain which I have not been able to quantify and define until I came here today,” he said.
“Calis is a colleague to all of us at the top but to me, he is a brother because the village he comes from is close to a village I have adopted because of the benevolence of an old lady towards me,” the IGP added.
The widow, Amanda Amoah, also paid tribute to her husband, describing him as a generous person.
Meanwhile, the funeral rites will take place on July 15, at his family house. A short burial mass will be held on that very day at Kologu, Navrongo, in the Upper East Region.
Amoah Callistus was shot dead by unknown assailants at Ablekuma Star Oil filling station in Accra on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Meanwhile, two of the four men who orchestrated the attack have been arrested and arraigned. Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder on July 3 by the Kansehie District Court.
The Police are however on a manhunt for the remaining perpetrators.
The police officer who unfortunately died in the Ablekuma Bullion Van Robbery event has been promoted from General Lance Corporal to General Corporal posthumously.
The solemn announcement was made during a pre-burial service held at the St. George Catholic Church in Tesano, Accra, as a heartfelt tribute to the fallen hero, Callistus Amoah.
General Corporal Callistus Amoah, while on official duty in a bullion van at Ablekuma Fan Milk in Accra, bravely faced armed robbers at a fuel station and tragically succumbed to their gunfire.
The news of his promotion was met with profound respect, serving as a profound recognition of his unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice.
Expressing deep condolences, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, conveyed heartfelt sympathy to Callistus Amoah’s family and extended his support to the institutions with which the officer was associated during his honorable service.
Dr. Dampare further assured the public that relentless efforts would be exerted to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
“On behalf of my colleagues and the leadership of the Police, I extend my condolences to Amanda, the parents of my brother and the institutions that when my brother was alive was involved in. Since the incident happened, I have been in an unmeasurable pain which I have not been able to quantify and define until I came here today.
“Calis is a colleague to all of us at the top but to me, he is a brother because the village he comes from is close to a village I have adopted because of the benevolence of an old lady towards me.”
The wife of the late Callistus Amoah, Amanda Amoah,stood before the mournful assembly and tenderly paid tribute to her beloved husband, portraying him as a remarkably generous soul.
The gathering resonated with solemnity as friends, family, and colleagues united in remembrance, joining together to pay homage to the cherished memory of a dedicated police officer who selflessly sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
A two-year-old toddler who vanished from his grandparents’ garden has not been located by police.
The last four days have seen intense searches in the area, but on Wednesday night, the search was called off.
In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France, a little village near Le Vernet is where Émile was last observed on Saturday afternoon as he was playing outside the house.
He vanished as they were all preparing to go on an excursion, prompting a massive search that including a helicopter, drones, and sniffing dogs.
His parents – who have not been named – were at their home near Marseille, 200 miles away, for the summer holidays.
An emergency services source said: ‘Émile was always chasing butterflies, and could have got a long way away, before hiding somewhere for a nap.’
And during a news conference held yesterday, police admitted they ‘have no clues’ about the young boy’s whereabouts.
Public prosecutor Rémy Avon told journalists: ‘At the moment we have no clue, no information, no element that can help us understand this disappearance.’
He stressed while ‘the investigation continues’ no progress had been made since Émile’s disappearance.
‘We are at the same point as the day before yesterday after receiving the two testimonies’, Mr Avon said. ‘We are really pushing the investigations on the ground as much as we can’.
He added: ‘Medically we are told that beyond a period of 48 hours, given the young age of the child, given his constitution, and the possibility that he will be deprived of water and food with the current heat, the vital prognosis is very very committed.’
‘Either the body was concealed after an accident, or it was removed’, a gendarmerie spokesperson said, adding the sniffer dogs would have found a body in the region by now.
‘It is obvious that, after 48 hours, we have switched to another dimension. Hearings are underway.’
The search continued with a helicopter broadcasting the voice of Émile’s mum in the hope of finding the young boy.
On Wednesday investigators worked on the telephone boundary to identify people who would have passed near the hamlet at the time of the disappearance.
The extended search was upgraded from ‘regional’ to ‘national’ and the number of investigators increased from 15 to 20.
Investigators have received 1,200 calls after putting out a call for witnesses, Le Parisian reports.
Officials are investigating whether the young boy could have been hit by a tractor or car and his body taken away, according to La Provence.
Another theory is Émile was known to chase butterflies and could have chased one for a long distance before taking a nap.
Police are also exploring a hypothesis that he could have been kidnapped – despite ruling this out just 24 hours earlier.
Mr Avon, told the same press conference: ‘All the hypotheses remain valid, none is favoured or excluded.
‘We are committed to carrying out investigations on all levels.’
Contrary to a recent BBC Africa Eye story, one of the world’s major anti-slavery organizations, International Justice Mission (IJM), has stated that there was no illegality in its operation of rescuing several Ghanaian children from child trafficking.
In an investigative report published on Monday, July 10, 2023, the BBC Africa Eye claimed, among other things, that some Ghanaian children were forcibly removed from their homes in an operation supported by IJM.
According to the BBC investigation, children who were blissfully living with relatives were unjustifiably removed from their families with no indication of having engaged in any type of labor.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, July 13, the Country Director for IJM, Anita Budu, said, “We have not found any wrongdoing from the team-IJM Ghana in this particular case. We are an organisation that prioritises the wellbeing and protection of every child, and safeguarding of every child, and this is what drives us. We are a learning organisation, and we will review our safeguarding policy”.
The BBC Africa Eye report was termed as disturbing by the Country Director of IJM, who stressed the importance of the organization rescuing the children.
“Many of the revelations in the BBC report are quite shocking. We did our own internal inquiry and investigations into the case, and what we found out from our side is that there are a lot of inaccuracies in this documentary. We sent out information to the police and the fact of the case was outlined. Initially, the information gathered was not clear-cut, and so when it was presented to the authorities [police], a decision was made to intervene. And there was the need for the children to be out of that situation, and charges were brought against the suspects,” she emphasized.
She claims that they have a team of professionals who consider the numerous trafficking difficulties before launching a rescue mission.
“A lot of back and forth happens within the team because you don’t just take one person’s word for it. We have professionals from different fields to discuss these cases and see the merits,” Madam Anita Budu explained to Selorm Adonoo.
She denied that the cops used weapons to force the youngsters out of their separate homes.
“The police made the intervention, from our observation, the police used a measured approach. We didn’t observe this situation of a gun,” the Country Director for IJM clarified.
In relation to the plot by some senior Ghana Police Service personnel to oust Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo-Dampare before the general election of 2024, more damning information is now coming to light.
The removal of Dr. Dampare from office was allegedly planned with a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), according to a secret audio made public by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
A 50-minute audio recording of the police officers’ agenda from a meeting with an Alhaji, a member of the NPP, was included with the initial publishing.
The initial report was accompanied by a 50-minute audio recording that revealed the intentions of certain police officers during a meeting with an individual referred to as Alhaji, who is associated with the NPP.
However, more incriminating evidence in the form of video recordings has emerged, shedding further light on the conspiracy.
In one of the videos, a Superintendent of Police named Asare passionately advocates for the agenda of a group during another meeting with a senior NPP member.
In his attempt to discredit the current IGP with various allegations, including accusations of being anti-NPP, Superintendent Asare responds by stating, “because he [Dr. Dampare] is naturally born bad.”
In the audio recording published by the media, a Commissioner-ranked senior police officer can be heard lobbying for political support in their campaign to remove Dr. Dampare.
Identified as Mensah in the audio, the Commissioner of Police argues that Dr. Dampare’s leadership style poses a threat to the New Patriotic Party’s chances of retaining power in 2024.
He further presents himself as a suitable candidate for the IGP position, emphasizing that he would serve the interests of the NPP and would be content with Dr. Dampare’s removal as long as he is replaced by a pro-NPP officer.
According to a source from the media, the evidence, including videos implicating these senior officers, is extensive and some of it touches upon national security issues and their potential consequences.
The police has reported that three guys opened fire in a home’s yard in South Africa, killing six people and injuring four more.
The shootings took place on Tuesday night in the Eastern Cape province’s KwaNobuhle settlement, which is close to Kariega.
Police said on Wednesday that a search was ongoing and that no arrests had been made of the accused.
According to official crime figures, South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and at least 2,629 people were shot to death in the first three months of this year. 30 people every day is a sobering pace for the 60 million-person nation.
In South Africa, there has also been an increase in celebrity-targeted killings and kidnappings for ransom.
Authorities said that a woman was among the wounded in the shooting on Tuesday that left five males and a woman dead.
“It is alleged that three unknown males entered the yard and opened fire at people who were in the property or nearby to the house,” said police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu. “Two females were shot at the gate. One female succumbed to her injuries while the other sustained gunshot wounds.”
The security service is still trying to identify the cause of the shooting.
In South Africa, there have been several large-scale shootings recently, including at least three this year.
16 people were killed in Soweto, a slum in Johannesburg, last year as a result of many shooters shooting at patrons at a bar.
At a birthday celebration in the same Eastern Cape area in January, eight people were shot and killed.
Ten members of the same family were killed at a home in April, including a youngster.
Local media reports indicate that a man was fatally shot during protests in Emali, a town located approximately 100km (62 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya‘s capital.
According to sources, police fired upon demonstrators who allegedly set a police vehicle on fire and pelted stones at a local bank.
Emali is situated along the Nairobi-to-Mombasa highway, and as reported by K24 website, hundreds of protesters barricaded the road on Wednesday morning, causing a complete halt in traffic.
Instead of burning police vehicles (in Emali) and increasing the cost of living (as another vehicle will be bought and or leased anyway), I wish Azimio arsonists cum anarchists (no longer peaceful demonstrators) would borrow a leaf from striking PSV crew busy playing children… pic.twitter.com/OdhcMt5yFp
The horrifying head-on accident occurred yesterday evening in east London when the Ferrari apparently sped past traffic.
Around 7.20 p.m., Beckton received a call requesting the assistance of emergency personnel, including police, paramedics, and the air ambulance.
The frightening occurrence was caught on film by witnesses, revealing the instant the two automobiles collided and the damage that resulted.
Drone footage also captured the road from above with a recovery vehicle in attendance.
Pictures showed both vehicles were badly damaged.
The severity of the injuries sustained by those involved is not yet known.
Latest London news
Road closures were put in place after the crash in Royal Dock Road while officers carry out investigations into the circumstances.
Police say their enquiries are continuing.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at approximately 19:20hrs on Tuesday, 11 July to reports of two cars in collision at Royal Dock Road, Beckton.
‘Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance all attended the scene.
‘Six people were treated for injuries; condition awaits.
‘Road closures remain in place while the scene is dealt with.
‘Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.’
Political opinions are not prohibited for civil officials considering the positions they hold, but it is not expected that their political connections will be made public.
Top government officials have a history of quitting their jobs before entering politics in their post-service lives.
Two high-ranking government employees have recently come under fire for allegedly being secretly politicians, despite the accusers’ public statements to the contrary.
The two are the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II and Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare.
In the instance of Dr. Dampare, he was identified as a member of the NDC in a leaked audio clip where a senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) official and a commissioner of police are heard debating the necessity of his removal.
“I know there are others who are also good for this position, if I don’t get and this man is changed and those people that we think are our men get,” the policeman is heard saying. “(It is okay)”
“Because we need to break this 8. That is important, we need to break the 8… Because I wouldn’t want doctor to become the flagbearer and then we lose the elections… ” the policeman said.
The senior officer expressed vehement criticism of Dr. Dampare’s security plan, pointing out how it was biased against the NPP and using the recent by-election in Assin North as evidence.
He said that Dr. Dampare is an NDC member who had advancements under NDC administrations and worked as the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ aide-de-camp.
In the instance of the Dormaahene, Kobina Tahir Hammond (NPP MP for Adansi Asokwa), who took aim at the paramount chief for breaking the laws prohibiting chiefs engaging in politics in accordance with the constitution, leveled the accusation against him.
He claimed that he spoke excessively and was unable to serve on the bench. The Dormaahene is a High Court judge in Accra right now. In a case involving an NDC MP, he requested a nolle prosequi, which is what led to KT Hammond’s criticism of him.
The MP who also serves as the trades minister stated in an interview with Oyerepa FM:
“Just pay attention to all he has said. One person only. Take a moment to hear what he has to say about the Supreme Court. It follows that no one is seeking to punish him. Why? Does he not realize that what he is doing could cause him trouble?”
Kwame A Plus, a political activist and media personality, has issued a warning to the New Patriotic Party on an alleged plot to remove George Akuffo Dampare from his position as Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
A Plus issued a warning on Facebook on July 2, 2023, claiming that the police chief is being targeted by an unnamed NPP element due to his moral position on upholding law and order.
Days after the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the Assin North by-election on July 27, the post at the time stated that there were rumors that Dampare’s dismissal was being planned.
Some NPP members were worried that the police, commanded by Dampare, had been so tight that there had been no chance for manipulation.
German businessman who was allegedly running a child sex ring in Thailand was discovered dead in a freezer after being chainsaw-mutilated.
Police in Pattaya, eastern Thailand, made the grisly discovery of Hans Peter Walter Mack, 62,’s body on Monday evening after a hurried search of a housing development.
The real estate broker’s head, torso and limbs were cut and left in plastic bags in a chest freezer, according to police, who also discovered a chainsaw, ropes and a vacuum sealer nearby.
Mr Mack, 62, was arrested in 2019 for allegedly running an underage trafficking ring which provided children to foreign men for sex, although he managed to avoid prison for the charges and later started a business and property empire.
Mr Mack’s family had posted a hefty fee for information on his wherabouts (Picture: Viral Press)
He had since been living in Pattaya with his wife Piraya Boonmak, 24, who he started a relationship with five years ago.
Mack went missing on July 4 following a meeting with a German realtor to discuss the sale of a pool villa and a boxing stadium, prompting a frantic search in which his family appeared to offer a three million Baht reward (£66,000) for information on his whereabouts.
The gruesome discovery was eventually made at around 11pm on Monday night, when police found the dismembered corpse concealed in a freezer in the Chokchai Garden Home 1 Village- around 400 metres away from where his grey Mercedes-Benz coupe was found in a car park several days earlier
Officers said the German’s head, torso, and limbs had been severed and stuffed in plastic bags inside the 1.5m-long freezer which was plugged inside the house.
The discovery comes following a tip from a Thai couple, who claimed they had been hired to transport the freezer to the pool villa house.
Detectives reviewed CCTV footage and identified a pick-up truck driven by a foreigner transporting the appliance secured with plastic sheets and black tape.
It had driven some 90 miles across Chonburi province before dropping off the freezer at the home where it was found.
Police said the interior of Mr Mack’s car had also been wiped with cleaning solvent ‘to destroy evidence’ and have arrested a person known as Petra G, 54, who was the last person Mack is known to have met in Thailand, Bild reported.
The corpse has been taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital for a post-mortem examination, while the freezer is being kept at the Nong Prue Police Station.
Investigators believe there was extortion involved, as Hans was found to have wired two million THB (£44,567) from his bank account before his death.
Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn said: ‘The case concerns assets. The offender seemed to know that Mr Mack had assets. Detectives must find out if the perpetrator knew Mr Mack personally.’
Police are yet to comment on the German’s shady background.
In February 2018, Hans was arrested in Pattaya along with a Thai woman Amornrat Kateuy on charges of allegedly prostituting girls under the age of 18.
The ex-pat was allegedly put under surveillance by police and seen with Amornrat taking a 17-year-old girl to a house.
Officers raided the home where they allegedly found the German sitting with the teenager while a shirtless foreigner emerged from a bedroom where the 15-year-old was wrapped only in a towel.
The girl told police that the foreigner had paid for sexual services from her and that Amornrat and Hans had taken her there to perform the service.
Police investigated Hans and Amornrat for human trafficking and procuring a sex service provided by an underage girl. The alleged foreign child sex offender was charged with sexual activities with a minor.
It is not known how Hans avoided further police action and what came of the case.
Ghana’s security services are taking significant steps to improve safety for all citizens.
This includes the implementation of K9 security services at various checkpoints and security installations.
Through collaboration between the Ghana Police Service K9 and the Ghana Prison Service K9, dogs are being trained nationwide to combat crime.
One of the primary objectives is to prevent the introduction of contraband into prisons by officers, visitors, or inmates.
This joint effort between the Ghana Police Service K9 team and the Ghana Prison Service K9 team will contribute to a safer environment overall.
The introduction of K9 units will enable the police to effectively detect and apprehend individuals carrying narcotics, weapons, and ammunition, particularly at checkpoints.
For the Ghana Prison Service, this new security measure will ensure that contraband has no chance of entering prisons, whether through officers, visitors, or inmates who leave for work assignments.
A dress rehearsal was conducted to practice tactical movements during security checks and assess the response of the security dogs to commands.
The Tiwonisam dog school showcased various tactics performed by their trained dogs.
During a simulated “tactical support for attack” demonstration, riders attempting to bypass police checkpoints were successfully apprehended with the assistance of the dogs.
Furthermore, the security dogs stopped and searched a vehicle carrying multiple pieces of luggage, sniffing out suspected substances that led to subsequent arrests by the police.
The K9 Security Service will also provide support during patrols conducted by the security services.
Director of Service and Acting Operations at the Prison Service, DOP. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, emphasized the importance of K9 units.
She highlighted that dogs have the ability to save lives and mentioned their usage in crime prevention outside Ghana.
“The initiative of the K9 will ensure that contraband is not introduced in the prisons either by officers or visitors or the prisoners themselves who go out to work…at check point the dogs will be used to check cars .
“The issue of bribery will be a thing of the past because one cannot bribe a dog. A dog only takes instructions and is trained to apprehend the culprit,” she added.
CSP Vitalis Aiyeh, Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Prison Service, provided further details regarding the Ghana Prison Service K9 unit.
The Ghana Prison Service K9 unit was established in November 2020 and comprises 13 officers, handlers, and two trainers.
These dedicated personnel work alongside trained dogs to enhance security within the prison service.
Furthermore, there are plans for a larger Joint Force K9 drill display, which is projected to occur by the end of the year.
This event will bring together various security forces, showcasing the skills and capabilities of their K9 units in a collaborative manner.
Eight police officers have been suspended from duty following a disturbing incident in Johannesburg where civilians were allegedly assaulted on the side of a motorway.
The incident, which took place earlier this month, involved officers from the VIP protection unit responsible for Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security.
In a video capturing the incident, the officers can be seen forcibly removing the civilian-clothed military trainees from their vehicle and subjecting them to physical assault.
Make these thugs famous! Allegedly cops of VIP protection unit. This is an atrocity. This is what happens when the police is used as an iron fist for the state. Apparently in Johannesburg today. What will happen to them @SAPoliceService? Whatever happened to serve and protect?! pic.twitter.com/mkImtSNpmw
One of the victims was rendered unconscious after being kicked in the head. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The release of the video sparked widespread outrage in a country where concerns have been raised about the necessity of extensive protection for the political elite while ordinary citizens face the brunt of rampant crime.
In a demonstration of their commitment to promoting rehabilitation and repentance, the Kano State Commissioner of Police (CP), Muhammed Usaini Gumel, announced plans to organize a football match between the police team and reformed individuals previously involved in criminal activities.
The CP made this statement during the parade of 108 suspects who were arrested for various crimes during the recent Sallah celebration.
He said, “We will develop a different approach to make sure these thugs are changing their lives and becoming better people. We will even organise sports competitions with them. We will play a football match, and we will play an indoor match.
“Our eyes are now focusing on the emerging thuggery (daba) activities, especially within the Kano metropolis. Going forward on this, we have set out operational strategies with robust intelligence gathering on the early warning signs and our assets are already in place towards surmounting all forms of the underlying crimes and criminality around the state.
“Already, the following identified suspected thugs (‘yan daba) kingpins are by this press conference invited to report at the nearest police station or else will be declared wanted and we will get them arrested at all costs and get them prepared for the full wrath of the law: they are Burakita of Dorayi Karama Quarters; Messi of Kan Tudun Dala; Dan Boss of Dala Makabarta; Ado Runto of Tudun Fulani; Baffa Killer of Mazaunar Tanko Quarters and Kamilu Duna of Adakawa Quarters. “Others are Chile Mai Doki of Tudun Fulani; Uzaifa of Unguwar Yola Quarters; Hantar Daba of Kwanar Disu Quarters; Bahago of Makabarta Kuka Bulukiya Quarters; Nasiru Naso of Kofar Wambai Quarters; Nazifi Nanaso of Zango Quarters; Sharu Gambo of Sharifai Quarters; Sharu Ali of Sharifai Quarters; Ma’aruf Goma of Hanga Quarters and Zubairu Mai Dala of Yalwa Quarters, Dala.”
After a party on the Fourth of July, the parents of an 18-month-old daughter left her in a hot car overnight, where she passed away.
Police claim that Jazmine and Joel Rondon, both 33, mistakenly left their daughter in her car seat while removing their other two kids from the vehicle after returning from the Fourth of July celebration.
Joel discovered the youngster unconscious and fastened to her car seat the following morning after failing to see her inside the house. At Lakeland Regional Health Medical Centre, she was declared dead after being transported there. At 2.42 pm, her body temperature was over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NBC News.
‘An autopsy determined that the victim’s cause of death is hyperthermia due to being left in a car, and the manner of death is homicide,’ stated the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The Rondons, of Lakeland, Florida, were arrested on Thursday and had drug tests taken. Joel tested positive for methamphetamines, marijuana and alcohol, while Jazmine tested positive for the latter two, according to the sheriff’s office.
They were charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and taken to Polk County Jail.
The toddler died out of ‘pure negligence’, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said on Thursday.
Temperatures were in the 70s at night and likely 94 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit by 11am, he estimated.
‘The car was outside, not in a garage, not under a tree, not under any shade at all,’ said Judd.
‘And obviously we will try to recreate with the same temperature the heat of the car. Research shows us that the temperature of the car could have been anywhere between 130 and 170 degrees.’
The couple’s two other children are under the care of relatives. The Department of Child and Family services are probing the incident.
It was not immediately known if the Rondons have retained a lawyer.
